Kate Swaffer

Kate Swaffer

Civil Rights Campaigner for older people and people with dementia & SA Australian of the Year 2017

Kate Swaffer (MSc, BPsych, BA, Ret. Nurse) is a civil rights campaigner, poet, author, and researcher. Her research on reparations for harms to people in Australia living in residential care is critical to stopping current harm, preventing future harms, and providing redress for past harm for people in care, and their families. Her personal story of being diagnosed with cognitive disabilities due to a rare form of young onset dementia aged 49 is one of rising above what she was advised was ‘the end’ and overcoming many hurdles to live positively. Kate is also co-founder of Dementia Alliance International.

She campaigns for the human rights of the 57 million people with dementia globally and for recognition of dementia a condition causing disabilities, to ensure access to the CRPD and other Conventions for. She’s worked on many publications with the WHO and UN and has made multiple statements at the Conference of the States Parties at the United Nations in New York, and the World Health Organisation in Geneva, where she is the first person with dementia globally to be an invited keynote speaker. Kate is an Ambassador for the ADC (SA) and for Step Up For Dementia Research in Australia.

 

Meet our Ambassadors

Nasir Hussain

Diversity Advocate & President of Muslim Australian Connections of South Australia

Since migrating to Australia in 2006, Nasir has devoted himself to building bridges between Muslims and the wider Australian society.

Dr Felicity-ann Lewis

Community Leader & 2014 SA Australian of the Year

A dedicated, dynamic leader, Dr Felicity-ann Lewis is passionate about creating a better, healthier, more inclusive Australia

Chris Schacht

Former Senator & President of Volleyball Australia

Chris is a former President of the Australian Volleyball Federation and an elected representative to the Legal Commission of the “Federation Internationale de Volleyball”. He is also a board member of numerous worthwhile organisations.

Pat Rix

South Australian Local Hero, 2007

A respected artistic director with significant experience creating collaborative community and mainstage productions in South Australia, the United States and Southeast Asia.
Professor Jennifer McKay AM

Professor Jennifer McKay AM

Professor - Business, Law and Environment

Professor Jennifer McKay AM is an academic lawyer with a passion for research to celebrate some but reform other laws to achieve a sound and clean environment for future generations.
Christine Robertson

Christine Robertson OAM

Co-founder of Lost Pets of South Australia, Creator of Chipblitz program & SA State Recipient Local Hero 2023

Christine co-founded the Lost Pets of South Australia charity in 2013 to reunite lost pets with their families. The volunteer organisation uses social media and its connections with the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups to get lost animals back home.
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