LHF Advocacy and Community Action Group

An exciting announcement from our CEO

For 30 years, Little Heroes has worked tirelessly to support children and families facing some of lifes greatest challenges. Through that work, one thing has become abundantly clear, while support services are vital, lasting change also requires strong advocacy, courageous leadership and people willing to stand up and speak for those whose voices are too often overlooked.

Today, I am incredibly proud to announce the formation of the Little Heroes Foundation Advocacy & Community Action Group.

This new initiative brings together an exceptional group of leaders and advocates who share a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children, people with disability and families across Australia. As founding members, I am honoured to welcome Nicole Borzillo, Dr Rodney Pearce AM, Lisa O’Malley and James LaBrooy, who will join me in leading this important work.

Together, we will focus on raising awareness, influencing policy, advocating for practical reform, strengthening community connections and championing equitable access to healthcare, disability supports, child safety initiatives and early intervention services, most importantly we will use our collective experience, networks and voices to ensure that children and families remain at the centre of the conversations and decisions that affect their lives.

This is more than an advocacy group. It is a commitment to action, collaboration and creating meaningful change where it is needed most.

I look forward to sharing more about our vision, our priorities and the work ahead in the months to come.

Introducing the Board

Dr Rodney Pearce AM

Dr Rodney Pearce AM  is a respected general practitioner, health advocate and community leader who has dedicated his career to improving healthcare access, influencing policy and strengthening outcomes for patients and families across Australia. With decades of experience working at the frontline of healthcare, Rodney has been a strong voice for communities, identifying gaps within the health system and advocating for practical reforms that improve access, quality of care and health outcomes.

James LeBrooy

James LaBrooy is a fourth-year law and political science student at Flinders University with a passion for community-driven, evidence-based policy reform.

James brings experience across political campaigning, where he has contributed to policy development, community outreach and media coordination; music education as a teacher and events manager at a local music studio; and administration within the disability support sector. Across these roles and through his volunteer work as a debating adjudicator and coach, and as a youth leader, James has worked with a diverse range of people including children with disability and from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also represented Australia as a Peace Ambassador at the UN Global Peace Summit in Bangkok.

Lisa O’Malley

Lisa O’Malley is an independent advocate, policy contributor and foster carer of more than 20 years, recognised for her unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, carers and families. Drawing on extensive lived experience and years of frontline advocacy, Lisa has become a respected voice in child protection, family support, disability and children’s rights reform.

Nicole Borzillo

Nicole Borzillo is a health lobbyist, strategic advisor and community advocate with extensive experience influencing policy, building partnerships and driving reform across the health, disability and community sectors. As a lobbyist for the Australian General Practice Network, representing the interests of more than 1,000 general practitioners, and through her ongoing work across the disability and community sectors, she works closely with government, healthcare
leaders, community organisations and industry stakeholders to advocate for improved services, stronger systems and better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Chris McDermott

Chris McDermott is the founder of Little Heroes Foundation (formerly the McGuiness McDermott Foundation), and is currently the Chairman of the Board and acting Chief Executive Officer. Since retirement from the AFL, Chris has continued working for the foundation while also working in many roles in the media, including breakfast radio. His true passion has always been supporting the physical and mental health of children and their families.