BSc Hons MDes RCA FRSA
A trained product designer with direct experience of taking a design from a student project into the real world, creating an internationally recognised and respected non-profit/social enterprise organisation and developing a range of products that have been used in over 130 countries. Motivation, the non-profit social enterprise he co-founded has worked closely in partnership with some of the major development and humanitarian response organisations worldwide, including the WHO and the International Committee of the Red Cross. David has experience of turning an innovative idea into something that is relevant, appropriate, scalable and sustainable while developing an organisation from a turnover of £38,000 to £5 million over 25 years.
He has experience of sitting on both sides of the table of non-profit boards and been an assessor and adviser to a public body on applications for appeals hosted by that body.
With 40 years lived experience of disability and 30 years experience with low income countries, he has a good understanding of the relevance of appropriate design innovation and provision in the right context. He has worked closely with organisations both ‘of’ and ‘for’ people with disabilities.
Well networked in the international sector, he has played his part in leading Motivation to become the internationally recognised ‘go to’ organisation for advice and training on wheelchair design and provision for low income countries. He has worked closely with the WHO serving on the Development Committee to develop and publish the ‘WHO Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in less resourced settings’ and the current ‘WHO Wheelchair Guidelines’.
A regular public speaker on subjects such as; lived experience of disability, Motivation’s work, also focussing on design, innovation, assistive technology and rehabilitation. In approaching any subject in this field, he brings a focus on the ‘practical’ to ensure real solutions.
In 2021 David stepped down from 31 years at Motivation to start a new venture ‘Freedom through Design’. He has continued his role in the sector on various WHO advisory panels and consulting and mentoring.
He is the Immediate Past President of the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics, a board member of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals and Chair of the company Koalaa, Specialising in upper limb prosthetics and orthotics for young people.
University of Otago
Dr Rachelle Martin is an academic and researcher at the University of Otago, with a 25-year background in neurorehabilitation physiotherapy and over 15 years in rehabilitation, disability and health research. Her work focuses on how health and rehabilitation systems, including those supporting people with spinal cord injury, can be designed, commissioned, and implemented in ways that centre lived experience and improve equitable access and outcomes. Grounded in the social model of disability and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, she uses co-design and realist approaches to understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions. Rachelle has led participatory research with disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, clinicians, and policymakers, with particular expertise in inclusive engagement within complex systems. Her work aims to translate lived experience into actionable system change, supporting more responsive, person-centred, and future-focused care and support for people living with long-term health conditions or experiencing disability.
The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University
Dr Bray is a Research Fellow at The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University. Her research uses participatory and co-design methods to understand the health and psychosocial needs of people with neurological injuries, with a focus on improving service delivery, rehabilitation experiences, and quality of life.
Alongside her role at the Hopkins Centre, Emily is a Social Worker with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA). Emily qualified as a social worker following her own spinal cord injury nearly 15 years ago, an experience that shapes her research and practice. At SCIA, Emily leads the Engage program, which supports people in exploring identity, purpose, wellbeing and connection as they navigate life after injury.
She has also implemented a supervision framework to strengthen staff capability, and, following up on her PhD work supporting young people with SCI to transition from paediatric to adult healthcare, she is supporting the development of a paediatric peer support program.
Writer, journalist, visual artist and peer trainer
Tim Rushby-Smith is a writer, journalist, visual artist and peer trainer. Originally from the UK, he now lives on the South Coast of NSW with his wife and children.
Tim turned to writing following a spinal cord injury in 2005, telling his story with the intention of helping others to appreciate what’s involved in getting back to ‘normal’.
The author of two books, Tim has also written for numerous publications and broadcasters around the world including a stint as a columnist for The Times in London, as well as writing for the BBC, ABC, Granta, Enable Magazine, The Guardian and The Saturday Paper.
Alice Springs Hospital
Dr Don Campbell is a General and Respiratory/Sleep Physician of over 40 years standing, I work at Northern Hospital, Melbourne (until June 2026) and Alice Springs Hospital. Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor (Research) in Faculty of Art Design and Architecture, Monash University. Former President, Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand Former President, Adult Medicine Division RACP. On a background of a research MD in Immunology of the Lung I trained in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics as well as Design and Systems Thinking for health care professionals. Subsequently I have undertaken investigations into Asthma Mortality in South Australia (the largest in Australia) and provided confidential reports into in-hospital mortality in South Australia and Victoria, conducted audits of surgical mortality, built simulation models of patient flow in Emergency Departments and across Melbourne’s metropolitan hospitals and established a program for high needs, high use patients in tertiary hospitals (Patient Watch at Northern and Monash Watch) with Carmel Martin and Keith Stockman. I have published on design and systems thinking and have taught with Harvard Macy Institute on innovation in health and medical education. At present I convene the Morbidity and Mortality Committee for Scope Australia (first in the disability sector in Australia) and my current interests are in Virtue Ethics in healthcare, and addiction medicine and sleep.
Creative / Advocate, Melbourne
Maya Dove (she/her) is a creative and case worker who has lived with a spinal cord injury since birth.
Maya holds a Bachelor of Social Science from RMIT University and has trained with both The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and Australian Theatre for Young People.
Maya’s practice is drawn from her experience of living with a disability and her work as a case worker in the community-based sector. Maya is passionate about advocacy and championing the voices of young people living with a disability and honouring their experience.
Maya has performed at Queensland’s Performing Arts Centre, Melbourne Fringe and The Old Fitz Theatre Sydney. Maya has also appeared in fashion publications such as VOGUE Australia and Harper’s Bazaar.
Melbourne/ Alice Springs
Isaac is a creator, director, and writer who grew up in Alice Springs. He works across television series and documentaries. Notably, he co-created and directed episodes of the ABC/Netflix series MaveriX, receiving two nominations for the 2023 ADG awards and an AACTA award nomination. The action/adventure series follows a team of teenage motocross riders in Australia’s spectacular Red Centre. It was the largest production ever filmed in the Northern Territory.
He was also listed on Inside Film’s RISING STARS directors for 2022. In 2019, he directed The Legend of Burnout Barry, earning his first ADG Award nomination.
His diverse work includes documentaries for VICE, SBS and ABC, along with being the star and producer of FINKE: There and Back, narrated by Eric Bana. He was once beeped at on the highway by a tradie who recognised him from the movie — It was mostly “I seen you in the movie (...unintelligible).” Isaac gives a thumbs up, changes lanes.
He is currently in post production on his feature doco debut, Hard as Puck, following a team of para ice hockey players from Perth determined to take on the world. Set to premiere at MIFF 2026.
With a television show in development with EasyTiger Productions and a feature in development with Brindle Films, Isaac continues to develop a unique voice within the Australian screen industry as a paraplegic director. When he’s not directing, you’ll find Isaac creating characters out of thin air at local improv comedy shows, or riding his wheelchair-adapted motocross bike.
Austin Health
Sarah Fitzgerald is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at Austin Health, specialising in the intersection of physical and mental health. She has greater than ten years’ experience in a public hospital setting, working with individuals with physical health conditions and co-occurring psychological concerns, delivering psychological care to those adjusting to an injury or illness. Within the inpatient spinal cord units, Sarah established a model of care to support people through rehabilitation and the early stages following a spinal cord injury. In her current position as Clinical Psychology Lead, she leads multidisciplinary collaboration to improve the safety and wellbeing of consumers and frontline staff. Sarah is passionate about the provision of high-quality care within sustainable workforce and healthcare environments.
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
Dr Sophie Heywood is a physiotherapist and researcher at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. Sophie is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with an interest in physical activity, mental health and translating research into practice. Sophie's research has moved from her PhD in biomechanics and rehabilitation to trauma-informed care in allied health and mental health contexts. Sophie's current work includes developing education and training for the Upskilling in Trauma-Informed Care (UpTIC) project and exploring trauma-informed physical activity for people managing chronic physical and mental health challenges as part of the Churchill Trust Impact Funding program.
Austin Health
Dr Gillean Hilton (BOT, MPH, PhD) is an Occupational Therapist and clinician–researcher with over 20 years’ experience in spinal cord injury (SCI). Her work focuses on improving participation and reducing barriers for people with disability across healthcare and community settings.
Gillean currently leads the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) Sector Coordination program at Austin Health, supporting more inclusive, accessible and responsive health services across Victoria. Alongside her clinical leadership, she is actively engaged in research exploring peer-led models, rehabilitation, and health service inclusion, with a strong focus on translation into practice.
She brings a unique perspective that integrates clinical expertise, system-level change, and lived-experience-informed approaches to improving outcomes for people with SCI.
Monash University
MICHELLE D. LAZARUS, SFHEA, PhD, is a Professor and the Director of the Centre for Human Anatomy Education and Deputy Director of the Centre for Scholarship in Health Education at Monash University, in Australia.
Her work focuses on building a resilient and capable society which can respond to and embrace the uncertainties and complexities ever-present in our natural world. She is an award-winning educator having received the Australian Universities Teaching excellence award, and multi-book author having written the “The Uncertainty Effect: How to Survive and Thrive through the Unexpected” and “The AI (R)evolution: Valuing Country, Culture and Community in a World of Algorithms” among others.
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Leanne Rees is a Senior Research Fellow with the MCRI Stem Cell Ethics & Policy Group and Allied Health Research & Translation Lead at Royal Melbourne Hospital. After twenty years working as a physiotherapist in SCI rehabilitation, Leanne’s curiosity into how media shapes experiences with SCI led to a PhD on this topic. Her research now investigates how media informs hopes and expectations in health and focuses on novel ways to counter therapeutic misinformation in the healthcare setting.
Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
Jay is a dual trained paediatric neurologist and rehabilitation physician and currently working as a Paediatric Rehabilitation Physician at the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital. She also has honorary attachments to MCRI and the University of Melbourne. Jay has expertise in child and adolescent neurology and rehabilitation and has trained extensively in Australia and internationally. She has also completed three postgraduate certificates in clinical education and leadership and has an interest in the transition between child and adult services.
Austin Health
Natasha van Zyl is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with expertise in upper limb reconstruction and functional surgery following neurological injury. She completed her medical degree at the University of Cape Town and undertook advanced surgical training in Melbourne, earning her Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2005.
Natasha has a special interest in nerve and tendon transfer procedures for spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries, as well as the surgical management of spasticity resulting from stroke, head injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Her work focuses on restoring function and improving patient independence.
She is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Austin Health and works closely with the Victorian Spinal Cord Service. Natasha is also an active member of several professional bodies, including the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Australian Hand Surgery Society and the International Spinal Cord Society.
Austin Health
Dr Joanne Wrench is the Director of Psychology (General Health) and a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist at Austin Health, and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne. A strong believer in the value of psychology in public health, she has led multiple grant funded projects on innovative models of care and has extensive experience in leadership, governance, and system‑level advocacy. This includes her roles as past Chair of the Victorian Directors of Psychology and current member of the Allied Health Council at Safer Care Victoria. Alongside her leadership work, Jo has over 20 years of clinical experience in rehabilitation and brain injury, with a strong focus on positive behaviour support in physical health settings.