The Christian Brothers have announced the appointment of their former Western Australian leader as the new director of their national disability services network in Papua New Guinea.

Fifty eight year old Br Kevin Ryan will head Callan Services for Disabled Persons and be based at its national coordinating unit in Wewak.

Br Ryan is a former Province Leader of the Christian Brothers in Western Australia and South Australia from 2002 until 2007. He has had an extensive career as an educator and in working with troubled youth and indigenous students.

He was the Foundation Principal of Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth from 1986 until 1990 and of Catholic schools in Broome.

Callan Services was established by the Christian Brothers in Papua New Guinea in 1991 with the support of CBM and Save the Children and over the past two decades has led the way in building services for people with disabilities.

Callan Services is involved in the training of personnel to work with people with physical, sensory and mental disability. The national unit working in partnership with national and international, government and non-government partners and agencies, also addresses social disadvantage, promotes specialist health services and mounts disability prevention programs in rural communities.

Up to 200 staff throughout the country work under the Callan Services network banner with approximately 20 staff working from the national coordinating unit in Wewak.

Province Leader of the Christian Brothers in the Oceania region, Br Vince Duggan welcomed Br Ryan to the "challenging and vitally important role" and praised the efforts of Callan Services foundation director, Br Graeme Leach over the past two decades.

"Graeme has been able to influence national policy at the highest level and the rights of people with disabilities are much more honoured now than was ever the case before," Br Duggan said.

"Graeme’s name has become synonymous with early intervention and inclusive education programs and his work has left a lasting landmark on the PNG education and disability services sectors.

"His vision and dedication has seen local people become qualified practitioners in the areas of special education, physiotherapy, ear and eye care and many related fields.

"We are all confident that Br Kevin Ryan with his strength of purpose, compassion and determination will see through Graeme’s legacy and continue to produce a service with which the Christian Brothers and the people of Papua New Guinea can be proud," Br Duggan added.

To ensure a smooth transition, Br Graeme Leach will remain involved as a consultant at Callan Services in the early months of 2009.

Biography of Br Kevin Ryan