Western Australia’s disability advocacy community gathered at The Crown Convention Centre on Thursday 30 October to celebrate a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of Kin Disability Advocacy, an organisation that has been at the forefront of championing the rights of people with disability for three decades.
Deputy Director General for Disability at the Department of Communities, Mhairi Cowden, commends Kin Disability Advocacy for its outstanding contribution to the lives of Western Australians with disability over the past three decades.
“The Department of Communities is proud to support organisations like Kin that deliver both individualised and systemic advocacy through our Disability Advocacy and Grants programs,” Dr Cowden said.
“As Kin celebrates 30 years of service, we reflect on the ongoing support and advocacy this vital organisation provides to thousands of Western Australians with disability, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, along with their families and carers.”
Three decades of impact
Since its founding, Kin has been recognised for its grassroots, community-driven advocacy, ensuring that the lived experiences of people with disability shape local and systemic change.
Dr Cowden said it was a significant achievement for Kin to reach this milestone and acknowledged the Department’s longstanding partnership in supporting the organisation’s growth.
“Through supporting organisations like Kin, we remain steadfast in our common goal to assist people with disability feel empowered to live as they choose in a community where everyone belongs.”
Under the leadership of CEO Wendy Rose since 2011, Kin has amplified the voices of people with disabilities, both in metropolitan Perth and across regional and remote areas of the state.
“For more than 30 years, we’ve walked alongside clients, families and carers across Western Australia, offering not just support, but a voice,” Wendy says of the achievement.
“This event is an important milestone and celebration of all the people who have been involved along the way, from our incredible staff and members to key stakeholders and organisations.”
Wendy announced her retirement at the event, and Dr Cowden acknowledges the tremendous impact she has had on Kin for the last 14 years.
“I take this opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of outgoing Kin CEO, Wendy Rose. Wendy’s unwavering service and advocacy for the wellbeing of people with disability continues to pave the way for those individuals and families who experience barriers to accessing the system. We wish Wendy all the best in her future endeavours.”
Celebrating Kin’s team effort
Hon Hannah Beazley BA MLA, the Minister for Disability Services, spoke at the event, paying tribute to Kin’s enduring commitment to uplifting people with disability, particularly within Western Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal communities.
“Over the past three decades, Kin has done incredible work to uplift and champion the rights of people with disabilities in WA,” the Minister said. “Your efforts have helped create a more inclusive and compassionate state, one that values every individual’s unique story and contribution.”
The Minister acknowledged the organisation’s staff and volunteers for their outstanding dedication:
“Kin’s diverse team reflects the diverse communities they serve. They provide culturally safe, tailored support that ensures everyone feels heard, respected, and empowered.”
As part of the State Disability Advocacy Program, Kin is one of ten organisations funded by the WA Government to deliver advocacy support and initiatives across the state.
Since July 2022, Kin has assisted hundreds of individuals with advocacy issues, while driving systemic change to create more inclusive environments.
A valued partnership
The Minister also highlighted the WA State Government’s strong relationship with Kin, noting that advocacy services play an essential role in safeguarding the rights of people with disability and informing policy reform.
“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Kin Advocacy is central to ensuring people with disability have opportunities to influence government decisions and live free from barriers.”
The State’s approach is guided by A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020–2030, which sets the vision for a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming community. The Third Action Plan includes 69 new initiatives to be delivered across 17 agencies between 2025 and 2027, with advocacy remaining a core priority.
Looking to the future
A new WA Community Advisory Council for the NDIS is being established to ensure participants’ lived experiences inform how the scheme operates locally. The Minister reaffirmed that Kin and its peers will continue to play a critical role in driving these improvements.
“I have learned so much from the work you do and the voices you elevate,” the Minister said. “Kin’s 30-year legacy stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, collaboration, and advocacy unite to create a more inclusive Western Australia.”
As Kin Disability Advocacy enters its fourth decade, its mission remains clear: to ensure that every person with disability in Western Australia, regardless of their background or language, can live with dignity, autonomy, and belonging.
Angelo Ciqanciosi, Kin President, speaks enthusiastically about the organisation’s next chapter:
“Our CEO, Wendy Rose, has announced her retirement at the end of 2025, concluding 14 remarkable years at the helm of Kin. We are profoundly grateful for her vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment, which have guided the agency through significant growth and positive change.
This marks an exciting new chapter for Kin and an opportunity for a new CEO to bring their passion, purpose, and vision and guide the organisation at a time of profound change in the sector.”
Congratulations to Kin for reaching this milestone, and for the incredible work the organisation continues to do.
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