Who Governs Illawarra Advocacy?
Illawarra Advocacy is an independent, not for profit, local organisation governed by a group of active local community members who are committed to seeking justice, equality and empowering people with disability in the Illawarra.
Illawarra Advocacy has no sectarian or political affiliation and is motivated only by the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of people with disability in the Illawarra.
Board of Management and Staff Biographies
Matt Turner – Chairperson
Matt Turner was admitted as a lawyer in 1989 and has practiced in Victoria and NSW. For the last 17 years Matt has worked as a Civil Lawyer with Legal Aid NSW in their Wollongong Office.
He has worked for several years in residential homes providing support to people with disabilities. Matt has also trained and worked as a Community Justice Centre Mediator. Matt enjoys bushwalking, kayaking and surfing.
Peter O’Brien – Vice Chairperson
Peter joined the Board of Management in August 2006 and has contributed to the organisation in various roles.
Peter previously worked at The Disability Trust where he was an original founder of their advocacy program.
Peter now works for Greenacres and has done so for the past 18 years.
Paul Humble – Secretary
Peter Armitt – Treasurer
Peter was born in Corrimal NSW and attended St Columbkilles Primary School, Corrimal and St Pauls High School Bellambi.
Peter graduated from the University of Wollongong with a BE (Electrical Engineering). Peter worked for Telstra for 22 years and took redundancy in 2001 and then studied at TAFE and attained an Advanced Diploma in Accounting in 2004.
Peter is a self employed Bookkeeper, is married and has 2 children.
Susan Armitt – Ordinary Member
Andrew Jackson – Ordinary Member
Mark Pearson – Ordinary Member
Michael Hall – Manager
Michael Hall attained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wollongong. Michael graduated with a major in Political Science and earned two minors in Sociology and Indigenous studies.
It was whilst undertaking these studies that Michael first became involved in Illawarra Advocacy through his volunteering role as a Board member for several years. Later, Michael took up employment with the organisation as its second Manager since the organisation became Illawarra Advocacy.
Michael’s interests include coaching and playing soccer, reading, athletics, keeping fit and spending as much time in outdoor activities with his family as possible.