Our History
The people who started it all
To truly understand Interchange WA, you need to know the people who brought it to life.
Founding member Ron Read and his daughter Annette were among the first families to believe in something better. Their courage, conviction and community spirit helped set a new path forward. They didn’t know how far the journey would go but they knew where it needed to begin.
Where it all began
In 1991, the disability support landscape looked very different to today. Families had limited options. Services were often institutional, rigid, and failed to recognise the person beyond the disability. For many, community inclusion was simply out of reach.
That’s when a small group of families in Fremantle came together with a belief that there had to be a better way – a more human, more personalised and a more relationship-based approach. They imagined a future where their children could be part of their neighbourhoods, not apart from them. Where they could form friendships, live with freedom and dignity, and most importantly, belong.
That belief was powerful enough to create change.
Change through integration across WA. Interchange WA.
From this simple but bold idea, Interchange was born – operating from a single office and supporting 30 young people in its first year.
A growing movement
What started as a grassroots initiative quickly gained momentum. Interchange WA’s approach was different. More inclusive, more flexible, and truly centred on each individual. Word spread. More families came on board. More lives were touched.
One Neighbourhood at a time, Interchange WA grew alongside the community it served. More people with disability gained access to supports that respected who they were, what they wanted, and how they chose to live.
Still guided by the vision of belonging
Three decades later, the world has changed. Policy, systems and society have all evolved. But Interchange WA’s mission remains the same. We’ve never lost sight of that founding belief: that every person deserves to feel connected, valued and empowered.
At Interchange WA, Everyone belongs isn’t just a statement. It’s the heartbeat of everything we do.
We don’t just provide services. We build relationships.
We don’t just support people. We celebrate their strengths.
And we don’t just work in the community. We help create stronger, more inclusive ones, where every person is seen for who they truly are.
A new chapter, same vision
In 2024, Interchange WA proudly welcomed Diversity South into our organisation, another values-led, community-focused provider with more than 30 years of experience supporting people with disability across the Peel region.
By joining forces, we have strengthened our presence across Perth, and Peel and Albany, expanded our capacity to deliver person-centred supports, and brought together two organisations committed to the same goal: helping people live a good life, on their terms.
While Diversity South continues to operate under its trusted name, it’s now powered by Interchange WA, ensuring local continuity, sustainable growth and even more opportunity for people to flourish.
Our History: Three decades on, still shaping brighter futures
This journey has never been about numbers. It’s about people.
The lives we changed. The doors we could open. The sense of belonging created for the people along the way.
We are grateful to every person who’s been part of the story. The families who believed, the people we support who trust us every day, and the communities who continue to stand with us.
30+ years of quality support.
30+ years of inclusion.
30+ years of Interchange WA.
And we’re not done yet.
Ready to get started?
Your support, your way
For over 30 years, we’ve been supporting people with disability to live a good life. At home, in their community, and on their terms. Talk to our friendly team to know how we can support you.