Membership and role of the current council

Dr Sharon Boyce has expert knowledge, skills and lived experience of disability. As well as a disability advocate and published author, Sharon is an advisor, consultant and part-time lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland.

Diagnosed with juvenile chronic arthritis as a child, she has used an electric wheelchair since a young adult.

With a passion for early intervention for children and families with disability, Sharon has a strong solutions focus on health, education, employment, housing and prevention of domestic and family violence.

Sharon is committed to creating a world where real lived inclusion is possible. She believes in hands-on education and experience and by telling personal stories, barriers can be broken, and real understanding achieved.

Sharon was awarded a Doctor of Letters from the University of Southern Queensland for research in dyslexia and educational inclusion in 2020. She is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy (Inclusion) at the University of Southern Queensland. Sharon holds a Masters of Education (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern Queensland.

In 2001, Sharon founded Discovering Disability and Diversity, and the Disability Training Institute, an educational practice that provides resources and programs that promote disability and diversity for educators, doctors, early childhood teachers, schools and university students.

Sharon is on the boards of the Independent Advisory Council for the National Disability Insurance Agency, Toowoomba Regional Council Access Committee, Australian Institute of Inclusive Education and Research, Physical Disability Australia and Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN).

Matilda Alexander is a human rights lawyer and university lecturer with a long history in the community sector. She has worked at the Queensland Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Queensland and Griffith University.

Matilda is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI).

Established in 1987, QAI is an independent not-for-profit advocacy organisation and specialist community legal centre for people with disability.

As an organisation that lives and breathes the human rights of their clients, Matilda is inspired by the work of QAI in service delivery and systems advocacy. QAI ensures that people with disability are central to building an inclusive society.

Matilda is the patron of LGBTI Community Legal Service and has been a tireless advocate for the rights of LGBTI people. In 2018, Matilda won Activist of the Year and Volunteer of the Year at the Queens Ball hosted by Brisbane Pride.

Matilda holds a Masters Degree from the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation, Graduate Diploma in Legal Skills and Ethics, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Politics and Public Policy) from Griffith University.

Michelle Moss has worked in the human services sector for almost 30 years including disability, health, and domestic violence.

Michelle has worked in both Government and non-Government sectors in a variety of roles including direct support work, complex behaviour support, policy, training and education, consumer and community engagement and project management.

Michelle's work is founded on a strong commitment to ensuring the voice of people is part of the public policy and the design, planning and evaluation of services and systems.

Michelle was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Queenslanders with Disability Network in December 2022.

QDN is a state-wide network of, for, and by people with diverse disability. The network regularly brings members together to discuss relevant social policy issues that impact upon their lives. QDN has 30 peer support groups led by people with disability for people with disability that meet face to face and virtually across the state. QDN also undertakes specific project work to address gaps and impacts of services and systems to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders with disability.

Frances has worked in the field of autism for more than 35 years, beginning her career as a speech pathologist. She has held senior management positions with Autism Queensland since 2004, most recently as Chief Operations Officer.

Frances holds a Bachelor of Speech Therapy, an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Queensland and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She serves as a Director on the Australian Advisory Board on Autism and the Australian Autism Alliance and is a member of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council.

Sarah Bone is the Chief Executive Officer of Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSIDQ), with over 20 years of experience in the community sector across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Since graduating from the University of Paisley in 2003, Sarah has held senior leadership roles spanning homelessness, domestic and family violence, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, carer support and disability services.

Sarah’s leadership is grounded in inclusive practice and social justice. She is committed to amplifying the voices of individuals with intellectual disability and ensuring their lived experience informs policy, service design and systemic reform. Her approach is collaborative, empathetic and driven by a clear vision for accessible, equitable services across Queensland and beyond.

Sarah is recognised for fostering strong partnerships across government, sector organisations and community stakeholders, with a focus on developing sustainable, person-centred models of support. Through her role at DSIDQ, she continues to advocate for meaningful engagement, increased visibility, and improved outcomes for people with intellectual disability and their families.

Dr Reza Borzou is a surgeon and university lecturer who is committed to advocating for improving accessibility, community inclusion and reducing stigma for people with disabilities.

Reza founded the Australian first non-government organisation, Health Promotion Unit in partnership with the Gold Coast City Council to advocate and promote good physical and mental health through an active lifestyle.

After working in the mental health sector as a psychologist, Reza completed further studies to become a physician and currently works at the Gold Coast University Hospital as a surgeon.

In 2020, Reza was involved in an accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. After a lifelong commitment to supporting and advocating for the disability community, Reza now combines his professional experience with a personal lived experience.

Reza strives to advocate for human rights, employment, accessible housing, equal access to healthcare and participation for people aged over 65 years in the National Disability Insurance Scheme. He is currently working with the Gold Coast City Council on making the community more accessible for people with physical disability.

Reza has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Liverpool, a Masters in Mental Health Practice from Griffith University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/Sports) from the University of Queensland.

Laura Rutherford is a young neurodivergent woman with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who grew up in a small Central Queensland town.

In 2021, Laura took on a leadership role as Central Queensland University's Change Champ Ambassador. As part of the role, Laura helped design new ways of connecting students with initiatives to transform their communities.

Laura co-founded The Rural Conversation, an advocacy and education social media platform for rural and regional young people. With a passion for promoting the benefits of living and working in regional Queensland, Laura strives to highlight the impacts of gender disadvantage in accessing health, education and employment.

Laura is a member of the Queensland Family and Child Commission's Youth Advocacy Panel, Speak Out, National Rural Women's Coalition's Young Rural, Regional and Remote Advisory Panel and Rural Leadership Foundation's Drought Resilience Program.

Through her networks, Laura runs local advocacy and education events focused on raising disability awareness and regularly volunteers for her local Rural Fire Brigade, State Emergency Services (SES) and RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue. In 2021, Laura was elected as the Central Queensland University Allied Health Representative for Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals in Queensland and was re-elected in 2022.

Laura is currently studying for a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Central Queensland University and was recently awarded a NextGen Medics Scholarship with Heart of Australia, allowing her to experience rural health care with leaders in innovative service delivery.

Laura Scurr was born with athetoid cerebral palsy. She has 3 university degrees and owns a virtual administration business in Toowoomba. Laura is passionate about raising awareness that people with disability can, and do, have employment and are able to contribute as members of society.

Laura is heavily involved in her community, previously serving on the Cambooya District Australia Day Committee and is currently involved with the YWCA Y Connect Program focused on employment for women with disability.

She has shared her vision for change at the Red Rose Ball, the Toowoomba Business disAbility Awards and Disability Action Week celebrations at the University of Southern Queensland.

Laura has served as board member on the University of Southern Queensland's Disability Advisory Committee, South West Regional Disability Advisory Council and held the role of Treasurer of the Hodgsonvale Community Sports Club. Laura is currently a Non Executive Director of Ability Enterprises and is the Queensland Associate Director of Physical Disability Australia.

In 2010, she was awarded the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year (Greenmount District) and in 2015, Laura won Outstanding Individual at the Toowoomba Business disAbility Awards. She is now the owner and Principal Consultant at Toowoomba's Business Solutions and was until recently, owner of 2 hospitality businesses.

Laura holds a Graduate Certificate in Business, a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Management) from the University of Southern Queensland.

Pam Spelling works as a manager at a non-government organisation in Queensland. Pam has an unwavering commitment to social justice for all people that are often marginalised.

Diagnosed with juvenile chronic arthritis as a two-year old, Pam has significant vision impairment and uses an electric wheelchair. Growing up with disability has led her to have a strong commitment to inclusion.

With a passion for promoting human rights, increasing and advocating for diversity and participation in the workplace and community, Pam strives to support and build the confidence of people with disability so they can pursue all their dreams.

Pam strongly believes the whole community learns and advances from experiencing the benefits of inclusivity. She demonstrates this by increasing people's involvement with their community and works on breaking down the barriers that people with disability face every day.

Pam is an active member of the Community Resource Unit Stewardship Committee and was previously involved in the Townsville City Council Inclusive Communities Advisory Committee and was Chair of the Board of Directors Independent Advocacy Townsville. For over 15 years, Pam has been a member of Blind Citizens Australia, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated, Queenslanders with Disability Network, People with Disability Australia and Arthritis Queensland.

Pam holds a Graduate Diploma in Community Services Management, a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Sociology) from Monash University.

Peter Tully is a valued member of the Ipswich community, striving to ensure people with disability have accurate information, knowledge and confidence to speak up on a range of issues that directly affect them.

Peter has worked within grassroots community organisations, the not-for-profit sector and government. He is a volunteer, disability advocate, motivational speaker, IT consultant, group convenor and housing champion.

Peter grew up attending CPL – Choice, Passion, Life (previously Cerebral Palsy League) in New Farm and was involved in all areas of the CPL community into his early adult life. After starting a computer business in Brisbane, Peter moved to Ipswich and joined the Catalyst Church as the IT Support Manager.

In 2008, Peter founded Disability Community Awareness Mentoring Supports (DCAMS) offering services that focus on advocating, networking, promoting community engagement and supporting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and their families.

Peter is currently on the boards of the Ipswich Disability Interagency Network, Ipswich Hospital Community Reference Group, Ipswich Support Coordinators Community of Practice, and the Disability Inclusive Disaster Resilient Queensland project.

Peter is a Board Director of QDN and in 2017, was awarded life membership to QDN for his significant service and commitment to the Queensland disability community.

Peter has extensive business knowledge and is passionate about helping other people with disabilities.  Peter is a licensed building contractor who operated his own business and was involved in manufacturing disability equipment.  Peter has a Diploma in Community Service with electives in disability.

Peter has had first-hand experience of living with disability as he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eleven years ago. Peter has actively advocated for people with disability at a local, state and federal level.

Peter is a Queensland Disability Network member who has been involved in various initiatives including Peer Facilitator for QDN's Ready to go Project, Housing champion, Peer support and Coordinator for Disaster preparedness.

Peter has been a member on the Queensland Disability Advisory Council for six years and has been involved in the NDIS pathways work. Peter enjoys volunteering at Sailability Townsville where he encourages people with disability to experience freedom and hope through sailing.

Peter is married to Joy and they have two children, Emma and Lachlan.

Uncle Paul Constable Calcott is recognised as a Community Elder with working knowledge of disability. Paul is a renowned Australian artist who has lived with a degenerative disability for most of his life after he contracted polio when he was 18 months old.

As a proud Wiradjuri man growing up with disability and a member of the LGBTIQ+ community, he has first-hand experience of how intersectionality can lead to marginalisation and discrimination.

A long-time advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, Paul is passionate about supporting Australia's First Peoples living with disability who are LGBTIQ+.

Paul works with the First Peoples Disability Network Australia on improving the engagement with, and resources for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and advocates for more culturally appropriate programs and activities for people with disability.

Paul facilitates a local art group of First Peoples artists living with disability, using traditional art and storytelling to raise awareness around issues impacting his community, such as health, social isolation, economic participation and resilience building.

In 2019, his art group held an exhibition at the United Nations in Geneva called 'Culture is Inclusion' and in 2017 spoke at the United Nations Headquarters in New York regarding LGBTIQ+ First Nations Peoples living with disability and the intersectionality between them.

Locally, Paul sits on the Murri Court on the Sunshine Coast as a recognised Community Elder.

Rachael Watson OAM is an Australian Paralympic swimmer who represented Australia at 3 Paralympics—2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris. She won back-to-back gold in the S4 50m Freestyle at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics and at the Paris Paralympics she won 2 bronze medals in the 50m and 100m Freestyle S3.

One of triplets, Rachael was born in Brisbane with cerebral palsy. As a young adult, she acquired Guillain Barre Syndrome that led to severe rapid muscle weakness and peripheral nervous system damage, resulting in quadriplegia and the loss of the ability to walk.

Rachael took up swimming as part of her rehabilitation and was classified as an S4 swimmer. Since a CIDP diagnosis, Rachael has been reclassified as an S3 swimmer.

At the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in London, Rachael won a silver medal in the 50m Freestyle S4 and a bronze medal in the 100m Freestyle S4. At the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships in Portugal, Rachael won the silver medal in the Women's 50m Freestyle S4. At the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester, she won bronze in the 50m Freestyle S4.

As the ambassador for the Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation, Rachael provides direct health liaison support and advocacy for patients and families. Rachael is a member of the Queensland Health Disability Advisory Committee and the Paralympics Australia Leadership Group.

Rachael holds Honours in piano and music, and in 2017 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to sport as a gold medallist at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Rachael is currently completing a Master of Sports Coaching from the University of Queensland and holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) from the Queensland University of Technology.

Nigel Webb has been a social justice advocate in his community for the past 35 years. He is a trusted voice, advisor and leader across the community services sector, business and government.

His extensive knowledge and experience have guided state and national advisory and representative groups, boards and community organisations.

Nigel's strength is his strategic advice and direction on the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities, and a range of issues of importance to the disability and carer sectors around the National Disability Insurance Scheme and reforms to employment.

From 2018–2019, Nigel was Co-Chair of the National Disability and Carers Advisory Council for the Department of Social Services.

On a part-time basis, Nigel works as a Client Liaison Officer at CPL – Choice, Passion, Life (formerly the Cerebral Palsy League) and is a Peer Mentor with Queenslanders with Disability Network.

Nigel has Diplomas in Community Services, Justice Administration, Certificate SAI Global – Lead Auditor Quality Management Systems and is a Qualified Justice of the Peace (QLD).