Sharon Sobey

Vision Impaired Volunteer

2006 ACT Young Australian of the Year

Sharon Sobey's dedication to serving others is best illustrated in her voluntary work with the Canberra Blind Society and with the Joey Scout Movement. Sharon also founded a social group for vision impaired young people and organises activities to provide social support for other young people. She coordinates outings for visually impaired people through the Female Tandem Bike Riding Group and in 2005 Sharon was named ACT Volunteer of the Year. Sharon suffered from childhood cancer and was wheelchair bound for extended periods. And now, despite further severe illness, she has completed a diploma in social welfare and has trained as a telephone counsellor. She plans to continue serving the community as a volunteer, for example, by teaching people to read Braille. Sharon's mobility has been improved with the help of her friend, Lena, her seeing-eye dog. Although Sharon is blind she is indeed a spirited and courageous young Australian who continues to contribute to her community.