Most tourist posters portray the Pacific Island kingdom of Tonga with happy people swimming in crystal clear tropical waters that lap on white sandy shores.

 

But contrary to these images, some of Tonga’s inhabitants have the same disabilities and needs as similar people worldwide, regardless of the idyllic images of life in the islands.

 

Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate Lynne Zeldenryk aims to make a difference for disabled people in Tonga when she is due to begin a one year project as an Australian Youth Ambassador in March.

 

Ms Zeldenryk, who graduated from the University’s occupational therapy course in 2005, will review programs in the Alonga Residential Centre for People with Disabilities, located in the capital Nuku’alofa. She also hopes to develop a weekly therapy program for residents, increase links between the centre residents and the wider community and improve the skills of local workers in the Alonga Centre.

 

“I strongly believe in the important role people with disabilities can have in their communities and the role of occupational therapists in advocating for social justice for this group,” Lynne said.

 

“Active involvement in the community has both personal and community significance for people with disabilities.”

 

Ms Zeldendryk is already experienced in working in challenging conditions, having worked in northern Queensland for the past year for the disability provider Cootharinga Society based in Townsville. She also has international experience, completing a primary health care course with a rural health project in India.

 

Lynne grew up in Drouin South in Gippsland, Victoria, and studied with CSU’s School of Community Health on the University’s Albury-Wodonga Campus.