Western Australia Trial Site Manager appointed for the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has appointed Ms Marita Walker as Manager of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial site in Western Australia, which will begin to operate in the Perth Hills area from 1 July 2014.

Ms Walker has been Chief Executive Officer of Perth Home Care Services (PHCS) for 15 years. PHCS is a leading service provider in Western Australia’s disability, aged care and mental health sectors to enable people to live at home with dignity connected to their family and community.

Ms Walker has extensive experience over many years in providing disability support services in senior roles in government and non-government organisations in Western Australia. She has been a strong supporter of the NDIS since the Productivity Commission recommended the establishment of the Scheme in 2011.

NDIA Chairman Mr Bruce Bonyhady warmly welcomed Ms Walker’s appointment to lead the operations of the NDIA in its critically important Western Australia trial site.

“Marita Walker brings unparalleled experience in the Western Australia disability sector and with individualised services to her new role with the National Disability Insurance Scheme. We are fortunate to have such a capable, experienced and highly regarded Western Australian leader join the NDIA to lead and develop our operations in the Perth Hills.”

“This is good news for people with disability and their families in our trial site, for disability support providers and for the community in the Perth Hills more generally, given Marita’s outstanding track record and very strong commitment to community.”

The August 2013 Agreement between the Commonwealth and West Australian Governments will see the NDIS begin its two-year trial in areas of Western Australia from 1 July 2014. The NDIS trial site is part of a two-year trial alongside the My Way initiatives of the Western Australia Government in the Lower South West region of WA and the Cockburn/Kwinana area of Perth.

Work commences on the NDIA office for the Perth Hills trial site of the NDIS

Fit-out construction has commenced on the new NDIA office for the NDIS Perth Hills trial site. The office will be at 74-78 Railway Parade, Midland.

Centrally located close to public transport and the new Midland Hospital and health precinct, the NDIS will offer more choice and greater control over reasonable and necessary supports for people with disability in the Perth Hills trial site.

Work on the office began after a lease was signed with the building’s owner and approval received from the City of Swan and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.

The NDIS will provide long-term, individualised support that is reasonable and necessary to meet the needs of people with permanent and significant disability. This may include the development and funding of an individual plan that focuses on a person’s goals and aspirations and the support needed to achieve these.

David Bowen, Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA, said the individual plans were the key to changing people’s lives.

“The plans are developed around a person’s goals, aspirations and needs, and can enable participants and their families to engage in education, employment and their community, become more independent and receive necessary equipment,” he said.

Mr Bowen paid special thanks to the City of Swan for its support in getting the Midland office redevelopment underway.

“We are very excited about the new Midland office and its role in supporting the Perth Hills as the NDIS is rolled out across Australia,” he said.

ENDS