Helen Kapalos

Helen is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, recognised journalist, motivational speaker and facilitator. In addition to her extensive career in media, Helen served a four-year term as Victoria’s principal Multicultural Commissioner where she championed social justice reform for marginalised and disadvantaged communities. She is also an fearless innovator and during her time as commissioner she established an Australian-first internship program with ABC Australia, and a successful Victorian Film competition in partnership with leading Universities.

Grace Tame
Autistic, Runner, Activist & 2021 Australian of the Year

Grace Tame is a survivor of child sexual abuse, author, columnist, campaigner and advocate for fellow survivors. She is the founder and CEO of The Grace Tame Foundation (GTF), a not-for-profit organisation which creates and funds initiatives to prevent, disrupt and respond to child sexual abuse. In 2022 she released her number one best-selling memoir, The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, which was shortlisted for three ABIAs. Between the ages of 18 and 24, Grace lived and worked in the United States as an artist. She now resides in her hometown of Hobart and regularly competes in ultramarathons around the country. On 2 December 2023, she broke the female course record for the Bruny Island 64km Ultra in a time of 5:04:07. For her contribution to legal reforms that allow child sexual abuse survivors to tell their own stories publicly, Grace was named the 2021 Australian of the Year.

Dr. Ru Ying Cai
Aspect Research Fellow

Dr Ru Ying Cai is a Research Fellow at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and adjunct Research Fellow at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre. She is interested in understanding how we can improve the mental health and wellbeing of autistic people by studying factors that impact these health outcomes, including emotion regulation and financial wellbeing. Currently, she is leading a program of work examining the self-compassion experiences of autistic adults and parents of autistic children. She completed her PhD training at La Trobe University. Her research findings have been disseminated via national and international conferences and scientific journals. She also volunteers as the Chairperson at the not-for-profit Different Journeys.

Elise Muller
Elite athlete, founder of Active Support & Autism consultant

Elise’s ability to give powerful insight into the lived experience on the Autism Spectrum and sustainable inclusion strategies has made a profound impact, shifting the way others perceive and include people with a disability. Elise has changed the way thousands of educators, coaches, parents, and individuals approach disability. Her inspiring story and infectious energy inspires a complete culture-shift from ‘can’t’ to ‘can.’

Ben Taylor
Race Car Driver

Ben Taylor is not only a rising star in motorsport, but also a powerful advocate for the neurodiverse community. Competing in the 2024/25 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, Ben’s journey from karting champion to professional race car driver has been driven by his dedication, skill, and passion for inclusivity.
As a proud ambassador for the autistic community, Ben’s platform goes beyond the track, offering sponsors the chance to align with a compelling narrative of perseverance, diversity, and social impact.
With extensive media coverage, a rapidly growing social presence, and involvement in one of Australia’s most prestigious racing series, partnering with Ben Taylor provides unmatched exposure and the opportunity to support a meaningful cause.

To learn more about Ben and how you can become involved in his race to success please visit www.bentaylorracing.com

Christine Edwards
Aspect Regional Coordinator Adult Community Services Victoria

Christine was first employed at Aspect in 2015, before her passion of supporting autistic participants took her to America where she was sponsored to work with Autistic participants in Minnesota for 2 years. Upon her relocation to Australia, she immediately resumed her role at Aspect as a Team Leader and after a few months was promoted to Regional Coordinator for the Eastern Region for our Adult Community Services Division. This is a position in which she loves and is inspired by her participants and team every day.

Matt Oastler
Team Leader, Autism Friendly

Matthew started his career with Aspect in 2015 as a Support Worker with Aspect Adult Community Services. Since then he has managed a team as a Regional Coordinator and undertaken project work with the Quality team to ensure Aspect process and practices met NDIS requirements. This experience has led Matthew to his most recent role as Project Officer, Autism Friendly Australia.

Dr Tom Tutton
Executive Manager of Aspect Practice

Dr Tom Tutton is Executive Manager of Aspect Practice, supporting Aspect’s Comprehensive Approach and Autism Friendly work. Tom trained as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK and has worked for Aspect for 16 years supporting autistic people in challenging situations in schools, family homes and communities through direct service, training, writing and research. Tom is passionate about working in partnership with Autistic people to deliver evidence-based supports that develop inclusive environments and communities that work for everyone.