PWdWA November Newsletter
Message from our Board
As announced at our recent Annual General Meeting, we are excited to introduce Kat Johns as our new Interim Chief Executive Officer. Kat brings an impressive array of experience to the role, having held lead positions across various large health services, including extensive work in NDIS and child protection services reform. Their background also includes business development efforts in regional WA and leading emergency welfare teams specifically for people with disabilities.
Kat is not just an accomplished professional; they are also proudly Autistic and known for their collaborative leadership style, which has garnered recognition as the winner of the WA Health, Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing and Culture Award with their Staff with Disability and Allies in the WA Health Excellence Awards.
As we welcome Kat, we also acknowledge the resignation of our General Manager, Andrea Surman. Despite these leadership changes, our dedicated team at PWDWA remains firmly committed to providing strong individual and systemic advocacy for people with disabilities in Western Australia. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident in our ability to continue serving our community effectively.
There will be some adjustments in roles within the organisation, and we will be announcing those changes shortly. Thank you for your ongoing support, and let’s look forward to achieving great things together under Kat’s leadership.
PWdWA in Action
Thank You
PWdWA would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in person and online. Your presence made the event not only successful but also memorable.
The AGM is a personal highlight of the year for our staff as it gives us the opportunity to catch up with our members, share laughter, enjoy great food, and engage in meaningful discussions. Moments like these truly reflect the spirit of our community and our shared responsibility to shape PWdWA into the exceptional organisation it has become.
We appreciate your ongoing support and involvement, which make our work possible. Together, we are stronger and look forward to continuing this journey with you. Thank you once again for being a part of our AGM.
Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy Submission
Thank you to all those who previously expressed an interest in participating in the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-2030 (MHAOD Strategy) submission.
We apologise for the delay in advising you of the consultation times. This was due to circumstances beyond our control.
If you want to participate, please email Grace at grace@pwdwa.org or call 08 6243 6948. Grace can provide you with more information and details on the consultations.
If you are chosen to participate in this consultation, you will receive a $50.00 gift voucher for your time.
Online and in-person consultations:
- 19 November – online – 12:30 pm
- 21 November – online – 11am
- 28 November – in-person: 12:30 pm @ City West Lotteries House
- 4 December – online – 11am
Recruitment of PWdWA’s New CEO
Applications for the CEO position at PWdWA closed on 3 November, and Australian Barnardos Recruitment Services (ABRS) will begin shortlisting candidates soon.
PWdWA partnered with ABRS as they specialise in recruitment for sectors including youth, children, families, vulnerable adults, aged care, and disability, which aligns with PWdWA’s vision that people with disability are empowered in an inclusive society that values human rights.
We will keep you up to date as we search for the right leader who embodies our values and is eager to create positive change to help PWdWA grow and succeed.
PWdWA in Focus
Welcome to our new Board Member
We are pleased to announce the election of new board members at our recent Annual General Meeting. David Harwood, Karen Harvey, Gemma Hilditch, Stuart Jenkinson, Enzo Moscufo, Kylie Mucciarone, and Nat Ringham join current board members Mark Blowers JP, Shazzy Tharby, Emma Beck and Tom Oliver.
Our new board members bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to our organisation, and we look forward to their contributions to advancing our mission and advocating for people with disabilities in Western Australia.
As per our constitution, a new Chair will be elected at the upcoming board meeting scheduled for November 20. We encourage all members to stay engaged and support our new board as they take on these important roles.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Nihal Iscel, Eric Casey and Grace Barnes, our departing board members, for their hard work and service to PWdWA.
Current Issues
Foundational Supports
PWdWA’s consultation sessions for our submission to the Department of Social Services (DSS) on the new Foundational Supports for people living with disability, families, and carers are not the only way you can participate and have your say.
You can find out how to engage through Questionnaires, an Online Ideas Wall or via email by visiting their website. Foundational Supports | engage.dss.gov.au
They want to hear from:
- people with disability, whether they are on the NDIS or not
- people who might need extra support but don’t identify as having a disability
- families, carers, kin and advocates for people with disability
- parents of children with developmental delay and disability
- other stakeholders, like service providers. This includes disability, health, mental health, early childhood, schools and other areas.
Submissions close at midnight on 5 December 2024.
AFDO Survey on Employment
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is seeking input from people with disability about their experiences with employment and the employment services available. Your feedback will help us advocate for better policies and services to increase employment opportunities for people with disability across Australia.
The survey will take 10-15 minutes and is open until 19 November 2024. Your responses will remain confidential. You can find the survey at https://bit.ly/3Or0T3v
If you cannot complete the survey, you can permit someone to answer on your behalf. Please feel free to share this survey with others who may be interested.
Upcoming
PWdWA Outreach
Town |
Hosted at |
Dates |
| Merredin | Merredin Community Resource Centre | 19 November |
| Moora | Amity Health Moora | 2 December |
| Narrogin | Amity Health Narrogin | 3 December |
| Northam | Jobs and Skills, 1 Hutt Street, Northam | 28 November |
| Pinjarra | Murray House Community Centre | 21 November |
| Fremantle | St Pats Community Centre | 20 November |
| Toodyay | Community Resource Centre | 27 November |
| Waroona | Waroona Community Resource Centre. | 14 & 28 November |
| York | York Community Resource Centre | 26 November |