ID: Reta standing next to her mosaic which is part of the Reconciliation Mosaic Project at Barossa Bushgardens.

Sometimes, the people who have the greatest impact are the ones who never set out looking for recognition.

For those who know Reta, it will come as no surprise that after decades spent supporting others, advocating for the disadvantaged and championing equality, she still speaks about her work with the same passion and conviction that first drew her into the sector.

In fact, she was preparing to retire.

“I was 60 years old and I was going to retire,” she laughs.

Instead, an opportunity arose at My Ability Pathway. Although administration was completely new territory, Barbara and Charlotte recognised the incredible depth of knowledge and experience Reta could bring to the organisation. Today, she continues to support the team, mentor colleagues and share her wisdom whenever needed.

“I feel very privileged that they value my opinion when it comes to community,” she says.

And what an opinion it is.

Finding Her Purpose

Reta’s journey began with a childhood dream of becoming a nurse. After moving to the Barossa in her late twenties, she met Sophie, then Director of Nursing at Barossa Village, who offered her a shift that would change the course of her life.

“The rest is history,” she says.

Following a decade in aged care and some significant personal experiences, Reta discovered a calling that would shape the rest of her career.

“I came to the realisation that there were people who didn’t have a voice and weren’t being heard,” she explains.

“That’s what led me to become an advocate.”

Over the years, Reta has worked across disability, homelessness, domestic violence and child protection, but she always finds herself returning to disability support.

For Reta, advocacy has never been about speaking for people. It has been about ensuring people are heard and supported to live the lives they choose.

“I come from the belief that everybody is equal and that we all have the right, given the opportunity, to live our life to our full potential and be treated with dignity, irrespective of where we come from and who we are.”

It is a philosophy that has guided her both personally and professionally.

A Wealth of Knowledge and an Unwavering Passion

Anyone who has worked alongside Reta knows that her knowledge is immense, but what stands out even more is her unwavering passion for people.

She describes herself as “quite assertive” when advocating for others, although those around her would simply call it dedication.

At MAP, we are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Reta’s lived experience, compassion and wisdom. Her ability to mentor others, provide perspective and remind us of the importance of community is invaluable.

Quite simply, Reta is one of those people who makes everyone around her better.

Reconciliation Through Community

During National Reconciliation Week, we are reminded that reconciliation is about relationships, respect and opportunities.

At My Ability Pathway, these values underpin everything we do. We recognise that reconciliation is not a destination but an ongoing journey – one that requires listening, learning and walking together.

This year, we were excited to see Reta contribute to the Reconciliation Mosaic Project at the Barossa Bushgardens. Bringing together children from Nuriootpa Kindergarten, an OSHC group and members of the community, the project was guided by an Indigenous artist and explored our connections to land and to one another.

Reta’s piece featured two intertwining trees.

“It’s about standing together against any problems in the past and standing together moving forward and supporting each other, irrespective of where we come from or who we are,” she says.

It’s a beautiful reflection of the values she has embodied throughout her entire life.

And perhaps that’s what makes Reta so special.

Not just her decades of experience, her advocacy, or her wealth of knowledge – but her enduring belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to thrive.

At My Ability Pathway, we are grateful every day that she chose not to retire.

Because our team, and our community, are stronger because of it.