Who we are
Our story
Founded in 1989 as an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Personal Advocacy Service was created in response to parents seeking meaningful ways for their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities to be included in community life. Our model, rooted in the SPRED program from Chicago, USA, is built around one-on-one friendships between individuals with intellectual disabilities and volunteers, fostering inclusion through personal advocacy.
Our services have since grown to include day programs in arts, crafts, and dance, alongside initiatives to make parish communities more welcoming and inclusive. We also develop resources and partner with other organisations to advance accessibility and belonging for people of all abilities.
What we do
At Personal Advocacy Service, we’re committed to building faith-based communities where people of all abilities can belong, thrive, and build lasting friendships. Grounded in Catholic Social Teachings, our programs celebrate each person’s unique gifts.
Through our SPRED and Parish Inclusion programs, we foster solidarity and dignity, creating meaningful experiences where people embrace their abilities and participate fully. In our arts, crafts, and dance programs, subsidiarity is central, breaking down barriers so everyone can engage and flourish.
Our faith communities support individuals through one-on-one friendships and engaging social programs, making dignity, joy, and the common good lived experiences for all.
Our dedicated team supports our participants and volunteers to build communities where people with intellectual disabilities grow, belong, and create bonds of friendship and shared purpose.
Margie Tannock
Interim Director
Michelle Gunning
Administration Assistant
Christine Neville
Administration Assistant and Safeguarding Officer
Andrea Carlos
Support Officer – Inclusion Services
Roma Mascarenhas
Support Officer – Inclusion Services / NDIS Coordinator
Rachel Boon
Community Development Officer and Safeguarding Officer
Geoff Scott
Deaf Community Support Worker
The Committee of Management, appointed by the Archbishop of Perth, oversees the direction of Personal Advocacy Service, ensuring alignment with Catholic Social Teachings and the best interests of those we serve.
Ms Paula Power
Committee of Management Member
Mr Matthew Tranter
Chair and Family Representative
Mrs Beatriz Clark
Family Representative
Mr Antonio Felice Terpolilli
Treasurer & PAS Advocate
Our programs are funded through the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, NDIS, and the Department of Social Services (DSS) under the Citizen Advocacy Model.
Please click here to access the Disability Advocacy Support Hotline.
An agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
Personal Advocacy Service is an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, serving Greater Perth, Goldfields-Esperance, Peel, and Wheatbelt regions under the guidance of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.
Archdiocesan Agencies
Personal Advocacy Service is part of the Archdiocese of Perth’s Agencies network, providing essential services and programs to the vulnerable members of our community. Guided by Catholic Social Teachings, our initiatives are dedicated to addressing social, economic, and ecological justice, ensuring dignity, compassion, and inclusivity for all.
Thank you
for submitting a contact form to Personal Advocacy Service.
One of our team members will get in touch with you soon to provide more information or for further discussion. If your query is urgent, we encourage you to phone us on 08 9275 5388 , Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
