Two males sitting insdie a recreation room putting together a puzzle. The male on the right has a big smile on his face wearing a bright blue jumper. To the right is a male smiling with sunglasses on his head and green jumper

Our Client Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Client Advisory Committee is to increase client, carer and community participation in strategy, operations, planning and policy development at Able Australia.

A photo of Lauri. She has a bob haircut with brown hair and is smiling at the camera.

Lauri Kilfoyle

I chose to join Able Australia’s Client Advisory Committee to contribute both my lived experience and professional perspective to help improve outcomes for people with disability. As the sibling of a person with disability who lives in an Able Supported Independent Living (SIL) home, I have spent many years supporting and advocating for my sister and our mother in her role as a long-term carer. Through my work with children and adults with additional needs across healthcare, education and entertainment settings, I have developed a strong commitment to fostering wellbeing, inclusion and person-centred support.

Laura sitting in a study. She is looking to the side wearing a jumper and glasses with short grey hair.

Laura Fulton

I am the mother of Samuel, a 50 year-old autistic man.  His home and daily life are supported by Able. l joined the committee to support the Able community. 

Peter Priest

As the youngest of four siblings, I have had disability as a constant part of my life. Both of my older brothers have an intellectual disability, and my eldest brother has lived in an Able Australia Supported Independent Living home since May 2002.

I work as a Parts Storeperson in the automotive industry specialising in truck hydraulics. I am also my brother’s NDIS Nominee, VCAT Financial Administrator and Legal Guardian.

I was introduced to Able Australia’s Client Advisory Committee by a previous Sydenham House Manager and have been a member since its inception. Being part of the committee has expanded my learning about the complexities of disability accommodation and service provision.

I appreciate being part of a group that respects open communication and is motivated to improve the lives of disabled people.

Matthew Potocnik

Matthew Potocnik is currently continuing to advocate for the rights of people with disability and is providing submissions to the Australian government. He wishes to introduce foundational safeguards to help underpin safety for people living with disability in our society. 

Matthew is currently preparing to launch NDIS Consumer Watch a consumer quality assurance for people with disability to reduce systemic issues and develop cultural identity within our community and the NDIS.

Matthew is also continuing to work in an artistic capacity to help express the essential elements of these changes in our society. 

Matthew is the primary carer for his son Levi.

Pat Dooley

I joined the Client Advisory Committee because my brother has cerebral palsy and is an Able Australia client living in a shared home. I feel it is very important that Able’s management hears from the families of clients, particularly when clients themselves may not be able to communicate their needs and concerns.

I am married to Erin and have two children, Lucas and Amelie.

I graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in 1996 and am currently General Manager of Boyer Paper Mill, where I have worked since 1999.

I also bring previous board experience, having served as a volunteer Board Member with Blueline Laundry and as a Director of the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council.