OMEP WA

Welcome to OMEP WA incorporated. A chapter of OMEP Australia, in 2008 OMEP WA was incorporated, with affiliation to OMEP Australia and in turn to World OMEP.

OMEP WA- Children smiling sitting on a bench together looking happy

OMEP WA strives to expediently address the needs of Western Australian children in particular.

We also aim to provide better flexibility in promptly addressing special case needs identified in other areas.

OMEP WA advocates for every child to have access to high quality care and education. We work to enhance all areas of young children’s wellbeing, growth and development from education, health and welfare perspectives.

In particular, we strive to provide direct relief of poverty, sickness, abuse, suffering or other forms of misfortune suffered by young children.

Our Team & Membership

EXECUTIVE & COMMITTEE
  • Dr Dawn Butterworth (President, OMEP WA incorporated)
  • Vice President: Karyn Platt
  • Treasurer: Jerome Toonen
  • Membership Secretary: Mary Vajda

Committee Members:

  • Bryce Butterworth

Contact the team via [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP

Message from the WA President

If you’re an early childhood educator in WA, now is the time to join a worldwide network of like-minded professionals!

Why?

Never before has the status of early childhood educators been higher!

Never before have we had such universal recognition of the importance of the early years in a young child’s development, especially their brain development.

And never before has the importance of loving, nurturing parenting been so acknowledged.

We in OMEP Australia are privileged that two pioneering early childhood educators have gifted their homes to us, entrusting us to ensure that the returns on their invested bequests are used to help overcome the disadvantages experienced by our most vulnerable young children, families and communities.

Accept the challenge by joining the OMEP WA Chapter today and automatically gain membership to OMEP Australia and World OMEP - the largest and most prestigious early childhood organisation in the world, and a specialist consultant to the United Nations.

Download Membership Form

OMEP WA Bursary

In order to assist deserving individuals to train as early childhood educators, a $2000 bursary is offered each year to an undergraduate or post graduate student at University or TAFE.

Other Scholarships & Grants

OMEP Australia funds SDG-aligned projects and attendance at the annual OMEP World Assembly and Conference. Learn about selection criteria and past winners here.

A child smiling at the camera while painting

WA Events

Sundowner May 2022

OMEP WA held another enjoyable Sundowner, this time hosted by Jerome and Lesley in their beautiful home and garden.
Sundowner May 2022 - Banquet Table

WA Events

Sundowner 2025

OMEP WA held another enjoyable Sundowner, this time hosted by Sarsha and Troy in their beautiful home and garden.

Projects including WA Research & Publications

WA Projects

Supporting Children in Need: Care Bear Bags Distribution 2025

In 2025, Dawn and Bryce Butterworth sourced, packed and delivered 30 Care Bear Bags (CBBs) which were distributed to young children suffering severe disadvantage. This was made possible with the support of the Salvation Army colleagues and a $500 grant from OMEP Australia. Laurel Pearce distributed seven bags to young children experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, as well as those affected by abuse or trauma, who were attending a Salvation Army Early Childhood Centre, while 23 bags were distributed through the Salvation…
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WA Projects

Empowering Young Learners: School Starter Kit Project 2025

In January 2025, OMEP WA proudly delivered 220 School Starter Kits to 49 schools across Perth, ensuring that young children had the essential school supplies to begin Year 1 journey. This initiative, supported by generous donations and community efforts, exemplifies our commitment to fostering quality education for young children. Each School Starter Kit included an eco-friendly library bag filled with essential items such as a scrapbook, glue sticks, scissors, coloured pencils, twistable crayons, and writing pencils. Additional contributions from Perth…
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