Tricia’s lengthy curriculum vitae reflects a lifetime of advocacy, working to empower people with disabilities and help them to shine.
After starting her career on the railways, she worked for Victoria Police. Then a stint as a standup comedian brought her in touch with Women with Disabilities Victoria. Within two weeks she became its convener and joined a network of women across the health sector fighting for change, including getting disability into the family violence act.
Today’s she’s the Chief Access Advocate for the Victorian Department of Transport, working with government and non-government agencies to ensure everyone has access to public transport. “Transport is one of the key social determinants of health,” Tricia says. “If you don’t have access to transport, you don’t have access to education, you don’t get access to a job, you don’t have access to life.”
Her extraordinary life’s work has been recognised with an Order of Australia, and various fellowships. In her podcast, Tricia speaks about her journey and the simple steps that can be taken to break down the physical and attitudinal barriers people with disabilities face on a daily basis.