The Cram Foundation

International Day of People with Disability Today, we celebrate #IDoPwD and the theme for 2024: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” At Cram, we experience the incredible value that people with disability bring to our community every day. Unique perspectives, ideas, creativity, and leadership help to shape a better and more inclusive society for everyone. Let’s use today to acknowledge and support the voices of people with disability and continue working together toward a world that is accessible and inclusive for all abilities. #IDPwD #InclusionForAll #LeadershipInAction

Today we farewelled outgoing Cram Chairperson Linda Wright and outgoing CEO Karen Burdett. Thank you to both of you for providing a steady hand and optimist over the past years, we are so thankful for the monumental changes we have seen at Cram during your tenures. Best of luck to Karen on her new appointment and to Linda as she heads into a well earnt retirement. Congratulations to Bill Dowson OAM, GAICD, AFAIML as he steps into the role of Cram Chairperson and to Elena Beleska as she becomes Cram’s Deputy Chairperson. Alisha Musker also begins her tenure as CEO today.

We always hold our Participant and family Christmas party at the start of International day of People with Disability week. It’s a chance for us to get together at a really important time, have some fun and mark the beginning of the Christmas season. Today was SO fun - over 160 Participants, family and staff celebrated being together over good food, good music and (of course) a visit from Santa. If you’re ever in doubt about the Cram spirit, just come to one of our events, it’s a real cup filler! 🎄🩵

EVENT: Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2020-2025 Community Check-In   Wollongong City Council is inviting people with disability and their carers to talk about its Disability Inclusion Action Plan. DETAILS:  Tuesday 10 December 2024 10:00am – 12:30pm Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, Kurrajong Hall   You can RSVP by emailing participate@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or call 4227 7111.  

Here we are this evening with our friends at Wollongong Conservatorium of Music at the National Disability Service Awards as FINALISTS in The Best Community Program category. Congratulations to ‘The Carers Lounge’ for your win, we were so proud to be included in this category!

Introducing the latest addition to Cram’s portfolio: a brand-new, purpose-built, fully accessible 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. This thoughtfully designed home features private spaces and assistive technology, ensuring comfort and independence for all residents. COULD THIS BE YOUR NEW HOME? Contact us today to arrange a walk-through and explore all that it has to offer. Vedran Stajic - Executive Manager, Accommodation and Growth P: 02 4255 6900 E: admin@cramfoundation.com.au

So proud to be a sponsor for the fantastic Mental Health in the Workplace conference in the Illawarra today. The speakers, workshops and panels were exceptional - thank you to One Door Mental Health Clubhouse and Jodi Bush for creating such a wonderful day.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing Cram's New CEO After an extensive external recruitment campaign, The Cram Foundation (Cram) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alisha Musker as its new Chief Executive Officer. Alisha, who has a diverse background across both corporate and not for profit sectors, will be taking over leadership from Karen Burdett, who will be stepping down to pursue a new opportunity as CEO of Greenacres Disability Services in December. Alisha has been an integral part of Cram, serving as the Executive Manager of People and Culture for the past five years. During her tenure, she has led key initiatives to strengthen organisational culture and deliver person-centred care. Her broad experience across different industries has enriched her leadership, and the Board is confident she will continue to drive Cram’s mission forward. Outgoing CEO Karen Burdett shared, “I have been honoured to lead Cram over the last six and a half years, working with an extraordinary team of staff, Participants, and their families. I’m excited to hand the baton to my colleague Alisha, knowing she will continue to build on our successes and take Cram into its next chapter.” Linda Wright, Cram Chairperson, added, “Alisha was selected for this role after an extensive external recruitment process, which attracted a range of highly qualified candidates. Her deep understanding of Cram’s values and her strong leadership qualities made her the clear choice to lead the organisation forward. We are excited about the future with Alisha at the helm, and we are confident she will bring fresh energy, innovation, and continuity to Cram’s mission.” As the new CEO, Alisha Musker will officially begin her role on Friday, 29th November. Reflecting on her new appointment, Alisha said, “I am truly honoured to step into this role and continue the important work we do at Cram. Having worked alongside such a dedicated and passionate team, I’m excited to build on the incredible legacy left by Karen and lead Cram into its next phase. Together, we will continue to empower our Participants and make a lasting impact in the community.” Under Karen’s leadership, Cram has made great strides in providing quality care and support for people with disabilities. The organisation has experienced significant growth, nearly doubling in size, and strengthened our community collaboration through innovative homes for our Participants. Cram remains steadfast in its dedication to providing the highest standard of support for all Participants. We look forward to the future under Alisha's leadership and are confident that the organisation will continue to grow and thrive.

Here we are supporting Greenacres Disability Services at Chris Christodoulou ‘s last annual ball. Happy to be here with our outgoing CEO and the new Greenacres CEO Karen Burdett! Thanks for having us for another great night.

Such an important cause that we’re happy to support. Cram is at the Cost of Living Health hub this afternoon with other local providers, tackling the threat of homelessness head on. Hosted by Alison Byrnes MP Paul Scully and Ryan Park it has been a fruitful afternoon.