Governance Board

With over 25 years community sector experience Deborah continues to be committed to walking alongside people within community to enable them to achieve a balanced life. Deborah applies person centered and recovery frameworks to work within diverse learning environments and community engagement. Social justice principles guide her work, the principles of equity, access, participation and rights.
Deborah is a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, family and friend… a counsellor, a teacher and a student of life. Qi Gong, Mindfulness and Meditation are her daily companions and she brings these modalities to all aspects of her day to day life. She loves being in nature whether that is the ocean or the mountains. She loves to travel and is always planning some trip somewhere. Humour and positivity are important to Deborah. She can laugh at herself and not take herself too seriously.

Deborah has the lived experience of a sister with a disability who inspires her to be the best version of herself that she can be.

Mother Teresa, St Teresa of Calcutta, is one of her heroes - she has many. One of her most important comments that inspired her was when Mother Teresa was asked to march against war. She refused the offer stating that she would not march against war or any cause, yet ask her to march for peace and she would be there.
So, compassion fatigue is big and there are so many issues to stand for and when Deborah is up against something she always asks of herself – what am I standing for here. What would St Teresa do? She did so much, with so little, for so many –she is a pretty good role model.

So, in the words of John Lennon, sung by the Beatles – Love is all you need….that is the answer to everything….

Ms. Deborah Fisher (BFA Hons, MFA)

Discipline Leader Fashion, University of the Sunshine Coast

I’m very honoured to be a part of the CFN Governance Board. It fits with my values on many levels. Firstly, it is a strong, vibrant community serving the needs of those in the Caboolture region, a place I’ve called home since I was 4 years old. Secondly, it is an organisation that is client focused, and I really care about that, it means that the clients are treated with dignity, respect and have a voice in their day to day activities. This is very important to me. Thirdly, CFN is doing things a bit differently, approaching disability service with an innovative view to serving the needs of the sector. And finally, I get to work amongst a really inspiring group of people who are like-minded in a not-for -profit environment.

My own experience as a parent of a person with a disability helps me navigate some of the issues that CFN faces and keep it real, focusing on outcomes and not just slogans and sayings…Can’t get better than that!

Born in Maryborough, I have left footprints there, Brisbane, Gayndah, Toowoomba, Mackay and Bundaberg before becoming part of the Caboolture community in April this year.

My working life was spent in secondary education and I spent many years as Deputy Principal in Mackay and Bundaberg.  That was a very long time ago!

I am the father of four adult children and the very proud grandfather of six beautiful grandchildren and my wife, Libby, would like me to say the dutiful and loving husband to her.

Volunteering has always been part of my life since my children were born and I followed their interests and helped where possible.  I even used to do pretty good ballet buns.

In my later years of volunteering I have had a particular interest in championing the cause for those with disabilities.  Our son, Peter, has an intellectual disability.

In my spare time (not much of that these days) I love regaling my grandchildren with my “Dad” jokes which make my sons- in-law laugh too and my girls cringe, having a few minutes to myself watching NRL (It used to be the cricket too.), swimming, reading and sleeping.

In my dreams I have dreamt of an organisation like CFN which really cares for the needs of my family and now I have found it so I am delighted to be able to serve on the Board.

After half a century on the planet, it feels like I’ve crammed at least five lifetimes into one. It’s a beautiful thing to finally reside near a place I’ve adored since I was young, when leisurely summer holidays on the Sunshine Coast were anticipated with great longing. It is so gratifying to glimpse the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains as I drive around my suburb. That view still takes my breath away!

Having worked in Aged Care and as a Disability Support Worker, it was nevertheless a surprise to have two daughters born with a rare genetic condition. I have three children, including a son, who has successfully left the nest. His eldest sister will be living in supported accommodation soon. My youngest daughter is an artist who inspires me daily to learn how to work and play consistently and joyfully without being precious. Twenty-five years of being a Carer has taught me a great deal about life, grief and staying power. The generous support of family, friends and people working in the disability sector has sustained us. I owe them everything.

Some long-term passions that have kept me sane are art, music, photography, books and reading. I have attained a B.A. in Fine Arts and Visual Culture from Curtin University. An abiding interest in matters of ‘home’, memory, contemporary still life, memento mori “Remember, you must die” and mysticism fuels my work and life. I am deeply interested in end of life education and care. Despite this, if I had a life motto, it would possibly be: ‘Too many books is never enough!’ I admire people who are quietly self-possessed, adaptable, not averse to confronting matters of the human shadow, and who strive to live whole-heartedly.