About Us
Regional Disability Advocacy Service (RDAS) traces its origins back to July 1990 when the Disability Persons Regional Council – Upper Murray was established. It later changed its name to Disability Advocacy & Information Service (DAIS) in 1999.
Meanwhile, Disability Advocacy Network (DAN) commenced in June 1992 in Wagga Wagga. DAIS & DAN merged in July 2017 to become Regional Disability Advocacy Service.
Under the RDAS Ltd umbrella there are two separate business arms:
- Advocacy services; and
- Plan & Connect
(NDIS Support Coordination & Plan Management)
While these business arms operate independently of one another, both operate under the same organisational mission which is to empower, inform, support and advocate for people with disability so that they can live the life they choose.
Purpose of RDAS
As stated in the RDAS Constitution, we exist to:
- Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Provide information and support and promote positive change in the lives of people with a disability and their carers
- Promote and protect the rights of people with a disability by systemically advocating and influencing all levels of Government and service providers
- Empower individuals to advocate for themselves
- Resource and support disability-related groups and initiatives
- Promote inclusion of people with disability as valued and active members of their community
Our Directors
Sheridan Leonard
Chairperson
As the Board Chair, Sheridan brings a robust background in delivering vital services to vulnerable people across community and government sectors. With expertise in Community Services, Counselling, Quality Assurance and Disability, Sheridan is dedicated to promoting equal access and fostering inclusiveness.
Paul Power
Vice Chairperson
Paul is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of dedicated experience in the disability industry. He has worked tirelessly to drive change, ensuring equitable opportunities for people with disabilities to access, participate, and achieve their goals, particularly in tertiary education and subsequent employment.
Paul’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowerment led him to his current role as a Development Consultant with the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program. In this capacity, he leverages his wealth of experience and management skills to make a meaningful impact, striving to create a more accessible and inclusive world for individuals with hidden disabilities.
Alexander Bond
Treasurer
Alex is an experienced qualified chartered
accountant with over 10 years of experience in the accounting and finance industry. He has a deep understanding of the financial challenges that non-profits face and is passionate about using his skills and experience to support RDAS support people with disability and their families.
Simone Woolhouse
Director
Simone is a highly experienced and results-driven People and Culture Executive with over 12 years of experience in senior leadership positions within the health, not-for-profit, and finance industries. Simone champions diversity and inclusion and has spearheaded various initiatives to foster a more inclusive work environment.
Rebekah Donders
Director
Rebekah has previous professional experience in Marketing & Public Relations, but in more recent years has obtained degrees in counselling and chaplaincy. She is a compassionate, discerning, curious, courageous, fiercely empathetic, and committed team player with a proven track record in leading teams and projects, and facilitating dynamic leadership and self-esteem development programs for companies and schools across Australia.
Colm Cox
Director
Colm has worked in higher education, local and Federal Government and in the private sector. His experience ranges across project and program management, business process management and improvement, strategy implementation and managing teams. Colm recognises the critical role that RDAS plays in advocating for people with disability and their families so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Skye Roberts
Director
Skye is a qualified lawyer and company secretary, with strong experience in corporate governance, compliance and risk management. Skye is passionate about supporting causes focused on assisting vulnerable sectors of the community to
obtain equitable access to essential services and ensuring fundamental human rights are respected and upheld.
Our Executive Officer
Ben Foley
Executive Officer & Company Secretary
Ben Foley is the Executive Officer and Company Secretary of RDAS, having joined the organisation in August 2022. He has extensive governance, stakeholder-management, sales, marketing, financial management and
strategic planning experience.
Ben is a passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia, seeking equality of rights and access/ inclusion for all. He is a board member of Regional Development Australia – Murray and remains involved with several local community organisations.
Membership
RDAS is a membership organisation and our members help to strengthen the impact of our work and what we can achieve for people with disability. We welcome all members of the community (individuals and organisations) to join us.
Membership is free and you can Apply Here.
The Advocate
RDAS produces a quarterly e-newsletter called The Advocate. The target audience is people with disability and their carers/family members.
View our latest edition here.
