As the world marks International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December, this year's theme, 'Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress' resonates strongly with volunteers Tara Elliffe and Kyle Neilson's stories.
Tara, 38, has been a dedicated member of the NSW SES Wollongong Unit for the past three years, proudly donning the orange overalls she dreamed of wearing.
As an NSW SES volunteer living with Down syndrome, she is a passionate advocate for inclusion, connection and believing in yourself.
Her journey began with a family connection, her older brother Shannon also volunteers with the NSW SES and inspired her path into the Service.
"After seeing my brother join the NSW SES and seeing all the amazing training and jobs he attended, I knew I also wanted to volunteer and give back to my community," Ms Elliffe said.
Since joining, Tara has become a much-loved member of the Wollongong Unit attending training independently, forming friendships and embracing every opportunity that comes her way.
Her favourite part of volunteering? Community engagement.
From chatting to locals at fairs and storm-season events to capturing photos at activities like the Unit's recent picnic with the Lord Mayor, Tara brings warmth, enthusiasm and professionalism to the role. She is also expanding her skills through social media, helping the Unit share important messages with the community.
Tara participates in a wide range of training courses and says NSW SES trainers have supported her with inclusive tools such as visual cards.
"The NSW SES trainers make adjustments to my training to help me achieve my goals, which makes me glad to be a part of the SES," Tara said.
While Tara is humble about her achievements, she understands the impact of her presence and she hopes it inspires others.
"I'm really proud, and I want other people living with Down syndrome to know they can do it too."
NSW SES Wollongong Unit Commander Jessica Horwood says Tara represents the very best of SES spirit including dedication, community pride and the courage to show up, learn and make a difference.
"Tara is a strong advocate for inclusion and often shares practical tips to make volunteering more accessible. She's even preparing a presentation to help our SES trainers better support volunteers living with disability," Ms Horwood said.
"Tara constantly surprises people who underestimate her, and she plays an important role in both our community engagement and social media teams. With several members in our Unit living with disabilities, she is also an advocate for others navigating their own challenges," she continued.
When Tara isn't volunteering, she enjoys photography, social media, catching up with friends over coffee and cheering on the St George Illawarra Dragons.
As Australia celebrates IDPwD 2025, Tara's message is simple and powerful:
"You can do it!"
Another volunteer who is paving the way for disability inclusion in the NSW SES is Fairfield Unit member, Kyle Neilson.
Kyle, 30, is a bowling fanatic, a horse lover and he is passionate about giving back to his community. He also lives with a rare intellectual disability caused by a chromosome abnormality. It doesn't have a formal medical term, but his family refer to is as a "swan", meaning a syndrome without a name.
Volunteering is a family tradition for Kyle, with his grandfather joining the NSW SES in 1986, followed by his mother, Michelle Stewart, in 1989.
Michelle Stewart said when Kyle's twin sister, Lauren, signed up in 2023, and his stepdad, Sergio, also being an SES member, Kyle became determined to be the next family member to wear oranges.
"When he received his first SES uniform, he walked in so proud and kept saying 'I have an orange uniform!'," Ms Stewart said.
At the Fairfield Unit, Kyle plays an important role in keeping the crew operational and ready.
"I take the bins out, stock the drinks in the fridge and make sure the coffee, tea and biscuit jars are always full," he said.
"When teams are out on storm jobs, I make sure they have cold drinks waiting when they come back."
Asked what she hopes people understand about disability, Ms Stewart said: "Disability doesn't put you in a box. You can achieve anything, even in the SES!"
NSW SES Fairfield Unit Commander Darren Eurlings said Kyle embodies the inclusive spirit of the SES.
"We have several members living with disabilities at the Fairfield Unit, from hearing impairments to intellectual disabilities, everyone plays a vital role in keeping our Unit running smoothly," Inspector Eurlings said.
"There really is a job for everyone at the NSW SES."
Tara and Kyle's SES journeys serve as a reminder that inclusive workforces and volunteer organisations aren't just important, they change lives.
