Heart of the Community

Passionate disability advocate Tim Harte is voluntary chair of Council’s All Abilities Advisory Committee (AAAC), at the heart of our community. He shared these insights for International Day of People with Disability.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have lived at Gnarwarre in Winchelsea Ward for almost 20 years and divide my time between working as a materials chemist, pursuing a PhD focusing on structural electrolytes, and advocacy efforts in the disability community.

I am a director of the Australia Federation of Disability Organisations executive committee and the Pacific regional representative for the UN-affiliated Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities, and former president of Physical Disability Australia.

What is your message for our community?

I am inspired by the resilience and strength of individuals in the disability community.

Their stories motivate me to fight for inclusive development and equitable access for everyone.

I want to celebrate the diversity and contributions of the disability community.

I am proud to be part of a network that advocates for inclusion but recognise that barriers still exist. While there are challenges such as accessible infrastructure, our community is welcoming and eager to learn how to be more inclusive.

To increase inclusion, I encourage everyone to actively listen to the experiences of people with disabilities and advocate for changes promoting accessibility.

Together we can create a more inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and empowered to participate fully in society.

The AAAC advises Council on how to improve access and inclusion for people with disability in the Surf Coast Shire community. Find out more via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Access.

Image: Tim Harte is voluntary chair of Council's All Abillities Advisory Commitee (AAAC).