Management Committee

Sarah Skopellos
Chair
Sarah Skopellos is the Chair and has been a Committee member since 2021
Sarah is a person with disability who is passionate about disability advocacy. Through her service to community, Sarah works hard to achieve improved outcomes for people with disability. With this purpose Sarah sits on a range of government and not-for-profit committees and supports a number of community peer support groups.
Sarah won a national Disability Leadership Program Scholarship in 2023 and has over 20 years’ experience providing governance and executive support in the NTPS.

Liz Reid AM
Vice Chair
Liz Reid is the Vice Chair and has been a Committee member since 2024
JP, AM
Liz has worked and volunteered in the community, disability and social justice sectors for over 25 years. Liz’s positions have been varied locally in the Northern Territory, to representation nationally and globally for Disabled People’s Organisations. Liz’s life and career journey focuses on enabling people to pursue equitable social and economic opportunities; to live in communities’ of their choosing and valuing people for their qualities and capabilities.
Favorite quote ” No amount of smiling at a flight of stairs has ever made it turn into a ramp”. quote by Stella Young .

Robert Annis-Brown
Treasurer
Robert Annis-Brown is the Treasurer and has been a Committee member since 2023
Robert is now retired after a 41 year career in banking, the last 21 years being in Darwin. In servicing the business community he has gained inspiration from the people who call the NT home. He is passionate about what makes communities great and has volunteered for several community groups. Robert has served on the boards of the Charles Darwin University Foundation, Australia Institution of Management & the Property Council NT Division.
Robert is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as completing a Certificate IV in Accounting and a Certificate III in Financial Services Tier.

Benjamin Little
General Member
Benjamin Little is a General Member and has been a Committee Member since 2024
Benjamin is a person who lives with disability with an interesting background in media and production. From Channel 9 News production to ABC Radio broadcaster; DJ to singer; and comedian to youth worker, there is not much hat Ben hasn’t done! To top it off, Benjamin and his wife also have a farm in North/East Thailand that they like to rerun to periodically for some peace and quiet.
Being disabled from birth, Benjamin is passionate about disability advocacy and is excited to join he IDA Committee.

Mark Hibbins
General Member
Mark Hibbins is a General Member and has been a Committee member since 2024
LLB, GDLP
After serving over 15 years in the Royal Australian Navy, Mark discharged from service to commence a career in legal practice.
Having lived experience with a family member with a disability, and a passion for advocacy, Mark sits as a volunteer on the committees of various not-for-profit and community organisations which provide advocacy and support to Veterans and people living with disabilities.

Gareth Trew
General Member
Gareth is a person with a non-visible disability. He has been working in the sector for the last decade – initially helping children with disabilities and learning difficulties to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, before moving into the NDIS-space in 2020.
Gareth is passionate about ensuring that people with disabilities in regional and remote areas are able to access the support they need on the same basis as their peers in urban areas; he also has a particular interest in demystifying disability, helping to foster connections between people with disabilities and mainstream services, businesses, and other community members.
Staff Members

Janet Wright
CEO
2022 – Ongoing
Our CEO since 2022, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our organisation. With a diverse career spanning finance, accounting, and the community services sector, Janet has held various skilled positions, including CEO of a remote Medical Centre and managing multiple organisations in Alice Springs. Her extensive involvement in committees and boards showcases her commitment to making a difference.

Jordan Allan
Admin Officer NT Companion Card
2023 – Ongoing
Our ldA/NT Companion Card Admin Officer, joined our team in 2023 as she entered the previous Admin Officer, Fran Windsor’s, position. With lived family experience of disability and currently pursuing a law degree, Jordan brings a unique perspective and dedication to our work, providing invaluable support to the General Manager and Events Coordinator.

Lachlan Rowe
Advocate & Training Coordinator
2023 – Ongoing
Our Advocate and Training Coordinator since 2023, took on the role of Student Advocate in March 2024. He is a passionate Disability Advocate and a Lived-Experience Board Member of Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs APQAC. His personal and professional journey fuels his commitment to challenging stigmas and driving change at the community and legislative levels.

Anna Thomson
Events & Advocacy Officer
2024 – Ongoing
Our Events and Advocacy Officer since 2024, brings a diversified skillset to our team. With a background as a Darwin-based clown, performance artist, physical comedian, and workshop facilitator, Anna’s creativity and expertise contribute to our events and advocacy efforts.

Elly Blackford
Project Officer & MyTime Facilitator
2023 – Ongoing
Our Project Officer since 2023, has a rich history in the entertainment industry as a live performer and a former early childhood worker. Her diverse experience brings a unique perspective to her role and contributes to the success of our projects, including community engagement events and MyTime sessions delivered in 2024.

Ryan Wakeling
Disability Advocate
2024 – Ongoing
Ryan joined ldA in 2024. He brings a rich background in NDIS service delivery and sessional engagement monitoring forensic disability services through the NT Community Visitors Program. Ryan’s personal and professional values of visibility, inclusion, and self-determination are deeply influenced by his formative experiences growing up with a sibling born with disability and complex support needs.

Chrissy Mills
Bookkeeper
2019 – Ongoing
Our ldA Bookkeeper since 2019, is a highly qualified professional with accounting, bookkeeping, and GST/BAS expertise. Through her business, “Hooked On Your Books!”, Chrissy provides meticulous bookkeeping services to ldA, ensuring our financial operations run smoothly.
Honorary Life Members | Robyne Burridge OAM Izzy Dak |