ONE of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region’s most recognised organisations, Willing & Able marks 60 years of supporting people with disability, while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the community.
Despite its long history, many people are still unaware of the full scope of services it provides and the impact it has had on hundreds of local lives.
Established in 1966 as Q Robin, a school for children with intellectual disability in Wauchope, the organisation has grown into a multi-faceted social enterprise focused on creating meaningful opportunities for people with disability.
As inclusion and accessibility continue to gain momentum across Australia, the organisation is now exploring new approaches to open employment, aiming to create more pathways into mainstream jobs.
“We currently have several business units providing services to the community and jobs for people with disability,” says John Carroll, Willing & Able’s Engagement and Development Manager.
In 1975, services expanded to include adults, with the opening of a sheltered workshop and activity training centre in Port Macquarie.
Over the following decades, the organisation adapted alongside changes in policy and community expectations, including becoming part of the Challenge Foundation of NSW in 1984 and shifting towards supported employment after the introduction of the Disability Services Act in 1986.
This transition led to the development of business arms such as Jindalee Enterprises and Workteams, providing paid employment and skill-building opportunities.
By 1992, the organisation became Hastings Foundation Limited, before rebranding in 2007 to Willing & Able Foundation Limited, establishing the well-known identity it carries today.
Today, Willing & Able offers supported employment, individual support and group-based activities, helping people build independence and confidence.
“We have our Op Shop, our Return ‘n Earn and X-rays recycling units, a commercial laundry catering to businesses but also offering doona cleaning for the general public, a woodworking section, a real estate signs business, car washing for local dealerships, and we take on other smaller projects from time to time,” John said.
“And we’re actively working on expansion plans into other initiatives to offer a wider range of job opportunities.
“We’re at an exciting point in our evolution!”
By Sis HIGGINS
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