Meet our Inclusive Volunteers

Volunteering since 2023.

Top three hobbies: Walking, cooking, reading

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering to me means getting out into the community and helping people and feeling that I still have something to offer.

Can you share your favourite moment or activity from volunteering?

Working at the Ryde Shine Ability competition and seeing all the very talented performers.

What kind of support has helped you feel included while volunteering?

The Ryde Council Community Services staff have made me feel very welcome and a valued member of the team and I’m also getting to know many of the regular attendees which makes me feel happy.

What changes would make our community more inclusive and welcoming for people with disability?

Overall, all the Ryde Council venues I’ve worked at, including West Ryde Community Hall, North Ryde School of Arts, and Lachlan’s Line Auditorium have been accessible and accommodating for people with disability. However, there are still some locations where accessibility for people with disabilities is quite limited. For instance, certain sports facilities lack wheelchair access and have multiple stairs, making it challenging for people with limited mobility.

Volunteering since 2024.

Top three hobbies: Badminton, swimming and arts

Why did you choose to start volunteering with the council?

I am passionate about helping our community, especially as a local resident of the City of Ryde.

Can you share your favourite moment or activity from volunteering?

I enjoyed volunteering at the Granny Smith Festival — I handed out apples to visitors and danced with the kids.

What kind of support has helped you feel included while volunteering?

Volunteering helps me learn new skills and make friends. I think other people with disability should try it too — it’s fun and rewarding.

What changes would make our community more inclusive and welcoming for people with disability?

I think creating more job opportunities would make our community more inclusive and welcoming for people with disability.

Volunteering since 2024.

Top three hobbies: Horse riding, movies and yoga.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering is a great opportunity for people to participate in and support their communities. It also opens the doors to potential opportunities that can lead to a great future.

Can you share your favourite moment or activity from volunteering?

There have been many favourite moments during my time volunteering, but it is just meeting new people and interacting with them that has broadened my world since moving back to Australia and also feeling at home.

What kind of support has helped you feel included while volunteering?

It is being given opportunities to do different roles for the events hosted by the City of Ryde that has been a source of support for me. The encouragement and advice on how to do things I was not sure I was able to do has increased my confidence a lot.

What changes would make our community more inclusive and welcoming for people with disability?

I honestly can’t think of anything. As far as I have seen during my time volunteering, the community has been very warm and inclusive in many ways possible. Embracing people with different disabilities and as well as acknowledging different cultures has truly enriched this community greatly.

Volunteering since 2023.

Top 3 hobbies: Reading, family travel, watching movies and concerts.

Why did you choose to start volunteering with the council?

I appreciated the friendly staff and the valuable information they shared. I'm grateful that Ryde Council hosts multicultural events for seniors and families with disabilities to help connect the community.

Can you give an advice to other people with disability thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering allows me to learn valuable new skills, build confidence, and enjoy social interaction. It also has a positive impact on my physical and mental health by helping me build friendships, and it can lead to employment opportunities.

What changes would make our community more inclusive and welcoming for people with disability?

Promoting inclusion can be achieved by using sign boards and brochures that show kindness and support for people with disability, providing community education to raise awareness and understanding, using inclusive language, and creating comfortable and accessible physical spaces.