Disability Inclusion Advisory Panel

Andrew is an ex-service member who suffered an in-service major accident. Since discharge from the Army, Andrew has served as a passionate advocate in the disability sector. He has held advisory roles within the disability sector, represented the sector on the NSW Government Accessible Transport Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the board of IDEAS (Information on Disability Educational and Awareness Services). Andrew’s focus includes public policy, ethics, and systemic change in disability services.

Jean brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the Panel. As a member of a family of four with varied disabilities, Jean draws on both lived and caregiving perspectives. Trained as a social worker, she has a deep understanding of accessibility challenges and uses a variety of mobility aids to navigate the community. Her experience spans invisible physical disabilities and neurodivergence, particularly through parenting teenagers and youth adults with diverse needs. Jean actively tests public spaces for accessibility and brings a unique lens to designing inclusive environments.

Joanna is a passionate community advocate for inclusion and accessibility, bringing lived experience through her brother, who lives with disability. As a secondary teacher with experience and postgraduate qualifications in inclusive and diverse education, Joanna is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels included and can thrive. Joanna is committed to improving accessibility in local libraries, parks, and recreational spaces. Her background makes her a strong voice for inclusive, community-focused planning and accessible public spaces.

Josie offers a dual perspective as both a person with lived experience of disability and a carer for her 97-year-old mother who uses mobility aids. She is an entrepreneur with a passion for training assistance dogs and raising awareness about the barriers faced by people with disabilities, particularly around access. With tertiary qualifications in fitness, especially focused on children with disability, Josie is committed to lifelong learning and inclusion. Her work is grounded in both practical knowledge and a desire to build inclusive communities.

Paulina is committed to ensuring children with disabilities grow into their potential through experiencing educational and other opportunities in a way similar to their peers without a disability. Paulina believes that societal beliefs and attitudes towards disability has improved but also, must continue to improve.

For this reason, she is committed to the council's DIAP. Paulina's focus has been on realising the benefits of a genuine inclusive in education as a stepping stone to lifelong social inclusion. Paulina has completed several short courses on inclusive education and is particularly interested in promoting the valuable roles people with disability can and do play in school and in the broader community.

Paulina is a member of Family Advocacy. She has helped deliver its 'One of the Kids Course'. She has also volunteered for ‘Raise' which promotes wellbeing and resilience in high school students. In the past, Paulina has volunteered for Balmain All Abilities Soccer Club. Paulina has four children, one of whom has a developmental disability.

Jenny brings over 30 years of lived experience in mental health and psychosocial disability, driving her strong commitment to advocacy and inclusion. She has contributed to policy, strategy, and community initiatives through roles with One Door Mental Health, CESPHN, Lifeline, and Raise Foundation. Focused on mental health, stigma reduction, and system reform, Jenny is a dedicated and respected voice for change. 

Patricia is the Chief Executive Officer of Eurella Community Services and a seasoned leader in the disability sector. With a Bachelor of Allied Health Applied Science, she is highly skilled in NDIS policy and implementation. Patricia is committed to creating liveable communities and advancing inclusion in every aspect of life—from employment and mental health to safe spaces and community participation. She brings strategic insight and a deep understanding of service provision and policy to the Panel. 

Racha is committed to creating opportunities for all people with disability, with a focus on building inclusive environments that foster dignity, participation, and brighter life outcomes.