2021 Allevia Annual Report

may find opportunities for Allevia to do
things differently, be innovative, and to
identify and provide services wanted and
needed by our community.
At this point, I would like to pay tribute
to the employees, management team and
Board for all the work and commitment
they have provided for Allevia throughout
the year. There have been numerous cases
over the past year where individuals have
gone well above and beyond the call
of duty in their activities – I thank all of
them for the passion and commitment
they have shown. Philip Petrie, our CEO,
has taken on several new roles, including
being appointed as Chair of the NSW
NDS Divisional Committee and a Director
on the National Board. It is gratifying to
see Philip being rightly recognised as a
leader in the disability sector/community
and demonstrating that you do not have
to belong to a large organisation to
contribute and influence at the highest
levels.
Unfortunately, in this past year two of
our leadership team suffered a personal
loss of a loved one and one of our highly
regarded long term specialists has become
seriously ill. Our hearts go out to them
all. Throughout these difficult times the
continuity of leadership was maintained.
immense contribution over the years, but
we are gratified that his legacy continues
through his daughter Lyndel Spence who
joined the Allevia Board in September 2021.
We welcome Lyndel who brings a fresh
perspective, particularly from the human
rights and social justice perspective.
We also farewelled Karu Rangasamy who
stepped off the board during the year due
to other commitments. We likewise thank
Karu for his considerable contribution
during the three and half years he was on
the board.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you,
our Stakeholders, who show continued
interest and support in the work and
journey of Allevia.
Ben McKeown
Ben McKeown
Chair of the Board of Directors
The Board of Allevia has seen some
changes throughout the year. Our
Chairman, John Spence, retired from the
Board in December after eight and a half
years involved with Allevia, the past two
and a half years as Chairman. The entire
Allevia community thank John for his