Hannah is a highly passionate Deaf professional working at the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as a Senior Planner for the Complex Support Needs Branch. She has a strong involvement in Deaf sports, which includes having represented Australia in swimming twice and she is also a Deaflympian. Hannah was the Australian Deaf Swimming Team’s Team Manager at the 5th World Deaf Swimming Championships in Brazil (2019) and she is also the contact person for Deaf Aquatics Australia. Hannah is currently a Board Member of Deaf Victoria. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, her dog and watching sports. Hannah has a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and Bachelor of Business (Sport Management).

Melinda Vernon is an ex-deaf athlete who competed at an international level in both deaf and mainstream athletics (distance running including track and cross country) and triathlon. She holds the deaf world record for 5000m and 10000m athletics track running. Melinda retired from competitive sport and enjoys running for health and fitness and going on mountain adventures. She is currently working as an Occupational Therapist is her own business as a sole trader. Melinda is inspired by deaf athletes giving it a go and doing their best in their respective sports.

Cate is a passionate advocate for deaf and hard of hearing Australians is demonstrated through her current and past employment. She is currently working as a Senior Advisor for Policy & Government Relations at Deaf Connect. Her previous roles included Youth Disability Advocacy Officer at Youth Disability Advocacy Service (VIC) and Advocacy and Outreach Officer with Deaf Victoria. Cate is a keen sportsperson and is involved with Deaf Netball Victoria.

With significant legal, policy and administrative management work background, Teneale currently works for the NSW Parliament Legislative Council. Teneale is also a Deaflympian, having competed in swimming at 3 Deaflympics and 2 World Deaf swimming championships.

Currently working as ‘People & Culture’ Manager at Rous County County in central NSW she is also President of Ballina Netball Association. Julie brings a wealth of experience and skills in workplace and financial management, community sport and board management and through personal experience an interest in inclusive sport programs for deaf and hard of hearing people as well as people with a disability.