A life of service, connection and care: celebrating Lyn Anthony

After more than three decades with CCS Disability Action, Lyn Anthony is still not ready to slow down.

“I love what I do and I’m just going to keep doing it until one day I wake up and think, ‘I’ve had enough,’” she says with a laugh.

Lyn’s journey with the organisation began in 1992. For 19 of her 31 years in her first stint, she was the welcoming face and voice of the Christchurch branch – or, as she puts it, “Manager of First Impressions.” From the reception desk, she greeted tamariki with buzzy bee stamps and jellybeans, fielded calls from whānau and service users, and became a trusted point of contact for many.

“There were people who would ring just for a chat… I was probably the only person they’d spoken to for a week,” she recalls. “I always felt that was really important – to make connections with people.”

She’s proud of how CCS Disability Action has evolved – from message books and centre-based services to mobile phones, email, and a strong focus on community-based support.

“I love the way we’re enabling people to be as independent as possible and live their best lives.”

Lyn’s strong sense of social justice was shaped by her early childhood and by the relationships she’s built over the years. She’s quick to acknowledge the people who’ve taught her about accessibility and dignity.

Her friendship with Ruth Jones – a disabled woman who helped shape CCS Disability Action and the wider disability movement – is one she treasures.

“She was a capable, highly intelligent woman with a degree – she just happened to use a wheelchair,” Lyn says. “She didn’t hold my lack of knowledge about disability against me. She taught me so much and is a great friend.”

Lyn has worn many hats – receptionist, fundraiser, business support team member, and now Executive Assistant to the General Manager for the Southern Region. In each role, she’s brought warmth, humour, and a deep commitment to people.

“A colleague, Karen Rickerby, recently said that I do ‘pastoral care.’ I go around and say: ‘how are you?’ and check in on people. I think people appreciate that,” she says. “I can’t always fix things, but I can make someone a coffee and advise them on who best to go to.”

Her colleagues describe her as kind, values-driven, and someone who perseveres. Lyn simply says, “I’m caring, honest, and I don’t just give up and walk away.”

She’s also quick to credit others. Over the years, she’s worked closely with many colleagues – including David Matthews, Gail Harkerss, Sheryl Catchpole, BJ Clark, and Richard Buchanan – and considers many of them lifelong friends. She also acknowledges Jonathan Matthews. “He is such a helpful person and the fountain of all knowledge,” she says.

The Canterbury West Coast 80th celebration stands out as a highlight. For Lyn they were a point of connection between the past and the present. “It was a wonderful celebration,” she says with many familiar faces. “What people feel, why they’re here, and what they want to achieve – it’s still there in our work today.”

Lyn’s commitment has been matched by the organisation’s support for her. When she moved into a part-time fundraising role, CCS Disability Action enabled her to work school terms only – giving her time to be “Granny” during the holidays. “Granny time is simply the best,” she says. “CCS Disability Action has looked after me over the years and I appreciate that.”

She also lights up when talking about the children of the Christchurch-based team. “I love when people come in here with their kids – some of them have been coming here since they were two years old, climbing on my knee in the reception office, hiding from their mothers under the desk,” she laughs.

Lyn’s deep sense of care and connection extends beyond the workplace. Her whānau are her anchor and her pride.

“I have a wonderful husband who’s now retired and does all the cooking… two wonderful sons, one wonderful daughter-in-law, and the most amazing grandson in the world,” she says. She also feels incredibly fortunate to still have her mum, who is now in her 90s.

Her home life, like her work life, is grounded in care, connection, and laughter.

Much to the relief of those who know her well, Lyn has no plans to retire. She now supports the Southern Regional Leadership Team and General Manager Kiritapu Murray, bringing her signature blend of professionalism and people-first care.

“All of us who work in this organisation make a difference. Not just the people on the front line,” she says. “They need the people on the back line to support them to do their work.”

A few weeks ago, the Christchurch branch celebrated Lyn’s 31 years of service with a morning tea – which, in typical Lyn-style, she catered herself. It was a gesture that speaks volumes about her character: generous, humble, and always thinking of others.

“I like what we do, and I like who we do it for and with,” she says. And after 31 years, she still means it.