Katrina Ryan
What part of your role gives you a sense that you’re making a difference at Valley?
In my role at Valley Industries, I get to be part of supporting people and celebrating the little wins in their lives every day. Having worked in the NDIS previously, I found that I wanted to work in direct service provision alongside participants and their families every day — to listen, learn, and truly understand what matters to them. For me, it’s about making genuine connections, putting the right supports in place, and then watching those changes ripple through their lives.
Throughout my day I’m met with high-fives, big smiles, and stories from participants about their achievements — from a strike at ten-pin bowling or learning to make a latte, to major milestones like starting a new job, getting their licence, or moving out of home for the first time.
Why is supporting people with disability and their families important to you?
I’ve always been someone who wants others to feel confident, valued, and respected. Too often, people living with disability are defined by their diagnosis or ‘perceived’ limitations rather than being seen as a person. I’m passionate about celebrating strengths and encouraging everyone to reach their full potential.
Supporting people with disability and their families is important to me because it means making a real difference in peoples everyday lives. It’s about providing fair and equitable access to jobs, homes, sports, holidays, social opportunities, and community events — and breaking down the barriers that stand in the way. I love seeing participants and their families gain independence, overcome self-doubt, and achieve things they once thought were out of reach. Being part of that journey is a privilege.
What’s one thing you’re proud to be part of at Valley?
I’m proud to be part of a team that truly puts participants and their families at the centre of every decision, every day. I see the pride in our staff and managers when they share with me the goals that participants have reached, knowing they’ve played a part in that journey.
Watching that growth and pride, both in participants and in our team, is what makes this work so special. Valley has been part of the community for over 50 years, with generations of families working here — some for decades — and that sense of history and connection shines through in the team we have today. You can’t find a group of people like the Valley team, anywhere else.
