Debbie Reeves

I moved to the Surf Coast Shire region from Darwin NT at the end of 2024, to live long term . As a beach lover, I spend most of my time in Torquay and love to both work and play there. I have a portfolio of board roles including being a Director for Carers Victoria and The Victorian Homeless Fund, both of which are causes close to my heart. 

I have two daughters ( 21 & 23) who live in Melbourne and the Geelong region who were my primary reason for moving to the region. I live by myself, having been a single parent for many years, with my 2 cats Albert and Mishka. 

I became disabled following a lung cancer diagnosis and surgery in 2021 and subsequently then discovered I was neuro divergent as well. Becoming disabled later in life showed me the stark contrast and difficulties faced every day by people with disabilities, particularly when your disabilities are invisible, and people jump to conclusions about your ability to do things. I have since become a strong advocate, working extensively in the DEI space, to improve access and inclusion for not only people with disabilities, but the CALD, First nations and LQBTI community.

I have had a range of board roles over the years, including as President for Riding for the Disabled in the Top End, Chair of City of Darwin Access and Inclusion Committee, Treasurer and CEO  of Dawn House ( a women's refuge and transitional housing centre), and have also worked as the State Manager NT for the Australia Institute of Company Directors. I currently work as a consultant in the Not For Profit space with my own company Purpose Works Advisory.

I joined the Committee to bring my knowledge and lived experience to Surf Coast Shire Council and to improve day to day access and inclusion for people living and working with disabilities in the area.