2025 Disability Champion award winners, with our Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) and CEO Jodie Geissler

7 December 2025

This week, we came together to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) with a vibrant week of activities across all our campuses. The celebrations were a powerful reminder of our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for people with disability — both within our workforce and in the care we provide.

This year’s event was particularly meaningful as it marked three years since the launch of our Disability Action Plan 2023–26, giving us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the next steps we’ll take to strengthen equity and inclusion.

Over the week, staff engaged with interactive booths, explored resources, learned about the new Disability Awareness ATLAS training package and celebrated our Disability Champions. 

Occupational Therapy Manager and Disability Inclusion Committee Chair Brynn Lewin shares, "It was wonderful to get out to all the campuses and speak with staff about the DLO program and the Disability Awareness Training. Awarding the Disability Champions was a particular highlight for me. Sharing their small actions that made a huge impact on patients and colleagues was inspiring."

As part of the IDPwD event, we recognised individuals who have made meaningful adjustments in the way they care for patients or support colleagues with disability through the Disability Champions award:

Jo Wrench, Director of Psychology General Health

Jo is a disability champion by fostering a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace, Jo ensures staff with disability feel respected, heard, and supported to raise concerns.

Bronwyn Simpson, Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Bron is a disability champion by advocating for practical supports — like accessible parking — and championing disability inclusion, Bron has strengthened equity, acceptance and opportunity for staff with disability across Austin Health.

Maddison Taylor, Belinda Westaway and Anna Hodgetts, 9 West Nursing and MDT team

Maddi, Belinda and Anna are disability champion by leading carer and support people participation on the ward through the FACT project. The 9 West team has strengthened patient experience, outcomes and staff satisfaction.

Kathy Kovco and Kate Hunt, Health Information Services

Kate and Kathy are disability champions by proactively connecting the right supports and creating a safe space to seek help, Kate and Kathy enabled a staff member to successfully access the NDIS plan they needed.

Emma Wadeson, Divisional Manager Specialty and General Medicine

Emma is a disability champion by consistently “finding a way” and connecting teams to overcome barriers, Emma has long championed safe, inclusive care.

Emelia Wells, ED Doctor

Emelia is a disability champion by rapidly escalating concerns and securing a direct admission, Emilia prevented a distressing ED visit and ensured the patient received care in a calm, safe and dignified environment.

Linda Dupont, Bed Manager

Linda is a disability champion by advocating for a direct admission and avoiding an ED presentation, Linda supported a patient to receive healthcare in a way that suited them

Johanna Clapp, Surgical Liaison Nurse

Johanna is a disability champion by organising both Auslan and Deaf interpreters across multiple appointments, Jo ensured the patient could fully understand their care — upholding their rights, dignity, comfort and confidence throughout their healthcare journey.

Jodie McGregor, Neuropsychologist

Jodie is a disability champion by advocating for fair car parking access for staff who rely on driving due to disability, this action raised the issue to executive and led to an equitable solution being achieved.

Cath Byrne, Nurse Unit Manager

Cath is a disability champion by proactively contacting the DLO for guidance, Cath ensured a support person with disability could stay longer at Talbot and communicate effectively with staff.

Betsy Kanakaraj, Clinic Administrator

Betsy is a disability champion by quickly gathering photos of clinic entry, exit and waiting areas, Betsy helped create a social script that made the patient’s visit easier and less stressful.

Simon Singer, Critical Care Registered Nurse

Simon is a disability champion by providing an Autism Care Plan and tailoring care in ED, Simon ensured the patient felt safe, understood and able to access equitable healthcare.

Michelle Tieman, Surgical Liaison Nurse

Michelle is a disability champion by coordinating multiple procedures in one visit and ensuring a quiet, timely appointment, Michelle provided safe, equitable care that met the patients needs.

Lyle Hodgson, Shariq Saeed and Terry Papadopoulos, ICT Services

Lyle, Shariq and Terry are disability champions by proactively understanding a staff members adjustment needs and creating tailored supports, this team enabled a new staff member with disability to commence employment.

Benjamin Ziegeler, Psychiatrist

Ben is a disability champion by taking the time to understand the DLO role and making timely referrals, Ben ensures patients receive the right support at the right time.

Lisa Sherry, Director Rehab Medicine

Lisa is a disability champion by establishing a specialist disability clinic Lisa has supported patients with disability to access holistic healthcare.

Adrian Spinelli, Nurse Unit Manager

Adrian is a disability champion by tailoring the environment and ensuring patients feel heard and understood, Adrian consistently advocates for care that truly meets individual patient’s needs.

Jason Quinn, Bed Manager and Clinical Unit Manager

Jason is a disability champion by facilitating a direct admission and avoiding ED, Jason ensured a safer, calmer experience for a patient who finds the emergency environment overwhelming and triggering.

Steph Fletcher, Associate Nurse Unit Manager

Steph is a disability champion by preparing a low-stimulation single room and placing the Autism Care Plan at the bedside ahead of arrival, Steph ensured the patient felt understood and comfortable from the moment they reached the ward.

Damien Bassiner, Leisure and Lifestyle Activities Coordinator

Damien is a disability champion by creating meaningful outings, activities and celebrations Damien transforms the Brain Disorders Unit into a safe and dignified environment where patients feel valued, connected and empowered.

Shelby Brady, Associate Nurse Unit Manager

Shelby is a disability champion by proactively involving the DLO and adjusting the environment — like organising a low-stimulation single room — Shelby ensures patients feel safe and supported to access their care.

Congratulations to all our Disability Champions!

A big thank you to the DLO team for organising the events and activities, and to everyone who participated and contributed to making IDPwD 2025 such a success. 

Picture of our DLOs past and present with Consumer Partner Assunta Fogliaro