Youth Advisors in Governance

Deanna DiCicco

Deanna (Dee) is a dedicated advocate with lived and living experience of mental ill health, chronic illness, and disability. Her work focuses on driving systemic change to improve care and long-term outcomes for young people facing complex mental health challenges.

Dee's work in lived experience advocacy began at age 16 whilst a service user at Orygen. She has since taken on key leadership roles, including chairing multiple lived experience advisory committees and serving on the board of the Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS). Additionally, she provides expert guidance as a lived experience advisor to various organizations and universities.

Dee is committed to ensuring that young people’s voices are valued and integrated across decision-making, policy, service design, and research. In her personal time, she enjoys antiquing, crafting, and spending time with her dog, Wilbur.