Michelle Wagner holds qualifications in social work, health services management and public health. As a new graduate she was the neurosurgical and head and neck cancer social worker at Westmead Hospital. She worked at Forensic Medicine for 12 years as a forensic counsellor and service redesign manager. She had opportunity to serve her community as the Duty Officer in the State Health Emergency Operations Centre during the Covid19 outbreak and later joined the Rural Fire Service in their Strategy and Programs directorate.

Michelle’s passion for death and dying prompted her return to NSW Health as a Navigator in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaison Service.

David Pieper has been a DWD Board member since 2019 and its Treasurer since April 2023. He has supported voluntary assisted dying since childhood and witnessed his mother’s long and painful death from bowel cancer in her 50s. He was involved in the campaign for marriage equality in addition to his advocacy for VAD laws. In his professional life he led community-based campaigning for access to the cure for hepatitis C in Australia.

David devised and presented the training for DWD’s Witnessing Program.

Ruth Bearpark joined DWD this year in the new role of Community Organiser. Holding qualifications in community education, welfare, and international development, she's been working with communities affected by HIV and viral hepatitis across Australia and the Pacific for 25 years.

A passionate advocate for autonomy in healthcare, Ruth’s commitment deepened while supporting her father through his final years to die at their home. Drawing on professional and personal experiences, Ruth aims to foster connection, raise awareness, and contribute to community so that empathy, dignity, and autonomy are at the heart of our end-of-life.