History

The establishment of Alzheimer's Association WA (as the organisation was formerly known) grew out of concerns by the WA Association of Mental Health (WAAMH) that carers of individuals with dementia needed a specific support network to help them deal with the problems they faced.

Interest in the formation of an organisation that focussed on dementia needs began in 1981. A public meeting in September of that year was attended by an enthusiastic group of 70 people, and a steering committee was formed to consider the next steps. By April 1982, under the auspices of WAAMH, the Alzheimer's Disease Association was officially launched. It was the first such organisation in Australia, and closely followed the formation of similar groups in the USA.

In the beginning years, the Association operated with a group of volunteer staff, later working from the Homes of Peace in Subiaco. These dedicated workers gave many hours of their time to providing information and support to the growing numbers of carers who contacted them.

In 1993, after years of planning and fundraising, the newly built Mary Chester Centre in Shenton Park was officially opened. The building, which housed facilities for respite care, counselling and support networks, and education services, was named after a wonderful lady who had Alzheimer's disease, and whose family have been tireless members and supporters of the Association.

Since then, the Alzheimer's Association has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, with more than 150 people now employed and a large contingent of volunteers providing a range of compassionate supportive services to individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

In 2003, the Board of Management felt that as part of the organisation's best practice policy, it should consider becoming more transparent, accountable and 'corporate' in managing its business.

Following an intense period of consultation with its Honorary Solicitors, members and staff, and other like-minded organisations, the Board then proposed to the membership that association's legal status should change to a 'company limited by guarantee'.

This meant that as a company, the organisation would be required to report to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) on its activities and financial performance.  It therefore provides members with an additional assurance that the organisation is monitored by an external regulator.

The company would also report to its various funding agencies through quarterly financial and service-related reports and audited end-of-year reports.

The organisation then adopted a name change to Alzheimer's Australia WA Ltd in accordance with the National body - Alzheimer's Australia.

Complete History - Alzheimer's Association WA 1980 to 1995

This is a history of the Alzheimer's Association WA from 1980 to the end of 1995, written and compiled by the organisation's former president (1996 to 2000), Mr Ian Dodd.  The file is in a pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded for free.

Complete History - 2.9M PDF File

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