Amy Dunn’s journey with Halberg began the way many teenage stories do – with a scroll through social media. A Facebook post about an opportunity to attend Outward Bound caught her eye in 2016, and with a quick message to her mum and a leap of faith, she found herself stepping into an experience that would spark a lasting connection with Halberg, sport, and disability leadership. While preparing for Outward Bound, Amy also attended Paralympics Open Day in Cambridge. It was there, at the Velodrome, that she discovered para athletics – a turning point in her journey. Overwhelmed but excited, Amy connected with Parafed Waikato and soon found herself training at Porritt Stadium, throwing a shot put that still sits as a reminder of her beginnings in sport.
Representing her school in athletics became a healing experience. Where her early PE years left her feeling on the outside, athletics gave her a space to participate, belong, and thrive. Amy went on to compete at four national championships and an Oceania Championship, and even began coaching others, helping Waikato athletes prepare for the Halberg Games. These leadership moments helped her realise the power of sharing her experience to lift others.
After Outward Bound, Amy’s involvement with Halberg only deepened. She met Halberg Advisor Dave MacCalman at a surf day, and soon started tagging along to events and Inclusion Trainings. When the Halberg Youth Council recruitment opened, she was ready and eager to apply. During her time on the Council, Amy created impact in both personal and collective ways. One of her standout moments was organising an Inclusion Training for her Occupational Therapy peers, using her platform to encourage future therapists to think differently about inclusion. For someone who described herself as one of the quieter students, it was a powerful moment of growth and confidence.
Surrounded by other young leaders, Amy found a unique connection that she believes goes deeper than shared interests – it was a bond formed through lived experience, mutual respect, and a shared drive to make change. Now, as Halberg’s Youth and Fundraising Coordinator, Amy supports the very same Youth Council that helped shape her. The transition from member to staff felt natural, and while the relationships shifted, the passion remained. She now plays a key role in guiding the next generation of disability advocates, helping them recognise their own strengths and influence.
Amy has also continued growing through sport. At the Halberg Games, she discovered a love for badminton and was even awarded a recognition prize that encouraged her to pursue it further. Though an initial lack of local opportunities stalled that start, she preserved and now plays in an able-bodied club, learning and growing through each training and tournament.
Her sporting journey has taken her across the Tasman, most recently to the Australian National Para Badminton Championships. A memorable moment included a nail-biting SH6 Doubles match that went to three games – a testament to her development and competitive spirit. She’s looking forward to returning to Bendigo later this year for both the Oceania Para Championships and Australian International.
For Amy, sport has always been more than medals. It’s been about connection, growth and discovering the power of her identity. While the Paralympics isn’t a personal goal, she’s open to where badminton might take her. The focus remains firmly on having fun, learning, and being an ambassador for para sport by simply showing up and giving it a go.
In her work with Halberg, Amy is embracing new responsibilities in fundraising, with plans to help drive projects and events that support inclusion and youth leadership. With Youth Council recruitment set to open later this year, she’s excited to welcome new voices and perspectives to keep the momentum strong.
Amy’s advice to others is clear: show initiative, speak up, and get involved – even if leadership doesn’t look the way you expect. She reflects on a moment in Year 12 when her tutor teacher encouraged her to apply for House Captain. Back then, she didn’t see herself as a leader. Now, she recognises the quiet strength and self-awareness that make her an exceptional one.
Whether she’s organising Council hui’s, supporting events, or smashing birdies on the court, Amy continues to live her values – championing inclusion, leading with authenticity, and proving that leadership comes in many forms.
