The Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN) is a group of people with Down syndrome chosen to work together to provide direct advice to the Down Syndrome Australia Board.
We thank the past members of the Down Syndrome Advisory Network for their work:
Michael Sullivan, New South Wales
November 2017 – June 2021
Michael was invited directly as the Australian representative for Down Syndrome International (self-advocacy group) and provided an excellent link between our work and work at the international level. He is an experienced and seasoned advocate for people with intellectual disability. He was Chair of NSW Council for Intellectual Disability from 2015–2017. He has previously been on the National Disability Advisory Council in Canberra and on the National Disability Insurance Agency Intellectual Disability Reference Group. Michael was also the Healthy Ageing Ambassador for the UNSW Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, and a member of Down Syndrome NSW.
Kylie Scott, NSW
November 2017 – September 2024
Kylie’s life as a person with an intellectual disability (Down syndrome) is very full. Her lived experiences have equipped her to share her story to empower others through her business – kyliedownsbarriers. For Kylie, it is essential that policies and practices focus on people’s ability – not disability.
In particular, she has worked in places where intellectual disability was not understood and the right support not provided. Her talks highlight some ways we all may assist people less able than ourselves so they are confident and included in all our communities.
Kylie is passionate about the UNCRPD and how Australia needs to change and improve to be able to meet our obligations to the CRPD. Kylie’s passion saw her, at the invitation of Down Syndrome International, fundraise for herself and her support person to attend and speak at the United Nations, New York, on 21 March 2023 – World Down Syndrome Day.
Elise Romaszko, TAS
August 2020 – March 2024
Elise lives independently in Tasmania. Elise has a positive and enthusiastic approach to work and helping others. She has experience working in a café and as an administrative assistant. She has experience in advocacy and was a member of the Minister for Disability Advisory Committee in Tasmania. She was also on the executive committee for Down Syndrome Association of Tasmania. Elise is creative and a performer. Elise enjoys making podcasts.
Elise is caring and enjoys being an advocate for her friends.
Ebony Beveridge, TAS
April 2018 – April 2019
Things that are important to me:
Going to the gym, going to work, my friends and family, dancing in Hip-hop and Brightstars Dance troupes, socialising, eating healthy and being independent.
What others say about me:
- Very interesting
- Kind and caring
- Good speaker
- Pretty funny
- Hard worker
Lauren Murray, ACT
March 2020 – September 2024
Lauren is from the ACT. She has completed a certificate in Business Studies and computer courses. She has been employed by Koomarri since 2006 and has worked in a number of working roles. She lives independently, attends a gym several times per week and is an active member of the Wizards Bowling League. Lauren has a positive outlook on life and is willing to challenge herself with new situations.
Andrew Domahidy, WA
November 2017 – July 2024, period of leave March 2020- April 2021
Andrew lives independently and is very involved in community activities. He is interested in graphic design, designing logos, doing pamphlets and newsletters, as well as having good committee skills. Importantly, he is interested in other people and always asks how people are, especially if he hasn’t seen them for a while. Andrew is also very interested in all things military and is a seasoned traveller.
Andrew is learning parkour and Italian.
Andrew is a representative for Down Syndrome Australia on Down Syndrome International. Andrew attends these meetings with his colleagues from around the world via zoom.
Matt O’Neil, Victoria
November 2017 – November 2020
Matt is very active in his community and interested in a range of social issues. He is involved with Club21, e.motion21, and is employed at a local café. He is also heavily involved in sports.
Nick McMahon, South Australia
November 2017 – August 2021
Nick is actively involved with Down Syndrome South Australia as part of their dance group and assists with teaching dance. He enjoys being involved and sharing his ideas.
Elizabeth Shelley, ACT
July 2018 – February 2020
Elizabeth Shelley is from the ACT. She works part time at the Big Green Cup café and enjoys gym, swimming and looking after her dogs Queenie and Ace. She is also a big Raiders fan and goes to all of their home games. She likes making people laugh and being with positive people who have a good sense of humour.
Brooke Canham, WA
March 2020 – July 2020
I’m working with Inclusion WA. I’m loving it. I love it because what we’re trying to do is make real decisions for people with intellectual disability. We got feedback from other states and territories into our resources, and we’re making a PowerPoint and brochure to deliver workshops about how people with intellectual disability can have more independence.
