Elected by the Deaf Sports Australia Board as our new Patron, replacing the highly respected and esteemed Kevan Gosper AC in September 2025.Cindy-Lu became one of Australia’s most remarkable swimmers representing Australia at two Commonwealth games, two Pan Pacific Games and competed at 6 Deaflympics games spanning 20 years. Born deaf, she has excelled in both sport and community leadership and elite swimming competitions. In the Deaflympics her successes elevated her to be the ‘most decorated woman in Deaflympic history’ by its governing body. In 1985 she was awarded the OAM for her contribution to sport and people with disabilities. In 2013, she was named as one of Australia’s top 100 sportswomen of all time. Cindy-Lu was also one of a small pro-active group to assist in establishing NSW Deaf Sports committee to support deaf sports in NSW, where it now receives on-going government funding. She is also a respected leader within the Australian’s Deaf community. Her role as Patron includes being an advisor to the Board; a representative of the organisation at ceremonial events; and, an DSA ambassador in general.

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.