We are thrilled to congratulate Raylene, a fierce advocate for those living with a disability in remote communities, for her recent recognition in the Alice Springs Mayoral Awards with a Champion Award.
It’s Tuesday, 8:15am, and Raylene has already called her malpa – Piranpa (non-Aboriginal) colleague – twice to make sure she will be picked up on time. She knows it is an important day and doesn’t want to be late.
Raylene will be visiting a group home in Alice Springs where four men – originally from Indigenous remote communities in the NPY Lands – live together and are supported by Disability Support Workers 24 hours a day.
She hops into the car with some paperwork, explaining that she has been reading about the difference between the NDIS and the NDIA. She wants to be well prepared to support the men as they attend an NDIS meeting via Zoom.
When she arrives, the men smile. They know her. They are excited to see her. Raylene greets each of them warmly and asks how they are going. After making sure everyone has a cup of tea, she explains what is about to happen. She takes care to fully understand the impact of each man’s disability and their personal circumstances, ensuring she can advocate for them appropriately.
As a mother of a daughter with a disability, Raylene knows firsthand the daily challenges faced by people living with disabilities and their families.
Raylene decided to work in the disability sector to “speak up” for people living with disabilities. Her favourite part of her role as an Advocacy and Disability Worker in the Tjungu Team is “working malparara way and advocating for people living with disabilities from the NPY Lands in Alice Springs.”
Her biggest wish is for people with disabilities “to be happy and to have family looking after them and caring with love. Mukulya,” and for the Tjungu Team to “keep supporting them the proper way.”
Raylene worries about people from the Lands who must come to Alice Springs to receive support and are separated from their family and Country.
“I wanna tell their family that they have to come and visit, even if they are busy. Bring photos for them to see every day. Put them up on their wall. Take a photo of your family member with disability to bring back to community and show everyone,” she says.
Raylene has made history as the first Anangu member of the NT Disability Advisory Council. In this role, she ensures that the voices of remote and Aboriginal people are not only heard, but respected in decision-making. Her presence on the council has brought a vital new perspective that continues to shape disability policy and practice in the Northern Territory.
Raylene’s impact is far-reaching. She uplifts individuals, strengthens communities, and works toward a more inclusive future for everyone. Her contribution to the disability sector and to Alice Springs is outstanding. She is a true role model, and we are so proud of Raylene for this very special recognition!
