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
  • Secretary: Sarsha Mennell
  • Treasurer: Jerome Toonen
  • Membership Secretary: Mary Vajda

Committee Members:

  • Bryce Butterworth
  • Chloe Conlan
  • Kerry Viljeon

Contact the team via [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP

Anyone interested in the health, care, welfare and particularly education of young children aged birth to 8 years may apply for membership of OMEP WA incorporated with membership by affiliation of OMEP Australia and World OMEP. Benefits of membership include:

  • Fun, friendship and philanthropy
  • Advocacy and action for improved opportunities for young children
  • Meetings, seminars and conferences
  • Access to the latest research in ECEC
  • International, national and local ECCE contacts
  • Opportunities for staff exchanges
  • Group visits to view innovative projects
  • Mentoring and collegiate support

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

Upcoming Event: OMEP WA Sundowner Meet and Greet

Come along to the OMEP WA 2025 Sundowner Meet & Greet.  Saturday 12th April at 6:00pm Join us for a relaxed evening under the stars at the OMEP WA Sundowner Meet and Greet! Connect with fellow members over light refreshments and enjoy great company in a warm, friendly atmosphere. This…

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

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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