Since moving to Victoria almost 20 years ago, Trevor Carroll has worked to make a difference to the lives of people with
disabilities and promoted South Morang as a place to live.
He talks to Laura Michell about his passion for community.
How long have you lived in South Morang and what brought you to the area?
I’ve lived in the Whittlesea area since December 1996 after moving from interstate due to an acquired disability which needed long-term treatment here in Melbourne.
We bought land in South Morang, completed a purpose-built accessible house and moved in in July 1999.
How long have you been involved with the Friends of South Morang, and why?
I’ve been involved with the Friends group (FOSM) since the first public meeting in Riverside estate 15 years ago to oppose the council’s plan to build a skate park less than 80 metres from my home.
I wrote the inaugural constitution and was the first president. I was president for the next five years and have been secretary ever since.
Are you involved in any other groups?
I’ve been a member of the Whittlesea Disability Network for 13 years. I’m also campaign spokesman for the Respite Alliance Whittlesea.
I initiated formation of the South Morang Rail Alliance in 2005 and have been a member of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission disability reference group since 2000. I’m also a current member of the Victoria Police disability portfolio reference group.
I am chairperson of the board of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and, in April, I was elected chairperson of the Asia Pacific Region and information officer for the executive council of Disabled People’s International. I’m also a volunteer peer support mentor for people with spinal cord injuries at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Hospital.
What do you love about your community?
Its cultural diversity, the willingness of people to take part in community advocacy for better infrastructure and amenities, and a council that works to improve the lives of residents, in partnership with community groups like the FOSM.
I have made a lot of friends since moving to South Morang.
Is there anything you would like to change?
Yes, the traffic on Plenty Road between South Morang and Bundoora is a nightmare … and it’s getting worse every year despite several duplications of Plenty Road.
That’s the main reason why I am heavily involved in the FOSM campaign to have the tram route 86 extended from Bundoora to the South Morang rail station then on to Plenty Road near Hawkstowe.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I don’t have a lot of spare time but, as a former trained musician and music teacher, I collect LP vinyl records and love listening to them, and watching movies. I’m also a bit of a local and international news junkie.
I’ve always got the radio on or a TV news channel. I love reading the local papers and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities to be free from discrimination.
