Carole Caswell

Respite care worker

2007 QLD Local Hero

Since 1994, Carole Caswell has been the driving force behind Rural Lifestyle Options, an organisation she helped found to integrate people with disabilities into the Beaudesert community. RLO provides assistance through respite care and through a supported accommodation system for young people. It works with disabled people to prepare them for everyday tasks so they can assume as much independence as possible and have a quality of life they otherwise wouldn’t achieve. As the inaugural and continuing president of RLO, Carole’s cheery, outgoing nature, creative oratory skills, and her professional leadership have gained her the respect of all who know her. Carole’s vision and drive, her consistent commitment, her tireless dedication to people with disabilities, and her leadership have been a wonderful example of her ability to move beyond personal tragedy to encourage, support, and work with other parents in establishing and growing an invaluable local community resource.