Jacqui Eggleton

My name is Jacqui Eggleton and I have been living in Oamaru since 2017, moving from Alexandra in the sunny Central Otago. I am a solo mum of four children ranging from seven to twenty-one years in age. Two of my children live with Autism and intellectual disabilities and the other two children have high medical needs, which makes for a busy and, at times, challenging household. Volunteering has always been a part of my life in varying roles over the years including with Girl Guides, Rotaract, Plunket, Toy Library, Playcentre, Home and School and CCS Disability Action LAC.

I have been associated with CCS Disability Action since 2015, firstly in Alexandra and now in Oamaru. During this time, CCS Disability Action have supported myself and my family and I wanted to give back in some way. One way I have been able to achieve this is by becoming a member of the CCS Disability Action Local Advisory Committee. I was voted as Chairperson in February 2020. 

The most important thing I believe about being LAC Chair is that all members’ voices need to be heard. I am only the steerer of the Waka and the people in the Waka, the community members, are the most important people of all. I believe it is important to work as a team – without the team, the Waka will not sail in the correct direction. By working closer with the local council and other community agencies, I am looking forward to seeing what the LAC can achieve to make Oamaru and surrounding districts a better place to live in for disabled people.