Games Organising Committee

    Kathryn Armfield – Chair
    Sally Strobridge– Ceremonies Coordinator
    Susan Gosses – Interpreters Coordinator (with support from Kylie Ward)
    Debbie Kennewell – Registration Coordinator
    Llewellyn Jones – Social Coordinator
    Cameron Miller – Sport Coordinator
    Dr Monique Beedles – Transport and Logistics Coordinator
    Sara – Jane Seery – Volunteer Coordinator (with support from Leanne Watts)
    Bec Prideaux – Social and Communications Coordinator
    Nikolas Schlie – DSRQ Representative
    Garry West-Bail – Project Manager (with support from Tracey Wood)

    Note – Kylie Ward and Leanne Watts will support the Chair and Project Manager in various other roles.

     

    Kathryn Armfield

    Chair

    • Legal practitioner for 16 years
    • Has owned own legal firm for 6 years
    • Served on Deaf Sports Australia Board in capacity as board director, Vice President, and President over a period of ten years
    • Quote – “It gives me immense joy to see Deaf and HOH people connect through inspirational sportsmanship and explore their own potential for self and collective empowerment.”

    Sally Strobridge

    Ceremonies Coordinator
    • Project Officer in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) at Education Queensland, overseeing statewide Deaf education.
    • Experience in Deaf Education (20+ years): Research assistant, tutor, and lecturer at Griffith University; Auslan Language Model; Auslan LOTE teacher, and qualified secondary teacher.
    • Actress in “Sally and Possum” TV series; performer in theatre and circus.
    • Organiser of Statewide Secondary Deaf Camps and well-being events. Coordinator of Deaf community events like Brisbane Deaf Festivals and youth programs.
    • Secretary of Deaf Sailing Queensland.
    • Quote: – “Passionate about unity in the Deaf community. Sports are the cornerstone of such unity.”

    Llewellyn Jones

    Social Coordinator

    • Works at Expression Australia as a remote interpreter booking officer; Also a practicing counsellor, freelance interpreter and support worker
    • Has successfully organised the Brisbane Deaf Festival five times (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2019), gaining extensive experience in coordinating large-scale programs, managing volunteers, and delivering meaningful activities that build a strong sense of community.
    • Looks forward to bringing passion and experience to create an unforgettable series of events
    • Has a personal love for basketball and swimming. “These sports fuel my admiration for the determination and perseverance of athletes as they work towards achieving their dreams.”
    • It’s this same dedication that drives me to ensure that every participant at the Games leaves with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the experience.
    • Quote – “Let’s make this an event to remember! See you there on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in 2026”.

    Cameron Miller

    Sport Coordinator

    • Work at Toowong State School as a teacher… have worked at the school 20+ years
    • Have extensive experience as a sport participant, official and manager at State and National levels – Touch Football is my preferred sport and have represented and was captain of the Qld Deaf Touch for a few years… I have also represented Brisbane Cobra at National Touch League and BMTA at Qld State Cup… I have coached various teams who have competed at the National Youth Championships and Qld Touch Football Junior State Cup
    • Quote – “I look forward to working with you all and watching young Deaf/HoH junior participate in the games as they are our future.”

    Dr. Monique Beedles

    Transport and Logisitcs Coordinator

    • Have over 25 years as a corporate director in the commercial, government and non-profit sectors
    • Have my own management consulting practice, established 20 years ago, working in governance, leadership, and asset management.
    • Have extensive experience in sport as a participant, administrator and official
    • Accomplished author and public speaker
    • Have experience as a volunteer in not-for-profit organisations in sport, youth development, education, and professional standards.
    • Quote – “I look forward to working with the GOC to ensure the Australian Deaf Games is a successful event that runs smoothly and leaves a positive legacy for the Deaf Community and the whole Sunshine Coast.”

    Sara – Jane Seery

    Volunteer Coordinator with support from Leanne Watts

    • Completed a Bachelor of Languages and International Business from the University of New England in 2016. She
    • Has worked in Japan on the JET Programme and continued her Japanese studies at the University of Queensland.
    • Is passionate in volunteering in major sports events, with experiences at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Virtus Oceania Asia Games and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
    • For 4 years, worked as a support worker, where she assisted deaf and hard of hearing people to live independently and thrive in personal pursuits.
    • Currently employed as a Diversity and Inclusion Officer – Department of Defence
    • Currently studying Certificate III in Auslan and participate in a weekly Japanese Sign Language study group

    Bec Prideaux

    Social and communications coordinator

    • Senior Digital Media Adviser (Communications and Engagement branch) within the public service. With extensive experience in digital communications, social media, creative design, and management.
    • First volunteered at the Australian Deaf Games in Adelaide in 2016.
    • A hard of hearing woman who advocates for inclusive, accessible, and diverse spaces, particularly for the deaf community.
    • Serves on the board of Deaf Rainbow NSW, focusing on digital communications to support the organisation’s mission.
    • Holds a Diploma of Auslan and a Diploma of Interpreting.
    • Quote – I’m thrilled to bring my passion for inclusivity and accessibility to the committee, helping make the Deaf Games an event where we come together to connect, celebrate, and strengthen the community spirit that makes these Games so special.”

    Nikolas Schlie

    DSRQ representative

    • DSRQ -Sports Development and Pathways Coordinator
    • Passionate about sports and giving back to the Deaf Community to the students and staffs at schools and as well to all a wide range of Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Also conducts Deaf Sports Awareness Training for the hearing world and peak sports organisations
    • Was an elite footballer and futsal player in his younger days. Was part of the AIS High Performance Football team train on squad for years 
    • Played football in the NSW National Premier League and National hearing Futsal championships. Has participated at many national and international deaf competitions
    • Has also been a football and futsal coach
    • Has completed several courses in sport and community services
    • Quote – “See you all there with your amazing smiles and great sportsmanship!”

    Debbie Kennewell

    Registration Coordinator

    • Passionate about the development of the Deaf community and deaf sports.
    • Played netball at Australian Deaf Games: 2003 – Sydney and 2016 – Adelaide.
    • Coached Queensland Deaf Women’s netball team at ADG Newcastle in 2024.
    • Represented Australia in the women’s netball team in the tour of South Africa in 1998.
    • A regular at Margo Allen National Netball Club Championships.
    • Played in the Australian Women’s Beach Volleyball team at the 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne.
    • Currently the Manager of Translations Service at Deaf Connect.
    • Extensive board governance experience – previous Director with Deaf Australia, and currently a Director on the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) board.
    • Quote: Lets’ have the most amazing Games ever on the Sunshine Coast!
    Subject to change.