Due to the necessity to remain out of public spaces where possible, we are continuing our Zoom breakfast meetings for the foreseeable future.

If you would like to visit our meeting, please contact us by email on rotaryclubcentralmelbourne@gmail.com or phone 0455-858-996 and request log-in details.

The meeting will commence at 7:40am and conclude no later than 8:45.

Amanda and Mathew Challen - the lived experience of people with disabilities

December 3 is International Day of People With Disabilities, an annual occasion designated to support people with disability in our communities.  It is an occasion to raise awareness of the importance of creating a future where people with disabilities experience equal opportunity and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives— whether it be going about their day-to-day lives with adequate accessibility in their communities, joining the workforce, or being able to showcase their abilities and reach their goals without facing barriers.

Amanda has often been referred to at various times throughout her life as a “poor kid”.  She has never known life without pain. She was 18 months old when diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in her left knee. By the time she was 14, it had progressed throughout her entire body and she required a hip replacement. By age 30, she was the Bionic Woman - 2 hip replacements, 2 knee replacements, 2 elbows and a shoulder - lots of metal but without the strength or speed of Jamie Sommers. By age 31, it was time for wheels. Disability has not stopped Amanda but it has slowed her down.

After stellar results in secondary school, she opted to major in history and politics at Monash, rather than studying law or commerce, and finished with the distinction of Golden Key Society membership. The realities of her life with disability have curtailed the plans she had when younger but she has developed a strong determination to maintain her optimism, mental health and love for craft (except macrame). She maintains a strong interest in politics and history and is rarely short of an opinion. She has a dry sense of humour and considers herself “lucky”.

Mathew was born with right-side cerebral palsy which was first noticed by his mum when Mathew wasn’t able to pick things up with his right hand. Despite being told by doctors that there was nothing wrong, she persisted. When Mathew’s left hand was held behind his back, he was indeed unable to use his right hand properly. Mathew’s CP only affects him physically. He is an accomplished lawyer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, where he has been for the last 15 years.

Earlier in his career, Mathew spent time working in private practice, Legal Aid and Tasmania Police Prosecution. He sits on the Football Federation Victoria Tribunal as an adjudicator. He is a keen golfer and with his wife’s permission, plays most Saturday’s. Mathew rates himself as a good golfer and formerly a passable squash player.