Arthritis WA (incorporating Osteoporosis WA) is a non-profit, non-government organisation and the peak body for musculoskeletal disease in Western Australia. Arthritis WA is a national affiliate office of both Arthritis Australia and Osteoporosis Australia and relies on the generosity of the WA community for funding.

 

Our Mission Statement

The objective of Arthritis WA is to reduce the incidence and disabling effects of arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions in the people of WA.

 

History

The Western Australian Arthritis & Rheumatism Foundation (WAARF) was inaugurated in October 1972, as a non-government organisation, through the efforts of Drs Phyllis Goatcher, Evan Owen and Roger Dawkins. Its first home was an office freely offered by the ANZ Bank in Murray St. Its main aims were care, education and research.

In 1991, the organisation's name was updated and changed to its present form. From this modest beginning, the Foundation opened its own custom built Resource Centre in 1994 after a successful Capital Fundraising Appeal, naming the building after Mr Bill Wyllie in appreciation of his significant personal contribution.

In addition to staff offices, the Wyllie Arthritis Centre houses a hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium, seminar and board rooms, café, book shop and leased office space to other tenants. Arthritis WA offers a range of support groups and branches which have evolved from the self help courses conducted over the years. As the population ages, the incidence of arthritis, an umbrella term for over 100 types of disease, is increasing at alarming rates and in 2004 was made the 7^th Health Priority by the Federal Government enabling state wide Foundations to benefit by access to government funding.

The West Australian Carers Charter

Arthritis WA adheres to this charter, which states:

1. Carers must be treated with respect and dignity.
2. The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers.
3. The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers.
4. Complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.

Organisational Structure

Arthritis WA is governed by a Board of Management with 9 members.

President Dr Jack Edelman MBBS FRACP   Vice President Dr Irene Dagmar Froyland   Honorary Treasurer Mr TJ Spooner CA, FCA(UK), ACIS
Board Members Assoc. Professor Richard Prince Dr Bob Langlands MBBS FRACP Dr Margaret Mazur MD FRACP Co-opted Members Dr Graeme Carroll MBBS FRACP Donor Representatives Mr William Robertson Ms Carol Wallbank

 

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Executive

The Executive Director, as directed by the Board and recommended by the following committees, is responsible for daily operations.

• Health Advisory Committee
• Research Committee
• Finance Committee
• MATS Committee

Ric Forlano - Executive Director
Jean McQuade - Manager Health & Education Services
Cecilia Chivers - Manager Finance & Administration

To download Arthritis WA's Constitution, click here.

Staff & Departments

Arthritis WA employs 14 full-time, part-time and casual staff and enjoys a small support team of dedicated volunteers who assist across the departments: Health & Education Services, Finance & Administration, Fundraising & Public Relations and Community Relations & Bequests.

Patrons

Patrons of the Arthritis WA incorporating Osteoporosis WA include:

PATRON His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC Governor of Western Australia	VICE PATRON Rear Admiral Philip Kennedy AO RAN (Rtd)
LIFE GOVERNORS Dr Jack Edelman MB BS FRACP Mrs Pamela Seager AFAIM Dr Paul Zilko FRACP FRCPA Mr Ron J Elphick Mr Hector Stebbins BComm (Melb) MSc (Econ)	GOVERNORS The Hon Robert A Wallace AO Mr Patrick Doody FCPA FAIBF Mr Stephen H Abbott FCPA FTIA
PAST GOVERNORS The Hon JT Tonkin AC Lady Watson Mr Sydney Box Mr AW Buttrose DSO Mr CE Collins Mr D Fischer Dr Evan Owen MBBS FRACP Mr George EC Hodgson Mr Philip Goatcher FRCS FRACS Dr Phyllis Goatcher AO MBBS MD (Lon) DCh Mr WRA Wyllie AM The Hon Sir Charles Court AK KCMG OBE Mr Arthur J Smith OAM JP FCPA FCHSE Mr WRA Wyllie AM Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall AO CMG

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Annual Report

2008

Click here to view

2007

2006

Location

Arthritis WA is conveniently located at the Wyllie Arthritis Centre, 17 Lemnos Street Shenton Park.

 

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

Public Transport

The Wyllie Arthritis Centre is well serviced by public transport. For detailed information contact Transperth:

PH: 13 62 13 or visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au for bus and train services.

 

Transperth Bus Services:

Western Timetable 33 (Bus)

 

Bus # 27 - East Perth - Claremont via St Georges Tce Departs Queens Gardens Stops at Bedbrook Place Frequent service Accessible service	Bus #28 - East Perth - Claremont via Wellington St Departs Queens Gardens Stops outside Wyllie Arthritis Centre, Lemnos St Frequent service Accessible service
Circleroute 98 - Circleroute (clockwise) 99 - Circleroute (anticlockwise) Departs: Curtin Bus Station Fremantle Train Station Morley Bus Station Murdoch Park 'n' Ride Oats St Train Station Stirling Train Station Stops at Curtin University Shenton Park Campus, Selby St Frequent Service Accessible service LS Limited stop service