I don ’ t think I exaggerate when I say that this organisation has met all these challenges and achieved outcomes that some others in the sector have found pretty impressive .
But no-one can say that the Covid threat is over . Additionally , the Royal Commission into Aged Services is highlighting many issues and flaws that are also translatable to the disability sector . And who will ever be able to forget the shocking story of Anne Marie Smith . Some of the issues that have been highlighted by the state and federal enquiries give much pause for thought . The criminal aspect of the whole matter is still unfolding , but I have no doubt matters relating to governance , oversight , directors , staff qualifications , reporting mechanisms , just to name a few , will unfold in the next year .
So there will be more challenges for us , hopefully not quite as great as this year , but the landscape is forever changed , and we don ’ t yet have any proper understanding of what the future will really look like . It ’ s a week by week process of checking , reviewing , carefully expanding services where we can , and checking and checking again .
I hope that our next AGM will be back in its usual format , and I will have the opportunity to chat with clients , carers and staff , and share a cup of tea and a biscuit – but for now , we will remain vigilant and err on the side of caution .
Finally , on behalf of all of the Board , I wish to acknowledge the support and contributions of retiring Board members Andrew Sterzl , Tracey Edwards and Phil Donaldson . And I also extend a welcome to our new Board member , Sanjay Shah , who has great knowledge of EBL , having most recently been a member of Foundation Board , but for many years prior to that , a member of the EBL Board .
Sue Chapman
Chairperson EBL Disability Services
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The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart .
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EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 3