An update from CEO Nicole Sykes
As we head towards the end of a busy year, I wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work being undertaken across Estara.
One of our most significant projects currently underway is the rollout of our new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Over many months, teams across the organisation have worked tirelessly to design, test and prepare the platform, with pilot implementation scheduled to go live over the coming month. This is a major milestone for Estara and will deliver substantial operational benefits across the organisation, from our support workers in the field through to our office-based teams. The CRM will help streamline processes, improve information sharing and ultimately support better outcomes for our clients. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their expertise, time and commitment to getting us to this important stage.
Earlier this month, Estara proudly participated in the DAL Expo at the Adelaide Showgrounds. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community, showcase our services and engage with people seeking information and support. A heartfelt thank you to the many staff and volunteers who generously gave their time to help deliver Estara's presence across the two days. Your passion, enthusiasm and commitment helped ensure we represented Estara exceptionally well.
This month also saw the launch of our new Reward and Recognition Program, an initiative designed to celebrate the people who live our values and make a positive difference every day. What makes this program particularly special is that nominations can be submitted not only by employees, but also by clients and their families. If an Estara employee or team has gone above and beyond, demonstrated exceptional teamwork, delivered great outcomes or simply made a meaningful impact on your experience, we would love to hear about it. Recognition is a powerful way to celebrate the commitment, care and professionalism demonstrated across our organisation, and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to nominate those who deserve acknowledgement.
You can submit a nomination here.
I am also pleased to share that today, 29 October, marks our first official Come and Try Wheelchair Sports Event as part of our Wheelchair Community Sports SA program. Participants will have the opportunity to experience archery, basketball and boccia in a fun and welcoming environment. Initiatives such as these are an important part of creating opportunities for participation, connection and inclusion within our community, and we encourage everyone to come along and give it a go at events like these. A reminder also that nominations for a Roger Munchenberg sports scholarship are due this Friday, 30 October. Whether it be for sports equipment, uniforms, membership fees, the scholarships have been introduced to provide financial support to remove barriers to participating in sport.
This month I was also honoured to represent Estara as a member of the newly formed Ministerial Advisory Committee on NDIS Reform. The inaugural meeting brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the disability sector. We were grateful to Minister Hildyard for her genuine willingness to listen, engage with providers and advocates, and work collaboratively to ensure reforms deliver better outcomes for people living with disability, their families and the organisations that support them.
Finally, a reminder that our upcoming Annual General Meeting is fast approaching. I encourage all members to review the AGM papers and supporting information available here, submit any proxy forms if required, and RSVP to attend. We look forward to reflecting on the year that has been and sharing our plans for the future.
As always, thank you for your ongoing trust, engagement and support.
Kind regards
Nicole Sykes
CEO, Estara