Side By Side Advocacy
is a not-for-profit organisation based in Parramatta

Kim joined Side By Side Advocacy in July 2020. She brings a wealth of experience in not for profit, commercial and government contexts. This includes a long history in the advocacy sector, leadership development and as a lawyer. Kim has been a member of numerous advisory groups, has contributed to sector journals, participated on Boards and has provided feedback to government about matters that impact on the lives of people with disability. Kim has extensive experience in co-design of projects and resources. Kim believes that good communities are made up of all people and that advocacy can play a critical role in exposing abuse and neglect and in ensuring that people with disability have access to the ordinary good things in life.

Cathy joined Side By Side Advocacy in 2018 as part of the Individual Advocacy team. Cathy has been a passionate advocate in both a personal and professional capacity for people with disability, degenerative neurological conditions, and mental health issues for more than 20 years. Cathy has been working with people to navigate the NDIS and its complex intersections with health, education, housing, justice and aged care systems since the scheme’s inception. During the last 10 years Cathy’s advocacy has been particularly focused on working with people who grew up in institutionalised settings and people who communicate informally. Cathy draws on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and the principles of trauma informed practice to support people who communicate informally to assert their right to make decisions about their own lives. In addition to individual advocacy, Cathy has led multidisciplinary teams delivering information and referral, intensive family support and early intervention services. Cathy has a Masters in Bioethics from The University of Sydney and has contributed to published research projects, systemic advocacy projects and the development of multilingual resources and evidence-based consumer health publications.

Bernadette has been involved with disability issues for many years, as a parent and worker in the disability advocacy sector. Her passion for research, particularly about intellectual disability, led her to undertake and complete a doctorate exploring self-determination of people with intellectual disability within family relationships. As an affiliate of the Centre for Research Policy and Practice (The University of Sydney) and vice president of the Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability (ASID), Bernadette strongly believes in the need for research to inform practice. She hopes that the Inclusive Governance Project will make it possible for more people with intellectual disability to have a real say in the decision-making of community organisations.

Jeff is a self-advocate who has held roles on advisory groups, as a workshop presenter and as a co-designer of resources. Jeff believes everyone should be treated equally. He speaks up about issues that matter.

Shu Hua is passionate about speaking up and sharing the stories of people with intellectual disability. She believes that people with intellectual disability can make important contributions when they have the opportunity and the support they need. Shu Hua also believes it is vital to hear from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the disability space. Shua Hua has held positions on Boards (including as Chair), has shared her insights with politicians, has extensive co-design experience and is a long time self-advocate and campaigner for the rights of people with intellectual disability.

Lil Paterson began at Side By Side Advocacy in March 2024. Their professional experience spans the arts, education and not-for-profit sectors. This broad background has enabled Lil to establish strong, diverse networks. Whilst working in the disability education sector and collaborating with people with intellectual disability, Lil has gained a deep understanding of accessible communication and co-design. Lil is also a self-advocate and filmmaker. They are passionate about developing projects that centre the voices of people with disability and the LGBTQIA+ community. Their work has been selected for Australian and international film festivals. Lil holds a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney and a filmmaking diploma from the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

Evelyn is a dedicated disability and community development professional with years of experience across direct support, project co-ordination, and inclusive engagement. She brings experience in ensuring that people with disability are truly decision makers in their own lives. Evelyn is known for her commitment to inclusive leadership, practical innovation, and supporting people to participate fully in community life. Evelyn has qualifications in public health and disability studies. She joins Side By Side Advocacy as the Co-ordinator of Community for Everyone, a peer-led initiative that tackles social isolation among people with intellectual disability by fostering meaningful community connections in Parramatta and Ryde. Her work centres on co-designing with people with lived experience, mentoring volunteers, delivering inclusive training, and building collaborative partnerships with councils, organizations, and allies.

David is a dedicated advocate with over 10 years of experience in the advocacy sector. He has actively contributed to systemic change, working tirelessly to ensure that the voices of people with disability are heard and respected. David has been an integral part of various government advisory groups and committees, including the NSW Disability Inclusion Act Implementation Committee and his local Council’s Disability Access Committee. David has also: played a crucial role in supporting individuals with intellectual to be members of the NDIA Intellectual Independent Advisory Council’s Intellectual Disability Reference Group; lobbied ministers and members of parliament (including the Prime Minister); been part of campaigns that led to major policy changes in the NDIS. He has supported people with intellectual disability to safely share their stories with the media and supported people to give evidence to the Disability Royal Commission and Parliamentary Inquiries. With a strong passion for the human rights of people with intellectual disability and a commitment to trauma-informed practice, David brings invaluable experience in navigating complex systems and driving meaningful change. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (Social Welfare) and a postgraduate degree in Social Policy and Human Services.

Andrew has more than 10 years’ experience working in the community and disability sector. He is passionate about social justice, human rights and celebrating our diversity.

He started his career by supporting people to advocate for their rights at work. After studying a Masters of Social Work, he worked as part of the Ability Links program to promote access and inclusion in our community and to support people with disability to build sustainable skills and connections. He worked as a Local Area Coordinator and then an Advocate, before working in Participation and Project Support with an organisation led by and for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In the latter, he supported the Board and organisation to be inclusive, and peer workers to lead projects relating to peer support in metro and regional areas.

Andrew brings with him a variety of professional skills, perspectives and networks. He has a determination to support people with disability to have choice and control over their lives, their rights upheld, and to experience just outcomes and meaningful roles in our society.

Ishika is a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disability. She brings an understanding of complex supports and multidisciplinary service systems as well as the different barriers and intersecting factors that can affect people’s access to services and supports. This understanding developed in both the advocacy and service sectors. Ishika has worked as an intake officer in an advocacy organisation where she supported individuals with disability and their supporters to access advocacy support and navigate complex systems. In the service sector, she has worked directly with people with disability experiencing a range of barriers to living the life they choose. Ishika holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is committed to walking alongside people with disability so they feel heard and supported to make informed choices about their own lives.

Nikki is deeply passionate about human rights and social justice, a commitment that shapes both her personal values and professional career. She brings over a decade of experience across the community services sector, backed by a strong foundation of volunteering in her local community and organising fundraising.

Nikki holds a Diploma in Community Services and a Bachelor of Human Services. Operating through a trauma-informed lens, she focuses on recognising an individual’s innate strengths. She is dedicated to helping people navigate complex, intersectional systems to uphold their dignity, protect their rights, and expand their capacity for self-determination.

Joining Side By Side Advocacy in June 2026, Nikki leverages a rich background spanning both government departments and not-for-profit organisations. Her diverse expertise includes crisis intervention, disability advocacy, and aged care. Throughout her career, she has successfully led teams, managed events and volunteers, coordinated community outreach, and supported children from Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) backgrounds. Nikki also spearheaded a notable social impact project that developed innovative solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness and social isolation.

Kay joined Side By Side Advocacy in December 2021. She has a Masters in Business Administration and is a Certified Practicing Accountant. For over 30 years she has worked in and/or managed finance departments in various small to medium-sized organisations, including 8 years in the higher education sector and 15 years in commercial industry. She is keen to use her skills and experience to provide support to the organization as it provides support to its community.

Nicola has demonstrated a strong commitment to social justice throughout both her professional career and personal life. She joined Side by Side Advocacy in February 2026, bringing extensive experience from roles in government and community settings, including work related to child safety, as well as a strong foundation in trauma-informed practice. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), a Bachelor of Arts (Education), and a Diploma of Education. She is deeply passionate about supporting self-determination, improving social access, and ensuring people have access to clear and meaningful information so they can make informed choices. Alongside her professional work, Nicola has developed strong connections within her community through a range of volunteering roles and community involvement.

Driven by a belief in the power of inclusive communication, Sophia transitioned into a communication and inclusion role at Side by Side Advocacy. She brings strong project coordination skills from previous work overseeing multi-disciplinary projects, where she focused on creative problem-solving and timely execution. Sophia also has hands-on experience managing volunteers and supporting diverse individuals in the community service sector. This frontline work deepened her understanding of tailored services and inclusive practices, helping her to build strong, trusting partnerships with wider community.

Nicola brings a strong background in communication, media production, and inclusive practices including creating media with people with intellectual disability. Nicola holds a Bachelor of Advanced Studies in Media and Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney. She has experience in audio production, including creating her own podcast and working within the audio industry. Nicola also brings five years of experience navigating the legal system and public sector from a client perspective. This experience has given her insight into the systemic barriers people can face when engaging with services and institutions. Nicola’s inclusion support role is informed by her international communications experience as a debater, her seven years as a debating coach that included mentoring and support, and her experience supporting inclusion in an advocacy organisation. Nicola is passionate about inclusive communication and supporting people to have their voices heard. She brings this commitment to her work supporting accessible communication and inclusion at Side by Side Advocacy.

James has dedicated his career to promoting human rights and holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law and Policy. James has worked across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, where he has seen first-hand how economic hardship, conflict, corruption and disability can affect people’s rights and opportunities. His advocacy career has included work on eliminating poverty, the creation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the rights of people affected by violence. He founded an organisation focused on advocacy and on researching peace and conflict in the Pacific. James has also focused on human rights and disability issues in Australia, working across advocacy, policy and strategy. He brings extensive experience in developing advocacy approaches that support people to have their voices heard and to influence the decisions that affect their lives. James is passionate about advocacy that starts with listening. He brings a strong commitment to strengths-based advocacy and to supporting people with disability to exercise their rights, shape decisions and have a genuine voice in the communities and systems that affect their lives. James joined Side By Side Advocacy to lead its systemic advocacy efforts.