About Our Director

Duana Livia

With more than 15 years of experience in the disability sector, Duana brings extensive knowledge, compassion, and leadership to Ability Beyond Choice. Before founding the organisation, she spent seven years with Spinal Life Australia, where she developed specialised expertise in supporting people living with spinal cord injuries.

Duana's passion for the disability community began during her time at Southport Special School, where working alongside people with diverse abilities inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to empowering others. That early experience continues to shape her person-centred approach and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for people with disability.

As a proud advocate for inclusion, Duana is deeply committed to strengthening community connections and helping people live fulfilling, independent lives. Her vision for Ability Beyond Choice is simple: to bring genuine care back into caring by delivering personalised, compassionate support that puts people first. Along the way, her positive energy, approachable nature, and genuine love for what she does help create an environment where participants, families, and staff feel welcomed, valued, and empowered.

Mandy Bennett

Mandy is a Clinical Care Coordinator, Clinical Nurse and Nursing Lecturer with 16 years of experience across paediatrics, adult community care, and aged care. With a strong background in care planning, coordination, and patient advocacy, she is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that supports individuals and families at every stage of life.

Passionate about empowering others, Mandy combines clinical expertise with a compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare. She also enjoys mentoring future nurses, bringing real-world experience, practical insight, and a genuine commitment to excellence in care into her teaching. Her diverse clinical background allows her to provide both clients and support workers with an evidence-based approach grounded in the realities of everyday nursing practice.