This month I have some news of a personal nature. After close to 28 years at One Door/Schizophrenia Fellowship, the time has come for me to step out of this role. I will be 66 very soon and wish to spend more time with my grandchildren. The Board has begun to advertise my position and expect to interview for a replacement in mid-October, with the new person to commence late November or early December. If all goes according to plan my last day will be 21 December 2018.
The last two-to-three years have been difficult for One Door, almost entirely due to the chaotic and often changing landscape presented by the NDIS. I am confident that we now have a plan to move forward and sustain the organisation. The time is right for new blood to come in and take up the reins and lead One Door to a successful future. It has been a great privilege to have been here for so long and to have worked with such wonderful and committed people, both staff and Board Members. It has been inspirational to see what we can achieve when we walk alongside consumers and carers in a honest and caring partnership.
One of my final activities will be the 2018 Wellness Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This event has become a major statement about mental illness and the need to rid our community of the stigma that applies to people with a mental illness. This year there will be some very special guests and based on current registrations it will be the biggest and the best so far. Please come along and enjoy the day. I look forward to seeing you there.
In spite of the NDIS, I have some very good news regarding our Disability Employment Service (DES) and the Employment Support Service. Very ably led by Vicky Samaras, these services are exceeding our expectations. During the start-up phase we should expect performance to build, but Vicky already has these services exceeding their targets. This is good for One Door, but even better for the people with a mental illness who wish to return to paid work.
Finally, we will be celebrating the artistic ability of people with a mental illness through the Dorothy Portrait Prize and the Frank Walk Memorial Art Prize. The 11th art exhibition will open late November at the Delmar Gallery. Check our website for details and be sure to come and see world class art.
Rob Ramjan AM | CEO