An Important Message From Our Chair and CEO

A Message from WANADA Chair Sue Budalich

After more than 26 years of dedicated leadership, Jill Rundle has shared her decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (WANADA) at the end of June 2026. This is truly bittersweet news. Jill’s contribution to WANADA and the broader alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector in Western Australia has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Over more than two decades, Jill has led WANADA with integrity, purpose and deeply held passion, strengthening its role as the independent, member-driven peak body representing, supporting and leading the AOD sector across WA. Jill’s deep knowledge of the sector, her tireless advocacy and her commitment to reducing alcohol and other drug-related harms have shaped policy, service development and system reform for the better.

Generations of services, leaders and community members have benefited from her resolute leadership, advocacy and care for the people, consumers, organisations and sector she has represented so strongly.

Jill will be deeply missed…not only for her expertise and experience, but for the wisdom, warmth and humanity she brings to everything she does. At the same time, we are delighted for Jill as she steps into an exciting new chapter, and we wish her every success, happiness and all of life’s good things in the journey ahead.

In the interim, we are pleased to advise that Rochelle McIntosh will step into the role of Interim CEO, providing continuity and leadership during this transition period. On behalf of the WANADA membership, thank you, Jill. Your legacy will continue to shape our sector for many years to come.

Sue Budalich

WANADA Chair

A Message from WANADA CEO Jill Rundle

I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position as WANADA’s CEO. I have absolutely loved working in the alcohol and other drug sector, including at WANADA for the past 26 years. The alcohol and other drug sector’s dedication, passion and compassion have been truly inspiring. I feel very privileged to have had a position that supports and contributes to the sector’s collective and impactful work. The sector has changed significantly in the time I have been at WANADA – in terms of its professionalism and shared vision for improved health and wellbeing as well as human rights for some of the most marginalised in our community. There are so many highlights and sector achievements.

I have admired the willingness of the sector to:

• take on continuous and sustainable quality improvement with gusto in order to improve service user experiences and outcomes;
• drive capability building that tackle some of the most challenging intersecting complexities;
• support lived and living experience leadership;
• prioritise and support Aboriginal self-determination; and
• be empowered, contributing to a collective voice for change, and prioritising a strength-based approach as a service value.

Thank you all for the opportunity to represent the WA alcohol and other drug sector’s wisdom. If I do not have a chance to see you before 26 June 2026, I wish you all the best of luck and resilience as the sector navigates the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Jill Rundle

WANADA CEO

More to Come

There will be opportunities for members to acknowledge and celebrate Jill’s contribution to the sector, and we will share more details in due course. For more information, please contact the WANADA Team on (08) 6289 0750 or via [email protected].