Committee and Staff

Karin Swift (she/ her) has had an extensive career in the disability, advocacy and social policy space where she is committed to people with disability living valued lives in the community. Karin is a past President of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) and has an extensive background in governance roles for other non-government organisations (NGOs). Karin has represented the Australian Government and WWDA at the Commission on the Status of Women 57 (CSW 57) held at the United Nations, New York, providing high level, strategic advice on women with disability and violence and presenting at various side events. Karin has also led training alongside the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and been a keynote speaker for WWDA in Indonesia and South Korea on gender and disability and the elimination of violence.

Karin has previously worked at Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) in various roles and provided strategic high-level advice and analysis on many contemporary disability issues and other social policies including: human rights, gender issues, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Disability Royal Commission, housing, transport, welfare reform and employment.

Karin currently works as an independent consultant providing strategic high level advice, policy analysis and giving presentations to a diverse range of audiences on a range of key disability social policy issues.

Kat (they/them/theirs) has been a local queer advocate and community builder in the ACT for the last eight years. They are currently the CEO of Women With Disabilities ACT – a systemic advocacy and peer support organisation for women, girls and non-binary identified people with disabilities. Kat was recently awarded 2021 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year and one of Out for Australia’s 30 Under 30 for 2021.

Their activism and community building work spans many different intersections. Since the age of 17, they have advocated for the rights of people of colour, queer youth, trans and non-binary people and people with disabilities. They’ve held positions of leadership in both local and national organisations including the ANU Students’ Association and led the Australian Queer Students’ Network as the National Co-Convenor. Kat was a Council member on the ACT LGBTIQ+ Ministerial Advisory Council and advised on issues affecting queer youth from 2015-2018.

Kat is also a political performance artist and through their arts persona they recently finished work on Australia’s very first all trans and gender diverse original musical titled Lost in Transit with a cast of six local trans and gender diverse artists.

Maria Scharnke is a proudly Disabled young person and a lifelong self-advocate. Maria is a vehement and persistent voice for disability rights and disability justice as a writer, public speaker, and youth leader, both independently and through her roles in many Disabled People’s Organisations. She presented evidence at the Disability Royal Commission, in October 2020, as a Disabled high school student.

Maria is working towards the full and practised realisation of disability rights worldwide. She has an interest in the interrelation between perceptions of disability and the concept of monstrosity. Maria dislikes bioethics, but studies them anyway.

Maria is Culturally and Linguistically Diverse.

(Committee Member)

Sophie (she/her) is a lawyer and policy professional who is passionate about gender equality, human rights and intersectionality. Sophie’s work in policy is informed by her experience as a Workplace Relations, Safeguarding and Discrimination lawyer, her passion for research and advocacy, and her lived experience of disability. She is also a public speaker and facilitator, with experience delivering workshops on neurodiversity, disability inclusion, consent and sexual harm, and gender equality.

Sophie has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Gender Studies from the University of Melbourne, and a post-graduate Law degree from Monash University. Sophie lives on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne.

Clare Gibellini (she/her) is woman with multiple disabilities, including Autism, who works as a passionate advocate for the inclusion of people with a disability in all areas of the community. She is the Co-Chair of the Oversight Council for the Australian Federal Government’s first National Autism Strategy, and a member of the National Disability Insurance Agency Independent Advisory Council’s Equity and Inclusion Reference Group. She is also the Deputy Chair for the WA Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability.

Clare currently works as Policy Officer for Women With Disabilities Australia, and is a Lived Experience Co-Researcher with the University of Sydney, specialising in Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction. She is also an emergency services volunteer with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (WA) and spends time working with various communities to build community preparedness.

She serves on multiple boards and steering committees focussed on improving outcomes for people with disability, and is a passionate human rights campaigner both in Australia and internationally. She was a delegate to the United Nations in 2022, 2023 and 2024 as part of the Australian delegation to the Conference of State Parties.

Claire Bertholli (she/her), currently lives on the lands of the Awabakal people in Newcastle. She is a youth worker and disability advocate. She uses her education and practice in sociology and anthropology, in tandem with her lived experience of being a wheelchair user with a physical disability, to influence social and community change. She has involved herself in many advocacy projects in various disability, intersectional feminist and youth centric NGO’s across Australia and internationally.

In her spare time she enjoys getting her wheels dirty on outdoor walks or in her beach wheelchair, enjoying food with friends and family, sharing pop culture recommendations with anyone who will pay attention and being in the thick of it at live music events.

Claire is extremely excited to start her journey as youth development officer, as she has been passionately engaged in many ways with WWDA initiatives since 2020/21 and knows what power and resilience can come from providing young people with platforms and opportunities to share valuable parts of themselves.

Sarah Smallman (she/her) is an advocate for social justice, an intersectional feminist, and a strong supporter of inclusive standards and policies. Her passion lies in addressing gender-based violence and working towards creating a society where all individuals can live free from harm and discrimination. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Applied Social Studies and is currently studying to become a registered psychologist.

As an intersectional feminist, Sarah believes in the importance of recognising and addressing the multiple and intersecting forms of oppression that individuals may face based on their gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, and other social identities. She strives to foster an inclusive and equitable environment that uplifts marginalised voices and promotes intersectional understanding.

One of Sarah’s core focuses is advocating for comprehensive resources, standards, and policies that support gender equality and empowerment. She believes that robust standards and policies are essential for challenging existing power structures, dismantling systemic inequalities, and promoting the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their gender or background. By actively participating in discussions and engaging with various stakeholders, Sarah aims to contribute to the development and implementation of effective resources and strategies that address gender-based discrimination and violence.

Sarah’s specific interest in gender violence stems from a deep commitment to ending all forms of violence and abuse perpetrated against individuals based on their gender. She is dedicated to raising awareness about gender violence, supporting survivors, and challenging the social norms and attitudes that perpetuate such violence. By engaging in research, education, and advocacy, Sarah aims to foster a society that not only responds effectively to gender violence but also prevents it from occurring in the first place.

Through her work Sarah hopes to contribute to the ongoing efforts towards a more equitable and just world where gender equality is realised, intersectional voices are amplified, and all individuals can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.

Jacinta (she/her) lives on the lands of the Muwinina people of Nipaluna Country/ Hobart and is a mother of two. She completed a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management) at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and has since developed her skills in digital marketing, graphic design, media, and accessible design. She is passionate about inclusive language and creating simple content.

She loves spending time at the beach, especially with her daughters, seeing her family and friends and doing small projects around her home.

Since 2018, Cat has been working in the health industry as a clinician and health educator. More recently, Cat ventured into the adult sexual health education sector as she is passionate about the sexual and reproductive health rights of all people, with a particular interest in advocating for the sexual and reproductive health rights of people with disabilities and LGBTIQA+ communities and how these communities intersect with one another.

Cat completed her Bachelor of Health Science in 2018 and in 2022 gained her Master of Science in Medicine specialising in Sexual and Reproductive Health from The University of Sydney.

In her spare time, Cat loves spending time with her family, gardening, and reading.

Justine Roberts is an experienced manager of community programs in the not-for-profit sector, known for her exceptional skills in community capacity building, program design, delivery, and evaluation. With a deep understanding of the diverse needs and experiences of different communities, Justine has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to participation.

Throughout her career, Justine has worked tirelessly to promote women’s and children’s rights and advocate for equality of opportunity for all. She has worked to improve outcomes for children in care, women escaping Family and Domestic Violence and children and families in disadvantaged communities. Her passion for social justice fuels her drive to create programs that empower marginalised individuals and ensure their voices are heard. Drawing from her personal lived experience as a woman with a disability, Justine is dedicated to improving participation and creating accessible and inclusive workplaces.

Justine’s work goes beyond mere professional expertise; it is driven by her genuine desire to make a positive impact and create a better world for future generations. Her dedication to dismantling barriers and striving for a more equitable society resonates in every initiative she undertakes.

As a manager, Justine brings a unique combination of empathy, strategic thinking, and a results-oriented approach to her work. She possesses a deep understanding of the power of community engagement and has successfully designed and implemented programs that foster empowerment and facilitate positive change.

Justine’s contributions in the not-for-profit sector have garnered recognition and respect from her peers. Her expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to her values make her an influential figure in the field of community programs. Justine Roberts is a force for social progress, breaking down barriers, and championing the rights and opportunities of all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, age, ability, or experience.

Annette’s career has been centred in the not-for-profit sector for the last four years, working in community outreach as a case manager and program facilitator. With an ongoing dedication to educating herself through a BA in Psychology and Children and Family Studies, Annette possesses a nuanced understanding of the complexities within this field. She also holds a certificate in understanding childhood trauma, underscoring her dedication to holistic well-being.

With a background in a diverse array of industries, Annette brings a wealth of experience to every role. Her tenure as a photographer, videographer, and editor in a media company has nurtured her keen eye for visual storytelling and honed her ability to capture moments that resonate with audiences. This expertise, combined with her knowledge of human resources and administrative requirements, uniquely equips her to bridge the gap between creativity and organisational strategy.

An advocate for mental health awareness and education, Annette is committed to fostering environments that prioritise emotional well-being. Her unwavering belief in equality fuels her drive to create inclusive spaces where all voices are valued and heard.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Annette has a love of animals, books and nature. She aims to spend as much of her personal time as possible camping with her partner and pets in quiet, forested areas – preferably near a good place to swim.

Annette’s dedication to her work, advocacy for mental health and commitment to equality exemplify her as a force for positive change in any endeavour she undertakes.

Growing up on Yuin Country in Nowra NSW, Sarah (she/they) has always had a desire to support rural communities and provide accessible and inclusive resources for social change in these areas. She is motivated by her lived experiences of disability and violence, providing space for intersectional voices in all aspects of her activism.

Sarah has worked in media and advocacy since 2021, taking on her first roles while studying a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Wollongong. She held the positions of Media Director for the Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs society, and Chief Media Officer for the Student Safety and Advocacy Society. Sarah now lives in Naarm (Melbourne), where in June 2024, she completed a Master of Strategic Communications Management at Monash University. As part of her studies, she completed a thesis on the social impact of depicting trauma on television.

She has engaged in several advocacy roles, particularly for the rights of survivors and disadvantaged communities. This work includes participating in the Roundtable discussion on New South Wales drink spiking legislative reform and taking on the role of Brand and Marketing Officer for the Safer Spaces Summer campaign, which won a Merit award for Campaign of the Year at the 2024 TechDiversity Awards.

Sarah also founded and runs advocacy media organisation Social Prally, a free resource that provides accessible information on media literacy and advocacy engagement. She prioritises digital accessibility and disability justice, advocating for inclusive design, political and social agency, and equitable outcomes for all.

Sarah has a range of interests, including pop culture and music, Ancient Greek history and mythology, and storytelling through game and art media.

Jessica is a dedicated advocate with a passion for helping others, particularly children, families and vulnerable community members. Her journey into this field began with the completion of a Diploma of Counselling in 2018, followed by a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Children and Family studies in 2022.

Throughout her studies, Jessica actively participated in volunteer roles with various non-profit organisations, focussing on supporting children and families. Additionally, she lent her support to a family business, demonstrating her commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Jessica’s dedication to amplifying the voices of children, families and communities is evident in her diverse roles within non-profit organisations. Her recent involvement in Child Protection demonstrates her commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. Drawing from her own lived experience with chronic complex health issues, Jessica is driven to advocate for those facing similar challenges, empowering them to navigate their journey with resilience and hope, knowing they are not alone.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her family, going for long walks, listening to podcasts and practising reformer pilates.