The Board and staff of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) warmly welcome the recognition of Lesley Hall’s work with the award of a posthumous Order of Australia Medal today.
“Lesley was a strong advocate with a life-long disability who worked to empower people on low incomes, indigenous Australians and people with disabilities in housing, arts, human rights and disability rights. She was a truly exceptional force for change and very worthy of receiving this award” said Matthew Wright, Chief Executive Officer of AFDO.
Lesley was the Chief Executive Officer of AFDO from 2008 – 2013. During this time she brought her experience, skills and long commitment to human rights for women, people with disabilities and indigenous people to the national and international work of AFDO.
Upon joining AFDO Lesley dramatically increased the policy involvement of people with disabilities in Australian and international disability issues. Lesley was especially passionate about ensuring a meaningful voice for self advocates, particularly those with intellectual disability, and lead by example with their inclusion on the AFDO Board and in leadership roles for funded projects.
On behalf of AFDO Lesley worked tirelessly to make sure that people with disabilities were represented and involved in the consultation, lobbying and campaign to achieve the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) with fantastic success
Lesley also helped found the Disability Resources Centre (DRC) and the Women with Disabilities Feminist Collective, and would later serve on the Boards of DRC and Victorian Women With Disability Network. In addition, she served on a wide array of Boards and committees, including the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) disability advisory committee and the Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC), and represented VDAC on the Department of Human Services Industry Advisory Group. During her time at AFDO Lesley sat on the federal Ministerial Advisory Council for People with Disabilities and Carers.
“Lesley’s legacy stretches far and will be felt for generations to come,” said Mr Wright. “We at AFDO are privileged to have benefitted from her passion and hard work.”
Please direct all enquiries to AFDO CEO, Mr Matthew Wright on 0428 608 861
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