PURPLE ORANGE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Project Leader - Our Voice SA
My work at JFA Purple Orange involves supporting Our Voice SA group to become stronger and to run self-advocacy workshops for people living with an intellectual disability in South Australian country regions. I love being able to work alongside people to live their best life, being part of the Purple Orange team means I can help people understand their rights and give them the confidence to speak up and have a say about what happens in their lives. When not working I enjoy crocheting, going to country music events and camping with my husband and two boys.
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Leader
I am passionate about promoting the rights, choices and inclusion of all people, particularly people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and/or live with disability. My work at JFA Purple Orange allows me to assist people living with disability to access the supports they need to achieve their goals, be part of the community and live the life they choose. My work also allows me to influence and educate others about the issues experienced by people living with disability, such as housing and inclusion. When I'm not at work, I enjoy baking, walking, and attending live sport, theatre, and concerts.
In my work with the SKILL Project I get to talk with people about ideas, options and opportunities to build new skills and make changes in their lives. I really enjoy supporting people to make their own choices through providing meaningful information to make this happen. I am a creative and active person, and when I'm not working, I like to get out and about to markets and restaurants, live music gigs, travel around our country and the world, and listen to Rock and Roll music!
Job Titles:
- Administration Officer - Enabled Youth Disability Network
I work with Julia Farr Youth, a committed group of young people living with disability, working with and advocating for young people living with disability in South Australia. I assist with the running of our youth Peer Support Network. I'm passionate about working with young people. They are often overlooked when really they have so much knowledge through lived experience that can shape the community and support others to live a full life. I'm a sports and music nut who loves the outdoors. You'll find me at the cricket, footy or at a live gig.
Job Titles:
- Project Officer - Road to Employment
I work with people to create inclusive and accessible workplaces. My hope is for people to feel they can thrive, in every way possible, when it comes to their chosen education and career, goals and adventures in life. I get excited when I hear stories or moments that celebrate this and believe it has the power to create meaningful and positive change. In my downtime, I love sports, travelling, food and relaxing with my family at the beach.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Policy & Projects
I'm fortunate in my role to provide support to some fantastic projects that connect South Australians with disability to each other via peer networks, and provide our community with information they might need to live the life they want and deserve. Another thing I do is work with the policy team. I do this by supporting them in their goal of encouraging government to prioritise disability inclusion in all of their decisions. I also work with other organisations to encourage them and give them strategies on how to better their own access and inclusion. I'm committed to Disability Justice and bring my own perspective as a proud disabled woman, and my experience working with the broader disability community to all that I do in work and life. Outside of work, my life revolves around my rescue dog Dolly.
Job Titles:
- Media Production and Connection Leader
I help JFA Purple Orange tell stories that get to the core of what they do and why they do it. My favourite projects to work on are the ones that amplify the voices of the people JFA Purple Orange exists for. It's an honour to listen to each and every person's story I have the privilege to share. When I'm not behind a camera or in the editing suite, you may find me climbing a giant rock somewhere.
Carla graduated with a Bachelor of Law in 2016 and is an experienced lawyer and advocate, having previously worked at the Legal Services Commission in civil, family and criminal law matters. Carla provided legal advice and assistance as lawyer and state coordinator for Your Story Disability Legal Support services to any person who wanted to share their story of any violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation they may have witnessed or experienced. Carla continues to assist people as a lawyer for a personal injury law firm. Carla has lived experience of disability and is a member of the MS Society in SA. She strives to work alongside like-minded people and drive positive change for people living with disability. In her spare time, she enjoys Latin dancing, travelling and spending time with her young family.
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Leader
My work at JFA Purple Orange focuses on local government, accessible communities, and inclusive neighbourhoods. My strong sense of curiosity drives me to research policy issues and to find out the history behind why things are the way they are. I value hearing about people's experiences and enjoy the challenges of analysing problems, developing solutions, and writing persuasively to influence real-world change. When the weather obliges, I like going for long walks, and when it doesn't, I love reading books and listening to podcasts.
I work in the finance team and look after the day to day financial demands of the organisation. I have been lucky enough to work here for nearly ten years and have loved the ever changing environment and the progressive nature of Purple Orange. When I'm not at work I'm kept busy by my gorgeous family, shopping and dreaming about travelling to new and exciting destinations.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Treasurer of the Board
- Director at BDO Australia
Daniella is a Director at BDO Australia and former Chair of the SA/NT Diversity and Inclusion Panel for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Daniella has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Diploma in Chartered Accounting. She has provided accounting, tax and advisory services to emerging businesses, fast growing corporate groups, high- income and high-net worth individuals and family groups for over 10 years. She has significant experience in tax and accounting, including GST and international tax matters, across a wide range of industries including technology, manufacturing, property, health and professional services. She has successfully led a number of clients through large-scale business sales and acquisitions. Daniella is passionate about breaking the stigmas around disability through inclusive education.
I spent my time thinking about how we can increase the quality, consistency, training and support of disability support workers. I am passionate about great support and keeping excellent support workers in the sector for as long as possible. My project holds workshops for people in support roles of any kinds, along with a community of practice which bring support workers together to chat, reflect and connect. I work with our sister organisation inhousing as well, making sure that their tenancy team know what great support looks like and helping our tenants get the most from their homes and communities. Outside of work, I have a greyhound named Doc. I spend my spare time laughing at the upside down nature of his sleep.
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Leader
My name is Ellen. I am passionate about people with disability sharing their experiences and being heard on topics they want to talk about.. I listen, read and think critically about the many small and big issues that people with disability talk about and then advocate to government and community for change. Outside of work, I love hiking and travelling off the beaten track or burrowing down at home with a movie.
Job Titles:
- Project Officer - Road to Employment
At Purple Orange, I am working on a project to increase inclusion for students living with disabilities in schools. I am passionate about inclusive education and the positive impact it has on everyone. I am excited about seeing the flow on effect of inclusion outside the classroom into society from this project, and all the work Purple Orange does. When I am not at work I love to play boardgames or paint and hide rocks for ‘SA Rocks'
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Officer
I work on discovering new ways that people in positions of power, like politicians and people who work for the government or business, can play their part in improving the lives of people living with a disability. Once the team I work with and I discover these new ways, we speak up to the powerful people about our ideas and hope they listen. I love having the opportunity to try to improve the lives of many people all at once. I have lived with disability in my household all my life, so I value bringing these first hand experiences to Purple Orange. I have a passion for seeing almost every type of live music or arts, ranging from opera and modern dance to heavy metal and stand-up comedians.
Job Titles:
- Strategy Leader Governance and Philanthropy
I work with the board and team at Purple Orange to make sure that they have the information they need to make good decisions for our community and organisation. I also work with the people and organisations that we support through our grant programs. I love working with so many different people who each bring their own experiences and skills to Purple Orange - I'm learning new things every day. Outside of work you'll find me outside! I spend weekends looking after our tiny garden, riding my bike, and hiking.
I'm an accountant situated in the finance team, and I provide financial assistance to the Julia Farr group. Seeing the social successes of JFA Purple Orange validates for me the fit and compatibility with my own core values. It is always heart-warming seeing positive results from our collective endeavours. On a personal note, I try to keep fit when I can but looking after two young kids makes it difficult. I love food and cooking, as well as Lego, cycling, cricket and I've been recently nerding out in the world of whisky.
I love working in human resources and helping others to achieve their goals. My work is very meaningful as I'm often behind the scenes (with a team) working out a solution to a process problem. I love problem-solving and working with my team to improve practices which ultimately helps people feel valued and safe at work. To me getting the basics right as well as being kind, understanding and supportive means we can continue to build and add value to the amazing work we do. I'm blown away seeing our people doing amazing things every day to support one another and the community. When I'm not at work, I'm loving life and often discovering new favourite places with my 3 daughters.
Job Titles:
- Project Officer - Tourism Local Navigator
I work with the tourism industry, providing one-on-one business mentoring to guide them through inclusive recruitment with the aim of seeing more people with disabilities employed in the industry. My favourite part of my job is using my lived experience of disability to enrich the mentoring and make a change for people just like me! Outside of work, I am a former registered elite athlete with the University of South Australia (graduated 2023 Bachelor of Human Movement/ Bachelor of Psychology), as a national level Dressage and Show Horse rider.
My job is to help people better understand how they can help themselves. No matter what abilities, identities, shapes or colours, all should be given the right and means to that famous "fair go". I love seeing individuals gain control of their own lives and achieve what truly matters to them. I feel at home within a team and organisation that gives real, practical meaning to respect and inclusion. On days off I tackle the weeds in my garden, badger my children to spend time with me, and always have a beading project on hand when all else fails.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to CEO
I administer our grants program and offer logistical support to various projects we run, as well as provide administrative support to the office. It is really touching to know that I play a small part in making a difference to our grant recipients lives and that makes my job very fulfilling. In my spare time I love taking photos, skyping my family back home and hanging out with my husband and our cats Reggie and Jasper.
Job Titles:
- Project Leader - Disability Elders of All Ages
I support Disability Elders of All Ages, a diverse group of people living with physical and sensory disability in SA. I enjoy listening to the group's interests, ideas, and experiences. I build on these by booking speakers, sharing information, and organising events and workshops. I am passionate about ensuring peoples' voices are heard, and that people have the information, skills and support they need to advocate at all levels. Outside of Purple Orange I enjoy climbing the playground with my daughter, hiking in our beautiful national parks, and playing boardgames in the evenings.
Job Titles:
- Project Leader - Enabled Youth Disability Network
Since February 2023 I joined Enabled Youth Disability Network's (EYDN) as the Project Leader. I organise and help support EYDN peer network meetings, workshops, events and advocacy. Accessibility and inclusive education has always been a strong value of mine and I believe positive change for a more accessible world starts with listening to the experiences of young people. The Best part of my job is connecting members together by celebrating and acknowledging the important role of young people living with disability in our community. We also get to have a lot of fun learning new skills and activities while we advocate. When I'm not at work you might find me spending time with family and dogs or exploring the Adelaide art scene.
Job Titles:
- Project Leader - Enabled Youth Disability Network
I am the Project Leader for the Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN). I work with EYDN's Board and members to plan fun events and workshops for young people with a disability. The EYDN team and I also work with the EYDN Board to network, advocate, and raise awareness and understanding of being a young person and having a disability. I have loved immersing myself in this role since joining Purple Orange and my favourite part of my job is working with EYDN members and the Board to advocate for the disability community, ensuring the incredible ideas, projects and dreams of the Board come to life! I have lived experience as a physically disabled woman and have been a disability advocate for more than 10 years. I have always been drawn to community advocacy work and supporting other people with disability to connect! When I'm not working with EYDN, I am continuing my own advocacy work, studying my Bachelor of Psychology (while drinking lots of coffee) and going on fun adventures with my partner and two little ones!
I lead the financial and administration areas of the organisation. Our team provides information to key stakeholders on financial and admin matters. I enjoy working alongside talented staff to produce accurate information to help in the decision making of the organisation. I enjoy the progressive nature of the organisation and the diversity of work we are involved in, as no two days are the same. When I am not at work, I enjoy cooking and baking with my family, catching up with friends and swimming.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Executive
Luke is an experienced senior executive and qualified lawyer with nearly 20 years' experience in the Australian private health insurance (PHI) sector across a variety of roles including in commercial partnerships, counter fraud, managing payment integrity functions, corporate governance and company secretariat. Luke is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a qualified PROSCI Change Practitioner, has post graduate qualification in investigations and holds a Master of Leadership. He is currently the General Manager, Hospital Partnerships with Bupa HI. Luke's passion for inclusion grew from the experience of his parents (both living with disability) and he longs for a day of truly inclusive communities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Program Manager for Health and Safety at SA Water
Maria is currently the Program Manager for Health and Safety at SA Water. She has an extensive career in strategic planning, program management and business development. Her experience spans across numerous industries including water, aviation finance and education. Throughout her childhood and professional career, Maria has always looked for ways to make things better. She believes that well-executed strategic planning and goal setting processes help both organisations and individuals succeed in the long-term. Maria grew up in Alberta, Canada on her family's pig and wheat farm and moved to Australia to follow both the sunshine and her Adelaide-born husband. Her interests comprise of many random hobbies including stand-up paddle boarding, painting, and baking. Professionally, Maria is interested in helping others organise, develop and realise strategic initiatives while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. Maria has a Bachelor of Commerce and continues to take courses that help her succeed in her roles.
Job Titles:
- Leader - Marketing and Communications
My job is to coordinate the marketing and communications activities at JFA Purple Orange and the broader Julia Farr group, so that more people are aware of the great work that we do. My favourite part of the job is listening to the goals that my colleagues want to achieve, and working out how marketing and communications can help them get there. I'm drawn to this work because I want to use my skills for the greater good, and because I believe that everyone has the right to enjoy what life has to offer, no matter their circumstances. Outside of work, you'll find me spending time with my husband and two teenagers, going for walks around my neighbourhood, and playing the odd retro video game.
Job Titles:
- Digital Communications Officer
I'm responsible for helping promote the services and offerings of Julia Farr's Inhousing social enterprise and supporting the marketing and communications of the broader Julia Farr group. The ability to have a positive and lasting impact on the community around me is what drives me in my work and I love to explore different and engaging ways of amplifying the voices of people living with disability and sharing the work we do. Outside of work, I love getting outdoors and among nature with my family, working on my karate skills or curling up on the couch with a good fiction novel.
Job Titles:
- Digital Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Leader
Social justice is what drives me. I believe that together, we can achieve a world in which all people have the opportunity to live a positive life and fulfil their goals. My research and policy role at Purple Orange centres on community membership: what this means for people living with disability and how it can best be realised. I bring a human rights perspective to my work. Outside of the office, I love learning about the world through language, reading, teaching English to people who are new to Australia and, of course, travel.
I lead the organisation's work and I try to make sure each of our talented staff has what they need to make the biggest impact. I believe that life is too short to not have an opinion, and that an opinion needs to be well-informed and values-driven. I am also moved by the power of community, and how neighbourliness can create genuine belonging. In my personal life I see this every Saturday morning as the Event Director at my local parkrun.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Policy and Projects
I provide support to some of our amazing projects that connect people with disability to their peers, information, communities, and decision makers to ensure their voices are heard. They also work to break down the societal barriers that prevent them actively contributing to their community on an equal basis. I am also part of the policy team, contributing to issues-based systemic advocacy across all levels of government and key stakeholders, with key interest in the areas of housing and inclusive (and accessible) communities. When I am not working, I love caravanning with my husband and two young busy boys, preferably somewhere warm and sunny.
I'm supporting the Disability Inclusion Training project, which allows external organisations to challenge attitudes and their own unconscious bias towards people living with a disability in a safe space. I'm excited to meet new people and listen and learn about their own experiences and stories. I'm drawn towards this work because I believe in the power of participatory approach by engaging with individuals and communities to build resilience and capacity. In my spare time, I enjoy attempting new sports, watching British crime dramas, manically searching for vintage furniture on Facebook Marketplace, and learning new recipes to cook for my friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Project Leader - Regional
I am an enthusiastic chronic illness and disability advocate from the Limestone Coast. With my work with Purple Orange, I get to support the running of projects in Mount Gambier and Regional SA. I love being involved in bringing supports, education, and empowerment to areas outside of our state capital. I enjoy being creative, baking choc chip peanut butter cookies, and getting involved in my beautiful community where I can.
Job Titles:
- Policy and Research Leader
I work with talented and passionate people to try to influence policies to improve the life chances of people living with disability. My particular focus is to influence policies that support people living with disability to gain employment and also looking at ways to improve how the NDIS works together with other mainstream services to provide the best outcomes for people living with disability. When I'm not at work, you will find me hanging out with my three young boys and squeezing in a run, game of netball or Pilates class.
Trish Spargo is a senior disability policy advisor and strategist with over 20 years of experience working to improve social justice and equity for people living with disability in South Australia. Trish has served as a non-executive director and trustee on disability and health not-for-profit boards and is an AICD graduate of the Governance Foundations Program for Not-For-Profit Directors. She has extensive experience working across government and statutory settings in disability service delivery and redevelopment, person-centred planning, public policy, cultural change projects, research, and law reform. She has previously worked as the Manager of Strategy, Policy and Engagement at the Equal Opportunity Commission of South Australia and as a Senior Policy Officer within the South Australian Government Royal Commission Response Unit providing advice to Cabinet on matters and recommendations arising from the Disability Royal Commission. Anchored in her life long experience of disability, Trish chairs the JFA board working to assist people living with disability to get a fair go.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Disability Policy Advisor and Strategist
Trish Spargo is a senior disability policy advisor and strategist with over 20 years of experience working to improve social justice and equity for people living with disability in South Australia. Trish has served as a non-executive director and trustee on disability and health not-for-profit boards and is an AICD graduate of the Governance Foundations Program for Not-For-Profit Directors. She has extensive experience working across government and statutory settings in disability service delivery and redevelopment, person-centred planning, public policy, cultural change projects, research, and law reform. She has previously worked as the Manager of Strategy, Policy and Engagement at the Equal Opportunity Commission of South Australia and as a Senior Policy Officer within the South Australian Government Royal Commission Response Unit providing advice to Cabinet on matters and recommendations arising from the Disability Royal Commission. Anchored in her life long experience of disability, Trish chairs the JFA board working to assist people living with disability to get a fair go.
Job Titles:
- Project Officer - Our Voice SA
I help people who don't always get to speak up, making sure they get their message across. I believe people should always have a say in their own lives. My favourite part of my job is that I get to meet people from all over our community. I enjoy getting to see people come out of their shell and gain confidence. Outside of work I love to kayak, play tennis and hang out with all of the animals.