Our CEO Appointed as Chairperson of the NDIS WA Community Advisory Council

Advocacy WA is proud to share the exciting news that our CEO, Stuart Schonell, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) WA Community Advisory Council for a three-year term commencing on 1 December 2025.

This appointment is a significant recognition of Stu’s long-standing commitment to disability rights, regional equity, and community-driven reform across Western Australia. With more than thirty years of experience serving the South West, Stu has built a reputation for grounded leadership that centres the voices of people with disability and strengthens the systems that support them.

A Leader Who Listens and Acts

Throughout his career, Stu has championed the importance of creating environments where people with disability feel heard, respected, and able to shape the decisions that affect their lives. His work at Advocacy WA reflects a deep commitment to person-centred practice, ensuring that individuals and families are supported to understand their rights, navigate services, and push for meaningful improvements across the sector.

Stu’s systemic advocacy work already plays a role in influencing policy, promoting safer service delivery, and advancing inclusive practice across the region. His ability to bring together diverse perspectives, including those from regional and remote communities, makes him a strong advocate for ensuring that the NDIS works well for all Western Australians, regardless of background or support needs.

Supporting the Future of NDIS Governance

In announcing the appointment, the Minister for Disability Services acknowledged the breadth of experience that Stu and Deputy Chairperson, Jacquie Thomson (CEO of Ability WA), bring to the Council. The Council includes people with disability, family members, carers, and representatives from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, First Nations communities, and regional areas.

Under Stu’s leadership, the Council will play a key role in strengthening governance arrangements for the NDIS in Western Australia and ensuring the Scheme continues to support people in ways that uphold rights, dignity, and choice.

Learn More About Stu’s Systemic Advocacy

Members of the community can explore some of Stu’s recent reports and submissions on our website. These documents reflect the type of grounded, practical systemic advocacy that has shaped his work to date.
You can read them here:
https://www.advocacywa.org.au/useful-resources

A Proud Moment for Advocacy WA and Our Community

We congratulate Stu on this well-deserved appointment. His leadership continues to reflect the values that guide our organisation: respect, inclusion, collaboration, and a commitment to creating a Western Australia where every person with disability can exercise their rights and access supports that truly meet their needs.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact Stu’s leadership will have on the NDIS and on communities across the state over the next three years.

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Read more here Inaugural members welcomed to WA advisory body on the NDIS | Western Australian Government