In 2016 Margaret Biggs was recognised for outstanding commitment to the community at the Illawarra Women In Business Awards. Part of the reason was the work she has done supporting The Disability Trust.
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Little did she know that within 12 months she would be taking up an important role with the organisation she is so passionate about. Mrs Biggs has started work as the community connections coordinator responsible for communities from Miranda and the Macarthur to Cooma and Bega.
“I will be assisting management and staff grow the support and interest in The Disability Trust particularly in light of the NDIS which enables people with disabilities to choose their services and providers. The Disability Trust has an enormous suite of programs and supporting services to offer. The challenge is making sure people are aware of what they can access and how best they can access it.”
Executive manager Matthew Martin said it was wonderful to have Mrs Biggs on board as she is someone of enormous ability who will be a “a real asset”.
Mrs Biggs said she personally had been a carer for 16 years.
“I’ve had family members with Parkinson’s Disease, with mental illness, with leukaemia and also with stroke,” she said.
“I am very much attuned to people with disabilities because of those personal experiences. And I have been heavily involved with community services since 2001 when I worked with Vinnies. For me this is a really good fit because I am passionate about empowering people to be able to live the best life possible.”
In 2009 when she started working at TIGS she had a conversation with The Disability Trust’s Sean O’Neill who put her in contact with the Sony Foundation which lead to her working with the Disability Trust setting up the annual TIGS Sony Camp.
“It has just gone from strength to strength and this year we are going to do our eighth camp,” she said.
“We are now taking 26 young people with disabilities away (to Berry) and students serve them and look after them and nurture them and give them opportunities. It also gives the families some respite.”
Mr O’Neill said it had helped many students as well. Some have gone on to work in the disability field.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
