Management Committee

Priya Cooper
Priya Cooper

President

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John Otago
John Otago

Vice President

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Dereck Mahady
Dereck Mahady

Managing Director

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Edward Pawlak
Edward Pawlak

Treasurer

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Rob Campos
Rob Campos

Delegate

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Staff

Conor Mahady
Conor Mahady

Chief Executive Officer

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Hannah Franklin
Hannah Franklin

General Manager

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Michelle Colthart
Michelle Colthart

Director of Development

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Alyssia Napoli
Alyssia Napoli

Programs Coordinator

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Kate O’Mara
Kate O’Mara

Members and Partnerships Officer

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Tiffany Heelan
Tiffany Heelan

Juniors Officer

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Chelsea Cowling
Chelsea Cowling

Programs Officer

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Jamie Hickey
Jamie Hickey

Xperience Officer

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Madi Chu
Madi Chu

Xperience Officer

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Sharon Solomon
Sharon Solomon

Finance Officer

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Nyree Babich
Nyree Babich

Administration Officer

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Our Mission

Through participation in Sport & Recreation, WADSA enhances the lives of People with a Disability in WA. This extends to Families, Staff, Volunteers, Support Workers and the Community.

 

 

Our Values

Empowerment

We want to help you to succeed.

Innovation

We think outside the box.

Leadership

We are here to lead by example.

Passion

Passionate people perform.

Collaboration

We work together to achieve success.

Respect

We treat people how they want to be treated.

History of WADSA

WADSA was incorporated in 1983 and received charity registration in 1984 and has renewed this charitable status currently. The organisation was established with government guidance and assistance to encourage cooperation, collaboration and organisation from the various disability welfare agencies, including the Authority of Intellectually Handicapped, Blind Association of WA, and the Association for Cerebral Palsy to name a few.

In the early 80’s a few passionate West Australians including people with disabilities, recreation officers, representatives from disability agencies, together with independent community leaders produced a constitution for the now West Australian Disabled Sports Association Inc (WADSA). Incorporated in 1983 and registered as a charity in 1984. WADSA was established with government guidance to encourage cooperation and collaboration between various disability agencies, including the Authority of Intellectually Handicapped, Blind Association of WA, and the Association for Cerebral Palsy among others.

On behalf of what is now 30 member clubs, we have focused on the needs of our membership, broader community needs building an identity around Sport and Recreation for people with disabilities across WA.

WADSA has advocated across government and the community, focused on participation, enabling National and International representation for WA athletes, including the WAIS disability program, supporting State Sporting Associations and mainstream providers to establish inclusive opportunities.

WADSA has always been flexible and responsive, such as expanding across regional areas, developing our expertise into sport and recreation for those with high support needs, and now as a successful NDIS provider we deliver unique Xperiences across WA.

Our Dedicated Team

Conor Mahady
Conor Mahady

Chief Executive Officer

Conor serves as the CEO of WADSA and is accountable for overseeing the organization's governance, financial management, risk and compliance, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations. He works closely with the Management Committee to ensure WADSA's success. Conor has attained Bachelor's degrees in Education and Science, as well as a Diploma of Governance, and has worked in numerous capacities within the organisation since 2012. He possesses a passion for WADSA's community-focused undertakings. During his free time, Conor loves staying active with his partner and daughter, and enjoys discovering new places to dine and drink.

Hannah Franklin
Hannah Franklin

General Manager

As General Manager Hannah implements WADSA’s services as per the Operational Plan. This includes managing staff, finances and stakeholder relationships and developing both the organisation and staff team. Hannah has worked in varies roles within the organisation since joining in 2014 and holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Nutrition, Health and Lifestyles. Hannah loves seeing the difference WADSA makes to the lives of people with disabilities. Outside of work she loves the beach, camping and spending time down south.

Michelle Colthart
Michelle Colthart

Director of Development

Michelle works closely with our members and is an expert on policy and procedures. Working with WADSA for over 20 years, she has a background in Human Movement, Dip Ed and a Master of Counselling. Ever the nature lover, Micky loves to keep active in the outdoors with her husband and children.

Alyssia Napoli
Alyssia Napoli

Programs Coordinator

As Programs Coordinator Alyssia ensures the smooth deliver of key projects and program areas. This includes supporting the staff team, establishing relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring key outcomes and timelines are met. Alyssia has worked at WADSA since 2013 in various roles and was an Education Assistant in an Education Support Centre for 8 years prior to this. Alyssia is very passionate about the work we do at WADSA and seeing the difference we make in people’s lives. Outside of work Alyssia loves to go on adventures with her family and find new places to eat.

Sharon Solomon
Sharon Solomon

Finance Officer

Sharon has over 20 years’ experience in bookkeeping and has worked for small to large businesses, she joined WADSA in 2015. Sharon enjoys working for WADSA as she is contributing to people with disabilities being able to take part in sport and recreation. Sharon has experience in many different industries such as electrical, retail and wholesale business, sporting clubs and not for profit organisations. When she is away from the office you will find her supporting the Fremantle Football Club.

Nyree Babich
Nyree Babich

Administration Officer

Nyree is responsible for the overall administration requirements of the organisations, including first point of call for clients, member clubs and the general public. Our office IT guru and office problem solver, Nyree has been part of the WADSA team since 1990! Nyree has extensive practical knowledge of disabilities through her 25 years of support work, camping and going on WADSA Xperiences. In her own time Nyree runs one of WADSA’s member clubs Boccia Rebels. Known in the office as "Babs", she adores travel, having explored Madrid, Norway and Croatia to name a few.

Kate O’Mara
Kate O’Mara

Members and Partnerships Officer

Kate is WADSA’s Members and Partnerships Officer, this role sees her developing continued relationships and supporting WADSA’s member clubs. She also works closely with State Sporting Associations and Community Service Providers to ensure a more inclusive recreational and sporting environment. Completing a Sports Science degree and undertaking her practicum at WADSA she fell in love with the industry, primarily making a difference in peoples lives. Kate has worked at WADSA since 2008, fulfilling many roles, but particularly program focused. Outside of work Kate loves her dog Rhodes, AFL and music.

Tiffany Heelan
Tiffany Heelan

Juniors Officer

Tiffany joined WADSA in 2022 after completing her studies in Community Services and Sport and Recreation. Using her experience in sports delivery in both community and school settings, Tiff now coordinates and delivers multiple Junior programs, working with schools to provide sport and recreation opportunities for students with severe and complex disabilities. When not delivering programs, Tiff can also be found behind the screen of our social media accounts, creating content, and sharing insights on all the great programs WADSA offer.

Dot Shipard
Dot Shipard

Xperience Officer

As Xperience Officer Dot is responsible for coordinating and delivering a range of Play On Xperiences. Dot also provides support in regional areas including delivering programs and supporting providers she has a wealth of experience and has been working for WADSA since 2013. Dot has received an OAM for her community building in disabled sport and recreation in her hometown of Kalgoorlie, and she is also involved with Special Olympics WA, with which she has volunteered for over 30 years. Dot is an avid softball player and doting grandmother.

Chelsea Cowling
Chelsea Cowling

Programs Officer

In April 2023, Chelsea became a Programs Officer at WADSA after completing her Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation. With her background in the sporting field and the knowledge gained from her studies, Chelsea now takes charge of coordinating and implementing our Play On All Abilities Recreation program. She is deeply passionate about the meaningful work we do at WADSA and the positive effects it has on individuals' mental and physical well-being. Outside of her professional life, Chelsea finds joy in spending time at the beach with friends, participating in or watching footy, and planning her next travel adventure.

Jamie Hickey
Jamie Hickey

Xperience Officer

Jamie became a member of WADSA in 2023 and assumed the role of Xperience Officer. In this capacity, Jamie is responsible for promoting, planning, coordinating, and delivering a variety of Play On Xperiences. Additionally, he provides valuable support for training and development workshops as well as the WADSA State Championships. With a wealth of diverse experience in sport, recreation, and disability roles across the UK, USA, New Zealand, and Australia, Jamie brings a unique perspective to his work. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Sports and Exercise Science and actively engages in various sports during his free time. Jamie's passion for his role is evident, as he strives to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals living with disabilities.

Madi Chu
Madi Chu

Xperience Officer

In 2023, Madi joined WADSA as an Xperience Officer, taking on the responsibility of organizing and facilitating various Play On Xperiences. Prior to joining WADSA, Madi had a background in corporate wellness, working as a personal trainer and physical therapist. During this time, she curated wellness initiatives across Asia. Madi's dedication to sports extends beyond her professional life, as she is also an enthusiastic educator on injury prevention for sports performance. Outside of work, Madi enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, experimenting with delicious food recipes, and embarking on adventures throughout Western Australia.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our supporters