Wayne Maitland
My name is Wayne Maitland, I am 71-year-old Caucasian man, with a right leg above knee amputation and use an electric wheelchair for mobility. I am married to Marjorie and on 2 October this year it will be our 53rd Anniversary. We have two children (one deceased), 8
grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. I am the Cairns Convenor for QDN and have been for 8 years.
I commenced employment at Mulgrave Sugar Mill in 1971 and whilst in that employment, I worked impartially in a team environment as my employment consisted of me being a site Foreman and the Cairns Area Union representative. I continued in this role until 1992 in conjunction with starting my own business in 1984 (Convenience store} and expanding to a second business in 1996 (Steel Fabrication).
I had a fall in 2005, which resulted in my right leg, above-knee amputation and in 2010, I was diagnosed with advanced degenerative joint disease that meant I would be permanently in a wheelchair. At a meeting in 2011 in Cairns, about the introduction of the NDIS, my interest in the predicament of all people living with a disability began. After living most of my life as an active, independent, able-bodied man and suddenly experiencing the social and environmental injustices that people with disabilities experience every day, this meeting
really struck a chord. In 2018 I completed a Diploma of Counselling, at Estrata College (AUST). During this time, I also participated in 12 months Lifeline Crises Support, manning a shift once a week. I also gained experience in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
I realised early in life, that I thrive on trying to drive positive changes in this chaotic world, using my personal skill set of team development, problem solving with team-oriented leadership, the ability to listen and learn from others, genuine connection, and most of all accountability and creditability.
I bring to the QDN board a comprehensive understanding of business (30 years Director / Partner), interpersonal skills and the shared experience of living with a disability (19 years). Having experienced both worlds, as an able-bodied and disabled person, I can use my work and life experience, of learning and training, to help others have a voice and make a difference.