The World Down Syndrome Congress is privileged to have the support of dedicated patrons who play a crucial role in making this global event possible.
The generosity of our Patrons not only provides vital resources and profile to the World Down Syndrome Congress but also inspires us in our goal to create a more inclusive world for individuals with Down syndrome. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our patrons for their commitment the helping to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome.
The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO
The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO has enjoyed a rich and distinguished career as an academic, lawyer, politician, and community and human rights advocate. She served as the 25th Governor- General of Australia from 2008 to 2014. She was the first woman to hold the position, after serving as the 25th Governor of Queensland from 2003 to 2008. Her contribution to advancing human rights and equality, the rights of women and children, and the welfare of the family was recognised in her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003. Also in 2003, she was invested as a Dame of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. On 25 March 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that Ms Bryce had become a Dame in the Order of Australia.
Michael Hogan
Michael is a veteran of the community sector having held leadership and board roles at Special Olympics Australia (10years), Down Syndrome organisations (NSW, Qld) and the Sydney Community Foundation (10 years). A experienced public affairs and communications consultant across multiple industries he has a wealth of experience and has helped sustain and grow many of the organisations he has supported.
Nick Hogan
An only child, Nick comes with all the benefits and some of the disbenefits (spoilt) that flow. Now a middle aged Down Syndrome man of the people, Nick is independent, a long-standing worker, a lover of family and friends, an active person with a pronounced enthusiasm for life - he is not a man restrained by his chromosomes.
Ann Sherry AO
A phenomenally successful business leader, Ann faces everything head on. Family and friends come first; everything else augments this feature of her life. She and Nick share that heightened enthusiasm for life, adventure, travel and creating and adapting to change.
Accomplished Australian actor, Guy Pearce first became known to Australian audiences back in 1986 for his role of Mike Young on NEIGHBOURS before shooting to stardom in the internationally acclaimed THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT.
Guy has gone on to share the screen with some of the finest actors around the world. His credits include THE PROPOSITION, IRON MAN 3, THE KING’S SPEECH, LA CONFIDENTIAL, and A SPY AMONG FRIENDS.
Growing up in Geelong, Guy started acting in theatre companies at a young age. Throughout his successful career he has maintained a strong dedication to his family, and a connection to Australia. Guy is a devoted brother to sister Tracy, who was born with the rare chromosomal condition, Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Nothing makes Tracy happier than spending time with Guy’s young son Monte.
We are honoured to be patrons of the Congress. The Congress allows families to come together, share experiences and learn. Bringing together research, personal and global insights, the Congress shines a light on emerging developments, health and achievement, as well as opportunity for our community. Down Syndrome knowledge is a bell curve that keeps on giving, challenging and surprising.
Why Congress patronage?
Our community emerged from eras and eras of low expectation into a modern complex world full of opportunity and barriers to be broken down. This is the highest achieving moment in Down Syndrome history. There is so much more to come; you can’t miss it.
