About Us
About Epilepsy WA
The Epilepsy Association of WA Inc (known as Epilepsy WA) is a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) and a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
As a charitable organisation, we work to improve the quality of life of those living with epilepsy, and to assist those living with epilepsy to reduce their risk of epilepsy-related harm.
Epilepsy WA is registered with the Australian Charities and Not For Profits Commission (ACNC).
ABN: 75 216 697 366
Charitable Collections License Number: CC18047
Registered Office Address: The Niche, 11 Aberdare Rd, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009
We are based in the grounds of the QE11 Health Campus, adjacent to the Perth Children’s Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Who We Are
Epilepsy WA was established in 1963 by Hon Ruby Hutchison MLC, the first female in the Upper House of WA Parliament, and other fine Western Australians.
Ruby believed in a fair go for the 1 in 25 people who will be diagnosed with epilepsy, and we do too.
We are a charitable organisation that relies heavily on the generosity of the WA community to keep our vital services available for the 27,000 West Australians currently living with epilepsy and their loved ones and the 1,500 new cases diagnosed each year.
We have been supporting the WA Community for 60 years and we work tirelessly to raise vital epilepsy awareness, reduce stigma and to help people to better manage their epilepsy and to reduce their risk of epilepsy related harm.
Our Services
- Information telephone support line.
- Face to face, phone and video-conference based support services. (conveniently located next door to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and close to Perth Children’s Hospital)
- Compassionate Ear Service manned by qualified and trained volunteers with lived experience.
- Largest seizure alert technology display in Australia.
- Free state-wide seizure alert bed sensor mat loan program for adults and children. (Terms and conditions apply)
- Free state-wide seizure alert NightWatch loan program for children aged 4 and above. (Terms and conditions apply)
- Largest seizure head protection display in WA.
- Community Education, patient and carer conferences, seminars and webinars.
- Schools program.
- Awareness raising to reduce stigma and misunderstanding.
- Support groups.
- Assistance with epilepsy management planning.
- Training in Exploring Epilepsy and Seizure First Aid.
- Epilepsy grief and loss support.
- Children’s free loan book library.
Our Mission
We are committed to providing support to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy and increase community awareness of the condition.
Our Board and Leadership
Emma Buitendag (CEO)
Qualifications: EMFIA, FICDA
Emma has worked in the not for profit world for over two decades, in a variety of management roles, primarily in the Neurological Health sector. She has qualifications in business management and not for profit governance.
Associate Professor David Mountain (Chair)
Qualifications: MBBS; FACEM
Associate Professor Mountain is Head of Emergency at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Clinical Academic at the University of Western Australia. He is currently the Emergency Craft Group representative on the AMA Federal Council and is a member of the Economics and Workforce Committee and the Healthy Ageing Sub Committee. Associate Professor Mountain is a Council member of the Australian College of Emergency Medicine and serves as Chair of the Overcrowding Sub Committee, member of the Standards Committee, member of the MCQ Sub Committee of the Fellowship Examination Committee and is an Examiner. He is a Clinical Association member of the SCGH Executive and Inter Hospital Liaison Committee representative.
Andrew Crean (Vice-Chair)
Qualifications: BA/LLB, Law, Arts (politics major)
Andrew is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer based in Perth, Western Australia. He is the father of a child living with epilepsy and is currently a Partner in the Corporate Advisory team at Mills Oakley, a leading national law firm.
Dave Mohan (Treasurer)
Qualifications: B Com Accounting & Finance Murdoch University. CPA.
Dave’s areas of expertise include finance and strategic planning, P&L management, auditing and compliance, operating and working capital, cashflow management as well as modelling. Dave is a qualified CPA with over 21 years’ experience in finance and operations.
Rachel Brown (Secretary)
Qualifications: B.Bus. (Accounting/Finance), Edith Cowan University, Certified Practicing Account (CPA)
Rachel is a Commercial Manager and a member of the WA leadership team with a strategic mindset. Having been diagnosed with epilepsy a few years ago, Rachel is passionate about making a meaningful contribution to Epilepsy W
Claire Meiklejohn (General Member)
Qualifications: B.Com. (Accounting/Marketing), UWA, Dip.Ed Curtin
Claire is a Secondary School Business teacher and mother of a child with epilepsy. Her special interest is in education and supporting at risk and disadvantaged youth, especially those who are reengaging in school and finding alternate models of education to meet their individual and varied needs. Claire has extensive experience in volunteering for not for profit organisations in Australia and overseas and is passionate about supporting and engaging youth in regional and rural areas.
Stephen Minutillo (General Member)
Qualifications: Diploma of Education (Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management) – South Metropolitan TAFE, Grade A; Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Stephen Minutillo is deeply embedded in Western Australia’s rock lobster industry, as a third-generation processor, fisherman and board member of the Western Rock Lobster Council, he has played a pivotal role in driving sustainability, shaping trade strategies, and strengthening governance within one of Australia’s most valuable fisheries. Stephen has completed training with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is also a devoted father to a young son living with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and complex form of epilepsy.
DISCLAIMER
Important Message: The information contained within this website is not intended to take the place of individual medical advice. Do not make changes to treatment or medications without first discussing with your treating clinician.
EVENTS
- Step 4 Epilepsy WA (September 2026)
- Seizure Safety Month (October 2026)
- SUDEP Action Day (21/10/2026)