Meet the leaders: Elly Desmarchelier

Elly Desmarchelier is a disability rights campaigner. She advocates for systemic change and greater inclusion. In this profile she shares the decision-making framework she uses to navigate big life choices. 

Did you make a new year’s resolution and if so what was it?
You know what? After years of putting work first, I finally committed to taking a proper holiday this year. 

If you could re-read one book what would it be?
I’d go back to Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama in a heartbeat.

Podcasts or video streaming? And do you have any recommendations?
Video streaming wins for me, hands down! I’m currently on my 12th rewatch of Veep — and no, that’s not an exaggeration … It’s my go-to comfort watch when the world feels a bit too serious.

What is your favourite hotel and why?
The Calile Hotel in Brisbane, without question. They’ve achieved something truly revolutionary — their accessible rooms are just as stunning as every other room in the hotel. That might sound simple, but it’s incredibly powerful when you’ve experienced the alternative. 

What is the one thing you spend money on that could be considered an indulgence?
I HAVE to buy fancy soaps — and I mean have to. It’s completely a sensory thing connected to my autism. Those sweet-smelling soaps that most people love? Grandma’s rose and vanilla would literally have me passing out from sensory overload … That geranium leaf scent? Pure heaven for my senses! 

What is your Instagram feed most likely to be full of?
If you scroll through my feed, you’ll find an absolute abundance of makeup tutorials! I’m completely beauty product obsessed — seriously, never leave me unsupervised in a Mecca store unless you’re prepared for the damage to your credit card. 

Do you have a favourite designer?
If Bianca Spender called tomorrow offering to dress me, you’d better believe I wouldn’t be turning that down! 

But there’s something most people don’t realise about fashion when you’re a wheelchair user — even great design often comes with hidden barriers. I absolutely LOVE a powerful pantsuit, but it’s never as simple as buying it off the rack. I have to get pants and sleeves taken up, plus the jacket length shortened so I’m not constantly sitting on it or tugging it down while in my chair. These alterations add up quickly — it’s part of what we call “The Disability Tax”.

What do you hope people will remember about you?
I hope people remember that I genuinely believed everyone has the power to create meaningful change — and that after crossing paths with me, they felt more courageous to take action in whatever way they could, big or small. 

Who are three women you’d like to be in the room with when making a big decision?
First would be one of my earliest bosses, Jackie Trad, who taught me this incredible decision-making framework: “Think about what would make both 8-year-old Elly and 80-year-old Elly proud.” …

Then I’d want Hillary Clinton at the table … I figure if she can hold her own with Vladimir Putin, she can certainly help me tackle whatever I’m facing …

And to round out my dream team, Dolly Parton would be essential … I imagine she’d bring just the right balance of wisdom, humour, and rhinestones to any serious discussion.