- Access
- Accommodation
- Aids, Equipment, Wheelchairs
- Assistance dogs
- Assistive Technology
- Clothing and Fashion
- Continence Care
- Employment
- Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation
- Financial and Legal
- Health and SCI Facts
- Home Modifications
- Hot Topics
- Links
- Public Toilets
- Publications of SCIA
- SCI Research
- Transport - Public, Driving, Hiring
- Travel and Travel Accommodation
- What Next? Videos
Our People
We rely on the diverse proficiency of our people to maintain and build on the accomplishments of our organisation.
Peter Perry - Chief Executive Officer
I joined Spinal Cord Injuries Australia as Corporate Services Manager in 2006 after 30 years at senior levels in both corporate and not for profit organisations, where I specialised in financial management, change management and human resources development. Organisations I have worked for include Mirvac Funds, Schroders Australia, State Bank of NSW, University of Sydney Union, and EDS. I have also contributed as a volunteer to Guide Dogs NSW and Humane Society International.
The organisation I now lead has a proud history of removing barriers in society, and facilitating independence for people with a disability. Despite the organisation’s specialist origins, its work encompasses issues and outcomes that are of relevance to all people with a disability. These issues, including accommodation, respite, care, carers, transport, employment, and community participation are of fundamental importance to our organisation.
I am keen to ensure that whilst promoting and supporting innovation, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia does not lose touch with its roots and its proud history, and is constantly finding ways to better engage with its members and the broader community. Too many charities end up looking like businesses, treating people like objects similar to chess pieces; while a commercial mindset and commercial practices are important to ensure maximum bang for the buck, commercial outcomes should never become more important than community and individual outcomes. Whilst I am CEO, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia will always play a leading role in ensuring viability, sustainability and diversity of services for those who are at risk of being marginalised in our society.
Please feel free to contact Peter:
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Sean Lomas - Government Relations, Policy and Employment Manager
I joined SCIA about four years ago after much research. I was looking for an organisation that had a good reputation for doing the right thing both with government and its members—I found it! The organisation supports people who believe in getting on with the job. That sits well with me.
In my role as Policy and Advocacy Manager, I manage a small team who are tasked with providing both individual and systemic advocacy to our members. I find my job extremely rewarding, knowing that the skills I have are being used in a productive manner. Working with my team, with their constant professionalism, is a real inspiration to me. I now recognise the importance of full social inclusion and the benefits that it can bring to so many people.
Outside of my policy and advocacy work for SCIA, I enjoy history, British historical cooking, psephology, policy reading, music, painting and rugby union.
Please feel free to contact Sean:
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Lesh Dhesi, Executive Support Manager
My aim has always been to work for not-for-profit organisations and I joined SCIA in September 2006. My role here is to provide executive support to the CEO and the board of directors along with managing a thriving administration team that provides essential admin support to the staff at our Little Bay and William Street offices. My goals for the organisation are to increase efficiency and provide effective leadership to our administration team by initiating training and developing education tools to implement continuous improvement.
I feel proud to be a part of an organisation that is continually developing programs and services to create independence for people living with a spinal cord injury in Australia.
Outside of my work at SCIA, my friends and family describe me as a shopaholic. I’m obsessed with trying out new cuisines or creating my own. Apart from that I love travelling and shopping … oops did I mention that already!
Please feel free to contact Lesh:
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Peter Murray, General Manager - Development and Strategic Projects
I joined SCIA in February 2010 to oversee four areas of the organisation: Geo & Data—an area delivering a key contract for the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, SCI Workforce—a registered Disability Employment Service assisting people with disabilities to find employment, including a specialist service for people with SCIs, Accommodation and Emergency Services—providing accommodation and emergency services for people with SCIs, and Walk On—the intensive exercise recovery program designed to assist a person with a SCI to maximise their functional recovery.
I find working with a great team at SCIA and supporting our members very rewarding and, since joining the organisation, I am much more aware of the challenges faced by people living with a SCI.
Outside of my work at SCIA I enjoy sailing, golf, keeping fit (walking, running, swimming), riding my motor scooter, movies and good wine!
Please feel free to contact Peter:
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Leila Mitchell - Head of Marketing and Fundraising
Worked in the not for profit sector for 7 years, experiencing most aspects of fundraising including event management, corporate relations, direct marketing, bequest promotion and major gifts. My passion in fundraising is around building relationships with the people and organisations that are committed to making a difference to the lives of people with a disability.
The best part of my job is spending time with our clients, seeing the difference that our programs have made to their lives not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Being able to share those stories of hope, determination and overcoming adversity really puts life’s little worries into perspective.
In a perfect world my team wouldn’t be necessary, but unfortunately we aren’t there yet, so we exist to encourage the wider community, corporate and individual support to invest in the work of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia so people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities can have a better life.
If you are interested in discussing partnership opportunities with Leila, please contact her on 02 9356 8201.
Alex Traill, Regional Services Manager
Whilst working for the State Rail Authority of NSW as an overhead linesman in September 1976, I received an electrical shock from the 1500 volt overhead wiring system causing me to fall 10 metres and land on my side over the rail lines. The fall caused a T12 displacement of my spine, damaging the spinal cord.
After my rehabilitation program in hospital I was then rehabilitated back into the work force in April 1977, in a clerical finance administration role with the State Rail Authority. I remained in that role until 1991 when I applied for the position I currently hold at SCIA.
Here I administer SCIA’s regional services, providing support to regional staff and assistance to the consumer groups. We provide a service that delivers positive outcomes for people with SCIs. Working with a dedicated team of people has made me realize that for change to happen, you have to be involved.
Outside of work I enjoy reading and watching good movies.
Please feel free to contact Alex:
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Kierre Ireland, National Manager - Walk On Program
I joined SCIA in November 2009 as a physiotherapist after finding out about Walk On - the incredible SCIA Activity Based Therapy program for people with a spinal cord injury. I could feel the potential of the program and am proud to have been a part of the development of Walk On which has led into this role of National Manager, Walk On. I now oversee the four Walk On sites – Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.
The majority of my physiotherapy and exercise physiology experience has involved working with people with neurological conditions, ranging in age from toddlers through to older adults. I absolutely love the hands-on nature of my role and the close working relationship we build with our clients on their journey to improved function, quality of life and independence. It is certainly an inspirational experience. Our clients put in plenty of hard work, but the results are worth it! There is an extremely motivational energy about the Walk On program at any site you visit and I am passionate about continuing to develop SCIA’s provision of activity based therapy and exercise to make it accessible by all with a spinal cord injury.
I love to dance, run, surf… Actually, I’ll try any sport and in touch football season there is rarely any skin left on my knees! Oh…and I love to bake. So, come and visit one of our four Walk On sites for a home-made morning tea whilst experiencing the awe-inspiring action that is Walk On!
Please feel free to contact Kierre:
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