About our members

Chris Bunton, NSW

Chris Bunton is a gold medallist at the World Games, an exceptional gymnast, an actor, and an advocate for people with Down Syndrome. Chris coaches young boys at a local gymnastics centre teaching them important gymnastics skills and everyday life skills.  

Chris has acted in a few feature films, TV shows and also short films with Bus Stop Films. Chris was part of the ruckus ensemble where he performed in several theatre productions and an international collaboration in Cambodia. As well as that, he is a co facilitator with DirtyFeet who provide dance and theatre workshops.  

Chris is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and challenging preconceived perceptions about people with disabilities through advocacy. Through his love for everything he does in life, he aims to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities and promote equality, also sharing his experiences to inspire positive change for all people with a disability and in society.  

Chris excels in teamwork and committee roles, spreading his optimism and enthusiasm to people from all walks of life. Through sports, he has embodied the values of perseverance, grit, determination, and positive change.  He has a vision for a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone with and without a disability in the future. 

TAS representative – coming soon

Jenny Bowden, VIC

Jenny is involved in a community choir and volunteers at a Red Cross Op shop once a week. Jenny’s interests include dancing, art and  gardening and she keeps active doing pilates, swimming and going to the gym.   

Jenny loves attending YMCA camps during the year.  

Jenny worked part time  for Valid,  which is the Victorian peak advocacy organization for people with an intellectual disability. 

Jenny is passionate about getting people out into the community and would like to give a voice to people with Down syndrome. She is also a member of the Down Syndrome Victoria Advisory Network. 

Bella Kobayshi, SA

I am the owner of Magnolia Tea. I make and sell my teas from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. I am half Japanese. I have lots of family. I love to party and have friends and company around me.  

I am a mum to my pet cat, Julian. 

I am kind.  

Lisa Tiernan, NT 

 I’m Lisa from Darwin in the Northern Territory.  I have lived in Darwin all my life and will be 35 this year.  I live at home with my mum, sister and pets.  Later this year, I’m really excited as Mum and I are moving to the Sunshine Coast. 

I completed year 12 and started work in 2015, part time for the Northern Territory Government in an Admin Support role. Some of my duties include scanning private confidential folders, checking that there is milk in the fridge, and making name badges for new staff. I love my job and helping my work colleagues.    

I am also learning cafe and barista skills at Bunnings – it’s great fun to learn new skills each week and serve customers 

I been bowling for over 15 years and I have lots of fun and making friends when I represent the NT for National Disability Championships around the Australia every year. In 2018 I was a finalist in the NT Young Achiever Awards, in the Sports Category and won the Peoples Choice. 

I am involved with Total Recreation, we have social activities, fitness and best of all is the Market Project.  In the market project I made ceramic cheese platters and sold them at Darwin markets. I also have learned ballroom dancing.   

I love to travel everywhere and have been on cruises, travelled to England and love going to Bali, it’s our second home, and only 2 hours by plane.  

I join the Down Syndrome Advisory Network Group with DSA, and help them with workshops on zoom.  I hope to go to the World DS Congress in Brisbane. 

Michael Cox, QLD 

Bright, passionate, and enthusiastic, Michael brings the following attributes to all that he does; 

·         Highly motivated with excellent communication and people skills 

·         Reliable and relatable 

·         Independent thinker with positive life outlook 

Applying the same dedication, focus and commitment that led Michael to achieve at the highest level in international swimming, Michael, now seeks to help people ad groups to bring out the best in themselves and sees health and fitness, equality and inclusion as the foundations for better living. 

Claire Mitchell, QLD

Associate member

Claire is a 35-year-old woman who is passionate about speaking for younger people with Down syndrome. She enjoys public speaking and has been involved in presenting at different organisations and at the University of Queensland. She is involved in a choir, has previously been involved in performance school and enjoys musical theatre. Claire is also very proud to be working part-time as an administrative assistant.