New Victorian Disability Advisory Council announced

14 August 2025
Banner Victorian Disability Advisory Council
The Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC) will help the Victorian Government continue its important work to make the state more inclusive and accessible.

The Victorian Government has appointed a new Victorian Disability Advisory Council. This is the seventh council established since 2007 under the Disability Act 2006.

There are 13 members in the new Victorian Disability Advisory Council. This includes 8 new members and 5 returning members. 

The following people make up the council:

  • Chris Varney (Chair re-appointee)
  • Mija Gwyn (Deputy Chair, re-appointee)
  • Husna Amani
  • Stella Barton
  • Kelly Ann Blake
  • Amir Brand-Abdi (re-appointee)
  • Bianca Failla
  • Helen Freris
  • Melissa Hale
  • Jen Hargrave (re-appointee)
  • Timothy Harte
  • Nicole Karidis
  • Laura Pettenuzzo (re-appointee).

The VDAC members bring a wide range of lived experience of disability and expertise in inclusion. The council reflects the diversity of the community and includes a First Nations community member.

The council members were selected from an impressive group of candidates. The government has re-appointed Chris Varney as Chair and Mija Gwyn as Deputy Chair.

We thank the outgoing council members for their strong advocacy for the disability community.

The council is appointed for a three-year term, which will end in July 2028.

To find out more visit Victorian Disability Advisory Council <https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-disability-advisory-council>.

disability, disability support, community organisation