Message from the CEO
As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on what we’ve been working towards and progressing together. Since our last update, we’ve continued to focus on maintaining strong, consistent support while advancing key priorities across estara. Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights.
On behalf of the team at estara, I’m pleased to welcome two new Board Directors following a robust recruitment process. Joining us this June are Prue Reid and Jacki Done.
Prue and Jacki bring valuable expertise across governance, health and the disability sector, strengthening the capability of our Board. Their appointments also ensure a balanced and diverse Board, which we know contributes to stronger decision-making and leadership. We look forward to the contribution they will make to estara.
Our Board and executive team recently had the opportunity to host our Life Members at estara, providing a valuable chance to reconnect with our history and those who have helped shape our organisation. A key reflection from this engagement was the importance of learning from our past while recognising that what has worked previously does not always align with today’s operating environment. As we navigate ongoing reforms and an evolving NDIS landscape, it is essential that we continue to look forward using our history to inform us, but not to hold us back from adapting and progressing to meet current and future client needs.
Importantly, there were many positives in reconnecting, particularly through the conversations and ongoing engagement that have followed. I have greatly valued these interactions and look forward to continuing to work alongside our Life Members, drawing on their experience and constructive insights as we shape the future of estara together.
I wanted to take a moment to share an important update and to acknowledge someone who has made a meaningful contribution to estara.
Our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Lisa Feder has recently resigned and I would like to sincerely thank Lisa for her support during my time here and recognise the meaningful contribution she has made to estara, through her leadership and the strong relationships she has built.
The role of COO is a pivotal one for our organisation, and I am pleased to share that Rachael Griffiths has been appointed as Interim COO, and started with us on Wednesday, 10 June.
Rachael is an experienced COO within the disability sector and brings with her strong capability and valuable networks. I warmly welcome Rachael and look forward to the impact she will make as we continue to deliver on our strategic agenda.
Our regional offices in Port Pirie and Port Lincoln are now closed, with our teams continuing to work within their local communities through a more flexible work-from-home model. I’d like to sincerely thank our team members who have managed these transitions and closures with care and professionalism, while ensuring our support and services have remained consistent. By the end of June, our retail shop in Mt Gambier will also close. Importantly, our Mt Gambier office will remain open.
You can read more about these changes via the link below.
We recently shared our annual Client Feedback Survey and would genuinely value your input. Your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well, where we can do better, and how we can continue to support you in the ways that matter most.
Taking a few minutes to complete the survey will directly inform how we improve our services and strengthen our support for you. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us and thank you for helping us get it right.
Thank you for your ongoing support, trust and commitment to our community.
Kind regards,
Nicole
Nicole Sykes
CEO, estara