Insights: Tate Kemp and his support worker Robyn

At seventeen years old, Tate Kemp has already accomplished what many university students haven’t; the aspiring sports journalist has begun building a portfolio. He has also participated in twelve Melbourne Marathons and won a Pride of Australia Medal in 2009. 

Tate’s biggest passion is the AFL, “I became interested in the sport when I was about six … my dad used to take me to games at the MCG, particularly Carlton.”

So naturally, when Kemp hit the tenth grade, he took his childhood enthusiasm to the next level by doing work experience at TWO of the AFL’s most respected news outlets – AFL Media and Macquarie Sports Radio. His ambition and commitment must have left an impression on his colleagues because Kemp was made a guest editor for the 300^th game of Carlton footballer, Kade Simpson.

“It was a great experience and has opened my eyes to how it all works.  There is a lot of effort that goes on behind the scenes to make the AFL work every week,” says Tate.

Kemp chatted with CPSN and gave a refreshingly honest look at how cerebral palsy fits into modern workplaces. As someone who grew up with CP, he is helping to erase outdated ideas the broader community has about disability.

How did you arrange this amazing placement?

“I read the Footy Record every week during the season.  I wrote to the Editor and asked him if I could do some work experience.  I told him about my disability and how I loved Footy.  He was so kind and allowed me to do a week exploring all the different areas that are in AFL Media.”

Did you have any fears or reservations about doing the placement?

“I didn’t have any fears as I was excited to see how it all worked and my support worker (Robyn) was with me. She helped me travel on the train and helped me during the day.”

Were you ever worried your CP might be a barrier to successfully participating in this placement?

“Knowing I had a disability I knew that I couldn’t do everything I wanted to do so I had to look at it from another perspective and look at the things I could achieve.”

How important was Robyn’s assistance in succeeding at your placements?

“Robyn loves football, so she was just as excited as I was.  Even though she made me work out the trains and how to get there, she made sure I was safe by guiding me to make sure I stood back from the road when I pushed the traffic lights. She also assisted me to find the right areas to sit with my Walker and taught me how to top up my MYKI travel card.  Robyn also made sure that I used the elevators and helped me find where I needed to go.”

What was the biggest surprise you got out of your work experience?

“It surprised me how the AFL worked with the media department.  So many people in a small area to get the media up and going.  There are so many different areas to the AFL, and all was controlled out of the one building.”

What do you hope for the future? 

“I’m in year 11 at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School and hope to go to Melbourne Uni and study Journalism.  I hope to be able to write about sport and share my knowledge.”

What advice do you give to other young people with CP who are building their careers?

Knowing that you have a disability can be challenging, but you need to work with your strengths and identify them – this will help you stand out. Just go out and do it, because if you make a mistake, you can learn from it and do it differently the next time – back yourself!