Juleen Partridge was a stalwart of the organisation, having come on board in 1996, at which time Witmore was still known as the Singleton Sheltered Workshop.

She served on the Board for an incredible 25 years, before stepping down to retire to Lake Macquarie with her husband.

Juleen has seen the organisation through a change of name, change of location, CEO and staff changes, the introduction of the NDIS, a 60-year milestone, and COVID-19 challenges.

As well as serving on the Witmore Board, Juleen worked extensively in the disability industry, and was part of the move from institutionalised care into group home settings, a time which she describes as 'exciting and challenging work, but so rewarding.'

Chairperson Kirsty Thomson said "Juleen has been instrumental in developing Witmore into the organisation that it is today.

"Her tenure with the Board is a testament to her belief in Witmore, and in the service that it provides to our community.

"It was a privilege to work with her, and she will be missed."

Juleen was awarded Life Membership of Witmore in 2016, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the organisation.