About Us
OUR STORY
The directors of Jarrah support have extensive experience in the community services sector, with over 35 years of experience between them. They have worked together in different roles in several community services settings over the past decade, including General and Operations Manager positions, Coordinators, Support Workers, and administration managers
They have experience in various areas of the community service sector (including public sector roles) , such as Disability Services, Mental Health, Aged Care, Justice, Domestic Violence, Family Services, Youth Services, and Sexual and Gender Diversity. They share the same values and support each other by complementing their strengths and weaknesses. Some years ago, they all agreed to start a NDIS service when the time was right, and this became possible in early 2023, when Jarrah supports officially began operating.
The People behind the story:
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Mark Ravenscroft (CEO / Co Service Manager)
I was born in Perth WA. I have worked in community services since 2000. I originally trained as a Youth worker. My first role in community services was as a Sexual Health educator. From there I moved into the public service doing Disability coordination, I also undertook some contract management in the aged care directorate in the health department. I left the public services after 5 years and re-entered the not-for-profit sector again. It was here where I started doing complex coordination in the disability and mental health field.
Since 2014 I have mainly been in management roles in the community services sector, supporting organisations with business development and service delivery practice. Over the last 20 years I have also Volunteered for several organisations that support marginalised communities to access Domestic violence services, I continue to volunteer my time administering the LGBTIQ+ People with disabilities peer group. I have strong connections to the Deaf community (both of my parents are deaf) so therefore I am known as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult). I Am a user of Auslan and assist the Deaf Community to access good NDIS services whenever I can. I have had the pleasure of working with Wilfred since 2017
I have formal qualifications in
Youth work
Juvenile justice
Community service
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Wilfred Mwangi (Co Service Manager / Operations Manager)
My name is Wilfred, but people who know me also use my Nickname - Yg (Why Gee). I was born and brought up in Kenya. I moved to Australia to pursue further education in 2014. I started as a private support worker and then
moved to agency work in the mental health field. I met my wife in Perth
and we have one son.
I was promoted to a complex coordination role in 2018 and from there I have specialised in the
complex coordination for people who live with complex social, disability /mental health issues who
may have an interface with the Justice system.
Over the last 5 years I have also been in team leader positions, where I have had the opportunity to
mentor new support staff and guide up and coming service coordinators.
I first met Mark in 2017.
I have formal qualifications in
Psychology
Media
Organisational consultative advisors:
The organisational advisors are a non-paid role that advise the Jarrah directors on issues that relate to Gov legislation / Policy and organisational practice.
DR Phillip Winn
Rochelle Pandita
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Everyone is “in” We recognise that the community benefits when all people are included in all settings. This is our starting point.
Individualism: We acknowledge that many supported individuals are often placed in settings based on grouping or separation, disregarding their preferences. We firmly believe that every individual has the liberty to access any space or place of their choosing, without the assumption of grouping or segregation.
Peer Support: Peer support can be powerful. Peer support does not mean grouping or separation. Peer support is deliberate and allows for People to share, learn and grow from each other. Peer support is used extensively in Mental health, Domestic violence, Drugs and alcohol and the Gender and Sexuality service delivery. Jarrah is a supporter of the Peer support model and its powerful outcomes.
Choice and Control: A NDIS participant's ability to choose and control their services and how the service is delivered to them is fundamental to what we do.
Person Centred Approach: A person-centred approach places the person who is receiving the service as an expert of their own experience. The person, (and their family where appropriate) becomes an equal partner in the planning of their support, ensuring it meets their needs, goals, and outcomes
A Valued role: Having a valued role in society is crucial for the social connections and wellbeing of all people. It provides a sense of belonging, purpose, and validation that can improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Valued roles also encourage the development of skills, relationships, and independence, leading to better opportunities and life satisfaction. Jarrah Supports are focused on people we support attaining a valued role in society.
The why the Jarrah name: Our first thought was to find a name that represented Western Australia and all the people who live here. It was obvious when the suggestion of Jarrah was proposed it met that criteria: Jarrah is a famous type of eucalyptus tree which is well known for its deep red colour The name Jarrah is derived from the Noongar word Djarraly, Ref www.welcometocountry.org