6 May 2026
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 hear from Lisa.
Hi, my name is Lisa Tiernan. I am 37 years old and live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
I was born in Darwin, went to my local primary and secondary school, and worked with the Northern Territory Government for nearly nine years, providing admin support. I moved to Queensland with my mum in 2024.
I enjoy social and competition tenpin bowling. I compete in the National Championships every year. This year, they are being held on the Sunshine Coast, and I am proud to be reading the Bowlers’ Oath at the Opening Ceremony.
I also enjoy art and craft, playing on my iPad, and watching music videos and singing loud. I like to travel and learn about different places in the world – my favourite holiday place is Bali. I have been to Alaska, New Zealand, Gallipoli, Hong Kong, England, Scotland and Paris (and Euro Disney), Vienna and Salzburg (and did a Sound of Music tour), and many other places, and I am planning more.
I enjoy public speaking, and my greatest achievement was presenting at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane.
I started with DSAN in October 2023 and will finish my term later this year. One of the best things I like about being on DSAN is meeting new members and guest speakers, and learning more about what DSA does for our community. I have also been learning more skills, including how to advocate for myself and other people with Down syndrome and other disabilities – I like helping people.
I have also learned more about the members, their families, achievements, passions and favourite things. We all enjoy making videos for DSA’s social media on different topics. It was hard for me at first. We had to take several takes, but I am getting better and more confident. Later this year, I will be doing videos and giving tips on Disability Pride Month, Talk to Me, World Kindness Day, and my proudest moment.
Did you see Sandon’s video on 22 April for World Earth Day? He is great at making videos and shared some good tips on helping our environment.
My top tips are saving power and electricity, walking where you can instead of driving, composting fruit and vegetable waste and adding it to your garden, and turning off the tap when you clean your teeth to save water.
During April, DSAN continued to learn about advocacy and DSA’s advocacy areas. I am passionate about education, employment and health.
We also discussed what makes a good role model and shared who our role models are. A good role model is someone who shares your values, takes time to listen and guide you, encourages you and is honest, has strong leadership skills, and takes an interest in your personal goals.
I have many role models, but one of the most important was my first boss, Judy Clisby, from the Health and Community Services Complaints Commission. Judy always encouraged me to learn new skills, guided me in my role, and challenged me to speak up. I worked there for five years.
We have also been discussing topics for Voice and the theme “Speaking out and using your voice”. For example, asking for what you want, finding your voice and confidence, and how to make an impact.
Our ideas included going to speech therapy to help with clear communication skills, and using your voice in something you are passionate about. Chris suggested a crossword on the theme where you have to find words in an article or story. I thought that was an excellent idea. It is something different, and it could also be a word search puzzle.
I think we could also look at more advice on how to report your income with Centrelink, budgeting, and making sure you know how to ask for help if you need money for hospital, doctors, dentists, groceries and… cruises, and how to plan your overseas travel and holidays.
Thank you
Lisa Tiernan
