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About Different Journeys

For more than 10 years, Different Journeys has helped Autistic people, carers and families in Victoria to connect with community and find the right support.

Who we support

Four smiling volunteers stand behind a banner that reads 'Carers Cuppa' at a carers event, with pamphlets on a blue table in front.

All carers

We assist unpaid carers who support family members or friends with disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.

Making connections

  • Connecting carers with supports e.g. respite, house cleaning, getting a weekend away, connecting with other carers in social settings, meals, laundry

Real-life events and sessions

  • Facilitating real life events where carers can gain a sense of camaraderie and share experiences and socialise with other carers in a safe space
  • Hosting sessions that support male carers to feel more confident in their roles within families of children with disabilities

System navigation for carers

  • Navigating systems with and for young carers (e.g. a secondary school student who’s caring for someone with mental health issues)
Man on stage raises a small card while speaking into a microphone, with two others nearby.

Autistic people

We support Autistic adults and teens as well as their families. 

Navigating systems 

  • Helping our community navigate complex systems like health, education, public transport, NDIS, Centrelink, employment agencies and ATO

Hosting events

  • Holding events for teenagers and adults to improve social skills in everyday life
  • Facilitating face-to-face events that allow autistic teens to connect with others, practise social interaction and develop confidence in everyday activities such as reading and ordering from a menu.

Up-skilling

  • Giving young Autistic people the opportunity to learn new skills in a safe environment so they can feel confident in entering the workforce.

What we do

Events

Led by staff with firsthand experience of autism and caregiving, our events create safe, structured opportunities for Autistic people, carers and families to connect and learn from one another.

View events 🎉

Peer support

We are lived experience leaders, navigating “the system” and helping carers access supports and services for themselves and those in their care. Our team draws on their firsthand experience and wisdom to provide carers with gentle guidance.

View support 🤝

Whole-family support

We run fun, inclusive events and provide guidance, resources and peer support to help  families make memories, strengthen relationships, connect with other families and access services.

View events 🎉

Representing our community

We bring the voices and experiences of Autistic people, carers and families directly to the decisionmakers such as state and federal government committees, advisory groups and consultations.

View resources 📚

Why we exist

Both Autistic people and unpaid carers often face challenges and gaps in support. Different Journeys exists to support those who are missing out on the social connection and financial assistance they need to live empowered, fulfilling lives.

<Infographics for the facts below>

Compared to Victorians without a disability, Autistic Victorians are: 

  • >50%  less likely to complete  higher education
  • ~6 times more likely to be unemployed
  • 8 times more likely to die by suicide
 

Carers:

  • 12% of Victorians are unpaid carers
  • One-third of carers has been forced to retire, leave their paid job or stop looking for work to fulfil caregiving duties
 
 

Our team

Hope

Youth Leadership at Family Camp

Jinny

Pride, Leadership and Bringing People Together

Emma & Jordan

From Attending to Leading to Working with Us

Lauri & Kelsey

Having a Voice and Being Heard

Dr Ru Ying

Chairperson

Daniel Munter

Deputy Chairperson

Mel Spencer OAM

Chief Executive Officer

Raymond Burnett

Chief Operating Officer

Merrin Ayton

Co-founder

Rachel Power

Treasurer

Jesse Baker

Secretary

Fred Brumhead

General Board Member

Dr Stacey Rabba

General Board Member

James Gan

General Board Member

Mel Spencer OAM

Chief Executive Officer

Raymond Burnett

Chief Operating Officer

  • Tap to learn more

Merrin Ayton

Carer Peer Support Officer

Eden Elliott-Griggs

Leader People, Culture, Compliance

Megan Spencer

Carer Peer Support Manager

Christina Penna

Finance Manager

Annette White

Executive Assistant

Adele Richards

Administration Support

Bianca Paliaga

Peer Support Coordinator

Katherine Ludbrook

Carer Peer Support

Anil Suri

Carer Peer Support

Seane Cumming

Lead Carer Peer Support

Bendigo

Leah Thomas

Bendigo Region Coordinator

Bendigo

Daryl Giles

Carer Peer Support

Bendigo

Kellie Neven

Event Carer Officer

Our story

Different Journeys was founded in 2016, by Melbourne mums, Merrin Ayton and Mel Spencer OAM, to give their Autistic children a safe place to socialise with other teens and make new friends.

As the organisation grew, so did their understanding of the broader challenges families were facing, particularly unpaid carers navigating complex systems with limited support. This led to the creation of Different Journeys’ carer peer support program, helping carers build confidence, access services, and advocate for themselves and their families.

What began as one community-led idea has grown into a vibrant, supportive organisation shaped by lived experience, connection and care.

Watch Mel and Merrin’s story of lived experience, connection and care.

February 2016 Different Journeys founded Started by Melbourne mothers with lived experience of autism, running small events in Melbourne's outer east.
2018–2019 Growing into the community Expanded event categories across teens, adults, families and carers. First dedicated Carer Peer Support team formed.
2021 CARE@WORK social enterprise launched A workplace wellbeing and training program for employers, run by and for the carer community.
2023 Bendigo expansion Expanded regional reach with a dedicated Bendigo team and regular events for the regional autism community.
2025–Present 500+ events and counting Now supporting 2,400+ autistic people and carers across Victoria, 100% peer-led.

10+

Years serving Victoria’s
autism community

500+

Events delivered
across Victoria

10,000+

Autistic people and
carers supported

100%

Peer-led by people with
lived experience
"Swim nights give us an opportunity to hang out with like minded people and I don’t need to apologise for my child’s behaviour."
Parent
ParentSwim night attendee
"Coming to Different Journeys events is really, really, important for my mental health"
Shaun
ShaunAutistic Adult
"Well, there are a few things that keep me coming back, partly to socialize with others. Great food, obviously. And the special event of each night – the quiz."
Mitchel
MitchelAutistic Adult
"I really enjoy the chance to interact with friends and with peers who are like minded."
BailyAutistic Adult
"Without Different Journeys we would not have access to invaluable education and networking resources to continue to support our young person the best we can."
Carer
"Attending several activities and camps that Different Journeys has organised has provided an amazing link for us to the local autism community, not only support for our three Autistic children, but also for us as parent carers."
Parent
"‘I would never have been able to work out the NDIS system without all the help at the dinners. I wouldn't know what help and systems are available. Who else will tell you these things, but people who live them?"
Parent

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Donate to Different Journeys

Your generosity means we can plan ahead, respond quickly where the need is greatest, and continue showing up for the people who rely on us. Give what feels right for you today as every gift is appreciated.

All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia. You’ll receive a donation receipt by email.

We do not provide emergency assistance.

If you require urgent help, please contact:

Police Fire Ambulance

000

Lifeline

13 11 14

Suicide Line

1300 651 251

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue

1300 224 636

1800 RESPECT

1800 737 732

The Suicide Response Project (SRP) was created by researchers, academics, and psychologists together with autistic and LGBTIQA+ people who have lived through suicidal thoughts, their families, and those who have supported or lost someone to suicide. The SRP is here to guide you, and through its 8 Step Response, you’ll find clear, research-based information and simple, practical tips you can follow step by step.

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What would you like to hear about?

Got a question or need help? Get in touch to find out more about our events.

  • Youth Leadership
  • Events & Programs
  • Skills & Confidence
  • Community Contribution

Hope showed what youth leadership can look like when a young person is trusted with something real and supported in doing it their own way.

For our Autistic Family Camp, Hope planned and delivered the art program from start to finish. She designed the activity, worked out what materials were needed, bought everything, kept track of receipts, and put together a clear run sheet. She also created a social story so participants knew what to expect, making the whole experience more predictable, accessible, and inclusive for autistic children and families.

Hope used her NDIS supports thoughtfully throughout the process, which is a big part of what strong self-advocacy looks like: knowing what helps, asking for it, and using supports to reach your goals.

At camp, Hope led the art sessions with calm confidence. She made space for children to join in at their own pace, whether that meant diving in, taking breaks, or just watching for a while before starting. Afterwards, Hope collected feedback, organised it into a spreadsheet, and shared it with the team so we could learn what worked well and keep improving.

We’re really proud of Hope. Her leadership strengthened the camp experience for families, and you could see her skills growing in planning, communication, co-ordination, and reflection along the way.

  • Youth Leadership
  • Pride & Inclusion
  • Connection & Belonging
  • Community Contribution

Jinny is a beautiful example of what can happen when young people are encouraged to lead in ways that feel right for them.

Across several events this year, Jinny has stepped forward with confidence, creativity, and so much warmth. One of the things we love most is how they make leadership feel possible for others, like when they worked alongside Tycho and Skye to co-create a joke for a speech, so everyone could contribute in a way that felt safe and achievable.

A standout moment was when Jinny volunteered to be MC for the first time. From the moment they stepped up, the room shifted, and their energy was contagious. People were laughing, engaged, and genuinely connected. Jinny wasn’t just “hosting”… they were creating a sense of belonging.

During Pride Month, Jinny also designed and ran a Pride-themed quiz (with support from Taylor, Bianca and Jordan behind the scenes). It was fun, thoughtful, and full of great facts, and it ended up being a highlight of the night for so many young people and parents.

What mattered just as much was what the space allowed. Young autistic people talked openly about Pride flags, queer characters, and discrimination laws, with curiosity, respect, and real conversation. And there wasn’t a single homophobic or transphobic comment. That kind of safety doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we build neuro-affirming, inclusive spaces and when young people like Jinny help lead them.

We’re incredibly proud of Jinny. They bring pride, joy, and connection into our community, and remind us that young people aren’t “just participants” – they’re leaders, creators, and culture-shapers.

  • Pathways to Employment
  • Skills & Confidence
  • Connection & Belonging
  • Community Contribution

Emma and Jordan’s journeys with Different Journeys are a reminder of what youth development can look like when young people are given time, trust, and real chances to grow.

They both started out the same way many young people do. Coming along to events, getting a feel for the space, building familiarity and confidence. Over time, they stepped into volunteering roles, and today Jordan has moved into a paid role with our team. Watching their skills and independence grow has been genuinely powerful.

Emma has helped across lots of events, but her strength shines at the welcome desk. Her calm presence, attention to detail, and genuine warmth help people feel safe from the moment they arrive. Behind the scenes, Emma also notices what’s working (and what’s not) and shares thoughtful ideas that help us improve. That perspective is so valuable.

Jordan’s pathway into a paid position is a real example of what can happen when strengths are recognised, and opportunities are matched to the young person, not the other way around.

This is what we aim for with youth development: meaningful participation, confidence built through real experiences, and pathways that can lead to leadership and employment, at a pace that feels right.

  • Youth Leadership
  • Pride & Inclusion
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Connection & Belonging

At Different Journeys, our autistic queer mentors play a special role in helping young people feel safe, confident, and heard at our events.

Lauri and Kelsey bring their own lived experience as autistic queer young adults. That matters. Their presence is a quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet!) reminder to younger people: you can grow up, be yourself, and find your people. Lauri and Kelsey are also employed because of their lived experience, because it’s real expertise, and it makes our community stronger.

Lauri and Kelsey support young people to:

Express themselves and advocate for what they need.
Speak up in ways that feel safe (or take their time, both are welcome).
Build confidence, a sense of belonging, and connection with peers.

They’re also happy to chat with parents and carers, sharing parts of their own journeys and offering reassurance, insight, and a bit of light for families walking a similar path.

Through peer connection, lived experience, and genuine inclusion, our mentors help ensure young people aren’t just included, they’re actively engaged, listened to, and celebrated.

Dr Ru Ying Cai

Chairperson

Ru is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne (Mindful Autism) and Research Fellow at a not-for-profit organisation, Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia). She is interested in understanding how we can improve the mental health and wellbeing of Autistic people by studying factors that impact these health outcomes, including emotion regulation, employment, and financial wellbeing. At Mindful Autism, she is leading a multi-site research project examining the experiences of Autistic adults in getting an autism diagnosis in various Victorian tertiary mental health services, including the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Western Health, and Mildura Base Public Hospital. The team is also exploring the experiences of other stakeholders, including clinicians, referrers, and family members. At Aspect, she is leading a program of work examining the self-compassion experiences of Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children. As part of this research, Ru and Dr Chris Edwards co-produced the Aspect Self-Compassion Program for Autistic Adults (ASPAA). This online, self-guided program has been downloaded by approximately 1,200 Autistic individuals worldwide and has received the Autism CRC Awards for Achievement in Autism Research for Research Translation, as well as the Mental Health Service Awards of Australia and New Zealand.
In addition to the research work, Ru wanted to be able to assist a community organisation that directly supports autistic individuals and she chose Different Journeys for the great work that’s been done by the team and Mel’s passion.

Daniel Munter

Deputy Chairperson

Daniel is an autistic and passionate person who adopts a ‘person-first’ approach to the development of Autistic youth. He strives every day to enrich the lives of the Autistic community, as well as create opportunities for individual personal development.  He is currently employed as a Youth Programs Manager at Children and Young People with Disability Australia. Daniel has worked for the I Can Network for over three years, producing stronger Autism advocacy and mental health outcomes for young Autistics. He is also a staunch advocate. Daniel has a Bachelor of Music from the Australian Institute of Music and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences from Monash University. 

Mel Spencer OAM

Chief Executive Officer

Mel Spencer OAM is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Different Journeys, a Victorian-based organisation that has supported over 10,000 autistic people, their families, and carers through safe, empowering and inclusive peer-led events.

Mel and fellow Co-founder, Merrin Ayton, established Different Journeys in 2016 to combat the loneliness and isolation their autistic children faced and to encourage them to explore life beyond the confines of their bedrooms. Drawing on her own lived experience as an autistic person and parent to three autistic youth, Mel is a passionate and fearless advocate who works tirelessly in the community to break down barriers and foster understanding.

With 18 years of service in the Victoria Police, Mel’s career focused on investigations and supporting victims of sexual, physical and domestic violence. She holds qualifications in disability and small business management and has participated in the prestigious Victorian Government Women’s Boards Leadership Program, which connected her to the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her dedication has earned her significant recognition, including induction into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2020 and the awarding of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours list.

Under Mel’s leadership, Different Journeys has evolved into a transformative organisation that creates supportive, neuroaffirming environments where the broader autistic community can connect, grow and thrive. Mel believes in the power of collective effort and creative problem-solving, both of which underpin her vision: to empower autistic people and their families to lead fulfilling lives, ensuring every individual has access to the opportunities they deserve. In her own words, “If we all do a little bit, together, we can create incredible change.”

Portrait of a smiling man wearing a dark blazer and lavender shirt, facing the camera.

Raymond Burnett

Chief Operating Officer

Raymond is passionate about creating genuinely inclusive communities. This commitment is reflected in more than a decade of supporting Different Journeys and advocating for better outcomes for unpaid carers and autistic people.

He is an experienced executive, consultant, and strategic advisor with a proven track record of helping organisations develop strategy, lead complex change, and deliver meaningful outcomes. His career has spanned senior leadership roles across government, the community services sector, private industry, and academia. His experience includes serving on national decision-making panels and evidence advisory bodies, leading major reforms in clinical and allied health services, overseeing disability service redevelopments and statewide information systems, and facilitating organisational strategy, policy development, and workforce reform.

Known for his collaborative leadership and governance expertise, Raymond brings together diverse stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-informed solutions. He has extensive experience working alongside First Nations communities through reconciliation initiatives and is committed to inclusive practice that values people of all cultures, genders, and beliefs.

Raymond is Chair of the Deakin University Health Academic Advisory Board and has served on a range of other boards, including as President of the Doncare Community Services Board (Patron Rosie Batty) and Deputy Chair of the Safe Futures Women’s Refuge Board.

Qualifications: BA, BSW, MEd (Management and Leadership), MPH, MAICD, Certificate IV in Government (Investigation and Regulation).

Merrin Ayton

Carer Peer Support Officer

Merrin Ayton has been a passionate advocate for the Autistic community for more than 24 years and is the parent of two Autistic young adults. Her journey began in 2001 when her eldest son was diagnosed, opening her eyes to both the challenges faced by Autistic individuals and their families, and the need for greater understanding, support, and inclusion within the broader community.
As she navigated the complex landscape of early intervention services, health professionals, therapists, and both public and private education systems, Merrin recognised the gaps that existed in available supports. She saw firsthand the limitations of many programs and the lack of meaningful social opportunities for Autistic young people, inspiring her lifelong commitment to creating positive change.
With more than 25 years of experience in secondary education, specialising in Mathematics and Science, Merrin has combined her professional expertise with her lived experience to support educators in better understanding and responding to the needs of Autistic students. Her work has helped build greater awareness, inclusion, and practical support within educational settings.
In 2023, Merrin transitioned from education to join Different Journeys as a Senior Carer Peer Support Officer. In this role, she walks alongside carers, providing guidance, mentoring, and practical support as they navigate complex systems including the NDIS, health and medical services, allied health, education, and Centrelink. Drawing on her extensive lived experience and the strong partnerships developed by Different Journeys, Merrin connects families with the right supports, assists them to access allied health services, supports NDIS applications, and provides one-to-one assistance with applications for the Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, and Carer Allowance. She also facilitates and delivers carer support programs and events across the Different Journeys community.
In 2016, Merrin and fellow co-founder Mel brought to life their shared vision of creating Autistic-friendly events where teenagers could connect, build friendships, share ideas, and find a sense of belonging. What began as a dream has grown into a thriving community that continues to support Autistic individuals, families, and carers.
As a Director of the Different Journeys Board, Merrin remains committed to advocating for the needs and aspirations of Autistic individuals and their families. Her vision is to continue working collaboratively with communities, service providers, educators, and government to improve pathways, increase opportunities, and create a more inclusive society. Through the Different Journeys community, Merrin believes Autistic people can build meaningful connections, develop confidence, access opportunities, and achieve fulfilling and successful lives.

Rachel Power

Treasurer

Rachel is a passionate people leader with over 20 years’ business experience in retail and technology. As a mother and carer, she has a lived experience with Autism through her children and wanted to make an impact through inclusion, connection and supportive opportunities for individuals, families and carers.

After meeting Mel and hearing her experience and the passion she had for Different Journeys, Rachel felt she could provide a valuable contribution through a board member role utilising her business and leadership skills as well as her personal experience to really make a difference within the organisation and the community.

Jesse Baker

Secretary

Jesse is a dedicated professional who has a passion for creating tailored opportunities for young people in the community. With an extensive history of work and volunteering experience behind him, Jesse will be able to help create more inclusive spaces which are accessible to all. Currently working for Interchange Outer East, Jesse has vast experiences and a detailed passion for both volunteer development and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. “I look forward to meeting, learning from, and providing support to the Different Journeys members as a board member ”.

Fred Brumhead

General Board Member

Fred has been at IOE since 1989. For Fred, becoming the CEO of the organisation ‘sort of just happened’ over the years. It was nothing he planned or ever anticipated. Fred has a Bachelor Degree in Recreation and a Graduate Diploma in Business Management. IOE is a very successful organisation with Fred at the helm for over 30 years. Naturally at home playing in mud, water on the sporting field rather than the corporate boardroom, Fred is grateful that IOE has enabled him such variety and the opportunity to engage with families across a range of actives. Being hard to please, Fred is always focused on making IOE a better and effective service for families of children and young people with disabilities. Having previously worked for three other disability organisations prior to coming to IOE, Fred has, in his role as CEO, worked to ensure that IOE has not followed the direction of the other organisations but has maintained its own path and values – a commitment which has shaped the development of IOE over the years. 

So why do I support DJ’s

  • Comes from lived experience
  • Developed by people with passion, determination and a willingness to put in the work
  • Assumes competence
  • Builds confidence & resilience

Dr Stacey Rabba

General Board Member

Stacey is a clinician-researcher who works at Monash Health as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Monash University as a Lecturer and Researcher. Her journey towards supporting autistic individuals and their families began more than 15 years ago when she crossed paths with two young autistic boys. This encounter ignited a deep passion and enthusiasm within her, shaping the trajectory of her professional life. Over this time, she has worked across not-for-profit, education, disability, government, and private sectors all with a mindset of optimising wellbeing through strengths-based and compassionate care. At the intersection of clinical practice and research, Stacey’s work fuels her strong drive to apply research findings to real-world settings and enhance clinical capabilities in areas such as assessment, diagnosis, and overall quality of life for autistic people. Stacey shares research and knowledge through publications, education seminars, and at national and international conferences. She currently leads a mental health and adult autism program at Monash Health. Stacey completed her PhD at La Trobe University with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, exploring family wellbeing post-diagnosis. Even with her clinical and research roles, Stacey was missing the community engagement. Different Journeys aligned with many of her values and vision making it a perfect fit to engage as a Board Member supporting an organisation to connect and empower autistic people.

James Gan

General Board Member

James is a passionate advocate for social causes, committed to providing people with the support they need to become the best versions of themselves. Through his experience in the public sector and exposure to various community organisations, he has seen firsthand the excellent work these groups do to help people.
However, after witnessing the incredible work that Different Journeys does to support its community and observing how their events foster a profound sense of belonging, he knew he had to support them in any way possible. James brings experience in grassroots campaigns and advocacy at different levels of government and hopes to leverage his expertise to help Different Journeys continue its impactful work.

Eden Elliott

Leader People, Culture, Compliance

Eden is a dynamic woman who is autistic and LGBTQIA+, with additional lived experience across mental health, disability, psychosocial disorders, family violence and child protection. She brings a wealth of experience in her role as Leader of People, Projects and Compliance including completing Bachelor of Laws degree. Eden is enthusiastic and wanting to help effect change for the autism community to make the world a better place for us. She is pioneering the way with helping create employment contracts, policies and procedures that are neurodivergent friendly. She is a great asset to our team.

Megan Spencer

Carer Peer Support Manager

Megan is a mother and step mother of 4 children 3 of which are on the spectrum. Megan studied as a nurse and worked in many and varied areas in her profession.
Megan travelled extensively when she was younger and has developed many life skills from her travels.
Megan is very passionate about sharing these life skill with others, which has lead her to do her cert IV in disability. Giving her a platform to support people with disabilities to become the best version of themselves.
Megan loves to scrapbook and has her own craft room. (She can never have enough paper!!)
Megan loves going to football, (Go Pies) watching tennis and Cricket (Go Stars).

Megan not only supports people with disabilities but their families and carers with great care and understanding… If you need someone to listen…. she will be there.

Christina Penna

Finance Manager

My autism journey began over 15 years ago with the diagnosis of my middle child. Now I have 2! I began working with DJ’s in 2021 and am loving it!! What a great organisation to work for who support not only me but everyone in my family. I love attending swim nights, carer events, teen dinners and my favourite, the Autism Family Camps. I love everything finance so you will find me looking after the bills, paying the wages and doing budgets. I enjoy baking and crafting so this is where you will find me at family camp, completing gem art, doing a little art therapy and decorating cookies.

Annette White

Executive Assistant

I am “mum” to Bailey & Holly who are both autistic. Over the last 14 years I have been networking with families with autistic children. Bailey and I have been attending Different Journey events since 2016 at both teen and adult events making long-term, genuine friendships. I love working with the team at Different Journeys with my administration skills to be able to give back to a community who have given us so much in return through volunteering, job opportunities and advocacy with the autism sector. In my spare time you’ll find me gardening, cooking, researching herbs, drinking lots of tea, maybe scrapbooking or knitting/crocheting and collecting anything related to 80s music, Betty Boop, Baby Yoda, Minions, the Muppets or Drag Queens!

Adele Richards

Administration Support

I have worked in executive administrative roles in corporate and private companies in Melbourne and London. I caught the ‘travel bug’ using savings from my first Human Resources supporting role, back and forth over 12 years using London as a base to work and experience some amazing places on this planet! Biggest buzz – I sat next to a Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda. Living at the bottom of the Mount Dandenong Ranges is home, happily re-settled here in 2018 in a new role as a Carer for my Mum. I am the sole support for this amazing human and working with the fantastic team at Different Journeys has allowed me to bring both my professional skillset plus caring responsibilities into a role that ‘fits’ the ethos of Different Journeys and my own. I love being creative; I hand craft vintage inspired items that I sell at various markets, I love dancing rock & roll/rockabilly to live bands (who doesn’t love dressing up 50s style!) am into my scrapbooking and gardening (bit of a must when Mum was the keen gardener!).

Bianca Paliaga

Peer Support Coordinator

Meet Bianca, our Peer Support Co-ordinator.  She is autistic and ADHD and has three children also diagnosed.  Since her first child’s diagnosis, Bianca has been passionate about carer needs and supports.

Bianca has a background in data research, marketing and strategy.  She enjoys working in the peer support team at Different Journeys focusing on carer support events and data reporting.

Bianca loves spending time with her family and friends, marrying people (she is a celebrant), podcasting, remote camping and walking or snuggling up with her fur babies.

Katherine Ludbrook

Carer Peer Support

I am a mother and carer of my 3 autistic children since they were diagnosed over 15 years ago. My family have attended and enjoyed DJ events. When I needed to return to work, I completed a Certificate IV in Mental Health and Peer Support to be current and relevant in the Mental Health Industry where I could use the skills and experience I have as a carer to help others. To work for DJ in the Carer Peer Support role for the last year is amazing and very rewarding.

Anil Suri

Carer Peer Support

Hi there I’m Anil. I am a human being who embraces people for whoever they are. I am a carer of an autistic individual and a carer peer support officer at Different Journeys. I like working for DJs because I can be myself and I don’t have to put on any kind of mask. I am respected by all my colleagues and they embrace me for who I am and the diversity that I bring with me. The carer support work is very rewarding, to be able to use my lived experiences and walk alongside carers in their journey. I find it best to use a strengths-based approach in an environment that promotes mutuality for the carers and me, improving the quality of life for our carers.

 

Seane Cumming

Lead Carer Peer Support

Hi there, my name is Seane Cumming and I am a carer with 30+ years of background in Mental Health services. I have a teenage son with autism and severe dyspraxia.
I enjoy working for Different Journeys as I see other carers receive the guidance and support I have received myself from the service.

Leah Thomas

Bendigo Region Coordinator

Leah is a parent of four, two of whom are autistic. As president of Bendigo Autism Aspergers Group (BAAG) its been great to join forces with Different Journeys and share our shared visions. I am current school council president of Bendigo Special Developmental School and Ambassador for Marist College Parent Partnership Initiative. I’m really passionate about providing opportunities for the Bendigo area to better support our autism and carer communities. Leah has extensive experience in advocating for her own children and want to share these learning with others.

Daryl Giles

Carer Peer Support

I’m Daryl Giles but often I’m just referred to as ‘Daniel’s Dad’. My son Daniel Giles OAM is autistic so I stepped into the autism community when he was born some 30+ years ago.
In 2017, I began sharing our story with Daniel through our business, Speaking Insights. We travel all over Australia and sometimes abroad, doing public speaking about our family’s autism journey. I love doing this with Daniel and in particular, I love the way it further connects me to the amazing people in the autism community, many of whom have become what I call ‘our autism family’.

For the past year or so, I have been privileged to support the Different Journeys, Teen Peer Support Group in Bendigo and love seeing the personal growth of the teens who come along. Similarly, I love seeing local men who care for someone who is autistic, come together and provide informal support to each other at the Blokes’ Dinners.

I am excited that Different Journeys is giving me the opportunity to further support the autism community including both autistic individuals and their carers, and I am grateful for the friendships and connections that I am making through this.

Away from the autism community, I am a gardening contractor and love being outdoors and seeing my clients’ gardens come back to life with a little care and attention.
Before starting my gardening business, I was a paralegal for 35 years running the Bendigo office of a law firm.

Kellie Neven

Event Carer Officer

As a new resident to Bendigo it has been great to connect with Different Journeys and learn more about what is going on in the area. As a parent of a severe and profound young autitistic man, its been great to connect in a positive and empowering environment.