Jasmine Irwin serves as the Acting Chairperson on the Governance Committee at MDAA, a role she has held since 2024. With a background in child protection services and extensive experience working with children with disabilities, Jasmine has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past 10 years. She is a highly dedicated and focused child protection worker, deeply committed to child advocacy and community service. Jasmine holds a degree in Social Psychology and Criminology, which has been integral in shaping her approach to child welfare and protection. Her passion for improving the lives of vulnerable children and families continues to drive her work within the sector.

Basim Shamaon is a highly respected and valued community leader in South West Sydney, whose work with migrants and refugees especially those with disability is his life, passion and identity. Fluent in Arabic, Assyrian and Chaldean languages, he has recently released his own book, From Iraq to Australia: Jewels from My Journey, which has been – and continues to be – distributed free to migrants and refugees to inspire them in their own settlement journeys (See story on launch here). He is a friend and advocate of many refugee groups including people with disability, regardless of religion or nationality. He has volunteered for countless organisations, and represented the multicultural community by hosting community events, sitting on discussion panels, speaking to the media and donating his time to individuals when needed.

Basim is currently the Chair of the NSW Refugee Support Network (RSN), a forum of over 100 members from government and non-government agencies, individuals and community groups working with refugees and humanitarian entrants in New South Wales. The RSN aims to improve service provision and support for refugees and humanitarian entrants in New South Wales through dialogue, sharing of information and identifying strategies to address key issues. Basim is also an active member Fairfield City Multicultural Advisory Committee, Fairfield Emerging Communities Action Partnership (FECAP), Fairfield Multicultural Interagency and many more.

Some of Basim’s awards and recognition includes, Fairfield Council’s Young Citizen of the Year, NSW Government Community Service Award, National Volunteer Week Award, Australia Day Community Medallion, Inspire Care Factor Award, Welcome Project Award, NSW Humanitarian Highly Commended Award, Exceptional Community Partnership Award and many more.

Basim has a Bachelor of International Studies and a Master of Arts in TESOL as well as an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management, Diploma in Community Services, Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management, and Diploma of United Nations.

In his current role, as a Stakeholder Engagement Manager with Navitas Skilled Futures he collaborates with many people by listening to their needs and responding with innovative solutions.

Allen is an experienced and hands on Technology Consultant and Project Manager with over ten years industry experience. He is known for being a reliable consultant who finds solutions to complex problems and always goes the extra mile to deliver quality service. His technical skills make him a valuable addition to any project, Allen is committed to helping individuals understand how technology can benefit their businesses and empower them to achieve more.

With over 20 years of experience in the commercial sector, Neil has successfully managed large-scale, profitable businesses, demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence. His extensive career has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge in business operations, financial management, and team development.

Neil is a proud Aboriginal man from the Wiradjuri people, with lived experience of mental health challenges. He brings a deeply personal understanding of resilience, community connection, and the importance of mental health advocacy. His journey has shaped his passion for creating opportunities and supporting individuals from all walks of life.

Now, Neil is focused on giving back to the community, using his professional expertise and lived experience to make a meaningful impact.

Yvonne Munce is the Executive Director of MDAA. With extensive experience in the disability sector, Yvonne has worked with individuals across all age groups, advocating for their rights and supporting their journeys. Her previous roles include serving as a Disability Royal Commission Advocate and managing the National Disability Advocacy Program and NDIS Appeals teams.

As a leader, Yvonne adopts a contemporary leadership approach to empower and strengthen the MDAA workforce. Her lived experience of disability and deep understanding of systemic barriers drive her commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and meaningful change.

Yvonne’s keen interest in the Social Sciences reflects her dedication to understanding complex social dynamics and addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Her Chilean heritage enriches her perspective and reinforces her dedication to multicultural communities.

Through her leadership at MDAA, Yvonne continues to champion equitable opportunities and advocate for a community that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

William draws on his legal training and experience in administrative review to guide advocacy strategy and support his team to expand their skills and strengthen their ability to achieve great results for the people we support.

Sera’s role includes, leading strategy, stakeholder engagement, and systemic advocacy initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Laws/Social Science (Honours) and a PhD in Social Science. Sera loves cats, the gym, spas, and wellbeing, and enjoys reading about geography and world politics, travelling, journalling, and living her faith in God.

Simon is a dedicated Team Leader who began his journey as an Advocate and now leads a team of advocates. Coming from a multicultural background, he possesses a deep understanding of issues affecting people with disability, particularly those from diverse communities. He has extensive knowledge and experience in handling various advocacy matters, strong communication skills with a warm and welcoming approach.

Alicia holds a Master's degree in Development Studies and Culture Change. Alongside her role at MDAA, Alicia is a Sessional Academic in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University teaching social psychology and social philosophy. She sees the value in maintaining awareness of both theory and practice and is passionate about using this to strengthen her work as an advocate and in the community sector.

Highly experienced advocate with a decade of experience in disability advocacy.

Strong understanding of the NDIS, disability rights, and NDIS appeal processes.

Passionate about empowering people with disability and their family through advocacy, community engagement, and promoting human rights and social justice.

Rosa holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Politics and Philosophy, and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. Guided by a strong commitment to community and care, she brings extensive experience in community engagement and project management. Rosa’s passion and skill for fostering connections and supporting carers and people with disability enables her to create meaningful engagement with individuals and communities alike.

Saf is passionate about fairness and making justice accessible for everyone. A proud first-generation immigrant Australian, he emigrated from Fiji with his family at age 10 – a journey that shaped his commitment to inclusion and community.

He holds a Master of Laws, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from The University of Sydney and has worked across private practice, government, and higher education, using his skills in advocacy, governance, and compliance to drive positive change. Saf also serves as Company Secretary for the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW.

Outside of work, he enjoys gardening – especially growing fruit trees and vegetables – and spending time with his partner and his cheeky Jack Russell Terrier, Lex.

As a Disability Advocate with lived experience, I support and assist people with disabilities living in rural areas of NSW in regarding their rights and access to services. I have a postgraduate degree in Telecommunications and a certificate iv in Mental Health. I am passionate about the betterment of the world through the empowerment of its peoples.

Marwah has strong commitment to social justice and change, guided by her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Politics & International Relations, and current completion of a Masters in Social Work. Marwah’s role includes drafting submissions to State and Federal Governments advocating for social and policy change and amplifying the voices of people with disability from multicultural backgrounds. Marwah has a love for live music, travelling, and gaming.

I utilise my background in Psychology and the NDIS to assist people who have taken their NDIS claim to the Administrative Review Tribunal and assist them in putting forth their case, negotiating with the NDIA while undertaking the Tribunal process to assist them to meet their need.

Happy to be the bridge connecting people to the system.

Approach advocacy like a case study inspired by Holmes - observe, decode, and solve.

Have a lovely puppy in China.

Shannon has worked in various roles across the human services sector, including as a mental health clinician, NDIS Counsellor and now a Disability Advocate. He also works as a casual university tutor, training social work and counselling students to be ready for the field.

Shannon is passionate about supporting people from diverse backgrounds through service provision that is person-centred and centres service users’ voices. He holds a Masters (Qualifying) in Social Work, Masters of Counselling and PhD in music. Shannon loves learning about different cultures and history, gaming, trying new foods, and connecting with his Christian faith through his local church.

I enjoy supporting people with disability to understand their rights and access the services they need. I’m passionate about inclusion and equality. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, being in nature, and connecting with my community.

As a Disability Advocate with lived experience, Em supports diverse communities to navigate their rights and access to services. She holds a BA (Hons) in Gender Studies and Executive MBA in Hospitality Management. Outside of the colourful world of advocacy, she is a dog mum and a sparent to her niece and nephews.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in international studies, with a major in politics and peace.

I enjoy helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people to achieve their potential through advocacy. I also enjoy playing cricket, and basketball, as well as learning about history and philosophy.

Kirushikka is a disability advocate who believes in inclusion, accessibility and equality for all. She works to raise awareness, break down barriers and help to create communities where everyone feels seen, respected and supported. Kirushikka holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and is currently completing a Masters of Social Work. She enjoys reading, watching movies and travelling.

Arjun holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, a Master's Degree in Commerce and a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and is currently working towards a Certificate IV in Mental Health. Arjun loves to help clients understand their rights and build their capacity to express themselves, while learning about his clients' cultures in the process. His interests include animal rights, music production, and spending time with his partner and their cat.

Judith has worked at MDAA for more than 20 years. She is responsible for all administrative tasks including finance and payroll.

She believes that working for MDAA is rewarding, exciting, challenging and that supporting people with disability should be a valued ambition. It is rewarding to succeed in this by working alongside diverse staff and consumers.

Aruni is part of the Admin Team at MDAA. Her role encompasses excellent customer service, assisting with recruitment, invoice payments, banking, memberships and the day-to-day office administration at MDAA. She loves collaborating and engaging with people to bring about the best outcomes for all.

She enjoys visiting art galleries, quaint cafes, the sound of ocean waves and walking barefoot on the beach. She is known to love a good declutter/makeover project and make heartwarming meals for family and friends.

I love being part of a team that celebrates diversity and inclusion. As an admin officer, I enjoy keeping things organised and helping others get their work done smoothly. Outside of work, I like spending time with family and friends, exploring local markets and gardening.

Adrian Wong BCom LLB UNSW works in the Australian Public Service specialising in governance, NDIS planning and disability services within the Australian Government.

He graduated with double degrees in Law from the University of New South Wales.

Adrian was awarded the Fairfield City Young Citizen of the Year in 2012. He was elected as Councillor in 2016 and served as Deputy Mayor of Fairfield City.

www.linkedin.com/in/wongadrian