2026 Carers WA Conference Sessions

Tim McMillan is an award-winning media professional with extensive experience in national TV, radio, and digital platforms.

Ministerial Address: Hon Matthew Swinbourn BA LLB MLC; Minister for the Environment; Climate Resilience; Community Services; Homelessness

In her 35 years of journalism across radio, television, print and publishing, Ros Thomas has reported from newsrooms, bureaus and international crisis zones around the world. She is currently the features writer for The Weekend Australian Magazine specialising in social affairs. For her work in the Magazine last year, she was named the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance’s Freelance Journalist of the Year.

The diversity of carers with lived experience.Four carers share and discuss their own carer journey

Finding Your Way: Caring, Connecting and Navigating Disability Renay Eade Chief Quality and Governance Officer, Ability WA

David Blacker is currently the honorary medical director, and board member of Parkinson’s WA, research advisor to the Perron Institute for neurological and translation science, clinical professor of Neurology at the University of Western Australia and a board member of Parkinsons Australia.

Embracing Support and Care for the Older Person – Knowledge is Power

Ask our 4 x Sector Leaders Richard Newman – CEO, Carers WA Monique Williamson – CEO, MIFWA - Mental Illness Fellowship Of WA Etta Palumbo – CEO, Neurological Council of WA Ricki Smith – CEO, Access Care Network Australia

Wellbeing and Wisdom For Carers