Dr Alec O’Connell Named Telethon Speech & Hearing Board Chair
Telethon Speech & Hearing, the state’s premier support provider for children with hearing, speech and language needs, today announced the appointment of Dr Alec O’Connell as Chair of its Board of Directors.
Dr O’Connell, who joined the Telethon Speech & Hearing board in 2019, succeeds Australian Institute of Management WA CEO Professor Gary Martin, who has held the position for the past four years.
Currently Headmaster at Scotch College, one of WA’s top performing schools, Dr O’Connell joins Telethon Speech & Hearing with a respected history in teaching, administrative and leadership positions within schools and universities.
Highly-regarded within the education sector, Dr O’Connell is also chair to the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia and the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia WA Branch, a member of the Independent Schools Council of Australia, and a member of the UWA Business School Ambassadorial Committee.
“It is a great honour to take on the role of Telethon Speech & Hearing Chair, continuing its advocacy for world-class services for children impacted by hearing loss and/or speech and language challenges,” said Dr O’Connell.
“Telethon Speech & Hearing is renowned for its leading practices in supporting children and families, but its true point of difference is the life-long connection it develops with the people it supports. I am constantly amazed by the profound impact Telethon Speech & Hearing has had on so many people and how fondly they reflect on the supports they received. It is my privilege to be a small part of this true Western Australian success story.”
Dr O’Connell also paid special tribute to outgoing Chair Professor Gary Martin, who he recognised as playing a pivotal role in Telethon Speech & Hearing’s progressive impact within the WA community.

“Telethon Speech & Hearing’s dynamic and expansive growth across all programs and services is a testament to Gary’s exceptional leadership and passionate advocacy for the organisation and the role it plays in our community,” said Dr O’Connell.
Telethon Speech & Hearing is a Western Australian based not-for-profit organisation, registered charity and independent school offering quality diagnostic, therapy, and support services for children with hearing loss and/or speech and language challenges.
Its current Directors comprise of Chair Dr Alec O’Connell, Peter Marcakis, Dr Tim Cooney, Anna Gelavis, Olivier Marion, Jeremy Rigg, Dianne Symons, Daniel White, and Rae Wyatt.
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For more information contact Christina Ng – 9387 9888