As senior and disability rights advocate for the Darwin Community Legal Service, Ramnik Walia is dedicated to removing roadblocks for older Australians and people with disabilities so they can live active and dignified lives.
Growing up, Ramnik saw people discriminated against based on disability, class, caste and age. Witnessing this injustice drives him to ensure that those on the margins are heard.
In Maningrida, when residents with disabilities couldn’t board planes safely, Ramnik’s advocacy resulted in the installation of a passenger lift at one of Australia's most remote airports.
Then, when the Mandorah ferry terminal was designed with only steps, making it inaccessible to people with disabilities, Ramnik facilitated a community meeting with the Northern Territory Government. Through his advocacy alongside community members, the ferry terminal now provides access for people with disabilities and is compliant with national standards.
Ramnik blends compassion with action to drive tangible and lasting change in people’s lives.