Our Staff
Alison Vivian
Project Officer
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.
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.
Belle Owen
Project Leader
Email: belleo (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I lead a project that delivers Disability Inclusion Training to help government, businesses and other community organisations take an intersectional, accessible approach to all that they do. As a disabled woman, I've been on a lifelong journey of unlearning internalised ableism and other unconscious biases. I am now dedicated to celebrating disability excellence, supporting people living with disability to take up the space they are owed, and to guide our allies how to better contribute to the disability justice movement. Outside of work you'll find me with my dog Dolly, listening to 70’s and country music, planning my next vacation or vegan brunch.
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 & 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.
Chelsea Nickels
Email: chelsean (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I support individuals and families to build a vision of what home means to them and how community can play an important part in making that happen. I also support families to have the resources needed to advocate for that vision. I really enjoy facilitating meaningful change in our environments and communities so that everyone can feel more connected, valued and safe. I spend a lot of my free time following my toddler around and being involved with my local community association. I am very good at starting new hobbies (mainly art or craft projects), and then not following through or finishing the projects I start.
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.
Debbie Knowles
Project Leader - Our Voice SA
Phone: (08) 8373 8327
Email: debbiek (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
My work is to support members of Our Voice SA to self-advocate for a life they have chosen for themselves.
This happens by supporting individuals to increase their confidence and skill level so they have the courage to speak up and make their own decisions.
Many Our Voice SA members offer peer support to others who are not yet able to self-advocate.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my large extended family and my amazing grandchildren. I also enjoy walking, painting and travelling.
Elizabeth Farrant
Project Leader - Dig In
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 & 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.
Esther Simbi
CALD Project Officer – SKILL
Email: esthers (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
Here at Purple Orange, I provide information to people from a non-English speaking background about disability, support services, the NDIS and how to access the NDIS. I love working with communities, individuals and families from non-English speaking backgrounds. I love supporting people and communities to live a life they choose, to achieve their goals and to reach their full potential. I love to empower people to understand that disability is not inability. I also love singing and writing. Outside of Purple Orange, I write books and I give speeches in the community about living well with a disability.
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’
Geoff Barber
Chief Operating Officer
Phone: (08) 8373 8333
Email: geoffb (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I help Purple Orange implement its passion to make a difference in our community. I believe that good strategy and social policy is at its most vulnerable during implementation and as a community we have a responsibility to debate, guide and nurture reform. When I’m not trying to make a difference, I’m riding on a sunny back road or nailing pieces of wood.
Isabel Chen
Social Media and Digital Communications Officer
Phone: 08 8373 8335
Email: Isabelc (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I help to spread the word about the work that JFA Purple Orange does to support people living with disability through social media and our communication channels. What I like most about my job is reaching out to people and uncovering interesting things about themselves that make a good story to share with the community. I believe that change can only occur through empowering people in knowing their rights and becoming self-confident and able to stand up for themselves. Outside of work, I train in Krav Maga, which is a fun way to keep fit and become more confident.
Katie Bonner
Grants Officer & Executive Assistant
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.
Kellie Howe
Project Leader - Road to Employment
Phone: (08) 8373 8388
Email: kellieh (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I’m the project leader for Road to Employment. This project supports employers in South Australia to build inclusive and welcoming workplaces for people living with a disability. We do this by working directly with individual businesses as well as working at an an industry level. Having a job and a career path is everybody’s right. In my spare time I like to play club soccer or go camping. I am also passionate about saving our planet for future generations.
Kathryn Mills
Project Leader - Disability Elders of All Ages
Phone: (08) 8373 8311
Email: kathrynm (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I support projects that aim to build confidence and capacity for people who live with disability. My favourite projects to work on are those that allow people living with disability to have a voice in their communities. I’m passionate about the work I do because I believe the sharing of knowledge through lived experience is a powerful influence on change. In my spare time, I love venturing out to parks and beaches to spot dogs.
Lana Thrupp
Communications Officer - EYDN
Email: lanat (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
People love a good story, especially one that entertains, makes them feel something, amazes, or builds a connection! It’s my role to tell the stories of the Enabled Youth Disability Network and share the fantastic work they do empowering, connecting and improving the lives of young people living with disability. I love that the stories I share can be used to build awareness and show government, business and educational institutions how they can be more inclusive and supportive of young people. Outside of work you might find me cooking up a storm or spending time with family and friends.
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.
Megan Collins
Project Officer – Disability Elders of All Ages
Email: meganc (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I am a project officer who supports people living with physical and sensory disability who live in regional SA. I am passionate about supporting others to build connection-and raise awareness around the barriers to wellbeing in regional communities. Through our lived experience I believe we all have something to share- and something in common. I love to work on projects that build peoples strength and capacity to live their best lives.
I love being in my garden, hanging with my chickens, and when time allows exploring weaving and textiles arts and crafts.
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.
Sarah Footner
Project Leader - EYDN
Email: sarahf (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
My work with EYDN at JFA Purple Orange is all about giving young people living with a disability, especially students and people living in regional areas, the connections, skills, and knowledge they need to succeed and live the life they choose. I love being able to help amplify voices that can so often go unheard and use my lived experience of disability to make positive change. When I’m not at work, you’ll most likely find me on-stage performing my music, playing board games, rowing, or riding my horse!
Skye Kakoschke-Moore
Team Leader – Peer Networks and Capacity Building
Phone: (08) 8373 8317
Email: skyek (at) purpleorange (dot) org (dot) au
I spend my days seeking to improve the housing, transport and justice systems so they better meet the needs and wants of people living with disability. The best part of my job is working with and learning from the disability community so that together we can positively influence how individuals, businesses and governments interact with people living with disability. Outside of work I’m at my happiest when I’m spending time with my husband and our beagle Gracie, going on beach holidays and having fun at Pilates.
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.
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.
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.