Our Staff
Alison Vivian
Project Leader - Our Voice SA
Phone: (08) 8373 8321
Email: alisonv (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
My work at JFA Purple Orange involves supporting Our Voice SA group to become stronger and to run self-advocacy workshops for people living with an intellectual disability in South Australian country regions.
I love being able to work alongside people to live their best life, being part of the Purple Orange team means I can help people understand their rights and give them the confidence to speak up and have a say about what happens in their lives.
When not working I enjoy crocheting, going to country music events and camping with my husband and two boys.
Amy White
Policy and Research Leader
Phone: 8373 8303
Email: amyw (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I am passionate about promoting the rights, choices and inclusion of all people, particularly people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and/or live with disability. My work at JFA Purple Orange allows me to assist people living with disability to access the supports they need to achieve their goals, be part of the community and live the life they choose. My work also allows me to influence and educate others about the issues experienced by people living with disability, such as housing and inclusion. When I’m not at work, I enjoy baking, walking, and attending live sport, theatre, and concerts.
Andrew Gibson
Project Leader - SKILL
Phone: 0413 854 863
Email: andrewg (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
At Purple Orange I get to talk with people about ideas, options and opportunities to build new skills and make changes in their lives. I really enjoy supporting people to make their own choices through providing meaningful information to make this happen. I am a creative and active person, and when I’m not working, I like to get out and about to markets and restaurants, live music gigs, travel around our country and the world and listen to Rock and Roll music!
Angus Fowler
Administration Officer - Enabled Youth Disability Network
Phone: (08) 8373 8319
Email: angusf (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I work with Julia Farr Youth, a committed group of young people living with disability, working with and advocating for young people living with disability in South Australia. I assist with the running of our youth Peer Support Network.
I’m passionate about working with young people. They are often overlooked when really they have so much knowledge through lived experience that can shape the community and support others to live a full life.
I’m a sports and music nut who loves the outdoors. You’ll find me at the cricket, footy or at a live gig.
Ayla Regione
Project Officer - Road to Employment
Email: aylar (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I work with people to create inclusive and accessible workplaces. My hope is for people to feel they can thrive, in every way possible, when it comes to their chosen education and career, goals and adventures in life. I get excited when I hear stories or moments that celebrate this and believe it has the power to create meaningful and positive change. In my downtime, I love sports, travelling, food and relaxing with my family at the beach.
Belle Owen
Manager, Policy & Projects
Email: belleo (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I consider myself fortunate to provide support to some remarkable projects that foster connections among South Australians with disability through peer networks. I also provide our community with information they might need to lead the life they aspire to and deserve.
Collaborating closely with the policy team, I actively support them in their mission to advocate for government decisions that prioritise disability inclusion in every aspect. Furthermore, I engage with various organisations to provide guidance and strategies aimed at enhancing their own accessibility and inclusivity practices.
I am deeply committed to Disability Justice, and I wholeheartedly bring my unique perspective as a proud disabled woman, coupled with my extensive experience working within the broader disability community, into everything I undertake in work and life.
Beyond work, my life revolves around my rescue dog, Dolly, who always makes me smile!
Carey Scheer
Media Production and Connection Leader
Phone: (08) 8373 8332
Email: careys (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I help JFA Purple Orange tell stories that get to the core of what they do and why they do it. My favourite projects to work on are the ones that amplify the voices of the people JFA Purple Orange exists for. It's an honour to listen to each and every person's story I have the privilege to share.
When I'm not behind a camera or in the editing suite, you may find me climbing a giant rock somewhere.
Cathy Cochrane
Policy and Research Leader
Email: cathyc (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
My work at JFA Purple Orange focuses on local government, accessible communities, and inclusive neighbourhoods. My strong sense of curiosity drives me to research policy issues and to find out the history behind why things are the way they are. I value hearing about people’s experiences and enjoy the challenges of analysing problems, developing solutions, and writing persuasively to influence real-world change. When the weather obliges, I like going for long walks, and when it doesn’t, I love reading books and listening to podcasts.
Christine Farina
Finance Officer
Phone: (08) 8373 8308
Email: christinef (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I work in the finance team and look after the day to day financial demands of the organisation. I have been lucky enough to work here for nearly ten years and have loved the ever changing environment and the progressive nature of Purple Orange.
When I’m not at work I’m kept busy by my gorgeous family, shopping and dreaming about travelling to new and exciting destinations.
Elizabeth Farrant
Project Leader
Phone: (08) 8373 8333
Email: elizabethf (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
Dig In is a pilot project connecting a community garden with people who find it difficult to leave their homes. I am supporting the Home Gardeners and Community Gardeners to come together, learn from each other, and grow some delicious vegies. Reducing social isolation has been a focus of mine since I started as a support worker 8 years ago. I hope that Dig In will help us reimagine what community connection can look like for people who find it hard to leave home but still want and deserve to be connected to people around them. My 14-year-old blue heeler keeps me occupied outside of work with his love of pats and desire to sniff every available thing on our walks.
Ellen Fraser-Barbour
Policy and Research Leader
Email: ellenf (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
My name is Ellen. I am passionate about people with disability sharing their experiences and being heard on topics they want to talk about.. I listen, read and think critically about the many small and big issues that people with disability talk about and then advocate to government and community for change. Outside of work, I love hiking and travelling off the beaten track or burrowing down at home with a movie.
Ewa Lamont
Project Officer - Road to Employment
Email: ewal (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
At Purple Orange, I am working on a project to increase inclusion for students living with disabilities in schools. I am passionate about inclusive education and the positive impact it has on everyone. I am excited about seeing the flow on effect of inclusion outside the classroom into society from this project, and all the work Purple Orange does. When I am not at work I love to play boardgames or paint and hide rocks for ‘SA Rocks’
James Murphy
Policy and Research Officer
Email: jamesm (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I work on discovering new ways that people in positions of power, like politicians and people who work for the government or business, can play their part in improving the lives of people living with a disability. Once the team I work with and I discover these new ways, we speak up to the powerful people about our ideas and hope they listen. I love having the opportunity to try to improve the lives of many people all at once. I have lived with disability in my household all my life, so I value bringing these first hand experiences to Purple Orange. I have a passion for seeing almost every type of live music or arts, ranging from opera and modern dance to heavy metal and stand-up comedians.
Jane Arnott
Service Leader – Governance Support, Grants and HR
Email: janea (at) juliafarr (dot) org (dot) au
I work with the board and team at Purple Orange to make sure that they have the information they need to make good decisions for our community and organisation. I also work with the people and organisations that we support through our grant programs.
I love working with so many different people who each bring their own experiences and skills to Purple Orange – I’m learning new things every day.
Outside of work you’ll find me outside! I spend weekends looking after our tiny garden, riding my bike, and hiking.
Jen Hoskin
HR Administrator
Email: jenh (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I love working in human resources and helping others to achieve their goals. My work is very meaningful as I'm often behind the scenes (with a team) working out a solution to a process problem. I love problem-solving and working with my team to improve practices which ultimately helps people feel valued and safe at work.
To me getting the basics right as well as being kind, understanding and supportive means we can continue to build and add value to the amazing work we do. I'm blown away seeing our people doing amazing things every day to support one another and the community.
When I'm not at work, I'm loving life and often discovering new favourite places with my 3 daughters.
Karine Richard
Project Officer - SKILL
Email: kariner (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
My job is to help people better understand how they can help themselves. No matter what abilities, identities, shapes or colours, all should be given the right and means to that famous “fair go”. I love seeing individuals gain control of their own lives and achieve what truly matters to them. I feel at home within a team and organisation that gives real, practical meaning to respect and inclusion. On days off I tackle the weeds in my garden, badger my children to spend time with me, and always have a beading project on hand when all else fails.
Katie Bonner
Executive Assistant to CEO
Phone: (08) 8373 8301
Email: katieb (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I administer our grants program and offer logistical support to various projects we run, as well as provide administrative support to the office.
It is really touching to know that I play a small part in making a difference to our grant recipients lives and that makes my job very fulfilling.
In my spare time I love taking photos, skyping my family back home and hanging out with my husband and our cats Reggie and Jasper.
Kyra Kimpton
Project Leader - Disability Elders of All Ages
Phone: 8373 8388
Email: kyrak (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I support Disability Elders of All Ages, a diverse group of people living with physical and sensory disability in SA. I enjoy listening to the group's interests, ideas, and experiences. I build on these by booking speakers, sharing information, and organising events and workshops. I am passionate about ensuring peoples' voices are heard, and that people have the information, skills and support they need to advocate at all levels. Outside of Purple Orange I enjoy climbing the playground with my daughter, hiking in our beautiful national parks, and playing boardgames in the evenings.
Lauren Dempsey
Project Leader - Enabled Youth Disability Network
Email: laurend (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
Since February 2023 I joined Enabled Youth Disability Network’s (EYDN) as the Project Leader. I organise and help support EYDN peer network meetings, workshops, events and advocacy. Accessibility and inclusive education has always been a strong value of mine and I believe positive change for a more accessible world starts with listening to the experiences of young people. The Best part of my job is connecting members together by celebrating and acknowledging the important role of young people living with disability in our community. We also get to have a lot of fun learning new skills and activities while we advocate. When I’m not at work you might find me spending time with family and dogs or exploring the Adelaide art scene.
Linda Carrapiett
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (08) 8373 8329
Email: lindac (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I lead the financial and administration areas of the organisation. Our team provides information to key stakeholders on financial and admin matters.
I enjoy working alongside talented staff to produce accurate information to help in the decision making of the organisation. I enjoy the progressive nature of the organisation and the diversity of work we are involved in, as no two days are the same.
When I am not at work, I enjoy cooking and baking with my family, catching up with friends and swimming.
Marissa Brown
Leader - Marketing and Communications
Email: marissab (at) juliafarr (dot) org (dot) au
My job is to coordinate the marketing and communications activities at JFA Purple Orange and the broader Julia Farr group, so that more people are aware of the great work that we do. My favourite part of the job is listening to the goals that my colleagues want to achieve, and working out how marketing and communications can help them get there. I’m drawn to this work because I want to use my skills for the greater good, and because I believe that everyone has the right to enjoy what life has to offer, no matter their circumstances. Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and two teenagers, going for walks around my neighbourhood, and playing the odd retro video game.
Melanie Merlino
Digital Communications Officer
Email: melaniem (at) juliafarr (dot) org (dot) au
I'm responsible for helping promote the services and offerings of Julia Farr's Inhousing social enterprise and supporting the marketing and communications of the broader Julia Farr group. The ability to have a positive and lasting impact on the community around me is what drives me in my work and I love to explore different and engaging ways of amplifying the voices of people living with disability and sharing the work we do. Outside of work, I love getting outdoors and among nature with my family, working on my karate skills or curling up on the couch with a good fiction novel.
Mikaila Crotty
Policy and Research Leader
Phone: (08) 8373 8313
Email: mikailac (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
A big part of my work at Purple Orange is thinking about the issues and challenges for people who live with mental health conditions. I love this work because I adore studying people and trying to better understand human behaviour. Working at Purple Orange means I see the extraordinary lives that people living with disability can create and I’m constantly reminded of what is possible when people connect with each other.
In my spare time I love designing and making necklaces by hand.
Nick Roach
Digital Communications Officer
Email: nicoler (at) juliafarr (dot) org (dot) au
I help spread the word about the work Purple Orange does supporting people living with disability through online communication. I love sharing information about communities’ people may not have heard about, allowing people the opportunity to join communities that value and accept them for their true selves. I believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity in life, driving me in my work to help create change. Outside of work, I love computer gaming and tabletop wargaming, having taken a few Lord of the Rings tabletop armies to tournaments within Australia.
Tara Baird
Project Administrator
Email: tarab (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I’m supporting the Disability Inclusion Training project, which allows external organisations to challenge attitudes and their own unconscious bias towards people living with a disability in a safe space. I’m excited to meet new people and listen and learn about their own experiences and stories. I’m drawn towards this work because I believe in the power of participatory approach by engaging with individuals and communities to build resilience and capacity. In my spare time, I enjoy attempting new sports, watching British crime dramas, manically searching for vintage furniture on Facebook Marketplace, and learning new recipes to cook for my friends and family.
Tessa Deak
Project Leader - Regional
Email: tessad (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I am an enthusiastic chronic illness and disability advocate from the Limestone Coast. With my work with Purple Orange, I get to support the running of projects in Mount Gambier and Regional SA. I love being involved in bringing supports, education, and empowerment to areas outside of our state capital. I enjoy being creative, baking choc chip peanut butter cookies, and getting involved in my beautiful community where I can.
Tracey Wallace
Policy and Research Leader
Phone: (08) 8373 8326
Email: traceyw (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I work with talented and passionate people to try to influence policies to improve the life chances of people living with disability. My particular focus is to influence policies that support people living with disability to gain employment and also looking at ways to improve how the NDIS works together with other mainstream services to provide the best outcomes for people living with disability.
When I’m not at work, you will find me hanging out with my three young boys and squeezing in a run, game of netball or Pilates class.
Tristan Salim
Project Officer - Our Voice SA
Phone: (08) 8373 8321
Email: tristans (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I help people who don’t always get to speak up, making sure they get their message across. I believe people should always have a say in their own lives. My favourite part of my job is that I get to meet people from all over our community. I enjoy getting to see people come out of their shell and gain confidence. Outside of work I love to kayak, play tennis and hang out with all of the animals.
Rebecca Dowd
Policy and Research Leader
Phone: (08) 8373 8312
Email: rebeccad (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
Social justice is what drives me. I believe that together, we can achieve a world in which all people have the opportunity to live a positive life and fulfil their goals. My research and policy role at Purple Orange centres on community membership: what this means for people living with disability and how it can best be realised. I bring a human rights perspective to my work. Outside of the office, I love learning about the world through language, reading, teaching English to people who are new to Australia and, of course, travel.
Robbi Williams
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (08) 8373 8333
Email: robbiw (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I lead the organisation’s work and I try to make sure each of our talented staff has what they need to make the biggest impact. I believe that life is too short to not have an opinion, and that an opinion needs to be well-informed and values-driven. I am also moved by the power of community, and how neighbourliness can create genuine belonging. In my personal life I see this every Saturday morning as the Event Director at my local parkrun.