Thank you!
Ella’s Journey
Ella was born with a combination of rare and complex medical conditions so unusual her mum Molly calls it “Ella Syndrome”. From the start, doctors doubted she would survivebut at 12 years old, Ella is cheeky, sassy, and full of life.
Ella can’t speak, walk or eat solid food. She breathes through a permanent tracheostomy and has had more surgeries than birthdays. Yet her spirit shines brighter than ever. With the support of her passionate therapy team, Ella is achieving things she was told would be impossible – like tasting a real strawberry.
Molly says it best:
Ella is really so clever. She’s cheeky. And she’s capable of so much more than most people realise. She just needs the right people and the right support around her.
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Together, we recently raised over $68,000 to help more children like Ella to achieve their own “impossibles”, to experience joy, to connect, and to belong. Ella is achieving things she was told would be impossible – like tasting a real strawberry.
Thank you to all our generous donors for making this possible
We set the standard:
in safety and quality
Ability WA has achieved something we are incredibly proud of, a perfect result in our latest independent audit.
This outstanding result recognises not just the strength of our systems, but also the values and culture that guide every part of our organisation. From governance and safeguarding, to customer care and clinical support, every area of Ability WA was assessed and every area passed with flying colours.
CEO Jacquie Thomson says that safety and independence go hand in hand.
“We’ve created a culture that prioritises both, with a strong focus on dignity and respect.”
“Real leadership in this sector means being accountable, fully compliant with regulations, and constantly looking for ways to improve.”
Why this matters to the people we support
For families, these high standards are more than a number. They’re the foundation of trust.
Marissa, a 37-year-old Ability WA customer living with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, is proof of that. With the right safeguards and supports in place, she now lives independently and confidently.
“Knowing my girl is safe and happy means everything,” says her mum, Christine.
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Stories like Marissa’s are made possible by your support. Every gift you make strengthens our ability to invest in safety, quality, and innovation, giving people with disability the freedom to live their lives with confidence, dignity, and choice.
Giving with confidence
As a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and a proud member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA), you can be assured that every donation to Ability WA is managed with transparency and integrity.
By supporting Ability WA, you’re not only helping provide life-changing services –you’re also giving families across WA the gift of complete peace of mind.
Raising the bar for disability care
We are proud of this milestone, but we see it as part of a bigger journey. Ability WA is committed to lifting the bar even higher, leading the sector with transparency, collaboration and accountability.
As Jacquie says:
“100% compliance is more than a number. It’s about every therapist, support worker and leader choosing to do the right thing every day - for the people we support, and the families who trust us.”
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Being part of and shaping your community
Bailey: Running for His Uncle Shaun and Ability WA
Earlier this year Bailey, took on an extraordinary challenge - his very first Margaret River Ultra Marathon. And he didn’t just finish… he smashed it!
Inspired by his uncle Shaun, an Ability WA customer and his #1 supporter, Bailey set out to raise funds to support WA families living with disability. His goal was $5,000 and thanks to his determination and the generosity of supporters, he surpassed his target!
In the months leading up to the race Bailey trained tirelessly, running 100–120km every week all while still making time for the people who matter most, like celebrating Shaun’s birthday.
Crossing that finish line wasn’t just a personal triumph. It was a celebration of family, community, and the difference one person can make when they put their heart (and their legs!) behind a cause.
To Bailey - congratulations on completing your first ultra marathon and thank you for going the distance for Ability WA families.
And to every donor who supported his journey, thank you for helping Bailey turn his kilometres into lasting impact.
Have you ever considered leaving a bequest in your will? You can be a part of paving a future for the next generation of people living with disability.
Everyone should have an up-to-date will to ensure wishes are carried out. Some of our donors have chosen this as a way to pay it forward and give others a chance of independence and joy in their lives.
If you’re considering including Ability WA in your will – or have already made this generous decision – we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out for a confidential conversation with our team today.