Meet the team

Hi, I’m Kerry and I lead the LiveUp Community Engagement team. Based in Queensland, I’m privileged to work alongside passionate and enthusiastic people committed to sharing healthy ageing information with people across Australia.

I was introduced to assistive technology as a child by my grandmother. I found her ‘gadgets’ intriguing, giving them fancy names like a ‘picker-upper’. Importantly, I saw them as just part of life. I now know that assistive products help people regain and maintain independence.

This experience contributed to my decision to complete a social work degree. I’ve held a variety of roles in primary healthcare, aged and community care, marketing and communications, fundraising, and community relations.

Truth be told, I like to talk! And I’m excited about LiveUp – a healthy ageing resource that is going to help reshape the way we all think about getting older. I plan to ‘walk the talk’ as I too apply healthy ageing strategies every day – a gift to my future self.

Hey, I’m Sally, the WA-based Community Engagement Professional for LiveUp. I connect with people and organisations to discuss how we can better support healthy ageing approaches in our community. You can also find me at community events, presentations, and expos where I talk to older people directly about LiveUp.

Before joining the LiveUp team, I worked in various health promotion roles, focusing mainly on healthy lifestyles, diabetes, and bladder and bowel health. Most recently I worked with family carers, supporting them to take a short break and connect with one another.

One of the best parts of my role is talking to older people about the useful assistive products that are available, and hearing about the products they already use. One lady told me she is now able to wear one of her favourite dresses again since buying a dressing stick to help her pull up the zip. It’s stories like this and many others that show how assistive products can support people to continue to do a range of daily tasks, as well as the things they love!

Hi, I’m Lisa, the NSW-based Community Engagement Professional for LiveUp. I travel the length and breadth of the country, popping up at expos and conventions to spread the word about supporting independence as we age, with resources and information about assistive technology. 

I started as a pastry chef and then studied nutrition (to make up for my sins!), before completing a Masters in Indigenous Community Health at Sydney University. Over the last 20 years I’ve worked in in the areas of nutrition, food security, and health promotion for not-for-profit organisations including the Healthy Kids Association, Australian Red Cross, and the Continence Foundation of Australia.

I’m often amazed when I see people light up as I show them assistive products that could help them. There is always something that they connect with – whether it’s to comment on how a car assist handle has been used for years by a partner or parent, and how useful and sturdy it has been, or what a good idea a kettle tipper is. These are things that make going for a drive or making a cup of tea a pleasure again instead of a challenge.

Hi, I’m Fran, the SA-based Community Engagement Professional for LiveUp. I’m based in Adelaide and promote LiveUp to organisations and communities across South Australia. I also promote LiveUp at expos and conferences. 

Before joining the LiveUp team, I spent over twenty years working in the Australian Public Service and other organisations in aged care, primary care, rural health, population health, and First Nations health.

I love the LiveUp initiative and all the resources that are available to keep people independent, socially connected, and able to continue to enjoy their lives as they age. I have an older sister and an older neighbour. They have both used assistive products to help getting in and out of the car such as the swivel cushion and the handy bar. Whilst I appreciate all assistive technology, I especially like these as they help to keep people out and about and connecting to the activities they enjoy.

Hi, I’m John, the Victoria-based Community Engagement Professional for LiveUp. I engage with communities and professionals to promote healthy ageing, social connection and reablement.

You’ll also find me at community events and expos in Victoria and supporting my LiveUp colleagues across Australia. I love presenting at consumer expos and events, showing people how simple assistive products, such as jar openers and tap turners, can improve day to day living and maintain independence and dignity.

Prior to joining the LiveUp team, I spent a decade as a primary school teacher in England and Australia. I have also worked in education in Emergency Management for 000, where I held roles in call taking, workplace training and quality improvement. I enjoy encouraging people to reach their potential and love the potential that LiveUp offers people to add life to their years, living life their way as they age.

Hi, I’m Emily. Based in WA, I work as a LiveUp Navigator to help people find their way on the website. Born and raised in Western Australia, I enjoy helping people feel supported and encouraged each day in my role.

After studying Social Sciences and commencing my Masters in Social Work, I spent more than 20 years working in a number of roles including as a Specialised Behavioural Support Practitioner, and Coordinator within the disability, aged care, and child protection sectors.

As a LiveUp Navigator I endeavour to deliver a friendly and professional service that puts people first. Helping people consider and understand assistive technology can support them to embrace the incredible changes that can happen in their life when they decide to celebrate what they can do with small changes and assistive products. Life has many wonderful surprises waiting no matter your age.

Hi, I’m Shaz. Based in WA, I work as a LiveUp Navigator to help people find resources to keep them engaged and connected to their local communities. I enjoy helping people to feel supported. I am passionate about sharing healthy ageing information and really enjoy encouraging people to maintain their independence and live their best lives.

I spent a decade working in early childhood education before moving into child protection and youth work. Over the past 4 years I have worked in the aged care sector supporting unpaid carers caring for family and friends. 

As a LiveUp navigator I strive to deliver personalised services to add value to the lives of anyone needing support. I enjoy encouraging people to use assistive products in their homes and have personally seen the benefits of how assistive products help maintain independence and improve their quality of life. 

Hi, I’m Simon. Based in WA, I work as a LiveUp Navigator to help people find their way on the website. 

I was drawn to this role as older members of my own family have given me first-hand evidence of the benefits of healthy ageing. Whether pottering around in the garden, sailing boats with their friends at the yacht club, or maintaining things around the house, they showed me just how you can add life to your years. This is powerful information I have remembered for my own use and something I love to share as a Navigator.   

Since starting in this role, I have been continually surprised by how many low-cost assistive products can be found in everyday shops. It remains a joy to share this with LiveUp clients and guide them to considering simple products that can help them live their life to its fullest.