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NDS announces new State Manager for Western Australia
11/10/2023
NDS is pleased to announce the appointment of Frances Buchanan, CEO of WA Blue Sky and a Member of NDS in WA’s Divisional Committee, as its new State Manager for Western Australia. An experienced leader in the sector, Frances begins work on 8 January. She takes over from former State Manager Coralie Flatters, who left at the end of July.
As CEO of disability provider WA Blue Sky from its transition to the NDIS, she has first-hand experience of the pain points of providers operating within the Scheme. Like most leaders she has navigated the vast changes within the sector and the constant challenges of sustainability, regulatory frameworks and workforce shortages.
A member of the NDS in WA’s Divisional Committee since 2019, she currently chairs its Quality and Safeguards Community of Practice. Through her participation in working and advisory groups, she has gained valuable insights from fellow CEOs and their teams, and has contributed strongly to the collective knowledge and advancement of the sector in WA.
On accepting the new role at NDS, Frances said, “I am strongly committed to ensuring that West Australian providers thrive within the NDIS framework, and that West Australians with disability access quality mainstream and specialist services.
“I believe that NDS, along with its WA State Committee, plays a pivotal role in the sector’s advocacy and support. I’m excited about joining the WA team.”
NDS CEO Laurie Leigh is delighted at her appointment, “In Frances, we get a Manager for Western Australia, who has long experience and strong ties in the local sector. I’m sure she is not a stranger to most people in WA’s tight community of providers, and I can see those connections will only strengthen in the future. Our WA Office is in the hands of a born communicator who will work hard for the mutual good of our members and people with disability.”
Laurie Leigh thanks Coralie Flatters for her hard work as WA Manager over the past two years, and Graeme West, who will keep acting in the position until Frances takes over in January.