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Last published on 15 Dec 2021
Eight of the state’s most prominent and respected disability sector leaders have been appointed to the NSW Disability Council.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said disability advocate Jane Spring will Chair the Council, which is tasked with providing independent advice to the NSW Government on issues affecting people with disability.
“From legal practitioners, advocates, educators and executives, the members bring a range of skills and a shared commitment to improve outcomes for people with disability,” Mr Henskens said.
“I look forward to working with the Council to ensure NSW continues to lead the way in creating more inclusive and accessible communities.”
The eight new members of the NSW Disability Council, appointed for up to a four year term include:
The new members join four existing members of the Council:
Incoming Chair Jane Spring said with over 31 years lived experience of disability she would like to see better access for people with disability to enjoy sport and active recreation.
“We want to make NSW more inclusive and accessible so that people with disability can enjoy social and economic participation, and I look forward to working with the Council to provide advice to Government about how we can improve,” Ms Spring said.
For more information, visit the NSW Disability Council.
Jane Spring (BEc(Hons.), LLB, MPA) is an experienced NSW Government leader and board executive, most recently having served as Assistant Commissioner, Capability and Leadership with the NSW Public Service Commission.
Dr Jill Duncan (BSc, MEd, PhD, GAICD) is an academic at the University of Newcastle. She is on the Board of Aussie Deaf Kids and is Editor-in-Chief (Australia) of Deafness & Education International.
Julie Charlton has a wealth of experience in disability advocacy, including as a member of the Children and Young People with Disability Youth Executive Team; the Advocacy for Children and Young People NSW Council; and, National Youth Disability Summit Representative for Children and Young People with a Disability. Julie is studying for a Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Management degree.
Caroline Cuddihy (MBA, BAppSc) is the CEO of Sunnyfield Disability Services, a for-purpose NSW and ACT member-based charity providing person-centred supports to more than 1,300 people primarily with intellectual disability.
Dr Sheelagh Daniel-Mayes (PhD, BEd(Hons.) is an Indigenous academic with lived experience of vision impairment, whose work focuses on research about First Nations people and disability. She has more than two decades’ experience advocating on human rights issues.
Casey Gray (MA Disability Practice, BSocial Science) has worked in the disability services sector for more than 15 years. Casey’s life and work demonstrate that with the right supports, people with mental illness and other disability can thrive.
Emily l’Ons (LLB, B.Int’l Security Studies) is a lawyer with lived experience of disability who is using her legal knowledge to advocate for the empowerment of people with disability, particularly in the workforce.
Mark Robinson SC practices in administrative law and general law and was a founding part-time Judicial Member of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal of New South Wales in the General Division and on the Appeal Panel, hearing matters on privacy and freedom of information.
Gail LeBransky PSM (Management, BA (Hons.)) has spent many years working on disability issues, including the Public Service Commission’s Age of Inclusion campaign to increase employment of people with disability. In 2019, Gail received the NSW Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
David Raphael (BA, M.Letters, M Ed. Admin, Dip. Ed) is principal of St Lucy’s School, a Catholic school in Sydney for students with disability and has 18 years’ experience as a Principal of both mainstream and specialist disability schools.
Jake Fing (BA(Hons), LLB, GradDipLegal) has personal experience with people living with cognitive and physical disabilities. Jake is a proud Gamilaroi man with a passion for social justice.
Paul Zeller lives in a small coastal town in rural NSW and has Aspergers. Paul is passionate about social justice issues and is the founder of local self-advocacy organisation South East Self Advocacy.
Download media release: New leadership for NSW Disability Council (PDF , 261.8 KB)
13 Apr 2023