Communities staff member kicking goals with LeadAbility training

Peter Stevenson (centre) pictured with Leadership WA Chief Executive Officer Dominique MeCoy and Minister for Disability Services Hon Don Punch.

The three-month Leadership WA program helps people with disability and those in the sector to develop their potential to lead and generate change.

Peter already has a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in history and heritage and, as well as working full time, he is a volunteer tour guide, passionate public speaker, avid artist and taekwondo enthusiast.

Before taking part in LeadAbility, Peter assisted the Manager of Organisational Development and Manager of Human Resources with a submission that helped to reinstate the Department of Housing’s Indigenous Traineeship Program.

He also supported the HR Consultancy and Learning and Development teams.

“Being a former trainee at Communities (with the then Ministry of Housing in 2000), I knew where to find all of the old files, so I was able to get the information needed to help get the program back up and running,” Peter said. 

“I love research and the LeadAbility course has helped me with that extra bit of confidence in the workplace (and volunteering), so that I can be good at writing reports, be a confident speaker and contribute to the team. 

“Our LeadAbility group project was on inspiring people with a disability in the workplace. 

“In my current job, I support the People Division Leadership Team, help organise workshops for the HR and People Division Team along with looking after the office, including safety, organising travel and accounts.” 

Beyond the workplace, Peter has been doing taekwondo since he was 12 years old and is a talented artist having exhibited at three art shows, including this month’s (Sept 2023) Canning Art Awards.

He also combines a passion for public speaking and history to volunteer as a tour guide on weekends at the historic Woodbridge House in Guildford.

Peter says LeadAbility has inspired him to continue his path of achievement and is now considering a master’s degree with a focus on accessibility.

“LeadAbility was a very inclusive environment and it really helped me with goal setting. It was such a unique opportunity to learn – there is no other course like it,” Peter added.

“I learned a lot from the course presenters and mentors from across the public and private sectors, who came to speak at our workshops. It was great to share that experience with people like me.”