My association with Scope began over 13 years ago when I joined the Board’s Risk and Audit Committee as an independent member and now my nine-year term as a Board Director will conclude in August this year.

The highlights of my time at Scope are undoubtedly our customer visits, where Directors see firsthand Scope’s delivery of its mission and purpose. These interactions with customers and our amazing staff are such a rewarding experience and enable Directors to appreciate the great work, as well as the challenges faced daily, by both customers and staff.

After our extensive COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were eased, Directors were pleased to visit customers’ homes once again. I recently visited two Home@Scope Supported Independent Living homes, one in the Basin and the other in Croydon. I would like to particularly thank Home@Scope Customer Service and Delivery Managers, Derani Kronk and Ebony Lillee, for leading these visits. I was extremely impressed with the positive and inclusive family atmosphere which existed in both homes. Directors also participated in a virtual tour of another Home@Scope home in Portland, expertly facilitated by House Supervisor, Allison Duffy. I would like to thank all Home@Scope staff for their support and coordination of these mission visits.

During my 13 years at Scope, I have witnessed enormous changes within the organisation and I am immensely proud to be part of such a wonderful organisation delivering highly professional supports to all our customers. Whilst these changes are too numerous to mention here, the two standout changes are no doubt the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the granting of 11 parcels of disability services by the State government to Scope.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership provided by Scope’s CEO, Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald, over the past decade. The recent establishment of a COVID-19 vaccination hub at Glenroy in conjunction with Aspen Medical for our clients and staff, is testament to Jenny’s leadership within the broader disability sector. The Board was delighted that Jenny was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday awards. It is a true reflection of her dedication and devotion to enabling each person we support to live as an empowered and equal citizen.

Philip Oswald
Director