Debbie spent 24 years as a family day care mum, whilst raising her family. In 2018, she retired from her family day care business to attend University. She studied a Bachelor of Social Work degree and is currently employed as a sexual assault counsellor.

Debbie has 28 years’ experience with the NSW Homicide Victims Support Group as a member and volunteer and 18 years’ experience with the Restorative Justice Unit attached to Corrective Services NSW.

Debbie participated in her own restorative justice conference with her brother Michael’s murderer before he was released on parole. Debbie’s conference changed her life, she left her conference a different person and Debbie started to heal. Debbie has gone on to be support person with two other families in their conferences. They were both completely different and they were both amazing and empowering experiences. Debbie trusts and respects the Restorative Justice process for all it brings to families like hers. She says that “to be able to walk into a room and confront a person who has caused so much trauma to you and your family, and to come out of that room, either with a life changing experience like mine or just a small change. It works.”

Debbie has recently become involved with Transforming Justice Australia, a unique restorative justice program in Australia that prioritises the needs and perspectives of survivors of sexual and family violence.

Debbie is passionate and committed to women's rights especially around domestic and family violence, rape within marriage and sexual assault.