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About us

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Autism Queensland Limited Board of Directors

Mr Neil Makepeace

Director, Chair

Neil is a passionate leader and director with 30 years’ experience solving complex problems in Queensland, around Australia and worldwide. He has a strong track record in governance, executive leadership, management consulting, strategic planning, systems development and operations. Neil is passionate about the power of data and information to give leaders the evidence and confidence they need to make wise decisions and ultimately drive business and social value. Through his socially responsible leadership, he has made a difference in areas like child safety, youth justice, domestic and family violence and the environment. He is deeply dedicated to helping people on the autism spectrum realise their full potential.

Mr Daniel Aitchison

Director

Daniel is a seasoned Executive and Board Director with extensive experience in the Human Services and Care Sectors. His expertise includes Aged Care, Disability Services, Allied Health Services, Retirement Living, and Land Lease Communities. Beginning his career as a Registered Nurse, Daniel has always been committed to serving others. He holds a Master of Health Management from QUT, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management. Daniel played a key role as a foundational board member of the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), the national peak body for aged care providers in Australia. Daniel is CEO and Executive Director of Palm Lake Care, one of Queensland’s largest family-owned residential aged care providers.

Mr Chris Collins

Director, Chair - Finance & Audit Committee

Chris is an experienced corporate and financial services leader with over 20 years of experience across global markets. He is a proven leader with strong technical skills and business acumen and has experience in complex cross-border financing and capital raising, risk, compliance and corporate governance. Chris is admitted to practice law in NSW, England and Wales, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Danielle Butcher
Mrs Danielle Butcher

Director

Danielle has over 20 years’ experience leading successful teams, programs and specialised projects. She identifies opportunities to obtain efficiencies and drive reform and has a strong understanding of the not for profit sector, government, policy, governance, asset and facilities management, education and awareness, indigenous issues, disabilities, tenancy issues, hardship and concession programs, customer management, complaints management and standards.

Mr Josh Mennen

Director, Chair - People, Safety & Culture Committee

Josh is a Principal Lawyer and Nation Litigation Leader at Maurice Blackburn.  Admitted to legal practice in 2007, Josh has acted predominantly across superannuation, general insurance, life insurance, financial advice and consumer credit disputes in various tribunals and courts. He is a prominent commentator on public policy, having advanced consumer rights through scores of submissions, appearances at parliamentary inquiries and media appearances. Josh provides financial services legal advice to disabled or wronged consumers, disability support groups, charities, State Trustees, financial counsellors, community groups and unions. He is passionate about increasing consumer rights/awareness, and giving voice to those dis-empowered by illness, injury and socioeconomic barriers.

Ms Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann

Director

Sarah-Jane is an award-winning leader in business and technology, having founded ATech in 2007. Starting as a web developer, she grew ATech into a multi-million dollar enterprise, serving clients such as airlines and government bodies. With significant board and committee experience in both the not-for-profit and education sectors, Sarah-Jane currently serves as Vice Chair of the Australian Computer Society Queensland Branch. She holds a Bachelor of Information Technology, an Executive MBA, a Masters of Property Studies, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. An international best-selling author on wholehearted leadership, she brings personal insight to her advocacy for neurodiversity, being recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is a single parent and has a child on the spectrum.

Belinda Nankivell

Director

Belinda is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience across healthcare and property sectors. She has strong management experience supporting people, projects, systems, and operations.  Her passion for driving organisational change helps to create strong and resilient organisations. In her role as Director of Autism Queensland, Belinda brings a unique blend of healthcare expertise, operational excellence, and digital transformation experience. Belinda’s empathetic approach will support her role to advocate for the issues affecting those with autism and their communities.

Ms Jennie Riley

Company Secretary

Jennie joined Autism Queensland in 2019 as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer bringing with her a breadth of experience in corporate administration gained from roles in corporate and for-purpose agencies overseas and within Australia. Jennie has extensive governance, executive administration and project management capabilities. She is passionate about ensuring social justice and equity within the workplace and community.