Wayne Maitland
Dear Members
My name is Wayne Maitland, I am 69 years old, married to Marjorie (2nd of October this year will be our 51st Anniversary), We have two children (one deceased), 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
I commenced employment at Mulgrave Sugar Mill in 1971 and in my role, 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).
In 2005 I had a fall which required an above knee amputation. 2010 I was diagnosed with advanced degenerative joint disease that required me to be permanently in a wheelchair.
At a meeting in 2011 in Cairns about the introduction of the NDIS my interest in the plight of people with a disability began. This really struck a chord with me after leading most of my life, as an active, able-bodied man, I was now experiencing the social and environmental injustices that all people with a disability endure every day.
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 am currently the QDN, Cairns Convenor and have been for 6 years.
I can bring to the board a comprehensive understanding of business, (30 years) and of living with a disability, (17 years). Having experienced both worlds, as an able-bodied and disabled person, I would use my previous work and life experience, of learning and training, to help others have a voice and make a difference.
Wayne Maitland