Background
Since its inception in 1972, the Family Planning Association of WA (Inc) has evolved as a provider of specialist services in sexual and reproductive health. The aspirations of the Association are compatible with those of its counterparts both nationally and internationally.
FPWA is partially funded through the Public Health Outcome Funding Agreements (PHOFA), administered by the Department of Health, WA. With this funding, FPWA provides a comprehensive range of clinical, counselling, educational and training activities around sexual and reproductive health. Other programmes are funded through project grants from the Department of Health, Disability Services Commission and the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSI).
FPWA also raises revenue through self-generated income and other specific project grants.
The Association is an incorporated body under the overall management of an Executive Board, consisting of ten honorary board members. The prime duty of the Board is to act as trustee for the membership of the Association and to be accountable to the membership for the overall operation of the Association.
Board members act in an advisory capacity, and as a source of visible influence and knowledge. They actively promote the services the Association provides, and provide support to the Chief Executive Officer in negotiations with the appropriate authorities, corporate bodies and individuals to ensure sufficient funds and resources are acquired to maintain adequate levels of service.
The Board is responsible to review and ratify operations, plans, policies and budgets which are submitted by the Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the organisation, and to monitor these activities, plans and budgets. It is the role of the Board, through the Chief Executive Officer, to ensure that all constitutional, legal and ethical requirements associated with the delivery of services by the FPWA are complied with.
FPWA's CEO is Mr Stephen Blackwell. FPWA's President is Dr Marilyn Clark-Murphy.
Dr Gwen Leavesley was instrumental in the founding of the Family Planning Association of Western Australia, and continued to be involved with the organisation for over 30 years. The 'Gwen Leavesley Award' recognises the outstanding contribution and commitment of a person to family planning in Western Australia. The 2007 recipient is Judi St Clair.