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Our Board

Our Board

Ability Works Australia is a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers people living with disability or disadvantage to discover their potential through meaningful employment. Our purpose is to break down barriers to employment and foster a thriving, people-centred community where everyone belongs and grows.

Governance and accountability are at the heart of our Board’s work—every decision is made with transparency and care to safeguard our community and deliver on our mission.

We’re passionate about Purpose through Employment and believe work should empower and connect, not exclude. Board members are real advocates for a people-centred culture; we celebrate individuality, seek out different perspectives, and make sure everyone belongs, from our participants to every member of our team.​

Our duty isn’t just to guide the future—it’s also to look after everyone’s wellbeing. That means keeping our workplace safe, treating people with respect, and taking safeguarding seriously so every vulnerable individual is protected, valued, and supported. We actively work to remove barriers, manage risks, and address challenges head-on, always with humanity and care. We’re accountable to our community and led by our belief that inclusion, dignity, and purpose go hand-in-hand.

Our Board of Directors

  • James

    James Edmonds

    James is Chairman of the Board at Ability Works. Having recently retired, James brings commercial acumen to the AWA board including sales and marketing.

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  • Laura has long brown hair and is smiling at the camera

    Lauren Taylor

    Lauren Taylor is a senior lawyer and risk specialist with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and commercial law.

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  • Russel

    Russell Jones

    Russell has a private business providing human resources and risk management advice and service.

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  • Julia Shtepa

    With a strong commercial and legal background and leading transformation within CBUS Superannuation fund, Julia brings a strong background to Ability Works.

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  • David Preiss

    David brings extensive and varied experience in the not-for-profit and government sectors joining the Board in June 2022.

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  • Mick smiles at the camera

    Mick Varga

    Mick Varga is a strategy and technology expert with over 20 years’ experience supporting growth and innovation in the not-for-profit and member association sectors.

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