For Kate Dufty, disability advocacy in Gladstone began with one clear realisation: lived experience needs to be part of the conversation.
“I became involved in disability advocacy in Gladstone about twenty years ago when I realised how integral the voice of lived experience is to driving meaningful change,” shared Kate.
“It started with me joining groups and giving this perspective to mainstream conversations. At this stage it was an extra-curricular activity while I studied at CQU.”
What began as a side interest became more focused over time, leading to a key role in strengthening local advocacy networks and shaping how decisions are made.
“Advocacy within the disability space became the focus of my energy in 2021 when I was given the opportunity to develop my leadership skills.
“I helped establish the Gladstone Disability Community Network where I do most of my local advocacy as part of the Leadership Team.”
Through that work, Kate has helped ensure people with disability are not just consulted, but included from the outset, with a growing focus on co design and lived experience being embedded into decision making.
That impact has been recognised through an Australia Day award, but for Kate, it reflects a broader shift taking place across the region.
“The most gratifying thing about receiving this award was that it symbolised inclusion becoming a significant consideration for our community.
“The challenges that face people with disability are taken to a whole new level when we factor in the regional component.
“I would say healthcare is a key concern for many of us. Regional communities have a shortage of resident specialists and getting essential healthcare often requires travel.
“Other key challenges are housing and employment.”
Kate said some of the most rewarding moments have come when people with disability have helped shape real outcomes.
“The stories that show how much impact our work can have come from those times when the decisions and actions of other parties have been influenced by having us being a part of the conversation.
“One example is the Access and Inclusion Action Plan which was produced by Gladstone Regional Council in 2024.
“A report was recently released which recognised the achievements of the last eighteen months. The list was extensive and it was so gratifying to see the tangible difference to the community that our consultation had contributed to.”
Beyond policy, her work is also about connection.
“It is very important for people with disability to feel part of their community. Disability can create isolation.
“Groups which build connection and peer support will bridge this. Finding people with similar experiences and concerns can make a big difference to someone’s life.
“My motivation comes from knowing that we are making a big difference to individual lives and also to the community as a whole.”
Looking ahead, Kate is clear that meaningful change will depend on stronger partnerships across the community.
“Something that parts of the Gladstone community have done well is listen and learn from people with disability. We have many allies in our local community but we need more.
“We need businesses and organisations to open their minds to the issue. We need co design to be the norm. We need attitudinal change where access and inclusion is not an afterthought.
“Change that is meaningful must come from collaboration. So I say to the Gladstone community, collaborate with us. Let’s work together. Let’s have that conversation.
“You may not believe that your decisions will change the world. But if you work with us, your decisions may change someone’s world. And that’s an amazing thing.”
