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….

Rachel Drew has worked in the disability sector for over 36 years in roles spanning across Senior Management and Directorship, as well as grass roots supports to those with disability.

Rachel now runs her own businesses in disability consultancy and direct services.  She is passionate about human rights, best practice and honouring the natural authority families and their loved ones have over their lives.

Rachel has a strong vision of a good life and applies this vision to support good governance and practices, implementation of the NDIS principles and standards and interpretation of these principles to ensure best outcomes for those with disability.  She is also a self professed true crime nerd and dog lover!

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!

With over 30 years experience working in Corporates and Adult Education Narelle has a broad experience in working with individuals and groups across a variety of industries to achieve their potential. With a background in Finance and business Narelle is a valuable asset that can contribute to any organisation that she enters.

During Narelle's time delivering training at TAFE she taught people from diverse backgrounds, some with a variety of disabilities, and this has taught her so much about personal potential and meeting individuals where they are.

When Narelle is not delivering trainings she loves to spend time in nature, especially bush walking enjoying the amazing outdoor living opportunities we have available to us in Queensland. She is a mother to two beautiful adult girls. Her interests lie in reaching our personal potential and making the most of what life has to offer.

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.