President : Ann Darwin
President since 2003

Board member of VCOD since 1982 – 1984, 1987 -
Occupation: Pharmacy Technician

Past:
AAD President, Secretary, Committee member
Vicdeaf Board 
Victorian Deaf Committee Secretary (now disbanded)
Australian Deaf Games, Netball
Deaf Netball Club President, Secretary

The reason I am on VCOD Board because I believe strongly that Deaf people should have equality in our community. I am passionate about lobbying on behalf of Deaf people to improve their access to things that others take for granted. My dream for the Deaf community is to increase awareness about Deaf culture and language within and outside of the Deaf world. 

Convenor,
E R Noble Award and Events / National Week of Deaf People Sub-committee

Board Member of VCOD since 2002 
Occupation: Research Chemist

Qualifications:
Associate Diploma in Laboratory Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemistry
Currently studying for Bachelor of Education in LOTE (Auslan)

Past:               
Deaf Children Australia, Deaf Youth Forum      
Deaf Children Australia, Board Director
DeafTV Committee Member  

I have strong beliefs that Deaf people in the community should have equal access to services and information as their hearing peers by making improvements in the community with lobbying and advocating for the rights of deaf people and sharing of information to ensure that full access is achieved.

Also to bring the deaf community together by organising events such as Deaf festivals, Sign of the Times (guest speakers on deaf topics) and National Week of Deaf People for the deaf community to celebrate our unique community, language and culture that we are so proud of.  

Treasurer : Pamela Dethridge   
Treasurer since 2005

Board Member of VCOD 1987- 1988, 2000-
Audit Sub-committee

Occupation: Chartered Accountant

Qualifications:    
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy
Associate, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia

Past:     
Australian Theatre of the Deaf Board
Deaf TV Network

I have a desire for the Whole Community to observe that Deaf people are capable of reaching their full potential and talent without hindrance.

Committee
Peter Adams
Board Member of VCOD since 2004

Occupation:Artist

Qualifications:
Certificate Advertising Display
Certificate Graphic Art
Post Graduate of Visual Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Certificate Metal Fabrication Welding

My strong urge to see the goals and purposes to be reached and fulfilled for the Deaf. To protect, promote and improve the rights for the Deaf People. To improve the quality of life for Deaf. To promote and expand information, education prospects for the Deaf. To maintain and develop existing, to introduce new opportunities and to develop strong senses in Deaf Communities.

Brian Bernal

Board Member of VCOD since late 1990s
Audit Sub-committee

Occupation: Auslan Program Co-ordinator at Deaf Children Australia.

Past:    
Numerous positions with various groups ranging from sports, history, and Deaf community affairs since 1954.

My main ambition has always been trying to ensure that everyone in the deaf community gets their fair share and has the same access as their hearing counterparts during their life.  My belief is also that the environment within the deaf community should be protected and preserved for future generations.

Barry Darwin

Board Member of VCOD since 1991
Audit Sub-committee

Occupation: Storeman

Past:   
VCOD President, Vice President, Treasurer, Audit, NWDP, Deaf Pride Week sub-committee
VCOD State Deaf Conference Subcommittee 1997 & 2002
Jolimont Deaf Basketball Club Secretary
South Australia Deaf Basketball Club Secretary
South Australia Deaf Football Club  President
Victorian Deaf Committee & NSW Deaf General Committee
Manager of NSW Deaf Swimming Team for 1976/77 Australian Deaf Games in Adelaide
CADM Committee

Gail Finn

Board Member of VCOD since 2005
Events / National Week of Deaf People Sub-committee

Occupation:
Pastoral Administration Assistant
John Pierce Centre for Deaf Ministry, Prahran

Qualifications:   
Bachelor of Arts (Communication Arts and Psychology)
Diploma of Pastoral Ministry

Past:
CADPHIA (Vic) - Treasurer
CADM Catholic Association of Deaf People (Melbourne) Committee Member
Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics Forum Committee for John Pierce Centre.

I always believe that Deaf people should have equal rights in the community so they can have access in education, job and entertainment without any restraints or restrictions. In this way, it allows Deaf people to develop their own potential or talents to contribute to the wider community

Kathy Fitzmaurice  

Board Member of VCOD since 2003
Events / National Week of Deaf People Sub-committee

Qualifications: 
Teacher’s Aide at Victorian College for the Deaf

Past:
Victorian Deaf Women’s Support Group Committee

I have always been passionate about equal rights for Deaf people and with the information I learn from being on the Board I aim to use to help empower Victoria’s deaf community

Irene Holub  

Board Member of VCOD since 2002
Events / National Week of Deaf People Sub-committee

Occupation:
Early Intervention Teacher of the Deaf & Team Leader for the Easter Side of Victoria for DE&T

Qualifications:  
Postgraduate Diploma of Educational Studies
Graduate Diploma of Language (Auslan);
Graduate Certificate of Language (Methodology)
Graduate Diploma of Education
Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) 
Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences)

Past:
Victorian Council of the Deaf 1985 -1986, 2004 -
Victorian Advisory Committee 2002
Melbourne Deaf Choir 2003 -
Deaf Women's Group 1999 - 2000
Deaf Television Network 1995 -1996

Rachelle (Shel) Stevens

Board Member of VCOD since 2005
Events / National Week of Deaf People Sub-committee
Board member: 2000 - 2002, Nov 2005 - current

Occupation:
Middle Years Teacher, Furlong Park School for Deaf Children
Sessional Auslan Teacher

Qualifications:   
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Postgraduate Diploma in Languages (Auslan)                         
Certificate IV in Community Services (Disability Work)
Currently studying Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education (Hearing Impaired)

After being involved in the Deaf community, both on a personal and professional level, I have developed a passion for Deaf rights and believe each and every Deaf person deserve an equal and fair access to the mainstream society. Being involved in an organisation that advocates on behalf of the language-minority community will assist with increasing awareness and thus improve accessibility for Deaf people in the long term.  Alongside the advocacy and information related services that VCOD offers, I also believe celebrating our unique, cultural and special community is vital by hosting a number of educational and social related events to promote the community as well as bringing members of the community together.