Advocacy

She attended Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney where she was twice awarded the Sally Rose – All You Can Be Award, among several other high distinctions. Following PLC, Joni completed an Office Assistant Certificate from Petersham TAFE and a Digital Story-Making Course at Sydney Community College. 

Unafraid to take initiative and a vocal advocate for social justice, Joni has been a shining example of what equal opportunity really means. She has engaged in several public speaking events, such as the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (For Kids) where she represented the Bus Stop Films Accessible Film Studies Program on a Q&A panel. She was also a guest speaker at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

Joni’s professional experience includes projects such as The Society Experiment and Endemol Shine. She has gained industry work placements as a  Production Assistant with Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)– Ultimo and Post Production Assistant with Ronde Media. 

Joni is very passionate in sharing her message, which is that having a disability should never define someone and stand in the way of their hopes and dreams, if someone with a disability has a dream to do something then they should follow that dream and not let anyone tell them no or that they can’t do it.

Nathan has been a student with the Bus Stop Films Accessible Films Studies Program since 2011, and an ambassador since 2015.  During his time as a talented and passionate filmmaker, Nathan has been an Assistant Director for several internationally award-winning films and has worked on various feature films including Disney’s Marvel Shangi-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Thor: Love and Thunder. He is currently involved as a Producer in an upcoming feature film project.

Nathan also works as an Office Assistant for radio stations Nova 96.9 and Smooth FM in Sydney.

Through his motivational speaking and advocacy work Nathan is passionate about improving and increasing employment opportunities for people with an intellectual disability. In 2021 he had the opportunity to share his passion for change with Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott where he was part of the ListenABLE podcast and the Creating Value Series produced by NEC

Through this work Nathan has been recognised for his commitment to advocating for change and in 2014 was a Finalist for NSW Young Australian of the Year, he is currently an Ambassador for the Australian Human Rights Includability initiative and is one of seven Australian Ambassadors for 2022’s International Day of People with Disability. 

Nathan believes if change is truly to occur “It’s in the mind sets – the fixed and mixed mindsets that create barriers and we need to break through that, allow more people to have a chance in life and allow people’s ability to shine. What you see on the outside is one thing, but what you see on the inside is more. 

Gerard took the lead in a vast variety of other short films, including Way out Assistance and Shakespeare in Tokyo, which provided the opportunity to work in the Japanese metropolis. The global jetsetter’s work also took him to Los Angeles where he worked on one of two voice over projects. A true master of his craft, Gerard’s acting has extended to the opera and theatre. A co-founding member of the disability-led RUCKUS Ensemble, he graced the stage in several contemporary performance pieces.

Gerard was the first ever Bus Stop Films Accessible Films Studies Program student and has been a long standing champion of inclusion in the film industry. Much of his advocacy has taken the form of TV interviews on networks such as Nine Network’s TODAY, Seven Network’s The Morning Show, and Network Ten’s Studio 10. A natural in front of the camera, Gerard’s strides toward inclusion have reached commercials for Medibank, Multicultural Care, and Care Careers, to name a few. 

As an Ambassador for Don’t DIS My ABILITY and Bus Stop Films, Gerard places high priority on inclusion. When he isn’t advocating, he enjoys studying Shakespeare and Irish history, swimming, and karate.

A multi-dimensional actress and screenwriter, Audrey also appeared in TV roles on ABC’s You Can’t Ask That and The Other Guy. As a founding member of the RUCKUS Ensemble, she wrote and performed plays, citing the experience of leading other people with disabilities as a rewarding one. In 2022, Audrey graduated from the Front & Centre Leadership Development Program which is administered by Accessible Arts. She is a proud Ambassador for Bus Stop Films, which she has been a part of since its start in 2009. She is an Ambassador for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s IncludeAbility initiative and GigBuddies where she is a committee member as well.

Audrey is an advocate who places priority on giving back, evident in her long history of volunteerism. As a consultant with The Actors Centre, Leichhardt, she supported teaching classes for students with disabilities. Audrey served as an administrative assistant for eight years with Village Roadshow Films before joining AFTRS where she currently works as a production assistant. A phenomenal public speaker, she champions for inclusion through presentations, training videos, and interviews. When she isn’t championing inclusion or  seeking courses to expand her creative horizons the actress pours her passion into writing new material, karate classes, salsa lessons, and Pilates.

Daniel has been with Bus Stop Films for all three years, attending their Canberra Accessible Film Studies Program since its inception. He continues to build his production credits both behind and in front of the camera. Daniel appeared in his first leading role in the 2022 film ‘Dungeons, Goblins and Broccoli’. 

A compassionate and generous giver, he enjoys contributing to his community. Some of his volunteer experience includes working the Book Week Fair with Lifeline, lending a hand at the Raiders Belconnen social club, and helping out at The Reject Shop. When he isn’t volunteering, Daniel is busy championing for change within the film industry.

Optimistic that she will build a career as a writer, director, and actress, Breanna is ready to share the raw and compelling stories of people with disabilities that will inspire the world. She is hopeful that the film industry will recognize her growth and talent alongside her advocacy to provide opportunities to other emerging film professionals with disabilities. 

In addition to filmmaking, Breanna holds an appreciation for Japanese fashion and culture. After beginning to teach herself, she took a course at the University of Queensland to learn the language. As another form of self-expression, she also enjoys learning new makeup and skincare routines in her spare time.

Liam has worked for organizations such as United Cinemas Narellan and Bava’s Music City in Liverpool. Alongside his professional career, Liam values volunteerism and has found time to volunteer as a photographer and camera operator with Hillsong Church SouthWest Campus. Thriving in fast-paced environments where he can utilize his swift decision-making skills, he views film production as the ideal setting for this. 

As a Bus Stop Films’ Student Ambassador the aspiring film professional has been able to develop a better sense for camera work while honing his teamwork, communication, and social skills. By offering his growing expertise in film technology, Liam aims to set the example for inclusion within the industry.

Following high school, Ronan successfully completed a Transition to Work Program and acquired a variety of training certificates. This includes TVET Retail Access, Certificate II Business, and Certificate II Warehousing Operations. His hard work and dedication has led him to being a mascot for Disability Services Australia (DSA) since 2020. Ronan was recently selected to represent the face of DSA on video where he discussed his experience working for the organization and its value in his life.

Within the film industry Ronan is creating a name for himself behind the camera working as a camera attachment with Taste Creative Film Production Company where he continues to provide freelance work today. 

More than an actor, Ronan packs a powerful voice alongside a mixed bag of musical talents. The only tuba player in his high school band, today he blares through brass with the Shire Concert Band. When he isn’t representing inclusion, the motor sport enthusiast volunteers at Sydney Motorsport Park. Known to be respectful and polite amongst his circle of friends, Ronan cherishes creating new experiences with them. As a black belt, he also enjoys karate, as well as drama lessons and rock climbing in his spare time.