29 September 2025
We’re thrilled to share a monthly update from the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) – a national group of people with Down syndrome who meet fortnightly to build their skills and share their views.
This month, we were very excited to meet two new members of DSAN and congratulate DSAN’s NSW representative Chris Bunton on his new appointment!
At our September 4 meeting, we welcomed both Isaiah Caruso and Jack Williamson to DSAN.
Isaiah is from South Australia and loves salsa dancing, keeping fit and playing guitar. He is passionate about helping others and speaking out about inequality. After completing the ‘Up the Hill’ program at Flinders University, Isaiah then started in the role of Inclusion Advisor with the South Australian Council of Intellectual Disability (SACID). Isaiah says of his role in DSAN, “I am learning more about being a leader and making new friendships. I am excited to improve at public speaking and representing our community.”
Jack is from Victoria and loves acting, hip hop, getting fit and spending time with his girlfriend. He works as an Office Assistant and Compliance Officer at an equipment hire organisation and he also works at a buffet restaurant. Jack has also recently joined Down Syndrome Victoria’s Advisory Network. Jack is keen to inspire others with disability to know they can have meaningful work and relationships.
Jack says of his role in DSAN, “I am excited to be part of the team and looking forward to all the new opportunities, especially meeting new people. I feel proud to be a voice for my community.”
DSAN’s NSW member Chris Bunton has also been appointed to the role of Australia representative for Down Syndrome Australia on Down Syndrome International’s newly formed Self Advocacy Group Network.
Chris says, “It is a great feeling to be selected to be part of Down Syndrome International’s Self Advocacy Group Network, and I cannot wait to start being an advocate.
I look forward to connecting with individuals from different countries and improving my self-advocacy skills. I hope I can strengthen my networks, work alongside self-advocates, and help raise awareness within the Down syndrome community.
I hope to learn about different cultures and the issues in different countries. Together with collaboration, I hope to learn about different approaches and solutions and how to self-advocate in varying circumstances.
Congratulations Chris and welcome again to Isaiah and Jack!
New member Jack is pictured below.