Career and Background

John Futer, along with his wife Lisa and son Mark, has been part of the Townsville community since 1998. His professional journey has spanned business, legal practice, and public school teaching within the Queensland Department of Education. He has worked with Indigenous youth, helping them access employment opportunities in the residential construction industry. John believes strongly in identifying individual interests when designing learning programs and has offered moral support and guidance to students in their chosen fields. His ability to connect with and support people has shaped his approach to behaviour support and education.

Lived Experience and Perspective

John’s personal life plays a central role in his professional insight. As the father of a teenage son with severe autism, he understands the complexities and triumphs involved in parenting a child with disability. He actively connects with other parents in similar situations, learning from their experiences and offering his own support. This peer-based network has highlighted the importance of empathy and practical help in achieving positive outcomes. John values the shared wisdom of carers, parents, and professionals, and uses this knowledge to provide thoughtful, realistic support for those navigating disability services.

System Navigation and Collaboration

Through lived experience, John has developed a solid understanding of how to navigate systems like the NDIS and work effectively with service providers. He recognises the importance of building rapport with professionals within these organisations and attributes many of his successes to the dedication and collaboration of those involved. These insights help inform his work as a behaviour support clinician, especially when supporting families who feel overwhelmed by complex systems. His approach is grounded in teamwork, empathy, and building strong connections to deliver meaningful support.

Community Life and Values

Outside of work, John enjoys vintage car restoration and shares a passion for child development and community engagement with his wife Lisa, who is a long-time special education teacher. Together, they are aquarium hobbyists and deeply value time spent with their son. John’s personal and professional experiences, combined with his strong community ties, make him well suited to deliver tailored support programs. He looks forward to contributing to the work of the dedicated PoDDSS team. John can be reached on 0419 751 190 or via email at john@PoDDSS.com.au.