Judy Brewer, Class of 1979

Service to the Global Community

Judy has been Chair of the Autism CRC since its inception in 2013. She is a nationally recognised speaker and writer on issues relating to neurodiverse families. With two adult sons, one of whom is autistic, Judy has been actively involved in many autism and carer organisations and is a life member of Autism Spectrum Australia, convenor of the Autism Future Leaders program and founder of Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia.

In 2013, Judy was a recipient of the Asia Pacific Autism Award and, in 2016, was named Officer of the Order of Australia for her service to people with a disability. In 2017 she became Pro-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University.

Judy has held various appointments on Federal and State Government Committees, including as Chair of the National Family Carers Voice, panel member for the 2004 Review of the Disability Carer Allowance, the 2005 Ministerial Advisory Group on the reforms to Disability Trusts, the Victorian Government Autism State Plan Working Party 2007/08 and the DEEWR Advisory Committee for the Positive Partnerships program.

Judy’s motto of “Bloom where you are planted” comes to life when you look at what she has been involved with to help others in her community.

Judy has made a difference in so many areas and she has led the way for so many without a voice. “She has indeed shone the light of Christ”.