Champion blind rower Kate Murdoch might be best known for her skills as an Australian Paralympian, but it’s her ability to adapt to change, that is giving her options for future success.
She is up front about being legally blind, but spend a few minutes with her and you quickly learn she’s not afraid to tackle the challenges a world without sight presents her.
Between rowing training, travelling, competing and working with the Office of Environment for Western Sydney Local Health District, she has managed to graduate from Certificate IV Massage Therapy and has enrolled in a Diploma of Remedial Massage at TAFE NSW.
She studied massage theory at TAFE NSW Nepean and completed practical skills and experience at the TAFE NSW Blue Mountains massage facility. This purpose-built centre opens to public clients offering students hands-on experience.
Murdoch, 31, from Penrith, was born with cone-rod dystrophy and declared legally blind at the age of 16. She created Australian history in 2016, when she and the LTA ( Legs, Trunk and Arms) Mixed Coxed Four qualified their boat for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the first time Australia had ever qualified the boat class for the Games.
Murdoch was inspired to study massage as a result of her time as an athlete. In the lead up to, and following her Rio Paralympic races, she literally spent hours in the hands of, and working alongside, massage therapists and physiotherapists.
Murdoch had always been impressed with how their skills and knowledge could be used to help heal injured parts of her body.
“With my loss of vision I’ve been considering other career options. I was looking for something more hands on,” Murdoch said.
“When I was initially exploring ideas about learning massage, I contacted a few training providers and when I told them I’m blind they all said they couldn’t help me.
“I’m pleased to say the response from TAFE NSW was the complete opposite. They said they could absolutely help me. They were very welcoming and supportive.”
Murdoch’s TAFE NSW teacher would use her as the model to demonstrate massage techniques to the class.
“Studying with TAFE NSW meant I was in control of when I could study. I work full-time and am dependent on that income. The courses were very hands on and practical. My intention now is to do some voluntary work in the sports community to improve my skills while I work out my next step.
“I’ve had an amazing time with lots of support from TAFE NSW. I love that I can now use massage to ease people’s physical issues in so many ways.”
To explore Semester 2 training options offered by TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
