Lots to celebrate for the Identitywa Community

11 Nov 2021

By Contributor

There were great celebrations and lots to be thankful for at Identitywa’s 2021 Annual Review Night.

The community gathered to hear their Board Chair Graeme Mander, Treasurer Linda Walsh and Chief Executive Officer Marina Re, report on the past year.

Award recipients at the Identitywa’s 2021 Annual Review Night held in October. Photo: Michelle Tan.

Presentations were made to workers who had been nominated by families and colleagues for their outstanding commitment to the people Identitywa supports, and the Years of Service awards were also presented to those workers who have been with Identitywa for more than 10 or 20 years.

Upon delivering his address on behalf of the Board and Executive Management, Mr Mander thanked the nominees whohad been nominated by families or co-workers for their commitment and dedicationto the lives of the people the organisation supports.

“At the forefront of the organisation, they truly live the Vision, Mission, and Values in their work. Before I announce the winners, I would also like to thank our judges, parents, Joan Martin, and Di Rook,for their time to ensure the most outstanding people working in our special organisation have been recognised.”

Guests at the Identitywa’s 2021 Annual Review Night viewing a video from one of their clients. The event was held in October. Photo: Michelle Tan.

Disability Support Workers Shihab Ally and Arare Negassak emerged as recipients for the ‘quiet achiever’ award, clinical nurse Kerry Deakin and Support Worker Alysha Azman were recognised for going ‘above and beyond’ and the aspiring leaders award was accepted by Disability Support workers, Holly Turner and Riley Riordan.

There was also a special acknowledgment of a team of people who collaborated to support an individual. Team leader, Belinda Ross nominated the group. 

In her nomination she wrote: “Support workers Steven, Fiona, and Chris, the Allied health team, Kris, Jake and Anna, and acting Team Leader Sagar have been providing support for this participant during a particularly difficult time of her life. They have ensured consistent support for her, making sure that she felt safe and supported. They were flexible in both their approach and time by putting up their hands to help whenever required to help her,” she stated.

“They all have a person-centred focus and worked collaboratively together to have the best possible outcomes for her. They have all embodied what our values as an organisation stand for, and that is the commitment to act!”

Identitywa Chief Executive Officer Marina Re addressed those present at the organisations 2021 Annual Review Night held in October, then presented staff with certificates for their long service contribution and service to the Perth community. Photo: Michelle Tan.

Several staff were mentioned for 10 years of continuous service. They include Richard Barney, Kathleen Borwick, Viola Ezikel, Patresia Francis, Eva Haynes, Cathy Hewick, Carmilita Johnson, Parkash Kuar, Dorothy Lonergan, Audrey Mwanza, Rachel Oakes, Marina Re, Marjorie Tairua, Dante Torres, and Susanne Townsend.

Contributing 20 years to Identitywa is Emma Ferguson, Kathy Naughton, and Gregory Smith.

Some of the affiliates of Identitywa at the 2021 Annual Review Night held in October. Photo: Michelle Tan.

Identitywa is one of WA’s leading agencies supporting people with disability to live the life they choose. With a strong commitment to Person Centred Active Support, staff work in partnership with participants to explore, plan and design support options to suit their individual needs. For information about our services go to www.identitywa.com.au or call 9474 3303.