Bruce Bonyhady
Professor Bruce Bonyhady is Executive Chair and Director of the Melbourne Disability Institute. He is a disability reformer, economist and one of the key architects of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). He was the inaugural Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) from 2013 to 2016 and was Co-Chair of the NDIS Review in 2022 and 2023.
Professor Bonyhady is the father of three adult sons, two of whom have disabilities and in the 2010 Queens Birthday Honours, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to people with disabilities, their families and carers and to the community as a contributor to a range of charitable organisations.
Uncle Willie Prince
Uncle Willie Prince’s life is a testament to resilience and the power of self-discovery. He was born on the Aboriginal mission of Cherbourg in Wakka Wakka country and has a spiritual connection to the Kalkadoon peoples of Mt Isa. Uncle Willie faced the challenges of being part of the Stolen Generation - a painful period in Australian history when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families and communities. He was born with a disability in the 1960’s, a time where Indigenous people were not recognised as Australian Citizens and were considered property of the government. He was displaced at the age of two when he was removed from country and community and placed in institution care.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Uncle Willie’s determination and curiosity inspired him to seek answers about his identity and culture. As he grew older, he began asking questions, determined to reclaim his identify and connection to his roots. Raised within the systems of institutional and government care, away from his family, people and community, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he received support from various individuals who helped him navigate this challenging pathway.
One significant turning point in Uncle Willie’s life was his opportunity to work at the State Library of Queensland. There, he delved into learning more about his background and where he came from. Conversations with other Indigenous people further enriched his understanding, and he often found himself crossing paths with relatives he never knew he had. Uncle Willie’s story is a powerful testament of resilience, the importance of cultural identity, and the strength that comes from reclaiming one’s voice. His experience serves as a reminder of the need to listen to and honour the stories of those who have faced adversity and triumphed against all odds.
Michael Hogan
Step into the world of transformational leadership with Michael Hogan, a seasoned leader in the disability sector. With a rich tapestry of experience spanning over 38 years in public purpose work, Michael brings a wealth of insights to the table.
Having served as Director-General of two Queensland Government agencies, including Disability Services, for over 6 years, Michael has navigated the intricate landscape of public service with finesse. Additionally, his 5-year tenure as CEO of a community-based public interest advocacy organisation underscores his commitment to driving positive change on both systemic and grassroots levels.
Beyond his direct leadership roles, Michael's influence extends to the boardrooms of impactful organisations. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Torres Indigenous Health Corporation, where he champions health equity for marginalised communities, and also lends his expertise to the Board of Directors of the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.
Currently, Michael serves as the Convenor of the ARACY-auspiced Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership, where he spearheads collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being and flourishing of Queensland's youth.
Join Michael Hogan as he delves into the essence of transformational leadership, drawing from his extensive journey of advocacy, governance, and community empowerment.
