Roslind Witham, Honoured with Mercy Award
Roslind Witham, (Class of 1987), was recognised as one of the two inaugural recipients of the Santa Maria College Mercy Award. Roslind was nominated in the category of Service, an honour well-deserved considering her lifelong dedication to advocating for road safety and supporting individuals with disabilities. Despite facing profound personal challenges, Roslind has turned adversity into a powerful force for change, inspiring countless individuals with her unwavering commitment to compassion, service, and courage. She was extremely honoured to receive her award. We share some of Roslind’s story below.
Following a life-altering car accident in 1989 that left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), causing a speech impediment and balance difficulties, Roslind underwent extensive rehabilitation for two and a half years. Turning her adversity into advocacy, she embarked on a mission to educate students across southern Western Australia about the dangers of inattention when driving and the impact of living with an acquired brain injury.
Beyond school visits, Roslind’s commitment to road safety extended to being the face of the Road Safety Council of Western Australia, where she recorded the 2022 television advertisements aired during Road Safety Week. Her courageous efforts in public speaking and community outreach underscore her resilience and determination to make a positive difference. Roslind’s unwavering dedication and advocacy embody the values of compassion, service, and courage, making her a true inspiration to all who encounter her remarkable journey.
Roslind strongly advocated for the No Fault Insurance Scheme in 2016, due to not being eligible for compensation because there was no other car involved.
Roslind completed a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services with a minor in Community Studies after her injury. At the same time, she was working full-time as an employment coordinator in the disability employment field. Roslind worked in this field for 22 years. In 2014 she worked for a year as a personal helper and mentor (PHaMs) at APM Employment Service, followed by six months working at Headwest as an individual advocate and three years as an advocate for people with disabilities at Explorability. Roslind also worked for Mission Australia as a Local Area Coordinator for NDIS. She is now working as a disability advocate for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, at Kin Advocacy.
“What I have taken away from this experience is a true understanding of the challenges people with a TBI and people with a disability are faced with daily. I have empathy and knowledge as well as first-hand experience that enable me to assist people reach their full potential and achieve goals, they set themselves, just as I did and continue to do so.”
Receiving the Mercy Award was an extremely honourable experience for Roslind, one that she hopes will inspire others within the Santa Maria community. Her journey, is one of resilience and a relentless drive to make a difference. Roslind’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her example encourages us all to rise above our challenges and contribute positively to the world around us.
- AlumniSpotlight, CommunityService, DisabilitySupport, Featured, MercyAward, RoslindWitham
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – September 2024
Welcome to the September edition of the Old Girls’ Association Blog. This month, we celebrate the inaugural Mercy Awards, recognising the incredible contributions from Fatima Horta and Roslind Witham our worthy award winners. Their dedication to the College community and advocacy work highlights the true essence of mercy values.
Sisterhood Networking Series – An Evening with Sandra Boyle
We hosted an inspiring Sisterhood Networking Session with Sandra Boyle, a pioneer in mediation and negotiation. Sandra shared her incredible journey from one of few women in a law cohort to becoming a leading figure in Australian law. The evening was filled with invaluable insights, camaraderie, and inspiration.
Save the Date – Golden Girls Luncheon
The annual Golden Girls’ Luncheon is set for 7 November 2024 at Santa Maria College! A special event for alumnae who graduated in 1974 or earlier, it’s a day to reconnect, laugh, and relive cherished memories. Official invitations will arrive soon, so mark your calendars and get ready for a day of joy and nostalgia.
IGSSA Athletics 2024 – A Celebration of our Depth
Year 11 Social: A Night to Remember
