Deafblind Australia’s 30th Annual General Meeting 22nd November 2024

DBA held it’s “30th” AGM in Perth, Western Australia at the Hilton on Perth’s foreshore. The tireless work of my team including Sian Wilson for co-ordinated supports made this AGM event day of success.

Despite the technical delays with captioning and PowerPoint issues, we managed to get through an amazing day of presentations including the history of Deafblind Western Australians with recognition to all those involved including the honourable late Sharon Barry-Grassicks and late Teresa Way. These histories created support services including employment and accommodation to Deafblind people in WA. The history in the making had also supported the establishment of the peer group Deafblind Western Australia that continues to lead state-based activities, social events and lobbying state issues including NDIS. Thanks to Karen Wickham, Wilma Brass and Rita Kleinfeld-Fowell, Kirsty Lim and Hannah McPierzie for showcasing DBWA. 

The second presentation provided updates on the Deafblind Information Australia project co-ordinating Congenital Deafblind workshops around Australia, the work of Deafblind International including special projects on the International Core Functions on Deafblindness with members from Australia were the biggest contributor to the project. Thanks to Dr Meredith Prain’s continued contribution to a diverse Deafblind portfolio and Dr Annmaree Watharow her dedicated research work on dual sensory loss particularly on the Ageing sector. 

After our lunch break, DBA lead a systemic advocacy panel discussion with four deafblind members: Hannah McPierzie and Eddie Szczepanik from WA, Annmaree Watharow from NSW and Rikki Chaplin from QLD. There were lots of interesting discussions to increase funding support to State groups, continue to the important collective engagement on NDIS, foundational supports and both young and ageing Australians with dual sensory loss. 

The AGM kicked off by our chair Rikki Chaplin with reports on DBA activities from the last 12 months, wrapping up 4 year projects, respond to the changes to Disability sector, diversify funding. develop the strategic plan 2024-27 strengthening governance, operational systems, policy work, information dissemination and member engagements. 

There were changes to DBA board with elections that took place along with the retirement of three Board members Karen Wickham, Kirsty Lim and Faye Gill – thank you for all the support in shaping DBA today. We are now] excited to have a full board, the continuing board members Rikki Chaplin, David Squirrell, Annmaree Watharow and Meredith Prain.  We would like to welcome three new board members Michelle Stevens (Deafblind Victoria), Erika Webb (Deafblind Western Australia), Duncan Guy (CEO of Senses Australia).  

Thank you everyone for your continued support to DBA building a strong future for 2024-2025 year. 

— David Murray, Executive Officer

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