Women of the Year - Sandy Rogers.

Emma  0:00

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Sandy

I live in tweet heads, and I have a really busy and fulfilling lifestyle. I'm involved in two charities. They're all in a voluntary capacity, and they certainly keep me on my toes. So between work and the charities, I'm a busy lady,

Emma 0:19

Tell me how you became involved in the disability sector?

Sandy 0:24

My son, Jai, was born in 1977 and he had cerebral palsy, and he was blind, and he had epilepsy, and he didn't walk or talk. But you know, he was such an amazing young man, and I lost him when he was 10 years old, and that was tough, but I guess I just learned the meaning of, you know, unconditional love, and you know, just such appreciation of having that that time with him. And then, you know, when I lost my little man. I just thought my arms are a bit empty, and I guess I just knew then what the journey of having a child with special needs was, and felt that, you know, that's where I was destined to go. So I did many things and lots of fundraising for the spastic center. And then I went on to become president at birolevi Special School. And then from there, I went on and worked at the Early Intervention Center, which meant I got to meet with the children and the families. And then I decided I'd become a foster carer of children with special needs. And I guess, once again, I knew what the journey was like. I knew how tough it was because there wasn't a lot of support back then either. And for the families that wanted to have a break from their children, they didn't have someone that they could really trust. So I was be able to, I was able to take children for the weekend and give the families a break, and that meant a lot to me, and I guess that's how my journey started, and that's where I've been ever since.

Emma 2:11

What's changed over the 47 years that you've been doing all of these incredible things? What do you think should change in the way of disability?

Sandy 2:24

I guess on the equipment side of things, I've seen such changes. And you know, the equipment's adapted to the child these days, and they're able to get out and enjoy life. You know, that's been a big change for me. I know when I started doing Foster and respite care, there was no financial support back then. And I guess prior to the NDIS, it was tough for families in lots of ways, finding funding for equipment and therapy and services and the like. So I see that's changed things a little. I know, when I was president of Biro Lee special school, such an experience taking children out in the community, you know, where people are just up and stairs. So I guess, you know, I had a good part, along with good teachers and therapists of of of changing that and letting people know, you know, like, Come and meet our students. You know, come and get to know them slowly, bit by bit. I guess I've seen lots of changes. And I guess, you know, like these days, people have a voice, people are being seen and are able to speak up, able to get jobs.

Emma 3:37

What's the best part about what you do?

Sandy 3:41

Working within my communities, I get to see the families. I get to know the children. And, you know, it's just so self satisfying when you know, like a young teenage girl got her a tricycle, you know, that was fitted for her and to her ability, and just to see her get on that tricycle and take off down the path, wheeling and yelling and laughing. She had all of us in tears and laughing and and, you know, it's all those little things other children who just need medication, you know, ones who need adaptable chairs or can't afford to go to therapy sessions. So I get a lot out of all of it. And each time, we never look for Thanks. We're there to say, look, we can do this. It's just wonderful to be able to do it.

Emma 4:35

And you're nominated for one of the categories in New South Wales woman in the year award this year, the Community Hero Award. Describe how you felt when you heard that you were a finalist. 

Sandy 4:53

I was so shocked. I've never done anything for recognition, and I guess when I realized how big. This was, I've just gone, wow. I don't know if I can do this or if I could cope with this. My daughter said to me, like, Mom, you know, people have put you in for this nomination, but you need to appreciate that they've done that because they think you deserve it. And I then was really humbled and really proud to have been nominated. I feel like I'm already a winner, and I just really look forward to having the day and seeing all those other wonderful women that have been recognized. And I guess I'm really proud of our community. You know, it's not just me, it's because of those wonderful people that are there, knowing that my charity makes a huge difference, means a lot.