What started as a simple career suggestion at the age of 16 has come full circle for Bronwyn Baker, whose journey in occupational therapy (OT) has shaped her leadership and opened doors to new opportunities.
As the new Executive Director of Service Delivery Disability at the Department of Communities, Bronwyn brings that wealth of experience to her latest role.
Bronwyn shares more about her new role and experiences and gives an insight into her life beyond the workplace.
What does your role involve?
As Executive Director of Service Delivery Disability, my role is all about making sure people with disability receive high quality, safe, and person centred services across our statewide programs. I oversee a wide range of teams working across various sites; my job is to make sure they’re supported, connected, and working together toward great outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.
Within Service Delivery Disability, we deliver disability justice services, short term emergency and transitional supports, neurodevelopmental assessments, and support coordination and connection services.
What led you on this career path?
When I was about 16 and trying to work out what I wanted to do, I had no idea what to put down for university preferences. My cousin was studying physiotherapy at the time and casually said she thought I’d make a great occupational therapist. I grabbed onto the idea, got into the course, and have never looked back.
OT has taken me on a diverse and unexpected journey. I’ve worked in paediatrics in the Midwest, spent a week on the Leeuwin supporting young people with disabilities, worked in three tertiary hospitals, and led mental health services in the Goldfields.
Each experience has opened new doors and shaped the way I lead. Now, in the Disability Division, I get to bring all of that together, such as people-focused practice, problem solving and collaboration.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most is that no two days are ever the same. Every day brings something new to learn and I love that – I’m a big believer in lifelong learning and this role stretches me in the best possible ways. I also genuinely enjoy working with my team and colleagues. They’re passionate, clever, committed – being part of a group that cares so deeply about the work makes even the busiest days feel worthwhile.
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
What I want to achieve is simple: great outcomes for the people and communities we support. A big part of that is bringing my teams together and making sure they have what they need to shine, including clear direction, strong connections, and the right support behind them.
I also want to keep creating an environment where learning is encouraged and curiosity is welcomed. Every day brings new opportunities to grow, and I want to make sure we all feel empowered to explore those opportunities and bring fresh ideas to the table.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve either received or given?
Fairly early on in my leadership career, I heard a piece of advice that really resonated with me: good leaders surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are. Up until then, I’d assumed I needed to know everything, have every answer, and be the expert in the room.
This has stuck with me as a reminder that leadership isn’t about being the smartest person at the table, it’s about building a team of talented, capable people who bring strengths you don’t have. When you create space for those people to shine, and to teach and challenge you, the work gets better, the culture gets stronger and the whole team moves forward.
The Department of Communities is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. For more information and current opportunities, please visit Careers at Communities.
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