Sherree Unwin

Sherree has dedicated over two decades to nursing, disability support, and advocacy, making significant contributions to the care and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. Her career began as a Registered Nurse Division 2, where she specialised in dementia care, continence management, diabetes management, and palliative care.

After several years in nursing, Sherree took time away from the workforce to focus on raising her family. During this period, she gained valuable lived experience of caregiving and developed a deeper understanding of the challenges families face when supporting loved ones with complex needs.

Sherree later returned to her studies, completing a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Psychology and Anthropology, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Disability and Inclusion at Deakin University.

She re-entered the workforce as a Disability Support Worker, supporting individuals to access community resources and assisting people with complex behavioural and support needs. Sherree continued this work at Pinarc, where she led group programs and camps for children and adults with diverse disabilities.

Sherree then became a Disability Advocate with Grampians Disability Advocacy, where she championed the rights of people with disabilities. In this role she assisted individuals and families with NDIS applications, service navigation, and complex advocacy matters, including situations involving family violence and abuse.

Sherree also played a significant role in the Disability Royal Commission, supporting more than 100 individuals to prepare and submit their stories and experiences. Through this work she built strong community networks, organised events, and delivered educational sessions. Her collaboration with key stakeholders also contributed to systemic submissions highlighting gaps in service provision within the child protection system.

Committed to ongoing professional development, Sherree has completed AUSLAN Levels 1–4, strengthening her ability to communicate with and support members of the Deaf community.

Sherree has recently completed a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis and is currently pursuing board certification. This advanced training supports her work as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, where she develops and implements evidence-based behaviour support plans for individuals with complex needs.

She has also recently undertaken further professional development in dementia certification, sensory assessment, and assistive technology, strengthening her capacity to support individuals across the lifespan with diverse support needs.

Sherree’s career reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and person-centred support. Her journey from nursing to behavioural support and disability advocacy demonstrates her dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Through a strong foundation in education, lived experience, and continuous professional development, Sherree continues to contribute meaningfully to the disability and community services sector.