Local leaders join Victorian Disability Advisory Council

THE Victorian Government has announced its members for the next Victorian Disability Advisory Council, including two local residents.

All 13 of the council members have lived experience with disability and will provide policy and strategy advice to the Minister for Disability to improve participation and inclusion of Victorians.

Geelong local Chris Varney is re-joining the council for his second term and has been re-appointed by the government as chairperson.

Mr Varney said he thinks they have a very significant opportunity to shape Victoria’s disability policy and landscape.

“In this term, we will be supporting the development of a new state disability plan to come into effect from July 2027 onwards.

“Alongside the new state disability plan, there will be a new Victorian autism plan and these two policies will incorporate the new environment we will be in with foundational supports, which is a new set of early supports that are generally targeted to support people with disability alongside the NDIS.”

Living with autism himself and running an autistic-led organisation, Mr Varney could see the work that can happen when people broaden their minds within the space, making him apply for the council.

“The first term was great; I had my training wheels on as a chairperson and now I feel more ready and prepared and I’m keen to get going,” he said.

“I think we’ve got a make-or-break opportunity to really push Victoria forward to make our community as safe and inclusive and friendly as possible for everyone, no matter where they live, no matter who they are, no matter what their disability identity.”

Also joining him on the council is Surf Coast local Timothy Harte for his first term, who has multiple neurological, physical, sensory and cognitive impairments.

Harte is passionate about social justice, advocacy and inclusion and is involved with the Global Network of Young Persons with Disabilities, Australian Disability Development Consortium, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and more.

More than 150 applications were received for the council, with the successful applicants bringing together their wide range of lived experiences.

Disability, fairness and emergency management deputy secretary Argiri Alisandratos said the council is instrumental in removing barriers to participation for Victorians with disability.

“I congratulate our new and returning council members on their appointments, and thank outgoing councillors for their advice, engagement with reform and tireless work helping make Victoria more accessible and inclusive.”

The next term of council will run until July 30, 2028.

For more information, head to vic.gov.au/victorian-disability-advisory-council