People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is today launching our search for new leadership, as our long-standing Co-CEOs are stepping down after a decade in the role.
“We are excited to start the quest for new leadership for our organisation, starting a new chapter in our growth and development as the leading disability rights body in Australia,” said Dr David Abello, President, PWDA.
“We are so proud of both our outgoing CEOs, Therese Sands and Matthew Bowden, for the incredible legacy they are leaving us and their tireless work in building PWDA into the strong and diverse organisation we are today.”
PWDA is a national disability rights, advocacy and representative organisation, established in 1981, that is made up of, led and governed by people with disability,.
“Therese and Matthew have been outstanding leaders of PWDA over the last ten years, building us into to the strong, diverse and proud organisation of people with disability that we are,” said Dr Abello.
“This week, our search will start for their successor or successors, who will continue this vital work to achieve our vision of a socially just, accessible and inclusive community, in which the human rights, belonging, contribution, potential and diversity of all people with disability are recognised, respected and celebrated with pride.”
“People with disability are facing a period of change across Australia, with our Royal Commission getting underway, the renewal of the National Disability Strategy and our continued work to make sure the NDIS is working for people with disability,” said Dr Abello.
“We want new leadership to take us into the next decade, and continue PWDA’s role as a disabled people’s organisation, run by and for people with disability.”
“I also want to say a personal thanks, as a very long-time member of PWDA and as President, to Matthew and Therese for all their incredible work leading our organisation, and in putting disability rights front and centre,” said Dr Abello.
