Our Committee

Mick Lissemore

President – Co-founder

Mick significantly contributes to advancing DEAI organisational objectives. He holds qualifications in Individual Support (Disability) and is actively engaged with several Disability Support Organisations in Brisbane, Australia.

Throughout his sixteen-year tenure, he managed factory production and workforce scheduling for 160 personnel, demonstrating effective leadership and operational oversight.

He has designed innovative aluminium bending structures that have challenged conventional engineering standards.

Furthermore, Mick managed MAM Sound and Lighting, a music enterprise that promoted the band “Decades.” As proprietor of QBC, he implemented Lean principles to improve efficiency, and led Quantum Healing Concepts, a free resource dedicated to supporting individuals facing various life challenges. His energetic and positive approach promotes cohesion within DEAI’s professional community.

“I’m passionate about looking for ways to enhance peoples’ lives”.

Warren Thomas

Creative Director and Co-founder

Warren is an autistic singer, songwriter, and producer with 30+ years in South East Queensland’s entertainment industry. As a front man for Brisbane bands, he regularly performed at major corporate events supporting neurodivergent and disability groups, including Endeavour Foundation fundraisers with his band ‘The Dynamics’. He has presented Morning Melody Shows for these communities at venues like Beaudesert RSL, Brothers Leagues Club, Aspley Leagues Club, and Multicap Qld and many more.

“De-stigmatise to humanise Autism and disabilitys”.

Stephan Van der Merwe

General Manager and Co-founder

Stephan brings to DEAI, from his own company (Vula Music), world standard experience in music production.  Born and raised in South Africa, he started as a musician and songwriter, and was hired for the natural history wild life film Lions of the Kalahari, to which he won best music score at the IWFF awards. He has also worked for * National Geographic, * Provision Film Productions * SABC TV series, Ecovision * NEMISA, National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (Created by Nelson Mandela for skill development of disadvantaged individuals)

“I have a big passion for teaching and nurturing talent, creating sensory sensation through sound and music”.

Peter Fitzgerald

Marketing Manager – Co-founder

Peter provides Marketing and Graphic design services to DEAI.  He is a graphic designer of more than 35 years’ experience, and owner of Blue Crystal Creative a company that provides marketing support for small businesses. His skills include design, branding and identity, catalogue production, photography, & multimedia, video & audio production & editing.

During the 80s Peter toured with a band playing keyboards, the band went on to release records that received mainstream commercial airplay. Peter has maintained interest in music and owns a commercial standard audio recording studio, and video production space.

Peter believes that “Music reaches all humans on a subconscious level, and can be a positive driver for change”.

Shane Parsons

Accountant Business Advisor – Co-founder

Shane provides financial and compliance services to DEAI.  He is an accountant with more than 15 years experience in private practice. His skills include not-for-profit accounting, audit of not-for-profits, broad IT and website design. Shane’s primary responsibilities for DEAI relate to financial and compliance matters due to his background in the audit of not-for profit organisations.

He is an avid lover of almost all types of music and enjoys playing guitar himself as a hobby. He has a personal interest in DEAI’s goals due to connections to friends who are themselves on the spectrum, or whose children are on the spectrum.

Jenny Stark

DEAI Secretary – Co-founder

Jenny has had extensive secretarial experience starting within the QLD Education Department and then moving to the design sector.  Jenny has also worked casually as Receptionist and Events Coordinator for a fitness and dance company.

“I am very excited with my new secretarial role and giving back to the disability sector through DEAI”

Bernard Lissemore

(BAppSc(Comp))

Analytical Advisor – Co-founder

Bernard brings decades of computer systems analysis, administrative and passenger service work experience. He has been employed by all levels of government, Commonwealth (ATO, Defence), State (Qld Rail, Qld State Library, Energex), and Local government (BCC Buses). Bernard provides independent, analytical support to DEAI.

Bernard believes strongly in the “Empowering, social and equal opportunity related goals of DEAI”