Down Syndrome Australia Board
Down Syndrome Australia believes people with Down syndrome should be directly involved in the governance of the organisation that represents them.
Having directors with Down syndrome on our Board strengthens our leadership and decision-making. Their lived experience brings important insight into the policies, programs and advocacy priorities that affect people with Down syndrome and their families every day.
Boards are stronger when they include different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking. For organisations that represent a specific community, it is especially important that people from that community are part of governance and leadership.
This approach reflects the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), including participation, inclusion and the right of people with disability to be involved in decisions that affect them.
Down Syndrome Australia is committed to inclusive governance. We provide supports to help all Board members participate confidently and effectively. This includes accessible information, Easy Read summaries, dashboard reporting and opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification.
These supports help make sure every director can contribute meaningfully while bringing their own expertise, perspective and lived experience to the Board.
By including directors with Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Australia strengthens both its governance and its connection to the community it represents.
Director, Chair
Dr Rebecca Kelly
Rebecca is an environmental scientist with degrees in mathematics and economics. Following a career as an academic, Rebecca started her own research and consulting company isNRM Pty Ltd in 2008. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a current Committee member and past President of Down Syndrome Tasmania, and a previous Director of St Giles (a disability service provider). Rebecca has a son with Down syndrome.
Director, Deputy Chair
David Fuller
David is Chair of Down Syndrome Queensland. He 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.
Director, Treasurer
Peter Murray
Peter is an experienced chartered accountant and works as a finance manager on a large project within the government sector. Peter has a strong interest in education due to growing up with two teachers as parents. He has a personal connection with the Down syndrome community through his youngest son and his sister-in-law.
Director
Claire Mitchell
Claire Mitchell is passionate about being a voice for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
In her community Claire is a highly respected role model, advocate and leader. Her passion for public speaking and changing attitudes has led her to being asked to be part of numerous disability awareness campaigns, focus and advisory groups and committees. Notably, Claire was asked to represent Down Syndrome Australia at the 15th Conference of State Parties at the United Nations in New York in 2022.
Claire was the QLD representative for the Down Syndrome Advisory Network for Down Syndrome Australia for 6 years and an Associate Member for a year. Claire is proudly, since 2020 the first Independent Director with Down syndrome on the Down Syndrome Australia Board.
Claire’s main goal is to raise awareness about the contributions that people with intellectual disabilities can bring to their community, and how they can best be supported to be involved.
Claire believes in having a positive attitude and that the best support outcomes happen when everyone is working together as a team.
Director
Michael Cox
Michael is a passionate self-advocate from Queensland. He’s known for his vibrant personality, leadership and dedication to promoting health, fitness, equality and inclusion. After competing in international swimming, he now helps people and communities reach their full potential. Michael is an independent thinker with a positive attitude and a strong sense of responsibility.
Michael is a member of the Down Syndrome Advisory Network (DSAN), where he advises Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) on issues affecting people with Down syndrome. In 2024, he represented DSA at the United Nations Conference of State Parties (COSP) in New York City. There, he spoke on key topics like employment and inclusion.
Director
The Hon Matthew Mason-Cox
Matthew has served as a member of the NSW Parliament, holding Ministerial and leadership roles, including as President of the NSW Legislative Council and Vice-President of the International Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Matthew has held senior roles in private and public sectors and served on the boards of a diverse number of business, education and charitable organisations. He is also recognised as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Matthew has a background in law and finance. He is married with four children and his youngest daughter has Down syndrome.
Director
Gemma Namey
Gemma is a lawyer with extensive experience in human rights, particularly the rights of people with disabilities. She has held a variety of senior positions in the NSW Government, including at the Crown Solicitor’s Office, and also in the community sector at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the Intellectual Disability Rights Service. She has advised and worked directly with clients with intellectual disability, including people with Down syndrome.
Gemma currently serves as a senior lawyer advising the Cabinet Office in the NSW Government and is a previous director of the Down Syndrome Association of NSW. Gemma is the mother of two delightful young girls, the eldest has Down syndrome.