Alzheimer’s Australia WA Announces New Chief

Rhonda Parker. Image courtesy Alzheimer's Australia

Alzheimer’s Australia WA has announced that the former Western Australia Minister for Seniors, Rhonda Parker, will take the reigns as its new Chief Executive, following the resignation of long-time boss Frank Schaper earlier this year. 

Chair of the AAWA board Craig Masarei said the appointment was made after an extensive national recruitment process.

“We are excited to have someone of Rhonda’s experience and talent to take the leadership of the Alzheimer’s cause in Western Australia,” Maserei said.

“Rhonda has been at the leading edge as a contributor to policy, program and community development in Western Australia and nationally for almost 20 years.”

Parker previously served as Chief Executive of the Australian Employment Covenant, led the establishment of Australia’s first Healthy Ageing Strategy, served on Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency board and was appointed the nation’s first Aged Care Commissioner.

Alzheimer’s Australia Western Australia said that with about 25,000 Western Australians and their families living with dementia, Parker’s appointment was an important one for the organisation.

“I have long had an interest and passion for providing opportunity, quality care and respect to our seniors. Older West Australians have built our nation and our families, they deserve the very best as they age,” Parker said.

“Frank has made a tremendous contribution in his time as CEO.

“And with the federal government announcing recently that dementia will become a national health priority area, I look forward to working with AAWA’s team and partners to ensure that we can provide the services, professionalism, respect and empathy that our elders deserve.”

Parker will commence in her new role on October 1.