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Victorian Disability Advisory Council

About the Victorian Disability Advisory Council

The Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC) was established in July 2007 under the Disability Act 2006.

The council provides independent policy and strategy advice to the Minister for Disability. This helps to increase the inclusion and participation of Victorians with disability.

To fulfil its functions, the council:

  • develops an annual forward agenda
  • holds meetings every two months.
  • works with government and the community to promote disability inclusion
  • supports the development, implementation and monitoring of Inclusive Victoria: the state disability plan.

The chairperson leads and represents the council. They play a crucial role to:

  • facilitate meetings
  • manage effective relationships with members and key stakeholders.

The Office for Disability in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing supports the council.

Current VDAC members

The following people make up the council. They help the Victorian Government continue its important work to make the state more inclusive and accessible.

Council members bring:

  • a wide range of lived experience of disability
  • expertise in disability inclusion related to advocacy, policy, and program delivery.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the diversity of the Victorian community. The current council has more than 50% women. It also has representatives who are:

  • Aboriginal
  • LGBTIQA+
  • culturally diverse
  • regional Victorians
  • young people
  • carers.

This council will serve a fixed term until July 2025.

Chris Varney - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Chris Varney (Chairperson)

Mija Gwyn - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Mija Gwyn (Deputy Chairperson)

Akii Ngo - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Akii Ngo

Amir Abdi - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Amir Brand-Abdi

Amanda Lawrie-Jones - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Amanda Lawrie-Jones (re-appointee)

Caitlin Syer - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Caitlin Syer (re-appointee)

Diana Piantedosi - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Diana Piantedosi

Gabrielle Hall - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Gabrielle Hall (re-appointee)

James Griffiths - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

James Griffiths

Jen Hargrave - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Jen Hargrave OAM

Laura Pettenuzzo - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Laura Pettenuzzo

Martin Heng - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Martin Heng (re-appointee)

Samantha Lilly - Victorian Disability Advisory Council

Samantha Lilly

Disability Pride

More information

If you have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us.

Updated