I was appointed the new Alkira Board Chair November 2023 and I’m delighted to present my first report to our members and friends.
The contribution to Alkira of my predecessor, Peter Harrison, cannot be overstated. Peter has served on the Board for over four decades, including thirty years as Treasurer and eight as Chair. Earlier this year, Peter rode his bicycle from Rome to Paris, generating more than $30,000 in sponsorship for our organisation. On behalf of everyone at Alkira, thank you for your remarkable commitment and work.
Alkira is here to make a positive difference in the lives of our participants, and we have done that for 70 years! This has not happened through chance or good luck, but rather because of the passion, skills, and talents of many people. I want to thank and congratulate our CEO, Julia Canty-Waldron, her senior leadership team, and each of our 200+ support and administrative staff for all you do.
My Board colleagues continue to give their time and expertise freely and generously, and I want to thank and congratulate them. I am delighted that Joseph Connellan, Brian Dudakov and Alicia Stark were recently appointed to the Board. In addition, Alyssa Ianno, who is participating in the Observership Program, has also provided substantial input.
While our financial position remains strong, the NDIS pricing structure presents ongoing challenges. Please be assured that we are constantly focussing on how to offer the best possible services to our participants in a financially sustainable way. The financial and other support provided by our partner organisations, philanthropic trusts and foundations, donors, bequestors and volunteers continues to be substantial. That assistance helps ensure our participants are provided with the best possible supports, services, and programs.

Continually examining ways to enhance high governance standards has been a strong focus. Important initiatives included migrating our incorporation status from that of an Incorporated Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee, focussing on our strategic plan objectives and developing a digital transformation framework.
There have been many highlights during our 70th anniversary year:

• Recognition events for Life Governors and Carers
• Launching the AlkiraBiz Coffee Trailer as a social enterprise
• Successfully meeting NDIS recertification standards
• Ongoing development of our operating systems and processes

Over the past year, Alkira has supported more than 280 participants. It has been an outstanding team effort, and I thank all who have played a part.

As I reflect on my second year as CEO of Alkira, I am proud of the progress we have made together in 2023/2024. This year marked the beginning of Alkira’s 70th year of service—a milestone we have celebrated through a series of meaningful events, which underscore our deep appreciation for the community that has supported us over the decades. Guiding our work has been our strategic vision we’ve embraced to transform Alkira in lasting ways.
This year saw a significant restructure of Home Supports under the exceptional leadership of Bell Thompson. I want to acknowledge Bell and the entire Home Supports team for their resilience and dedication as they adjusted and continued to deliver high-quality services that our participants rely on.
Accreditation, skilfully guided by Kelly Machin, provided valuable insights into the exceptional support we deliver—both to our participants and among our teams. This recognition reaffirmed our commitment to values-driven leadership and the high standards we hold.
Digital transformation is central to our strategy, and I want to recognise Ben Moodie’s pivotal role in driving multiple aspects. Ben, Kelly, and Kyla Evan’s efforts, expertise, and commitment have been instrumental in integrating new systems that enhance our service delivery and employee experience. These developments have positioned us to operate with greater efficiency, professionalism and responsiveness.
This year’s achievements represent the first year of our new Strategy, which has encouraged us to embrace change and new systems that reinforce our strategic goals. Our emerging Practice Model, grounded in our Co-Design Framework (led by Steve Parkinson), is redefining how we approach service delivery, emphasising collaboration and participant input at every stage. Strengthening our workforce has also been key to this journey, with a focus on training, development, and recruiting top talent, ensuring Alkira remains a great place to work and that we have the tools and expertise to deliver on our mission.
I am deeply grateful to the entire Alkira workforce for the passion and commitment they bring each day. Your dedication fuels our mission and is essential to our progress.

Finally, as we look forward, I join Peter Holdsworth in recognising Peter Harrison’s extraordinary legacy of governance and fundraising. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Alkira, guiding us towards sustainable growth.
Our Strategy has laid a strong foundation, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to grow and serve our participants and community in meaningful ways, driven by our shared vision for the future.

In 2024, we proudly celebrate Alkira’s 70th anniversary – seven decades of transformative impact.

As we mark this milestone, reflections on our rich history have taken center stage. We’re diving into our archives and reminiscing about the incredible journey that has shaped Alkira.
Celebrations for this anniversary have taken many forms, starting with a Life Governors’ event in March. This event was held at the Alkira Springfield Community Hub, bringing together 20 esteemed Life Governors and Board Directors. This gathering provided an opportunity for them to reconnect and share their Alkira stories. Life Governorship is awarded to individuals who have provided outstanding service to Alkira. To date, only 81 people have received this prestigious honour. Notable attendees included former Board Chairs Des Ridley and Ron Walker, along with Arthur and Corrie De Groot, who served as President and Treasurer of the former Parent and Friends Auxiliary, respectively.
In June, a Carers’ Morning Tea took place at Alkira Thurston Street, with 30 parents and family members gathering to acknowledge the vital role that carers play within the Alkira community. This event celebrated the dedication and passion of carers over the years, providing a chance for many attendees to reconnect with familiar faces they hadn’t seen in some time.
Beyond formal events, participants engaged in a special activity early in the year: recreating recipes from the 1965 Alkira Cookbook. With staff support, they embarked on culinary adventures, bringing the flavours of the past to life and sparking fond memories of yesteryear.
Our history has also been shared through emails, newsletters, and social media. You can join us in reminiscing on Alkira’s history by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram where we have posted weekly with stories from all the way from 1954 to now. Be sure to check out our online video, featuring interviews with key Alkira custodians and offering a glimpse into the past and future of Alkira.

For Julian, moving to Supported Independent Living (SIL) represented more than just a change of address — it marked a significant step toward independence and personal growth. In June 2024, Julian made a bold move into Perkins House, formerly a Short-Term Accommodation now repurposed into a shared supported home, where he resides with three other male residents. This transition was not just a physical shift but the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities for learning and development.

The decision for Julian to move into Perkins House was carefully planned and supported by his family, who have always played a central role in his life. With the guidance of dedicated staff, they worked together to help him prepare for the change. Despite the challenges that come with any transition, Julian has faced this new chapter with resilience and determination.

A Supportive Environment for Independence

Perkins House is more than just a place to live; it’s a home where Julian has found a sense of community. He has formed strong bonds with his three housemates, and together they engage in group activities and enjoy each other’s company. This camaraderie has made a significant difference in Julian’s day-to-day life.

One key factor in Julian’s positive experience has been the unwavering support from staff. They’ve played an integral role in helping him settle in and making the transition as smooth as possible. With individualized guidance tailored to Julian’s needs and preferences, staff have helped him embrace his new routine and feel comfortable in his new surroundings.

Julian’s family has also noticed these positive changes. They’ve been impressed with how well he’s adjusted to his new living situation, remarking:

“We couldn’t speak more highly of the support Julian is receiving at Perkins House. The care and encouragement from the staff and management team have been exceptional, and the manager’s leadership has truly made a difference. We couldn’t be happier!”

A Catalyst for Personal Growth

An essential part of Julian’s journey has been developing important life skills that will help him lead a more independent life. With the support of staff, Julian has been learning how to manage everyday tasks such as cooking nutritious meals and keeping his living space clean and organized.

Although the process has come with its challenges, each step forward has boosted Julian’s confidence. From cooking his first meal to mastering household appliances, he is steadily becoming more self-reliant. Every small success is a testament to his hard work and a stepping stone towards greater independence.

Julian’s determination to grow and thrive in his new environment has inspired not only his family but also the staff at Perkins House. Watching him take on new responsibilities with such a positive attitude has been a source of pride for everyone involved in his journey.

Julian’s move to Supported Independent Living is a significant achievement, not only for him but also for everyone who has supported him along the way. As he continues to grow, there’s no doubt that his future holds even more opportunities for learning, independence, and fulfillment. His journey is far from over, and those who know him are excited to see what he will accomplish next.

In early 2024, Alkira proudly launched Baristas AlkiraBiz, a mobile coffee cart designed to give participants hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of hospitality. The cart has quickly become a beloved feature within the Alkira community, offering delicious coffee while fostering skill-building opportunities for participants.

Baristas AlkiraBiz serves as a unique learning environment where participants can develop barista and customer service skills. From taking orders to frothing milk, every step in the process is an opportunity for growth.

Chelsea has been working at the coffee cart since it started and has loved her time at Baristas AlkiraBiz, describing it as a fun and rewarding experience. “I like working in a team environment and making shots of coffee. Frothing milk and taking orders is fun, and I like working with new people,” she shared enthusiastically. She looks forward to Thursdays when the cart heads to different locations, as it gives her the opportunity to interact with more customers and experience new settings. For Chelsea, every day working in the coffee cart is an adventure, filled with learning and exciting challenges.

Over the past year, Chelsea has gained a wide range of barista skills. “Using the coffee machine was one of the key skills I learned,” she says. But like any new role, there have been challenges along the way. One of the more difficult tasks was perfecting the milk frothing process. “Sometimes I overfill the milk jug and it overflows,” Chelsea admitted, but with time and practice, she has learned to put less milk in the jug and ensure the steam wand is positioned correctly.

Chelsea’s growing confidence and skills don’t stop at the coffee machine. She has also developed customer service skills, which she’s proud of. “I like working with customers and helping them get their coffee,” she says. Recently, Chelsea has even stopped needing to read off the service guide, now comfortably interacting with customers without prompts. She aspires to gain paid work 1-2 days a week in a similar role, reflecting on how her experience with Baristas AlkiraBiz has solidified her interest in customer service and hospitality.

None of this would have been possible without the support of Alkira’s dedicated staff. A special thank you goes to Sarah, Jack, Dom, and Nick, who have been instrumental in getting Baristas AlkiraBiz up and running and providing day-to-day management. Their guidance has been key in helping participants like Chelsea thrive in this new venture. Chelsea also gives special credit to Sarah and Jack for helping her learn new skills and for making the experience enjoyable.

As Baristas AlkiraBiz continues to grow, it remains an exciting space for participants to gain confidence, learn new skills, and be a part of the community.

In 2022, Greer took a significant step toward personal growth and community involvement by gaining valuable experience at the Alkira Op Shop. As part of Alkira’s Networks program, she immersed herself in various roles, learning the intricacies of retail. From merchandising and stock rotation to operating the cash register, Greer quickly proved herself to be a dedicated and capable worker.

Her enthusiasm for retail began to flourish as she embraced new challenges. Not only did she learn how to organise and display donated items attractively, but she also built her confidence, particularly with tasks like cash handling and managing transactions. With guidance from Alkira staff, she developed these essential skills, equipping her for future opportunities.

In 2023, Greer took the skills she honed at the Alkira Op Shop and applied them in a new setting by securing an ongoing volunteer position at Vinnies. This role allows her to actively contribute to the wider community while continuing her professional growth, applying her talents at a well-known organisation.

At Vinnies, Greer has expanded her skill set even further. With support, she prices and displays a variety of items, including toys, shoes, bags, and crafts. Utilising an iPad, Greer researches pricing through platforms like Google Lens, eBay, Amazon, and supplier sites to ensure accurate valuations.

Taking on the important task of sorting through donations, she ensures items are in good condition and ready for sale. Additionally, Greer operates the cash register, handling both cash and EFTPOS transactions, while serving customers with a friendly demeanour. Taking sales at the cash register is one of her favourite parts of the role, and she has had the opportunity at Vinnies to learn to operate the digital point of sale machine.

Being a valuable member of the team brings Greer great joy. For her, retail is more than just a job—it is a passion, and she takes pride in using her talents to make a positive impact. Greer continues to be a bright and inspiring part of both the Alkira and Vinnies communities.