CEO Update: Autumn 2024

As the Noongar season of Bunuru draws to a close, we welcome Djeran (April – May), bringing with it cooler weather and dewy mornings. I know the cooler weather will be a welcome relief for many, after the hottest February on record.

The team at Therapy Focus hit the ground running in 2024, with a very busy start to the year. We held our inaugural Festival of Learning in early February, which saw around 300 staff take part in a diverse program of professional development workshops and presentations. The event was a great way the kickstart the year and feedback from staff has been very positive.

The Festival of Learning also provided a perfect opportunity to launch Therapy Focus’ 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. The plan outlines a four-year roadmap focusing on five strategic pillars that include Customer Experience; People, Talent and Culture; Business Excellence; Community Impact; and Thriving Future. You can learn more about our Strategic Plan and download a summary booklet here.

After a much-needed two-week break over Christmas, our staff returned to work with renewed energy and focus. Here at Therapy Focus, we are working to nurture a truly great workplace where everyone can flourish, and part of this effort sees us regularly celebrating the achievements of our workforce. This year we are delighted to have two clinicians nominated for the WA Disability Support Awards, which will be presented at an awards ceremony in May. Congratulations to Senior Speech Pathologist Kelly Scott and Regional Services Coordinator Richard Murdoch for their nominations.

“Here at Therapy Focus, we are working to nurture a truly great workplace where everyone can flourish, and part of this effort sees us regularly celebrating the achievements of our workforce.”

I also wish to acknowledge the hard work of Dietetics Clinical Lead Karen Humphries and Senior Dietitian Kim Dutowski, who will be delivering a ’how to’ on working with paediatric autistic clients at Dietitian Connection’s NDIS Symposium in late March. You can learn more about their presentation and register here.

We greatly appreciate the feedback we receive about our amazing staff, and will soon invite our customers and the people in their support networks to nominate Therapy Focus employees for our 2024 People’s Choice Award. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon.

In closing, I share the exciting news that a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee has been reformed at Therapy Focus. The group is chaired by Nikki Peapell, who is Senior Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Therapy Focus, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with indigenous peoples. The Committee is currently accepting expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join and share their invaluable insights and experiences. You can find out more and register your interest here.

I hope you enjoy this edition of InFocus. On behalf of the team at Therapy Focus, I wish you all the best for a safe, happy, and chocolate-filled Easter with family, friends, and loved ones.

Alison Kelly
Chief Executive Officer