Kirsten Deane joins MDI as General Manager

We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to Kirsten Deane OAM, who is joining the team as MDI's new General Manager.

With more than 15 years of experience in the disability sector and a background in research, policy, advocacy, campaigning and communications, Kirsten brings lived experience, passion, commitment and resilience to driving disability policy and practice change, underpinned by a deep commitment to co-design.

As a strategic and dedicated leader, Kirsten has been a powerful advocate through Every Australian Counts (EAC), the grassroots campaign that fought successfully for the introduction of the NDIS. With her ability to bring people together and her clear communication skills, Kirsten played a critical role in building political and public support for this world-leading reform. Since then, she has continued to push for the NDIS to achieve its original vision.

Kirsten has also worked as an executive director at the National Disability Insurance Agency and served on numerous ministerial councils and advisory committees, including Co-Chair and Deputy Chair of the National People with Disability and Carer Council.

"We are exceptionally pleased to welcome Kirsten, whom I have known for more than a decade, to the Melbourne Disability Institute," said Professor Bruce Bonyhady, MDI’s Executive Chair and Director. "Her deep knowledge of and commitment to evidence-based policy reform and advocacy, coupled with years of experience working with the disability community, make her ideally positioned to help lead MDI going forward.”

Reflecting on her appointment Ms Deane said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team. I have always been passionate about the role data, research and evidence can and should play in driving change. And I am thrilled to have the chance to work closely with everyone to see the vision of the Melbourne Disability Institute realised. I am particularly looking forward to meeting the many University of Melbourne researchers with an interest in disability and to building and strengthening the relationship between MDI and the broader disability community.”

Kirsten has been an incredibly effective change agent, from her work authoring the influential Shut Out Report to leading EAC. She has played an important role in disability reform over many years and we look forward to everything she will bring to the Melbourne Disability Institute.  Kirsten will begin in early March.