RIAC Ambassador
Carol Cooke AM PLY
An Inspiration on and off the Track
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Carol Cooke’s life is a masterclass in resilience. Born and raised in Toronto, she began her career as a police officer before a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 1998, shortly after moving to Australia, changed everything.
Determined not to let MS define her, Carol discovered disability sport in 2001, first competing internationally in rowing before switching to Para Cycling, a decision that would see her become a three-time Paralympian, nine-time World Champion, and winner of three Paralympic gold medals and one silver.
That same year, she founded the 24 Hour Mega Swim, an event that has raised over $11 million to support people living with MS. She has since been recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and has authored two books sharing her story.
Today, Carol is an author, speaker, and advocate, using her journey to inspire others to embrace uncertainty, take bold chances, and create the life they want. Her work reflects RIAC’s belief that with courage, determination, and the right support, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Community Partnerships
Collaborating for greater impact
At RIAC, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Our partnerships are central to our mission of advocating for and empowering people with disabilities.
- Community organisations: We team up with local community groups to extend our reach and deepen our impact.
- Government bodies: Working closely with government agencies ensures that our advocacy aligns with policy developments and aids in systemic change.
- Industry experts: Collaborations with experts and thought leaders in the disability sector enhance our knowledge and capabilities.
- Volunteer networks: Our partnership with volunteers brings diverse perspectives and strengthens our community engagement.
Our partnership with volunteers brings diverse perspectives and strengthens our community engagement.
Each partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.