Vale Kevin Murfitt
In Memory of Dr Kevin Murfitt OAM
By Jennifer Eborall, Disability Adviser
This is to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of Dr Kevin Murfitt, who made a real and significant positive difference to the lives of people with disabilities.
Kevin contributed to an impressive number of organisations, programs and initiatives, some of which include Vision Australia, Blind Citizens Australia and World Blind Union Asia Pacific.
Kevin’s research in his Doctor of Philosophy (Deakin University) focused on diversity and employment. Kevin made an extraordinary contribution to the disability sector, with only a few of his achievements mentioned here.
I am grateful to Kevin for his work in establishing the Willing and Able Mentoring (WAM) program, which was a national program that matched people with disabilities with mentors/organisations in the workplace. I would like to share the personal impact that Kevin had on my life.
I met Kevin approximately 20 years ago when I was a student at university. As a student with a disability, I accessed the university Disability Services, and my Disability Adviser linked me with the WAM program, which was a wonderful source of information and support. I truly am grateful to Kevin, whom I found to be inspiring, knowledgeable and thoughtful.
Kevin helped me to see the potential success and possibilities for people with disabilities, and he made a significant, positive contribution to many lives. I feel privileged to have known him.