New Chair and Deputy Chair of Down Syndrome Australia
14 August 2023
Down Syndrome Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Rebecca Kelly and Mr David Fuller as the new Chair and Deputy Chair respectively of the Board of Down Syndrome Australia.
The Board of Down Syndrome Australia are confident that Rebecca and David will provide exceptional leadership and guidance to the board moving forward. The Board would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Chair, Angus Graham OAM, and the outgoing Deputy Chair, Grant Lindsay, for their outstanding contributions and dedication. Angus and Grant are the inaugural Chair and Deputy Chair of Down Syndrome Australia since its formation in 2011 and their tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping our direction and success over the past 12 years.
Angus said of the appointments “I am thrilled the Board has appointed Rebecca and David to these important roles. Their significant contribution to DSA and their respective State organisations has been exemplary. I would also like to thank Grant for his strong support since the inception of DSA as well as his ongoing contribution to the disability sector as Chair of AFDO”.
Grant said ”I congratulate Rebecca and David on their respective appointments; their dedication, clear thinking, and voice at the DSA Board table has been highly valued and I have no doubt they will take DSA forward in the future years. To Angus, thank you for your commitment – often above and beyond – as our inaugural Chair. It has been a pleasure to work with you, and indeed all current and past Directors, to improve and enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome and develop DSA into the strong and respected organisation that it has become.”
Angus and Grant will step down from the DSA Board at the 2023 AGM after a handover period.
Rebecca Kelly has been on the board of Down Syndrome Australia since 2020. Rebecca is an environmental scientist with degrees in mathematics and economics. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has three children including a son, Ryan with Down syndrome. Rebecca exhibits a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Rebecca said about her appointment “I am thrilled to take up this position as Chair, to build on the strong foundations Angus and Grant have created through their leadership and service to the organisation. In a short time, Down Syndrome Australia has grown to become a recognised and respected national voice; an advocate for realising systemic change so that all people with Down syndrome, their families and carers, are supported. This work is critical for people like my son, and our family, so that he can live a fulfilling life. I am excited to step into this role, alongside David as Deputy Chair, and with the support of Darryl as CEO. The future of Down Syndrome Australia is bright, and I am excited to lead the next chapter.”
David Fuller has been on the board of Down Syndrome Australia since 2018. David is a Member of Institute of Engineers, Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA from the Melbourne Business School. He and his wife Annmaree have five children, including their youngest, Sophie with Down Syndrome. David will play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s governance fostering collaborative relationships, and driving positive change within our community.
We would like to congratulate both Rebecca and David on their appointments. Their dedication, experience, and forward-thinking will be invaluable assets to Down Syndrome Australia. Together with the support of our committed Board members and passionate staff, we are confident that they will lead us towards a future of growth, progress, and improved services as the national voice for people with Down syndrome in Australia.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to our members, volunteers and partners for their continued support and belief in our mission. Working together with you, we are confident in our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome in Australia.