Linda Hughes - Chairperson
Linda is from Newcastle, she lives with her 15 year old son Jacob and her partner Chris Hake. Jacob has disability with high support needs; he is in year 9 at the local High School. The work of Family Advocacy continues to inspire Linda; she is totally committed to Jacob’s inclusion and advocates for a society where people with disability are socially valued and respected citizens. Linda’s association with Family Advocacy began in the early nineties. She has previously served on the management committee for four years. After a year off the committee, Linda returned in 2005-2006 serving as Treasurer.
Christine Brennan - Secretary
Chris and her husband John are graziers on a small, ‘aiming to be organic’ property south-west of Crookwell. They have four children and their only son Charlie has autism. Chris has been a supporter of Family Advocacy’s mission since her first introduction to the idea of inclusion at a one day workshop in 2000. She and John, friends and school staff have been working together over the last three years to support Charlie’s successful inclusion at a local catholic primary school. Chris has served on committees for local services and community groups.
Scott Phillips - Treasurer
Scott and his wife Cherie live in southern Sydney. They have two children, Bronte, aged 6 and Henry aged 4. Bronte is autistic. In 2007, Scott and Cherie turned their efforts towards Bronte's successfully inclusion into a typical class at a nearby public school. Scott and Cherie have spoken at autism conferences, workshops and work with many families in similar circumstances. This is Scott's first year on Family Advocacy’s Committee.
Jane Fraser
Jane lives in Sydney and is a parent of a daughter with disability. She has worked for many years with and for people with disability and their families to gain better life opportunities. Jane worked for Action for People with Disability as Executive Officer for 20 years and is a past Chairperson of the Disability Council of NSW. Currently she is a member of the NSW Guardianship Tribunal. Jane has been on the management committee for two years.
Robert Goodlet
Robert lives on the North Coast of NSW with his wife Susanne Walden. They have two sons, Julius aged 15 and Rhys aged 10. Their son Rhys was born with an intellectual disability. Rhys is included in his local primary school. Robert works as a carpenter, joiner and designer of environmentally friendly buildings. He has been connected with Family Advocacy for the past 7 years and is committed to inclusion and justice for people with disability. Robert has served on the management committee for four years.
Anne Long
Anne was born in Brewarrina, to a family of nine - two brothers, and six sisters. She had an older sister, who was born with Down Syndrome who lived away from the family since she was about 4 years old until her death in 2006. Anne is married with 2 children. Her daughter is in year 11 and her son, who has Asperger’s, is now 14 and in year 8 at St John's College. Anne has been teaching for 25 years.
Alison Plant
Alison is a consultant working with organisations to develop strategic plans and align and develop human resources. She is an experienced manager, trainer and facilitator working at board level with a range of organisations in Australia, United Kingdom and United States of America. She was formerly a director in a UK not for profit organisation working to achieve equality for people with disability. She has personal experience of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families, and brings this experience along with her skills to the committee of Family Advocacy as it works to achieve its mission.
Alex Purvis
Alex lives in Grafton and has 4 children and has been involved for many years in promoting the rights of his son, Daniel. Alex has previously been on the management committee including a term as Chairperson.
Joanne Roberts
Jo Roberts is a single mother who lives on the Far South Coast of NSW. She has three children, two of whom have a disability and they both enjoy being included at a local primary school. Jo has many interests, mainly her children who take up the majority of her time. She enjoys spending time with her family and shopping when she can find the time alone. Jo wishes to undertake study next year to enable her to be able to reenter the workforce and become a stronger voice in the community. Joanne is involved at the local preschool and school that the boys attend, and actively promotes Family Advocacy and what it has to offer to families in regards to advice, seminars etc.
Maree Salzano
Maree lives with her family on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Maree and her family are pursuing their vision of an inclusive and fulfilling life for their son Daniel. Daniel is a happy and valued member of his local high school community. Maree is committed to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of people with disabilities. She works in her community advocating for and supporting people with disabilities ensuring their voices are heard and their needs recognized. Maree is committed to social justice and inclusion for all people regardless of ability.
Tony Wells
Tony lives on the Central Coast, and he is father to Alistair. Tony has been working tirelessly for many years to get improvements for his son in the form of better and more inclusive living arrangements. Tony has had several years of active involvement in the work of the organisation and has been on the Committee previously. Tony has served on the Committee for three years.
Most members of the Management Committee have a family member with a developmental disability.
The Management Committee is elected from the membership each year.
