SACID BOARD

DELL STAGG

CHAIR

Dell has led SACID in a voluntary capacity since 2006. She was the sole parent and carer to her daughter Michelle for fifty years. Due to Michelle’s disabilities, Dell has been involved in advocacy on behalf of Michelle, as well as for others who are unable to speak for themselves. Dell’s passion and commitment lies in seeking “good lives” for people with intellectual disability, particularly those who are living in institutionalised arrangements. Keeping people with intellectual disability informed about their rights is foremost on her agenda. Dell regularly shares her experiences and deep understanding of disability by providing significant input into many State and Federal Government consultations relevant to people with intellectual disability and their families.

TONY SAULTERS

CO-DEPUTY CHAIR

Tony has personal experience of intellectual disability, being the co-guardian and advocate for his nephew who lives in supported accommodation. He has a strong commitment to community and fairness and has joined the SACID Board to help promote greater awareness, inclusion and consideration for people living with a disability and their families. Tony has over 20 years’ experience in executive and leadership roles in both Government and commercial sectors, having begun his career as a butler to HM Queen Elizabeth II. More recently, Tony has established a business that seeks to share contemporary business skills with organisations – including not for profits – focusing primarily on strategic planning, marketing and communications activities. His qualifications include an MBA from the University of South Australia.

GAVIN BURNER

CO-DEPUTY CHAIR

Gavin grew up on the Yorke Peninsula, the experience of which has led him to become a passionate advocate for people with disability living in rural and remote areas. He brings to SACID many years experience in the community sector having worked in both aged care and disability. Gavin has supported his local community working as a Program Assistant at the Camden Community Centre for over 17 years. Gavin is involved in self advocacy as a member of Our Voice SA where he also assists with delivering self advocacy training to others. He has used his voice as a member of the NDIS Participant Reference Group contributing feedback on NDIS processes and resources. More recently Gavin has taken on a position on the Intellectual Disability Reference Group, a sub-committee of the NDIS Independent Advisory Council. Never too far from his country roots, Gavin enjoys opportunities to explore nature and the outdoors with friends.

FELICITY CROWTHER

SECRETARY, PUBLIC OFFICER AND SACID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Felicity has worked in a range of positions in the disability sector including service development, project management and service management roles. Felicity is passionate about supporting people with intellectual disability to have a voice within their community. In both a professional and voluntary capacity she has assisted with the development of self-advocacy programs and supported individual’s with intellectual disability in their self-advocacy roles. This passion for supporting people with intellectual disability to have a voice has led her to undertake a PhD in the area of inclusive research. Felicity also enjoys sharing her knowledge, experience and passion with students through tutoring at Flinders University in the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit.

RICHARD BRUGGEMANN

TREASURER

Richard has worked in the disability sector for many years. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Intellectual Disability Services Council (IDSC) from 1984 until 2006. Richard was appointed as Professorial Fellow in the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit of Flinders University where he developed and ran the Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies (Leadership). Richard recently retired from his role as Senior Practitioner in the South Australian Department of Communities and Social Inclusion where he led the work on the elimination of the use of restrictive practices. Richard has served on many boards and committees relevant to disability. His principal interest is in the wellbeing of people with intellectual disability, how they can take control of their lives, participate in, and contribute to the South Australian community.

CHRIS BERGIN

GENERAL MEMBER

Chris is a self-advocate and represents the voice of people with intellectual disability on the SACID Board. He is also a member of the Express Yourself Self Advocacy Group in Adelaide. Chris has represented South Australia on the Inclusion Australia – Our Voice Committee for a number of years. The Our Voice National Committee is made up of self advocates from all over Australia. During his time on the Our Voice Committee, Chris contributed to advocacy work regarding the employment of people with intellectual disability and helped other people with intellectual disability to understand the NDIS. Chris is also employed with SACID as an Inclusion Worker.

JOANNE BROWN

GENERAL MEMBER

Supporting genuine participation and inclusion of People with Intellectual Disabilities is important to Jo. She comes to the Board with both personal and professional experience of Disability. She is mum to two kids, including Liam who has Down Syndrome. She also has over 20 years’ experience in managing both community and disability programs and services in Government and community organisations. Jo has been involved in the NDIS since the trial in SA in 2013 and continues to advocate strongly for the needs of People with Intellectual Disabilities to be considered in Government policies and strategies

TISH CUSTANCE - THURSTON

GENERAL MEMBER

Tish has held a range of roles in Human Resources in disability service providers in South Australia and Victoria. She promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible environments. Tish possesses a Master of Business Administration, Graduate Certificate in Management and a Bachelor of Journalism. Tish joined the SACID Board with a desire to support SACID’s contribution to the community and vision to achieve an inclusive community where people with intellectual disability are involved and accepted as equal participating members.

DAVID DAVEY

GENERAL MEMBER

The needs of people with an intellectual disability have been an important focus of David’s life since 1972. That year he joined the local Whyalla association seeking a full community life for his daughter and other young people with disabilities. Improved access to preschool and primary schooling was achieved, while integrated community housing for adults was a further prominent issue pursued. David has continued his involvement in disability issues with conference attendance, and visits to centres promoting best practice in the support and integration of people with disabilities both in Australia and North America. He is presently an Adjunct Associate Professor of the University of South Australia.

RUTH DAVEY

GENERAL MEMBER

Ruth has been involved in disability both personally and professionally. She is a mother to Vicky who had multiple disabilities and preferred to communicate non-verbally. Ruth supported Vicky to run her own business and was one of the first people in the state to have a self-managed funding package. With Vicky as her inspiration, she completed a PhD at Flinders University with a study of “Exploration of the Relationship of Self-Employment and Quality of Life”. Ruth was employed for thirty years as Manager, Quality Assurance and Evaluation at Barkuma which involved determination of client satisfaction with service delivery. She believes strongly in advocacy for people with disabilities and that it is most effective through self-advocacy wherever possible.

JON DODSWORTH

GENERAL MEMBER

Bio coming soon.

TERRY FRANKLIN

GENERAL MEMBER

Terry is the sole parent and carer to his adult son who has an intellectual disability. Terry and his son Stefan have been navigating the NDIS to secure appropriate funding to purchase assistance and services which make the most sense to them and they bring this valuable perspective to our Board meetings. Stephan attends all SACID Board meetings with his father Terry Franklin. Stefan brings his personal experience of having an intellectual disability.

OLIVIA KING

GENERAL MEMBER

Olivia has personal experience of disability as the godmother of a child who receives services funded by the NDIS. Her godchild lives with severe and profound intellectual disability, autism, and physical disability resulting in significant mobility support needs and complex communication needs. Olivia has qualifications in Disability and Management and is currently furthering her studies in Disability and Developmental Education at Flinders University. Starting her career in the sector 12 years ago Olivia has held numerous roles in the management of disability services and supporting people living with disability who have high and complex support needs. Olivia believes in the use of a human rights approach to facilitate service user engagement, empowerment, choice and control, safety, and lifelong learning.