Sharon is an educator and disability advocate. She wears many different hats and performs many different roles.

She is the Chair of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council, a part-time lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), and also works across Queensland as a consultant in disability awareness.

She was the Queensland facilitator for the Leaders for Tomorrow program run across Australia in 2014 and is also a member of the Health Consumers Queensland Collaborative.

Diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis at 11, Sharon has used an electric wheelchair since she was a young adult. Over this time, she has devoted her life and her talents to promoting a true understanding of disability and diversity.

To help educators understand disability, Sharon designed an educational resource kit called “Another Day in the life of Sharon Boyce”. This includes a DVD and 20 laminated wall posters. Sharon has also written a children’s book called “Discovery at Paradise Island” that deals with the issues of social justice, disability and children’s reaction to it. This book was chosen to be part of the NSW School Syllabus.

Sharon recently released her new research book “Discovering Dyslexia” which showcases the experiencing of mysteries and the exploring of solutions.

Mark has 12 years’ experience in the Community Services space and his life’s mission is to speak up where others have fallen silent – whether because they need help to find their voice, or because they need someone to cheer them on.

Mark has experience in writing policies and interpreting legislation. His lived experience of disability has created a passion to challenge the boxes that others try to place him in. This motivated him to understand the rules better than those trying to impose them, and to utilise that knowledge to better position himself and others. His current role as a Support Coordinator and company owner, has been fuelled by this drive.

Mark has found running a business and living with a disability to be both challenging and rewarding. Helping others with a disability to start their own businesses and reach their full potential has brought Mark a lot of joy.

Having a movement disorder, Mark jokingly defines himself as someone who falls down a lot, but always picks himself up and keeps going. Perseverance and refusing to give up are mantras he lives by.

Melanie works two days a week in Media and Corporate Communications with the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services and was the Secretary of Women With Disabilities WA Inc – a non-profit incorporated organisation that is run by women with disabilities for women with disabilities.

Melanie graduated from Murdoch University with a double major in Japanese and Communication Studies in 2000, going on to work as a Japanese interpreter. She is also a User Analyst for Web Key IT, testing websites and documents for compatibility with her assistive technology.

Melanie loves socialising with friends and family, attending concerts and events, enjoying time at home and looking after her retired assistance dog.

Robert has been an above knee amputee since 2003, when he had a type of amputation known as a hip disarticulation where part of the hip joint is also removed. Since his amputation Robert’s life has totally changed – from ease of mobility to a life on crutches and using a wheelchair. Robert has been out of work since then.

Since 2010, Robert has been involved in his local community’s Men’s Shed, becoming its Treasurer in 2013 and now attending up to 3 days a week.

Robert is passionate about supporting people with physical disabilities, particularly those who feel overlooked or unseen, and advocating for their inclusion in community activities and social interaction.

Robert became aware of PDA in late 2019, during Melbourne’s incessant 2020 COVID lockdowns, when he began attending our online Social Hours. These events (run weekly at the time) provided him with support, belonging and community and fuelled his interest in being part of PDA’s Board.

Robert has an associate diploma of Business Computing and recently began work on a website dedicated to the history of his old secondary school. He has a love for electronics and creating items, which helps keep him active.