It is with great sadness that Physical Disability Australia (PDA) announces the resignation of Andrew Fairbairn as Interim Executive Officer.
Andrew joined PDA as a member in 2017 and was asked to join the Board in 2018 as WA Director.
His go getter personality, friendly persona and commitment to the disability community and PDA, quickly saw him voted in to the position of Co-Vice President alongside Talia Spooner-Stewart.
When PDA’s legendary Liz Reid’s maximum tenure as PDA President ended, Andrew’s talents and expertise saw him step into the role. Despite Liz leaving behind big shoes to fill, Andrew confidently and successfully took on the role and, together with an incredible Executive team and Board, steered PDA on to grow even further as a recognised, respected and proactive Disabled Peoples’ Organisation.
Following the departure of PDA’s General Manager, Andrew (at the request and support of the full Board) resigned from his role as President to step in to the role of Interim Executive Officer.
Working alongside and at the helm of a loyal team of staff, Andrew established himself as the face and voice of PDA that was synonymous with disability rights and inclusion. His work with PDA has played a part in guiding PDA as a visible, respected and supportive organisation for people living with physical disability.
Our Board, staff and membership would like to publicly express our thanks to Andrew (on behalf of our organisation, our Members and Australia’s disability community), for his enduring commitment, advocacy work and overall contribution to PDA and Australia’s disability landscape.
Andrew has brought so much to PDA and leaves a legacy that will be difficult to emulate and cannot be erased.
Andrew, wherever your next chapter takes you, we wish you well and know that your professionalism, knowledge, ethics, expertise and personality will shine wherever you go.