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Our Founding Elders

Vale Uncle Lester Bostock

Founding Elder

Biography

Uncle Lester Bostock OAM was the Founding Elder and long-time Board member of both FPDN and the Aboriginal Disability Network NSW. Uncle Lester passed away in November 2017. We pay our respects to him as our Founding Elder and acknowledge his tireless work over decades to progress the rights and opportunities of Aboriginal people.

Uncle Lester was a proud Bundjalung man with disability who was at the forefront of promoting and protecting the human rights of Aboriginal people with disability in Australia over several decades.
Lester publicly introduced the concept of “double disadvantage” and how it relates to Aboriginal people with disability in 1991 when he gave the Meares Oration entitled Access and equity for people with a double disadvantage.
Uncle Lester is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of Aboriginal media in Australia.

Uncle Lester received numerous awards for community service over the years including a Centenary Medal, the NSW Law and Justice Foundation Award for Aboriginal Justice and in 2010 Uncle Lester was the NAIDOC Elder of the year.

Read Uncle Lester’s Eulogy.

Read the tribute.

Vale Aunty Gayle (Leila) Rankine

Founding Elder

Biography

Aunty Leila Gayle Rankine was Chairperson since the formal constitution of the First Peoples Disability Network in 2014. Her advocacy for people with disability goes back to the very beginning of our social movement. She was also widely known and respected as a leading voice for all Australians with disability.
Gayle was a Ngarrindjeri woman born in Raukkan (Point McLeay Mission) on Lake Alexandrina in South Australia.
Gayle represented Australia and FPDN at the United Nations in Geneva and New York.
Gayle was recognised for her extensive knowledge of the needs of people with disability across urban, rural and remote communities. She had a lived experience as a person with physical disability and as a carer of relatives with physical and neurological disability, including autism.

Read Aunty Gayle’s Eulogy

Read the tribute.

Our Board

Kay Sadler

Board Member

Biography

Kay Sadler is a Worimi woman of the Biripi nation born on the Pacific Highway, ten kilometres south of Taree.

Kay is a delegate to the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and a member of the Biripi Land Council. She holds a Diploma of Business (Governance) from Tranby Aboriginal College.

Maureen Logan

Board Member

Michael Evans portrait

Michael Evans

Board Member

Sereako Treloggan

Sereako Treloggen

Board Member

Rhys Nagas portrait by B Mason

Rhys Nagas

Board Member

Community Advocates

Uncle Brian Tennyson photo

Uncle Brian Tennyson

ELDA Council Chair

Aunty Louisa Uta

ELDA Council Vice Chair

Jane Rosengrave

Community Advocate

Our Staff

National Team

CEO Damian Griffis

Damian Griffis

CEO

Lai Ha Wu

CFO

Ben Riemer

Administration and Communications Officer

Lisa Hindman

Lisa Hindman

Strategic Business Manager

Kelly Treloar

National Sector Strengthening Manager/Disability Royal Commission Project Manager

Lorraine Cornell

Human Resources Manager

Communications Team

Luke Briscoe

National Communications Manager

Policy Team

Mali Hermans

Senior Policy Officer

Biography

Mali Hermans is a disabled and neurodivergent Wiradjuri woman deeply invested in disability justice and abolitionist work. Mali is a Senior Policy Officer at FPDN with a focus on the justice system, gender-based violence prevention and international human rights advocacy.

Alicia Johnson (AJ)

Senior Policy Officer

Biography

Alicia Johnson (AJ) Is a Barkindji and Buri Gubba woman, with a background in Indigenous child protection and casement. AJ is a Senior Policy Officer within FPDN with a focus on early intervention and the out of home care system.

Sophie Geeves

Policy Officer

Biography

Sophie Geeves is a young disabled woman who is passionate about all things NDIS, education and advocating for a more equal society. She works as a policy officer at FPDN.

Jodi Lamanna

Policy Officer

Biography

Jodi Lamanna is a neurodivergent person, and is a policy officer at FPDN. Jodi has a background in research that focussed on education, equity and employment.

Elena Macdonald

Policy Officer

Biography

Elena is a descendant of the Paredarerme Nation, located on the east coast of Trouwunna/lutruwita (tasmania). Elena’s background is in early childhood, child protection and the welfare and wellbeing of disabled First Peoples. Elena has multiple complex disabilities and splits their time between Trouwunna and Naarm.

Kelly Cox

Policy Officer - NDIS Lead

Biography

Kelly Cox has been an active member of the Disability Rights Movement in Australia for a number of years, both at a grassroots and organisational level. She holds specific interest in International disability and human rights work and has represented at the United Nations on various occasions.

Training and Engagement Team

Carly Wallace

National Training and Engagement Manager

Bernard Namok Jnr

National Training and Engagement Officer

Jordan Wishart

National Training and Engagement Officer

Disability Royal Commission Team

Nancy Bates

Senior Indigenous Advocate

Melicha Woodcock

Indigenous Advocate, Far North Queensland

Bobby Fish

Indigenous Advocate - Newcastle/Hunter

Krisha Ketchell

Indigenous Advocate - Darwin, NT

National Advocacy Staff Profiles

Aunty June Riemer

FPDN Deputy CEO
Work History / Specialist Background:

June Riemer (nee Foley) is a proud Gumbaynggirr – Dunghutti woman, from the North Coast of NSW.

June was honoured for her life’s work, dedicated to creating systemic change to improve the lives of First Peoples living with disability, in 2021 as the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.  June uses her platform for change and social justice, speaking about the issues experienced by First Peoples living with disability and how much more needs to be done to address the barriers to meaningful participation for all.

NDAP TEAM

Nancy Bates

Manager – National Disability Advocacy Program

I am a Barkindji woman from Far Western NSW, grew up on Wilykali country, my great grandmother’s country and have lived on Kaurna country in SA for 21 years.

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

I feel like a ‘Jill of all trades, master of none,” because at the age of 46, I think I have had a more varied work life than most.

Some of the previous roles I have held include:

  • Link Up Caseworker – this work was incredibly hard, but incredibly rewarding. It has taught me so much about our genealogies, communities, and our history post colonisation.  I learned the most culturally in this role, and I still maintain my ties to Stolen Generations, and the Link Up Program.
  • Project Officer working on national research with National Centre for Training on Addictions ” Stress and Burnout of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol and Other Drugs Workers” and “Feeling Deadly, Working Deadly” workforce support resource.
  • Project Officer – Transition Care Program, Southern Adelaide Health developing the model, “Aboriginal Transition Care Program” supporting Elders and older people to access a 12 week in-home, or in residential care allied health support program following a hospital admission.
  • FPDN Local Area Coordinator supporting families in SA with the roll out of the NDIS for children.

There have been many roles over the years so this is a snapshot.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN? 

I bring my WHOLE SELF – to this work, because it’s valued.  It means my life and work experiences, and my identity as a First Nations Woman is at the core and forefront of what I contribute to our communities, through Disability Advocacy.

Jade Millerick

Disability Advocate

 

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

Over the past 15 years, I have worked across the Community Services Space with direct experience with the NDIS, Disability Inclusion and Allied Health. I’m all about exploring individual advocacy pathways to ensure mobs are well-equipped, supported and self-determined to walk forward beyond FPDN.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN? 

I love the experience and brains trust we deliver as a team collectively. To do our best and be our best we need to trust in each other to facilitate best results for mob, as a team we have a solid foundation of support which is very important when providing Advocacy. I love the people and participants I get to work with at FPDN.

Fiona Tipping

Indigenous Community Advocate

Fiona is a proud Palawa Woman who has worked for over 30 years in Disability. During this time she has held a number of diverse roles:

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

  • Advocate for Grampians Disability Advocacy Victoria since 2010
  • Funded by FPDN for Indigenous advocacy support for the Disability Royal Commission in Victoria
  • Selected as an Independent Expert for the NDIS Independent Expert Review Pilot Program to 30/06/2023
  • Commenced working for FPDN 03/07/2023 as an Individual Advocate in the NDAP Pilot program
  • Individual Wurreker VAEAI Award finalist for 2022 in recognition of improving education in disability (generational trauma of Stolen Gen in particular) and employment opportunities for Victorian Kooris.

Areas of expertise are access to and appealing access decline of the Disability Support Pension and the NDIS. I would say I’m a Professional ranter and dedicated complaint letter writer. I’m extremely passionate about Human Rights and Equality.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

With a rich background as a dedicated advocate for mainstream causes, my journey has found its true fulfilment at FPDN. Here, the experience transcends merely work – it is a profound connection based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to culture and human rights. Unlike previous roles, I no longer find myself battling unfair and combative systems; instead, I revel in the joy of being valued for my passion. Working with my exceptional A team, I am genuinely excited about the positive impact we can create together for our communities.

Melissa Arch

Indigenous Advocate, Victoria

Melissa has spent 10 years across the disability space, within the residential and day programs.

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

Melissa has spent 10 years across the disability space, within the residential and day programs.  Melissa has also led Mental Health/AOD with Indigenous patients and their families, at University Hospital, Geelong. AOD/Mental Health case management within the Geelong (Wathaurong) and Ballarat (BADAC) co-ops AOD/Family Reunification Clinician, with parents, in the Child Protection system with Odyssey House Victoria

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

Advocacy has become my passion, since working in the AOD/family reunification space. I am allowed to have a voice and be respected for it at FPDN. Empowering people to make their own choices and feel supported is something that I have learned, makes all the difference.

NSW ADVOCACY TEAM

Tracy Crisp

NSW Disability Advocate/ National Triage Response

Tracy is a proud Gomeroi woman, who was born on the lands of traditional custodians, the Wulgurukaba and Bindal people. She has been living on Awabakal Land working in various communities and sectors for over 30 years.

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Work history/specialist background

Tracy has a deep passion for social justice and ensuring people are empowered to be the experts of their lives and that their voices and stories are heard. Tracy’s career has been diverse, including working in youth homelessness, community development, information and referral, disability support, non violence and conflict resolution, supporting people involved with the justice system, kinship care, child protection, out of home care, carer recruitment and support, suicide prevention and connecting carers to the Carer Gateway supports and services.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

FPDN is unique as an organisation who is solely dedicated to representing Mob with Disability. I love that we do this in multiple ways – through our Policy Work, Research, Individual and Systemic Advocacy, Education and Training, Community Work and Community Engagement, Representation in spaces such as NDIS, on Boards and References groups, Media Engagement, creating Resources and many other approaches as we continue to grow in the advancement of this important work. The Individual Advocacy I have the privilege to do – for me is sacred as we hold space with people to safely share their stories and truly be heard. I love that we lead with culture.

We are aligned with the Disability Rights Movement principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” and this is overlayed with an unwavering cultural lens.

I am proud of the FPDN legacy story, being established by key leaders of the Aboriginal Disability Rights Movement and through our present day work we pay our respects, in particular to our founder Uncle Lester Bostock and all our Mob who have lived experience of Disability.

Julia Piepers

NSW Individual Advocate

Julia is a primary school teacher by trade, with the working ethos of inclusion for all within a safe and educational environment at the forefront of her work.

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

Julia is a primary school teacher by trade, with the working ethos of inclusion for all within a safe and educational environment at the forefront of her work. Working with children with additional needs led to an Early Intervention role with the NDIS and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Northern Sydney over the last 6 years. Working collaboratively with families to support the advocacy of their children’s support plans, Julia engages with service providers, peak bodies, advocacy groups, and the NDIA to ensure best practice is upheld for these children and their families. Growing up and living on Darug Country in Sydney’s North, Julia’s First Nations family connections drive her passion toward advocacy, opportunity and improved services and support for First Nations families in Sydney and Greater NSW.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

 FPDN is a remarkable organisation who I feel honoured to be so warmly embraced by. Passion, persistence and determination coupled with the gracious and empathetic nature of the staff ensures we are able to advocate, support and walk alongside each other in this joint quest for equality and justice for those most vulnerable in our communities.

Isobel Coe

NSW Educational Advocate

I am a proud Wiradjuri woman from Condobolin NSW.

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

I worked in the education system for 15 years. I have also worked in the areas of homelessness, domestic violence and family preservation. The experience I have gained across the space has provided me with incredible insight and resilience to fight for mob facing disability.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

I have advocated for my children who have disabilities. Working as an advocate for our mob is an amazing opportunity for myself. I have learnt so much already from the fierce team at FPDN.

Chris Fallon

NSW Indigenous Advocate

Chris is a descendant of the Barkindji people of the Wilcannia region, currently based on Wiradjuri Country (Dubbo) and working throughout the entire state of NSW.

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

Chrishas over 45 years of experience working within the Disability Advocacy sector. Chris lives with disability and has represented the region on several Boards and Committees, both State and National. He was an Local Area Coordinator for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) responsible for initial contact in many of Western NSW more remote communities. He has a wide range of experiences working with people with disability and being part of their journey.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN? 

The FPDN gives me structure to work with people who require a level of advocacy and support, and to empower them to live their life to their full potential.

Human Rights Training artwork

Darren Forbes 

NT Indigenous Advocate

Darren is a proud Biripi man, born and raised on Awabakal land, NSW. Darren has a deep sense of cultural connection to the Aboriginal communities he works across in the NT. 

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Work History / Specialist Background: 

Darren has a wealth of knowledge – over 25 years of professional experience in the ACCO space, Child Protection, Early Intervention, NDIS and Aboriginal Family Trauma and Recovery Practice.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN? 

I absolutely love and value my role at FPDN. Living and working back in NT has solidified how deeply connected I am to the people and the landscape of the Country I’m working on. As a white skin black fella, the people here have accepted me and welcomed me into their community which is true is a blessing in this space. Coming back to NT, I can already see we have a lot of work to do to address the poverty, homelessness and crime which are the gaps in a system that continues to fail our mob. I’m fortunate to be back here and I truly hope I can make a difference.

NSW CAPO TEAM

Debbie Lee

Policy Officer of the Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks NSW

Debbie Lee is a proud Yidinji, Gomeroi woman living on Country in NSW. Debbie works as the Policy Manager of the Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks NSW at First Nations Disability Network Australia.

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Work History / Specialist Background:

First Peoples Disability Network is the peak organisation representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disability. FPDN’s vision is a just and inclusive society, in which First Peoples living with disability are respected and valued for their culture, history and contribution to contemporary life, and in which their human rights are recognised, respected, protected and fulfilled. My role is funded by CAPO therefore I have the liberty to move and shake daily to raise the roof on the individual grassroots stories to ensure peoples advocacy needs are met by canvassing mobs truth reflective of the daily disability obstacles they continue to face.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

Deb is all about what is right and just for MOTHER earth and FATHER sun for they are our guiders and protectors in everything we do walking on Country. With that being said, Deb is all about giving back to her Mob across our remote communities which is why she loves working for FPDN, as it gives her the freedom to connect with mob across community, for it’s our mob that continues to embrace the formidable work Debbie does professionally at FPDN.

Hayley Bassett

NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks – Community Engagement Manager 

I’m a proud Wiradjuri/Dharawal woman living on Yuin Country (Dolphin Point, NSW).

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Work History / Specialist Background:

I started my career as a Secondary Educator in 2005, specialising in Aboriginal Education and Diverse learning. This is where I realised the importance of giving back to mob to ensure they are equipped with the appropriate tools to succeed in the wider world. Over time, I travelled across NSW facilitating support in educational settings, particularly in remote communities. My core focus was to work in partnership with classroom teachers, support staff and the wider community; combining knowledge and practice coupled with nation building as a focal understanding.

In 2018, I transitioned into the Child Protection space via  Community Engagement; specialising in the significant needs of First Nations children in the Child Protection System. This has been a long standing passion of mine, to advocate, support and drive the blak voices of our most vulnerable. I’m a fulltime Mother and carer of First Nations children living with complex disabilities. They are my reason and my motivation to turn up and do what we do everyday at FPDN; to pave the way for change and to ensure every person has the equal opportunity to shine and to be seen.

Why do you love what you do at FPDN?

I love the cultural connectedness across the team, coupled with our “can do” attitude we all embrace to drive the best outcomes for mob. I love connecting and walking alongside mob to ensure their individual needs are met, our partnership with mob is there from  start to finish.

Justice Project - Talk Up

Melanie Marne

Project Officer

Paterson St Hub, Tennant Creek NT

Brian Tennyson

Paterson Street Hub Mentor

Alba Brockie

Paterson Street Hub Coordinator

Research Community Partner

Dr Scott Avery Portrait

Dr Scott Avery

Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences - Western Sydney University

Community Volunteers

Ray Peckham

Volunteer

Friends of FPDN

Join the First Peoples Disability Movement. Add your voice and sign up as friend of FPDN. Friends will receive updates about our work and have opportunities to get involved and speak up.

First Peoples Disability Network Australia is a national organisation of and for Australia’s First Peoples with disability, their families and communities. Our founders are the leaders of the Aboriginal disability movement and in order to continue their legacy we want to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to connect and communicate with us, and each other.

FPDN’s purpose is to promote respect for human rights, secure social justice, and empower First Peoples with disability to participate in Australian society on an equal basis with others.

Become a Friend of FPDN:

Sign up to our newsletter
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    ELDA – Elders Living with Disability Australia

    FPDN is an organisation of and for First People with disability. We take pride in our culture, our communities and our history. Our Elders with lived experience of disability are the holders of knowledge and wisdom. We are proud to work with a number of Elders and our organisation benefits from their guidance and advice.

    As part of our Strategic Directions, FPDN is working to build its Elders Council, known as ELDA. ELDA ( Elders living with disability Australia) is a national advisory group of Elders with a lived experience in disability, who conduct disability business. ELDA currently has representatives from NSW, NT, QLD, TI and SA.