Megan McLoughlin — South Australia

Megan McLoughlin is an accomplished disability advocate, journalist, equestrian, storyteller and rural health champion whose achievements exemplify courage, innovation, leadership and service.

Legally blind with just seven per cent vision following complications from laser surgery, Megan has transformed personal adversity into a platform for advocacy and social impact. She has challenged perceptions of blindness through her achievements in elite sport, media, healthcare, agriculture and community leadership.

A passionate equestrian, Megan developed innovative techniques using echolocation and auditory cues to continue competing at a high level. She became the first legally blind Australian to qualify for the Australian Barrel Horse Association National Finals and is now pursuing the goal of representing Australia in Para-Equestrian Dressage at Paralympic level.

Beyond sport, Megan is the founder of Herd of Hope and a respected advocate for disability inclusion, organ donation, rural healthcare and mental health. As a former ABC journalist and recipient of the ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship, she has used storytelling to amplify the experiences of people living in regional and remote communities.

Megan’s contribution has been recognised through honours including South Australian Local Hero and the ABC Regional Storyteller Scholarship. Through journalism, public speaking, podcasting, advocacy and community initiatives, she continues to create greater awareness, inclusion and opportunity for people living with disability.

Megan McLoughlin’s achievements demonstrate that blindness does not limit ambition or leadership. Her enduring commitment to turning lived experience into positive change has made her a powerful role model and advocate for Australians living with disability.