Intereach, a leading provider of community support services, is proud to celebrate 50 years of dedicated service in rural and regional communities across NSW and Victoria.
Over the past half-century, the organisation has transformed and grown to meet the evolving needs of the communities Intereach serves from its 17 offices across 38 local government areas.
Intereach board chair Rob Brown said Intereach has had an incredible journey supporting many thousands of people.
“We remain committed to our core values of leadership, partnership and social justice and are dedicated to developing community infrastructure and supporting rural and regional communities across our footprint,” Mr Brown said.
Intereach’s rich history dates back to 1973 when it was established as the Deniliquin Council for Social Development (DCSD). The organisation was founded with the goal of providing community programs and services, including Youth Club, Senior citizens’ space, Meals on Wheels, Mobile Nursing Service, and Family Day Care for children.
Growth and an expanded reach resulted in the organisation becoming the Council for Social Development – Central Murray Region and the Regional Social Development Group before evolving to Intereach. In 2016, the roll-out of the NDIS provided Intereach with a significant opportunity to further meet the needs of local communities and empower them to live their best lives with Local Area Coordination and Early Childhood services being offered.
“We are grateful for the contributions of our dedicated staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to support the communities we serve. With a team of over 450 staff and 150 volunteers in 17 offices located across the Riverina-Murray region of NSW and central and northern Victoria, Intereach is committed to investing in its people, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality support services,” Mr Brown said.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Intereach will be hosting a series of events and activities across the year, including community open days, special anniversary celebrations, and the sharing of stories from current and past participants and staff.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had, and we look forward to the future with great optimism,” Mr Brown said.
Co CEOs Michelle Tai and Yvette Buhagiar said it was a special year of reflection, with a clear focus on the future delivering improved and expanding services.
“It is an honour to celebrate this momentous occasion with our community. Our dedication to providing high-quality support services has remained unwavering, and we are excited to continue growing and evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve,” Ms Tai said.
“We continue to explore opportunities to support communities and provide career pathways in the many communities we serve,” Mrs Buhagiar said, adding “we continue to care for community and staff, that is really important to us”.
Intereach is a leading provider of community support services, with 17 offices across southern NSW, north/central Victoria and the Mallee. They support children and families, people living with disability, mental health and older people.Intereach has offices in Albury, Balranald, Bendigo, Cootamundra, Corowa, Deniliquin, Echuca, Finley, Gisborne, Griffith, Hay, Maryborough, Mildura, Seymour, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Wagga Wagga.
