Let’s Talk: Become a Transport Ally

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) invites community members to a You Can't Ask That-style panel discussion exploring accessibility on public transport and what we can all do to become a transport ally.

This session will bring together panellists from our ‘Making Tracks - Transport for All’ working group, all with lived experience of disability, to answer questions submitted by the community and to share insights on what it’s like to navigate our public transport system as a person with disability.

Through this discussion, gain a deeper understanding of the barriers people with disability face when using public transport and learn practical insights into how to support inclusion and accessibility when travelling.

Join the webinar online via Teams:

https://bit.ly/3T5ZHrW

Our panel:

Helen Farquhar 
Helen is a proud Wotjabaluk Gunditjmara woman, and due to an injury, now has physical disabilities. She is bilaterally profoundly hearing impaired and has had specialist clinic case management. Helen has worked in various agencies including Centrelink and Medicare, specialising in disability services. Helen is a part of the Making Tracks - Transport for All working group and is committed to inclusion and equality for all abilities.  

Ric McInerney
After a career in occupational health and safety and rail operations, including roles with Telstra and V/Line, retirement brought unexpected challenges when severe arthritis significantly impacted Ric’s mobility and independence. Having relied on public transport throughout his life, he experienced firsthand the barriers people with mobility limitations face when accessing healthcare, services and their community. Through sharing his lived experience, Ric hopes to contribute to creating a public transport network that works for everyone.

Channtey Heng 
Channtey is from Cambodia, and lives with vision and hearing loss. When Channtey first came to Australia, she experienced challenges navigating public transport and found orientation and mobility training invaluable in helping her navigate her way around. Channtey joined the Making Tracks - Transport for All working group through her Local Area Coordinator with hopes to help improve transport accessibility. 

Kerry Grimshaw
Kerry acquired a mobility disability following a serious ankle injury three years ago and has since been navigating the ongoing challenges of reduced mobility and arthritis. Drawing on her lived experience, she understands the barriers many people face when using public transport, including concerns around accessibility, safety, confidence, and independence. As a member of the Making Tracks – Transport For All working group, Kerry is passionate about improving travel options and advocating for practical changes that make public transport safer and more inclusive.

If you have a question for the panel, you can submit this when you register. This event will be delivered online via webinar.

Accessibility: We are committed to making this event accessible to all. Please let us know your accessibility requirements when registering.