Ngala CEO Announces Retirement

Posted on: Mon 13 June 2011

Letter from the CEO Rae Walter

In November 2011, it will be 23 years since I joined Ngala as CEO. It will also be the month in which I will be retiring. For me, it has been a privilege to lead Western Australia's premier early parenting community service organisation and to work with people passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of Western Australian families with young children.

During the past 23 years Ngala has grown significantly touching the lives of many West Australians. The organisation is now in contact with 40,000 Western Australian families including at least 40% of first time families. The diversity in Ngala's range of services and locations is testament to an organisation that is in touch with changing family and community needs. It is also testament to the dedication of staff who strive to resource families with the most appropriate service response.

In more recent times, Ngala's revenue base has increased almost threefold from $4million to over $11million - a reflection of the organisation's diversity and financial sustainability. Similarly, staffing in terms of both numbers and in the range of expertise has also increased significantly.  These aspects are a reflection of the organisation’s ability to change, to continue to meet community needs and to work with evidence bases that underpin Ngala’s services.

Significant new initiatives are also underway or on the horizon - online services, the research agenda, development of Ngala's Early Learning and Development Services, the Ngala Institute of Education and Learning, Midland C4C Plus and parenting services for Aboriginal and CALD families and communities. Together with Ngala's current services and initiatives such as the Alexandra Village, Ngala is well positioned for meeting changing community needs as the organisation moves into the future.

For me personally, contributing to the development of services for West Australian children and their parents has been a most rewarding career. The joys during my time with the organisation have been many.

Ngala's Board of Directors has initiated an Executive Search for Ngala's new CEO and the position is to be advertised in The West Australian shortly. It is expected that an appointment will be made during September allowing adequate time for handover to the new appointee.

I look forward to meeting with you all over the coming months.

Warmest wishes

Rae Walter

CEO

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