LeadAbility Course Extended Through to 2029

We are delighted to share that the Honourable Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Disability Services, has officially announced continued annual funding of $230,000 for Leadership WA’s LeadAbility Course through to the end of the 2029 financial year, supporting the ongoing delivery of the Course and LeadAbility Scholarships.

Since 2014, LeadAbility has strengthened the leadership capability of people with disability, their families and carers, and those working within the sector, while contributing to a more inclusive Western Australian leadership community.

Delivered in partnership with the Department of Communities and designed in collaboration with sector leaders, the Course supports Participants to grow their confidence, expand their networks, and contribute their lived experience and expertise to leadership conversations across the state.

To date, Leadership WA has delivered 24 LeadAbility Courses, with 339 leaders graduating from the Course across Western Australia. Many graduates have continued into Leadership WA’s Signature and Rising Leadership Programs, while championing inclusive leadership across their communities and organisations.

Sharing her reflections on the LeadAbility community and the continued growth of the Course, Leadership WA CEO Candy Choo said:

“Over the last 12 years, LeadAbility has built a community of incredible leaders and advocates who are making a real difference across WA through courageous and compassionate leadership.

Our partnership with the Department of Communities has been vital to this impact, and we’re deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration that continues to strengthen this work.

I’d especially like to thank Leanda Syme for her outstanding leadership, counsel and guidance from the very beginning. Leanda has played an integral role in shaping LeadAbility into the impactful and respected course it is today.

As LeadAbility enters this next chapter, we are excited to welcome Meagan Shand as facilitator. Meagan brings extensive experience as a leadership coach and disability leader, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”

Incoming LeadAbility facilitator Meagan Shand, who will commence facilitating the Course later this year, also shared:

“LeadAbility is a truly unique experience, and it is encouraging to know that even more aspiring and emerging leaders with disability and their allies will have the opportunity to experience the course in the years ahead.

I am deeply honoured to be taking up this position, and incredibly grateful for the enduring foundation and legacy that Leanda has created.”

We sincerely thank the Cook Government, Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, Mike Rowe, Director General Department of Communities, and the Communities team for their continued partnership and support in helping grow a more inclusive leadership community through LeadAbility.

We also acknowledge our many LeadAbility graduates who continue to champion the program, alongside the countless WA leaders and supporters who have generously contributed their time and expertise to our cohorts over the last 12 years.