19 December 2025
PWDA is pleased to inform you that the People with Disability Australia (PWDA) Board of Directors has now formally appointed its Executive Officers for the next year.
President: Jeramy Hope
Vice President: Jarrod Sandell-Hay
Secretary: Tahlia-Rose Vanissum.
PWDA extends its sincere appreciation to each Board Director who provided support and governance as part of their interim executive positions following the AGM.
We would like to especially acknowledge Daniel Flynn for his dedication in serving as PWDA Acting and Interim President since August 2025. We sincerely appreciate Daniel's commitment to PWDA and our members during this period.
As we approach our organisation's 45th year, we are confident that our Board Executives will continue to lead PWDA's longstanding legacy as Australia's peak cross-disability rights and representative organisation.
Message from the Outgoing President
On the evening of 17th of December, I formally stepped down from the role of President of People with Disability Australia. When I accepted the interim presidency, it was with the clear understanding that it would be a short-term role.
Since August 2025, across acting and interim periods, I have served in the role to the fullest of my capacity. I now step aside with confidence in the organisation and in the Board's leadership. I fully support the incoming President Jeramy Hope and look forward to seeing PWDA continue its work under their stewardship.
Although I am leaving the presidency, I remain on the Board as a director and continue to be deeply engaged in the organisation's governance reform work. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time as President. I wish the incoming President, the Board, staff, and members every success as PWDA continues its important work.
Daniel Flynn – Outgoing President
About our Executive Officers
President: Jeramy Hope
Jeramy Hope was elected to the PWDA Board for the term November 2025 to November 2027. As a proud person with disability, Jeramy brings strong lived and professional experience in disability advocacy. He has worked closely with PWDA through member engagement, policy development, and public advocacy, including marching in the Sydney Mardi Gras. As a NDIS participant and CEO of the Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance his work focuses on strengthening rights, breaking down housing barriers, and ensuring people with disability lead policy and practice. On the Board, Jeramy is committed to amplifying member voices and supporting inclusive, participant-led advocacy that delivers real-world change.
Vice President: Jarrod Sandell-Hay
Jarrod Sandell-Hay was elected to the PWDA Board for the term November 2025 to November 2027. A proud disabled man, Jarrod brings over 15 years' experience in disability advocacy, systemic reform, and community leadership across Victoria and NSW. He has worked with state and federal Disabled People's Representative Organisations and is currently Vice President of the Self Manager Hub. Jarrod is committed to advancing justice, choice, and control for disabled people, and to strengthening PWDA's leadership through inclusive, rights-based advocacy, disability pride, and accountability to the community.
Secretary: Tahlia-Rose Vanissum.
Tahlia-Rose Vanissum was elected to the PWDA Board for the term November 2025 to November 2027. A proud Woppaburra woman with a psychosocial disability and chronic illness, Tahlia-Rose brings strong lived experience and national policy expertise in First Nations, gender, and disability justice. She has worked across government, community, and research sectors, including with the First Peoples Disability Network and the National Disability Research Partnership, and contributed to the Independent NDIS Review. Tahlia-Rose is committed to culturally responsive, rights-based reform, supporting emerging disabled leaders, and strengthening PWDA as a truly representative, people-led organisation.
You can learn more about our Executive Officers and Board Directors here: Our Board - People with Disability Australia
You can also meet the PWDA Board at our Member Forum on Thursday 15 January 2026.
