I would like to live in a global society where people with disabilities and other disadvantages are treated fairly and the idea of social inclusion is a complete reality' ~ Michael Merrett

Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE) - Membership Development Officer
From March 2, 2009 until June 25, 2009 Michael Merrett is working part time as the Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE), Membership Development Officer. Michael is developing and implementing the ADDE membership package. Michael strongly believes that ADDE is at the right place at the right time to advocate for systemic change in regard disability employment issues. ADDE provides the formal structure and framework to make it possible for people with disabilities and other disadvantages to create their own employment opportunities based on their own skill capacity. Michael is developing a social network using Facebook so that people can add their voice to the voice of change and share ideas.

Leadership Plus - Leadership Program 2009  
Michael is currently completing the Leadership Plus, Leadership Program 2009 through RMIT where he is developing his leadership skills and where after 12 months he will receive a Diploma in Community Education. Michael is developing and implementing the ADDE membership package as part of his Leadership project

Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE)
Consultant and Implementation Project Worker
Michael was employed part-time for eight weeks that commenced on August 12, 2008, for 15 hours per week at $30 per hour. He reported weekly to Peter Rickards, President, Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE) and to Barry Strmelj, Project Manager, Action for Community Living (ACL). Michael worked on the ADDE research report launch where he sent emails to disability organisations to promote the ADDE research report in their newsletters. He was involved with the ADDE research launch on Monday August 18, 2008 at the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission, Level 3, Room 1&2, 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Michael is the ADDE Minutes Secretary for the monthly Committee Meetings, usually held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12.30 PM to 2:00 PM at 86-88 Herbert Street, Northcote, Victoria, Australia unless otherwise advised. Michael works with Asitha on improving the ADDE website.Michael has an interest in website design, digital photography and graphic art.

Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE) - Consultant
From December 2007 until July 2008 Michael was employed part-time as a sole-trader consultant by Diversity At Work, D@W, where he was part of a Project Team, tasked to research and write a Business Plan for Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE). The contract ended.

City of Yarra, Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) Community Representative
Michael is a member of the City of Yarra, Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) and is involved with all accessibility issues throughout the City of Yarra. Michael joined the City of Yarra, DAC in November 2007 with the aim of introducing accessible Tram Platform Stops throughout the City of Yarra so that people with disabilities, parents with prams and the elderly can all have equal and safe access to public transport. Michael is interested is promoting a more inclusive and diverse community for all people with disabilities throughout the City of Melbourne and Australia. Michael has participated in the review process by taking photographs and testing the accessibility of the Rain Gardens and the Accessible (Disability) Parking Bays in the City of Yarra. 

Here is a link to the City of Yarra, Disability Advisory Committee (DAC):

Department of Transport (DOT) - Community Representative
Michael Merrett is a Department of Transport (DOT), Community Representative and he volunteers when asked to test and photograph accessibility issues, eg., Platform stops, trams, trains, train stations. 

Favourite quote:
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has' ~ Margaret Mead

Michael Merrett on Facebook - ADDE on Facebook