MAKING CHILDREN HAPPY WHEN THEIR SKIES ARE GREY….
About OSWA
Operation Sunshine WA is a volunteer run, Perth based charity. Established with the objective of providing a positive impact in the lives of children and young people in out-of-home care, Operation Sunshine’s primary focus is the Sunshine Pack initiative. This initiative quickly extended to support the needs of children and young people escaping family and domestic violence, along with an annual Christmas Appeal providing gifts to children and young people in care and crisis across Western Australia. Working closely with many out-of-home care agencies and women’s shelters the team at OSWA make continual improvements to ensure the Sunshine Packs are meeting the needs of the recipients to a high standard. Through consultation with women’s shelter front line staff, the OSWA team developed the Courage Kit in response to identified need for women escaping domestic violence. Read more about Sunshine Packs, Courage Kits, and more on our Initiatives page.
Our Team
Leah Atkinson
Founder and Chair
With a Bachelor of Social Science and Graduate Certificate in Human Services; Child and Adolescent Welfare, Leah has worked in the child protection sector for a number of years and serves as member of the Lived Experience Advisory Group on domestic violence for the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.
Erin Tan
Secretary and founding member
Erin holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Business Law. Specialising in Risk and Compliance Erin has worked in the finance industry for 18 years and serves on a number of diversity and inclusion committees
Shilleen Jensen
Treasurer
Shilleen has worked for the Department of Education of Western Australia for fourteen years. Her role as a Business Support Officer at a local primary school shows her focus on education and organisational skills. Shilleen’s extensive experience and dedication to supporting her community paint a picture of someone who is not only skilled but also deeply committed to making a difference. Her volunteer work at sporting clubs highlights her leadership and community involvement. Her passion for supporting local charities further demonstrates her caring nature and drive to create a positive impact.
Kerrie Savage
General Member
With a Bachelor of Art with Hons in Social Work, Kerrie has over 15 years of working in social work and out-of-home care services for children in care. More recently, in the last five years, becoming a foster carer, Kerrie has experienced firsthand the impact these circumstances have on the children and their mothers during times of crisis and harm. Kerrie is committed to doing what she can to support women and children during their most vulnerable times.
Katie Pope
General Member
Katie holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts majoring in English. She has over 15 years legal experience, predominantly working within the public service as a government lawyer. Katie also holds post graduate qualifications in creative and professional writing.
Melissa Boag
General Member
Melissa is a Certified Professional Project Manager with experience in stakeholder engagement, estate and master planning, design coordination, and procurement, contract, and construction management. With 18 years in the construction industry, Melissa brings her problem solving and well-developed communication skills to the team.
