I contracted Polio at the age of 14 months. I spent several months at Royal Children’s Hospital and attended Yooralla school for disabled children before joining mainstream schooling at the age of 7. These days I suffer with Post Polio Syndrome/Late Effects of Polio, which inhibits my mobility.
My involvement within the Polio community has been extensive and covered a wide range of activities, planning Polio Days both regional and CBD, participating in the Volunteer School Speakers Program and attending the ‘Living with Polio in the 21st Century” conference in Atlanta, America, in 2008.
In 2009, I helped re-establish the Bayside Polio Support group and I am currently the co-chair of this group.
2018 I joined the Board of PostPolioVictoria Inc., whose chief aim is to advocate for the services needed to ensure that health professionals are equipped with the necessary information to ensure the best possible care for people with Polio. In November 2019 I took on the position as President of PPV.
September 2018 I participated in Collaborative Pairs Australia; a consumer Health Forum Partnership facilitated by South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health (SEMPHN).
In 2019, I joined Breast Screen Victoria (BSV) as a consumer representative and I am working with them currently.
I have been actively involved with National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Vic) for over 30 years. Over those years I held various positions on the Board and was President of NCJWA (Vic) 2014-16.
2018-2020 Co Vice President at the National level of NCJWA. 2018-, NCJWA advocates, educates and empowers women.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which lead me to further my advocacy volunteering work in raising awareness for women living with breast cancer and disability. I am featured on a video by BCNA ‘facing breast cancer with a disability’. I am currently a consumer advocate and advisor for Breast Screen Victoria (BSV).
I am passionate about women’s rights and always have been.
On 23rd June 2018 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours listing I was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for my services to the community ( NCJWA and Polio).