WHETHER it’s swimming for Australia on the international stage or going to the beach with friends, Catrin Culla lives a full and busy life.
The 24-year-old Thornlands resident, who lives with Down syndrome, finds joy in many facets of her life, but most of all from making the people around her happy.
Growing up, Catrin loved to play sport, namely swimming and netball, going on to represent Australia at the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019, where she won gold and bronze medals for swimming.
“Winning that gold medal was the highlight,” she said.
“That was my goal, to go for gold.”
Catrin also thrives in the spotlight, where she loves to sing and dance.
“I used to be on TV dancing, and singing is my favourite,” she said.
“I just love being on stage.
“I used to perform with my grandmother, she was a jazz singer.
“We always sung songs in my childhood that we keep singing now.”
With a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, Catrin has lent her experience to numerous initiatives, working as a research assistant at the Mater Intellectual Disability and Autism Service and speaking on panels and at conferences around the country.
She uses occasions like International Day of People with Disability, which was celebrated last Tuesday, December 3, to spread her message of kindness.
“I have my own personal experiences going on in my own personal life, and that’s why I want to make an impact,” Catrin said.
“I want to help others, not just people with disabilities, but other people who struggle mentally.
“Some people have their own challenges, but people with disabilities like myself struggle with speech, so through charities like the Mater, this can be helpful for people to come out, be included, and communicate how they’re feeling with the power of speech.”
Catrin said values were instilled in her in high school that still stick with her today:
“Say the right thing, embrace learning, treat others with respect, own your own behaviour, never give up – and I expect that from others,” she said.
Catrin’s mother, Michelle, said Catrin had faced challenges like dismissive employers and unfair judgements, but had used those experiences to build resilience and give herself a voice.
“When Catrin was born, I had a lot of people tell me she won’t be able to do certain things,” Michelle said.
“When I was growing up, disability just wasn’t talked about, so awareness has come a fair way. “She’s got lots of good friends, lots of good support, great opportunities, but she also throws herself at opportunities.”
Michelle said the implementation of the NDIS had also assisted in providing Catrin with opportunities and breaking down stigmas around disability.
“We’re very blessed with the NDIS,” she said.
“It’s helped Catrin live and continue to live a full life.”
