Chic Taylor didn’t write the song ‘See Me’ to be in the spotlight. She wrote it because too many people still struggle to look past disability and see the person standing in front of them.
It’s a message Chic has been quietly living out for more than three decades – not through speeches or recognition, but by creating spaces where people feel welcome, included and valued for exactly who they are.
These days Chic calls Muswellbrook home, but her life has been shaped by a series of small towns across the region.
“I grew up in Ellerston – out in the sticks,” she said.
“I went to school in Tamworth and then moved down to Scone, where I worked and lived for quite a while.”
Living and working in regional communities for most of her life has given Chic a clear-eyed understanding of the gaps that exist – particularly when it comes to support, inclusion and opportunity for people with disability. In smaller towns, services are limited, options are fewer, and families often have to travel long distances to find activities that feel safe, welcoming and accessible.
It’s a reality that has shaped everything Chic has gone on to build – not as a response to what’s missing, but as a way of creating what should already exist.
Before disability support became her life’s work, Chic’s path saw her dabbling in many areas. She worked in a farm supply store, ran a video shop, took on handyman jobs for real estate and later built a small video business filming weddings and transferring old footage.
It was volunteering that changed everything.
“I volunteered one night doing a bit of leather work and absolutely loved it and I’ve been in the industry ever since.”
That first experience was with what was then Hunter Integrated Care. Chic was stamping belts and wallets, but it wasn’t the activity that stayed with her.
“What I loved most was the clients.
“It’s hard to explain really – the smallest things just make them smile. They’re so open, friendly and welcoming. They really rope you in.”
Today, Chic works with Hunter Disability Services, where she has been for the past six years. Across her career, she has spent more than 30 years in the disability sector, working in direct support and coordination roles, including helping people navigate the complexities of the NDIS.
One of the most enduring expressions of Chic’s philosophy is the Interacts program, formerly known as All Stars, which she runs with St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen every January.
“The guys just love music and dance, and it just brings out joy in everyone. I think that’s where we started with it,” Chic recalled, noting that plenty of girls are involved too.
“I just don’t really like using the word ‘clients’ as it’s so impersonal. I prefer ‘the guys’,” Chic revealed.
“When we first started, we used to bring NIDA up from Sydney which cost an arm and a leg and the Joeys kids helped. We had them for a few years and then we thought, the kids can run this – we don’t need NIDA.
“I think the benefits for the students are huge – they develop leadership skills by organising activities, but more importantly, it’s the interactions with the guys – building genuine relationships.”
In its first year, Interacts involved just 12 participants. This year, 49 people took part, including individuals from multiple disability services. Chic has since registered Interacts as a not-for-profit, ensuring it is open to anyone with a disability, regardless of the organisation they are connected to.
While the concert is the most visible part of the program, Chic is quick to point out it’s not what matters most.
“I don’t care what happens at the concert. It’s more about what happens over those three days. The guys get so much out of it. They feel like a family and they just love it.
“I think a big part of that is having the school students involved. Everyone has a buddy for the three days, and the interactions that come from that are incredible. You’ve never seen so many people smiling.
“The interactions don’t stop once the concert is done. If the students see one of the guys down the street, they stop and have a yarn. It really helps break down barriers and fear, and it’s all about integration and being part of the community. We’ve even had a few students go on to work in the disability sector as a result.”
It is those everyday interactions that Chic believes changes perceptions.
“I think some people can be hesitant around disability because they don’t know what to say. They worry about saying the wrong thing or not understanding someone when they speak. It’s those assumptions that we need to break down.”
Chic’s song ‘See Me’ was written in response to that discomfort. It’s not about ability or limitation, but about recognition and seeing the person before the label.
Interacts itself is entirely voluntary. Any funds raised go straight back into participant-focused activities, alongside other events throughout the year, including a bi-monthly disco at the Muswellbrook Senior Citizens Hall. A sports carnival and swimming carnival are planned for later this year. Support from organisations such as the Muswellbrook RSL Club, Bengalla, Hunter Disability Services and BlackRoo has helped keep the program going throughout the years.
Outside of disability work, Chic also spent 30 years filming local football at Scone and later Group 21 before retiring last year.
“I loved it, but you eventually get too old to be standing out in the weather, freezing or frying.”
Despite stepping back from football, Chic shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to Interacts.
“There’s been times when you think, ‘Oh my God’,” she laughed.
“But then you see the smiles on faces and you’ve just got to keep going.
“For the guys, Christmas doesn’t even get a look in – it’s a countdown to Interacts. We finished the concert the other night and before I even got off the stage, one of the clients came up to me and said, ‘Chic, what are we doing next year?’”
This year, unbeknown to Chic, the entire group had learned one of her songs and closed out the Interacts concert, a special tribute to her 20 years of dedication. As voices joined in song, the message was simple and powerful: look past the disability and see the person.
