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Meet The Team

Margaret Fisk AM (Retired)

Position: 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 appointed a member 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.

Claire Macfarlane-Rowles

Position: President

Claire is the DSNSG President. She is a Mum of 4, with the youngest diagnosed special needs. She have been a Defence spouse for many, many, years, as such, she is aware of the challenges faced by families on a daily basis.

Cherie Davis

Position: Senior Vice President

Cherie is the Senior Vice President. Cherie and her family have been part of the Defence for over 30 years and a member of DSNSG since 2005.

With having her own children with special needs, herself, she understands the trials and tribulations that Defence families have to navigate especially Defence Special Needs family.

Diana Simpson

Position: Vice President

Diana has been part of DSNSG since 2012, and a local coordinator from 2012-2018 in 2 different locations, and the current Vice President.

Diana began her relationship with DSNSG as a dependent with special needs, and now has some family members with needs as well.

Diana has been a defence spouse for 22 years, and understands the unique lifestyle that comes with defence life.

Diana has a background in community services, disability and aged care.

National Treasurer - Vacant

Position: Treasurer

The DSNSG Board position for National Treasurer is currently vacant.

If you are interested in volunteering for this position please contact the DSNSG Senior Vice President via Email .

Kerry Moretti

Position: Members and Communications Officer

Kerry has volunteered with DSNSG since 2020, when she commenced in the role as Amberley Coordinator. In 2022 she took the additional roles of Memberships and Communications Officer and Gold Coast Coordinator. Kerry is a Defence Spouse with her husband serving in the Royal Australian Airforce. Kerry has a Defence Special Needs family herself, with her two children both with Special Needs. Kerry understands the additional challenges associated with being a Defence Special Needs Family and is passionate in supporting and connecting with Defence Special Needs families.

Trich George

Position: National Administration and Liaison Officer (NALO)

Trich was appointed the NALO in January 2023 and has been a member of DSNSG since 2021.

Trich has a teenager with Fragile X syndrome and is a defence spouse of 19 years. Some of Trich's interests are travelling, exploring new places and reading.

Henrik Ehlers AM JP

Position: Ambassador

Henrik joined the DSNSG in March 2018 after completing over 36 years in the Permanent Air Force. His RAAF service was primarily in the fields of logistics and personnel, having spent the later part in senior personnel roles. His last position was as Director General Personnel - Air Force. He remains an active Reservist, working mainly on projects for Air Force Headquarters. Henrik has had extensive connection with DSNSG and, when he ‘retired’ from full time work, he wanted to contribute to DSNSG in a meaningful way. As our Ambassador, his role is two-fold: to mentor and support the National Executive Committee and act as our advocate across senior levels of Government, Defence and supporting Industry. Henrik is married to Katrina, a retired RAAF Personnel Capability Officer. Their interests include good wine and food, reading, science fiction shows, travel and gardening.

Local Coordinators

Karrie Blanch

Position: Cairns Coordinator

Karrie Blanch is the coordinator for Cairns. Karrie is a Registered Nurse, a proud Navy spouse and her family have been DSNSG Members since 2016.

Liza Gale

Position: Tindal Coordinator

Liza is a mother of two who joined in 2022 and has been part of the Defence community for 7 years. She seeks to provide a social platform for families with similar needs to come together, support one another and share information to minimise the challenges that the military lifestyle brings.

Cherie Davis

Position: Townsville Coordinator

Cherie is the Senior Vice President and the Local Coordinator for Townsville. Cherie and her family have been part of the Defence for over 30 years and a member of DSNSG since 2005.

With having her own children with special needs, herself, she understands the trials and tribulations that Defence families have to navigate especially Defence Special Needs family

Kerry Moretti

Position: Amberley and Gold Goast Coordinator

Kerry has volunteered with DSNSG since 2020, when she commenced in the role as Amberley Coordinator. In 2022 she took the additional roles of Memberships and Communications Officer and Gold Coast Coordinator. Kerry is a Defence Spouse with her husband serving in the Royal Australian Airforce. Kerry has a Defence Special Needs family herself, with her two children both with Special Needs. Kerry understands the additional challenges associated with being a Defence Special Needs Family and is passionate in supporting and connecting with Defence Special Needs families.

Rikki-Lee Byrne

Position: Adelaide Coordinator

Rikki-Lee joined DSNSG as a volunteer in 2023 and has been a defence spouse for over 20 years (RAAF). Rikki-Lee has 3 children, one of which is recognised as having a special need. Rikki-Lee understands the challenges that can arise in defence life and also when supporting a loved one with additional needs.

Jacqeline Sinclair

Position: Sale Coordinator

Hello! I’m Jacqui, the East Sale Coordinator. I've been a serving member of the ADF for the last 15 plus years. I am a Defence spouse and (most importantly) I am a Mother of two young children. My experience with special needs is centered primarily around Autism. I am conscious of the obstacles a regional posting locality presents to families with special needs requirements. I will try my best to assist families requiring support.

Naomi Harn

Position: Puckapunyal Coordinator

Hello, I am Naomi Harn the DSNSG coordinator for Puckapunyal area. We are located just outside of the military base in Seymour and have been here since 2021. I am a mum to two girls who keep me on my toes. My eldest has level 2 ASD with ADHD and we have just started the process into having our youngest tested as well. I am looking forward to helping the community of Puckapuyal find the support our families may need.

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:
    Rikki-Lee Byrne
  • Albury/Wodonga:
    Vacant
  • Amberley:
    Kerry Moretti
  • Brisbane:
    Vacant
  • Cairns:
    Karrie Blanche
  • Canberra:
    Vacant
  • Darling Downs:
    Vacant
  • Darwin:
    Vacant
  • Gold Coast:
    Kerry Moretti
  • Katherine | Tindal:
    Liza Gale
  • Melbourne:
    Vacant
  • Mornington Peninsula:
    Vacant
  • Newcastle / Williamtown:
    Vacant
  • Nowra:
    Vacant
  • Perth North:
    Vacant
  • Perth South:
    Vacant
  • Puckapunyal:
    Naomi Harn
  • Richmond:
    Vacant
  • Sale:
    Jacqeline Sinclair
  • Sydney:
    Vacant
  • Tamworth / Singleton:
    Vacant
  • Tasmania:
    Vacant
  • Townsville:
    Cherie Davis
  • Wagga Wagga:
    Vacant