Margaret Fisk OAM
Founder
Margaret is the Founder of DSNSG and she also held the position of National Coordinator/Secretary from 1993 to January 2013. Margaret’s involvement with DSNSG began in late 1993 when she formed the group due to the experiences her family had when trying to obtain services for their son who has severe disabilities. Margaret has received several awards for her work with people with disabilities including being awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia and the Carer Innovation Award from the Carers Association of Australia. Margaret was also awarded a Centenary Medal from the Federal Government.
Kim Collins
CEO
Kim Collins is the CEO of the Defence Special Needs Support Group. Kim was the President for Blamey Community Group and also the Treasurer of Blamey Community Group Kapooka in Wagga Wagga .
Due to this interest and a background in nursing and defence, Kim became the Voluntary Coordinator for Wagga Wagga area in 2011. Kim also holds Cert III in Disability, Cert III in Community Services, Certificate IV in Front line management, training in Managing Community Organisations, Certificate of Business Services, Great understanding of Defence funding. Currently Studying Cert IV in Mental Health.
Kim has 5 children and one child with SN who is a sensational kid with ADHD/ASD/ADD and learning difficulties which has given her an insight and understanding into the processes surrounding Special Needs.
Kim’s aims are to support Defence families and educate people about the uniqueness of Special Needs and promote the group to the wider community. A solid parental support network is essential as Defence life is unique with a transient lifestyle. Kim strives to provide support wherever possible.
Sandy Soulsby
National Coordinator
Sandy was a serving member in the Australian Army, and has been a member of DSNSG since 1993. Sandy is married to Michael who was also a serving member in the Australian Army. Sandy is a mother to four boys with varying special needs. Sandy has been a local coordinator on a couple of occasions for the Darling Downs area. She is a volunteer for her local RSL Sub Branch, a Life Member of Qld RSL and is also a volunteer Wildlife Carer, and does rescue wildlife work for the RSPCA. Sandy has been on the National Committee since December 2013 and has been a great asset to the National Committee.
Cherie Davis
National Assistant Coordinator
Melissa Snell
National Treasurer
Rebecca Cant
National Communications and Membership Officer
Coordinator Team
Local Coordinators
The Defence Special Needs Support Group is privileged to have a dedicated and enthusiastic Coordinator Team.
The Coordinator Team is comprised of all local DSNSG Coordinators. Members of the Coordinator Team, like the National Committee, are all volunteers.
Adelaide and Woodside – Samantha Jones
Amberley – Kirsten Pini
Albury/Wodonga – Kylie Bonner
Brisbane – Diana Simpson
Cairns – Vacant
Canberra North – Claire MacFarlane Rowles
Canberra South – Margaret Maher
Darling Downs – Vacant
Darwin – Kate Batty
Liverpool – Vacant
Macarthur/Campbelltown – Vacant
Melbourne North– Vacant
Melbourne West – Vacant
Mornington – Marina Talbot
Nowra – Vacant
Perth – Mikala Westlake
Puckapunyal – Naomi Cross
Richmond – Chelsea Young
Sale – Rebecca Cant
Sydney North – Vacant
Sydney South– Vacant
Tindal – Melissa Snell
Townsville North – Cherie Davis
Townsville South – Helen Taylor
Wagga Wagga – Melissa Pike
Williamtown – Tahlia Macpherson
Please click this link to view National Committee and Local Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities
Defence Special Needs Support Group National Conference dinner at the Pavilion, Canberra.