Rob White
It is not often that we can work in an organization and every day feel good about what we do. As the Chief Executive Officer of The Spastic Centre, I am in such a position. To be able to make a tangible difference to children with cerebral palsy and their families puts me in a privileged position.
I came to The Spastic Centre as a psychologist. Working in different roles during that time has given me a great understanding of the needs of families who have a child with any sort of disability.
In 2005 The Spastic Centre celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. We feel we have a great deal to commemorate when we look back to our beginnings in 1945 in a house in Mosman. The spirit of the original group of parents who started our organization is still evident today and we are lucky that it also touches people in the community who, on a daily basis, demonstrate their generosity towards the organization. We have been able to “Build Futures” for people with cerebral palsy with ongoing support from the NSW and Federal Governments and from our corporate and individual supporters.
One of our major focuses is the establishment of the Cerebral Palsy Institute and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. These are both exciting projects and our aim is to ensure the financial future of the organization.
Each phase of The Spastic Centre’s development has been interesting and not without its challenges. It takes a special sort of person to work in the disability sector and I am constantly amazed at the wonderful people who work in this organization and, on a day to day basis, put the needs of people with cerebral palsy first.
Our President, Mrs Marelle Thornton AM, has played a large part in shaping the history of The Spastic Centre with her 24 year involvement on the Board. By day, Marelle is an English teacher shaping the minds of future generations. From the public recognition Marelle has received and the differences she has made during her twenty years on The Spastic Centre Board, it seems that every other waking minute is dedicated to people with cerebral palsy. She is an inspiration to all who come in contact with her and I very much appreciate her personal support.
I consider myself very lucky to work in such a great organization and feel that I am making a difference. None of it would be possible without the Board, my Executive team, our supporters and the families who have been involved with The Spastic Centre – some since that first day that the McLeods set up the house in Mosman to offer services to their daughter and other parents and children who were at a loss to know where to go with their children with cerebral palsy.