Announcing AARC membership for 2023

Published
23 Feb 2023

We are pleased to announce the membership of the Australian Autism Research Council (AARC) for 2023. 

We received a record-breaking 200 expressions of interest for AARC membership. Interest came from across Australia, with applicants representing a rich and diverse range of experience, perspectives and expertise. 

In line with its Terms of Reference, the AARC includes representatives of the autistic and broader autism communities, as well as service providers, health and education professionals, government program managers and policy makers, and researchers. 

We warmly welcome newly elected members:

  • Jessica Harrison – Autistic autism researcher and advocate – QLD 
  • Adam Howie – Positive Partnerships Aboriginal and Torres Strait Schools and Communities Programs and father to autistic young person 
  • Grant South – Autistic social worker, researcher, parent, and Aboriginal community member – NSW (regional)
  • Timothy Watson – Neurodivergent parent, policy adviser at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, economist and researcher – ACT 

Congratulations also to newly-elected Co-chairs, Professor Charlotte Brownlow and Dr Rebecca Poulsen. 

Continuing and re-elected members are: 

  • Gerard Atkinson 
  • Charlotte Brownlow (Co-chair)
  • Helen Fitzgerald
  • Gabrielle Hogg
  • Wenn Lawson
  • Fiona van Leeuwarden
  • Vivien Leung
  • Vi Nguyen
  • Rebecca Poulsen (Co-chair)
  • Mikala Sedgwick
  • Larah van der Meer

We would also like to recognise the valuable contributions of those who were part of the first iteration of the AARC. Sincere thanks to departing members: 

  • Emma Goodall
  • Mel Hayworth
  • Malcolm Mayfield
  • Lizzie Smith

Thank you to everyone who expressed their interest in membership of the AARC. Your interest in this opportunity, and your continued efforts and dedication to the autistic and autism communities is greatly appreciated.  

We look forward to seeing the work and important insights of the AARC continue this year and beyond. For more information about the AARC, visit the AARC page.