By Alistair Gray
Ravy and Wayne Slattery with some of their lovely products.
Looking for that new casual bag, scarf or some jewellery? You can’t go past Ravy’s Bags and Scarves, which recently opened next to the Woorim Post Office. You can’t miss it - chocked full of bags of all colours and sizes for adults and kids, nothing over $30. There are even some dresses and tops to check out.
Owned by well-known local disability advocates and polio survivors Ravy-Leang and Wayne Slattery, the new shop is sure to spark lots of interest. You may have seen them at various community markets where their products have been in high demand. They decided to set up a permanent shop, avoiding the early starts and need to constantly set up and take down a market stall - something that can be challenging with their beautiful seven-year-old twins and mum in a wheelchair.
All product is sourced from either Cambodia or Bribie and manufactured by people with a disability.
“We source products from Kravan House, which is owned and run by disabled women and employs disabled persons; Yodifee, which educates disabled children and teaches disabled adults employment skills; and Smarteria, which teaches and employs women from isolated Cambodian villages to make bags and backpacks and the National Centre for Disabled Persons who employ disabled persons as our workers,” Wayne said.
When I met Wayne in the shop he had a big grin on his face. They had only been open a day, there had been lots of interest and they had already met rent, so they were off to a flying start. Great to see! I first met Ravy and Wayne in January 2024 and was immediately impressed by what a special couple they were. Then, I wrote about a new disability support group they were establishing.
Now married for more than 10 years, they first met in Cambodia and through their own lived polio challenges have spent their married life helping others with a disability. Their own story is inspirational and has included acquiring, shipping and donating 30 wheelchairs and walkers to assist people with disabilities in Cambodia and the establishment of an NGO, the Dreams Come True Education Centre in 2014 which after the impact of Covid in 2023, has two teachers and 240 students. Ravy had polio at the age of six months and first went to school aged 11. With Veterans International’s help, she completed a bachelor’s degree in 2013. Ravi taught at the school in the early days of its establishment—an incredible achievement with many challenges along the way, including finding adequate funding to support the ongoing needs of the school. This time, the profits from the shop will help them create a better life for their young family, while still supporting disability workers. They are well worth our support.
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