When Leeming migrant Utsav Thapaliya met someone with a disability who told him “My story doesn’t matter,” the words planted a seed in him.
The 27-year-old founder and project lead said that moment was the spark for The Stories Project, a grassroots volunteer initiative aimed at giving people with disability and multicultural backgrounds the skills and confidence to share their experiences and push for change.
“I’m passionate about helping people realise their potential, advocate for their rights, and have a meaningful presence in society,” Utsav said.
“The Stories Project is about empowerment, inclusivity, and creativity ensuring every individual has the opportunity to be heard, valued, and supported to make a real difference.”
Speaking to the Examiner, social activist Samuel Ren said the project has been a way to push forward his campaign for accessible air travel.
Samuel, who has cerebral palsy, leads the ‘Wheel Up’ campaign which calls on airlines to let passengers travel in their own wheelchairs.
“Ever since I was a little kid aeroplane travel has been a nightmare for me,” Samuel said.
“Not only does my wheelchair get damaged, but the airplane seat is so uncomfortable I almost refuse to go on holidays because of it. If I fly, I have to take my manual chair, which means I am more reliant on other people to push me around and that takes away my independence.”
He recalled a family move to Beijing where his electric wheelchair was badly damaged in transit. “There were no electric wheelchair mechanics in the city, so it was so hard to get my wheelchair repaired. From memory, my dad had to repair it himself with the help of a Skype call with a manufacturer overseas. Ever since that experience, me and my parents have been really fearful of putting my electric wheelchair on an airplane.”
Samuel said the changes he is pushing for are quite simple.
“I would like to see airplanes brought into line with buses and trains where a person in a wheelchair does not have to get out of the wheelchair while travelling. We need a way to be safe in our wheelchair on board and also a way to use the bathroom. Right now, it is impossible for a disabled person to use the bathroom while flying.”
Alongside the campaign, Samuel has produced a short film and runs a YouTube channel.
“Having a platform to share my story has made a big difference. Being given the space and support to express myself has built my confidence. It reminded me that my voice matters, and that people are willing to listen.”
Another participant, Salgee Sharma, said she first connected with The Stories Project while carrying “a lot of silence” around her own experience of domestic violence.
“What drew me to share was the safe, respectful space they created. It allowed me to recognise that my story mattered and that by speaking up, I could not only heal myself but also contribute to breaking the silence for others in similar situations,” she said.
Salgee said telling her story for the first time was difficult but freeing.
“Initially, I felt exposed and uncertain, but very quickly that shifted into a sense of strength and release,” she said.
“For years, I had internalised the idea that speaking about violence was shameful. Saying the words out loud in a supportive setting reminded me that sharing truth is not weakness, it is power, and it opens the door for change.”
She said being part of the project had given her the confidence to take on public advocacy.
“It has equipped me with not just the courage but also the tools to speak on behalf of others.”
According to her, “your safety and dignity are non-negotiable. Silence may feel safe in the moment, but finding your voice can save your life.”
Utsav sees stories like Samuel’s and Salgee’s show the purpose of the project.
“These stories demonstrate the tangible impact of equipping people with the tools, confidence, and platforms to share their voices and assert their rights,” he said.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, Utsav received the Burt Volunteer Award in the youth category, an honour he described as very special.
“Coming to Australia as an international student and being able to give back to the community in such a way makes me proud,” he said.
“The award felt different because it wasn’t just about me, it reflected the work of The Stories Project and the communities whose voices we are amplifying. What made it even more special was that my mother, who was visiting from Nepal, was by my side when I received it. Sharing that moment with her was something I will always treasure.”
The Stories Project keeps growing through workshops, training and campaigns. However, for Utsav and those involved, he has a philosophy he sticks to.
“True inclusion means designing systems with the communities they serve, not expecting communities to fit into systems that were never built for them.”
