Department of Communities WA

Shining light on the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) Working Group, who are championing accessibility and inclusion. 👏 The working group implements our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2028, which has four pillars: participate and contribute, inclusive communities, living well, and rights and equity. Their goal is to embed the plan into everyday operations, influencing the way programs and services are developed and delivered. “We want to see people thrive when they come to work for Communities,” Bec Baldwin. Through targeted efforts and innovative resources, the DAIP Working Group is helping to build an environment where Communities’ employees with disability can thrive, and everyone is welcome. To find out more about the DAIP and current our current career opportunities, visit https://docsm.au/4hj46j2

We’re inviting you to apply for our Youth Engagement Grants program! Funding is available to support organisations to run projects that connect and empower young people in the WA community. ✔️ $5,000 grants available for one-off activities ✔️ $10,000 grants available for longer-term initiatives that involve the community Last year, we saw life skills programs, safe spaces for neurodivergent youth to build social connections, youth festivals and so much more! We can’t wait to see the incredible ideas brought to life this year. 📅 Applications close 17 November 👉 Don’t miss out:https://docsm.au/495rU7S 📸Pictured here is Walpole Community Resource Centre who used their grant for a life skills workshop.

Meet Alison Blake, member of the Carers Advisory Council. With over 30 years of experience in strategy, policy, and community engagement, Alison has had a journey from journalism to leading change in the disability and carer sectors. She talks with us about the importance of giving carers a voice, what she’s learned from regional forums, and how the Council is helping shape better outcomes for carers across WA. 👉To find out more and apply to join the Carers Advisory Council, visit https://docsm.au/48WhHdW

Shining a light on Therapeutic Residential Care Recreation Coordinator Steven, a passionate Recreation Officer making a profound impact on young people in residential care. 🖤💛❤️Steven’s work goes far beyond organising activities. He creates safe, nurturing spaces that support emotional, social and cultural growth. With a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, Steven partners with Aboriginal Elders to run cultural camps that offer opportunities for men’s business, return to country and reconnecting with family. 📍🪃🔥 His dedication helps First Nations young people navigate fractured identity and rediscover pride in their heritage. Through programs like didgeridoo lessons, language classes and dance workshops, Steven fosters cultural understanding and connection. His efforts have created meaningful change in the lives of many young people in WA. Steven was recently recognised with the Excellence in Education and Training Award at our Achiever Awards, nominated by his colleagues. A heartfelt thank you for all that you do and the lives you are changing for the better. 👏

We are pleased to present our 2024-25 Annual Report which supports our purpose of working together to provide responsive services that build safe, inclusive and empowered communities. We continued to deliver the best possible outcomes for tens of thousands of vulnerable children, families, adults and communities. Our people come to work every day to make a positive difference to the lives of Western Australians. With 91 offices and 7,055 staff, some of our highlights from the year included: ⭐Invested more than $250 million in new funding and initiatives to strengthen responses to FDV. ⭐Provided $30.8 million for frontline Child Safety Practitioners. ⭐Released the third Action Plan to guide the delivery of ‘A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020–2030’. ⭐Delivered more than 3,300 social homes to the State’s public housing stock since 1 July 2021. ⭐Launched our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). ⭐Commenced state-wide consultation for WA’s first LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy. To find out more about our achievements and read the full report, visit https://docsm.au/48rBWQy

Have your say in shaping the future for carers in WA! A state-wide survey is now open to help develop a new WA Carers Strategy and we want to hear from you. The Strategy will set the long-term vision for how unpaid carers across the state can be better supported. Information collected will help build a clearer picture of caring in WA, including how many carers there are, the types of care they provide and the impact of caring on their lives. 👉To have your say, visit https://docsm.au/490l9UL

We'll be attending the Return Ready: A Job Fair for Parents and Carers! To register and find out more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gW3YJDjC

Shining light on Acting Director Human Resources, Jaz Draman. 👋Bringing more than 30 years of HR public sector experience and a deep commitment and passion for inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Jaz started his public sector career in 1989 as a business trainee. He later graduated as a mature-age student from Curtin University in HR Management and has held a variety of HR roles. A strong advocate for the Building Leadership Impact initiative, Jaz values its role in shaping effective leadership behaviours. “We’ve got really good people at Communities, everyone wants to do their best and be surrounded by good people, it’s important for people to want to come to work.” 👉To read more about Jaz's journey and find out more about our current opportunities, visithttp://docsm.au/4nKekeE

Do you know someone making a meaningful difference for people with disability? Let’s celebrate them! We’re launching our Champions of Inclusion initiative as part of International Day of People with Disability. If you know an organisation, team or individual who’s contributing to building a more inclusive and accessible community, we want to hear about them! Tag them in the comments below ⬇️ 📩 Nominate a Champion by emailing us at [email protected] ❤️They’ll be sent a certificate of recognition! 👉To find out more about IDPwD, visit https://docsm.au/3VVJ28q

Want to help shape the future for carers in WA? Expressions of Interest are now open for new members to join the Carers Advisory Council in 2026. The Council provides valuable advice on issues affecting carers across the state. If you’re passionate about advocacy and making a difference, this is your chance to get involved. "I joined the Carers Advisory Council because I think caring is a really important role. Often, the carer is the person that knows the person who's receiving services or supports best. And we can make sure that their voice is heard and that they're treated with respect, but also that their rights are protected and that they can get equal access to services." Alison Blake. 🗓️ Applications close 7 November. 📍To register, visit https://docsm.au/3IHjqJB