Interchange WA

Interchangers recently came together to recognise 𝗥 𝗨 𝗢𝗞? Day with a morning tea focused on connection, wellbeing, and supporting one another.

A highlight of the celebration was our wellbeing bingo activity, which encouraged colleagues to start conversations, discover shared experiences, and connect with people from across the organisation. It was a simple but powerful reminder that meaningful relationships often start with a small interaction.

At Interchange WA, creating a culture where people feel supported, heard, and valued is something we strive for every day.

To learn more about Interchange WA and the communities we support, connect with our friendly team on (08) 9329 9399 or [email protected].

Every step counts: Natalie's journey from first jog to finish line 🏅

What started as a goal to get back into jogging led Natalie to the ‘City to Surf’ 4K finish line. With determination, consistency, and Interchange WA Support Team by her side, Natalie achieved something she'd always wanted to do and is now setting her sights on her next big challenge.

Read Natalie's inspiring story: https://interchangewa.org.au/posts/natalie-city-to-surf-journey

The right Home & Living arrangement can transform lives and create positive outcomes for everyone involved.

For NDIS participants, a Host Arrangement offers more than a place to live. It can provide stability, personalised support, greater independence, and a genuine sense of belonging.

For Hosts, it is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while building lasting relationships and sharing everyday moments that matter. Nicole became an Interchange WA Host to provide ongoing support for a young person transitioning from foster care into adulthood.

At Interchange WA, a home is a place where everyone feels valued, connected, and supported. Through our Host Arrangements, our customers and Hosts build meaningful relationships, share everyday moments, and create a sense of belonging that benefits everyone involved. We'd love to help you explore the possibilities.

📞 (08) 9329 9399
📧 [email protected]

We are delighted to welcome 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 as the next Chief Executive Officer of Interchange WA.

Brooke has more than 20 years of experience in not-for-profit organisations across Disability Services, Aged Care and community services. She brings strong governance and operational experience, deep sector knowledge and a collaborative approach, with a clear commitment to quality, safeguarding and person-centred support.

Brooke will join us in late November and is looking forward to meeting our employees, the people we support, families and partners. Interchange WA remains strongly positioned for the future, with experienced leaders, clear direction and a continued commitment to people with disability and their families.

Please join us in congratulating Brooke on her appointment. We look forward to welcoming her to Interchange WA in November.

Read more: https://interchangewa.org.au/posts/brooke-draper-appointed-ceo-interchange-wa

Hey, R U OK?

Today, we are reminded of the importance of checking in with the people around us. Whether it's a colleague, friend, family member, or someone we support, taking the time to ask "R U OK?" can help someone feel seen, heard and connected.

You don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes, listening and being present is enough.

At Interchange WA, we're committed to fostering a supportive culture where people feel valued, respected and connected every day of the year.

Have a conversation using these four steps:
1️⃣ Ask R U OK?
2️⃣ Listen
3️⃣ Encourage action
4️⃣ Check in

We would love to hear from you: What helps you feel OK? Share your answer in the comments and let’s get the conversation started.

𝗶𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲: 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲

Helping people find the right support and live life on their own terms is at the core of Shane's role. Reflecting on one customer that he matched with an Interchange WA host, Shane shares, "𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥." Today, the customer is building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections within her community.

"𝘐𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴," Shane recalls the wonderful feeling of receiving heartfelt appreciation from customers and their families after helping them find a home or access the right supports.

Outside of work, Shane is a proud dad who loves beach days and camping trips with his family. Thank you for everything you do, Shane. We think you are awesome!

Read the full story: https://interchangewa.org.au/posts/ithink-you-are-awesome-shane

Interested in learning more about Shared Management or Host Arrangements? Contact our friendly team to explore your options.
📞 (08) 9329 9399
📧 [email protected]

New NDIS laws are now in place, and here’s what NDIS participants need to know right now.

These changes are part of securing the NDIS for Future Generations reforms, designed to help keep the NDIS strong and sustainable into the future.

For most NDIS participants, there is nothing you need to do right now. You can continue using your current plan and supports as usual, and any changes will be introduced gradually over the next few years.

Here are the key things to know:
✅ Keep using your current supports until advised by the NDIA.
✅ You can still ask for plan reviews or variations.
✅ Changes to plan reassessment will begin shortly, after which only NDIS participant, NDIS nominee or child representative can request a reassessment.
✅ From Oct, there will be changes to some supports including social, civic, and community participation, and capacity building daily activities.
✅ The NDIA will contact you if your plan changes.
✅ People with permanent and significant disability will continue to be able to access the NDIS now and into the future.

Continue applying in the same way you do now. We will keep sharing updates as they become available. For the latest information, visit www.ndis.gov.au.

If you have questions or need support, our friendly team is here to help.
📞 (08) 9329 9399
📧 [email protected]

This Father’s Day, we celebrate dads, grandfathers, stepdads, foster dads, and all the father figures who help shape our lives and strengthen our communities.

We also recognise fathers with disability and the love, resilience, advocacy, and unique experiences they bring to parenthood every day.

Father’s Day can bring a mix of emotions, so we are holding space for everyone, whatever this day means to you. Tag a father or father figure who has made a difference in your life in the comment section below. Let them know how much they mean to you 👨 👪

Looking for a place to call your own while building your independence?

This welcoming Host Family opportunity in Wanneroo offers the perfect balance of independence, connection, and support. Enjoy the privacy of your own self-contained granny flat while knowing friendly support is nearby when you need it.

Host Kim and her family love spending time together, sharing laughs, weekend adventures, and delicious home-cooked meals. Kim is a passionate cook and enjoys bringing people together through food.

Through Interchange WA's Individualised Living Options (ILO), you can build independence, develop life skills, and create meaningful community connections in a supportive home environment. If you are just starting your Home & Living journey, our Exploration & Design service can help you explore what's possible.

Interested in learning more? Contact our friendly team today or visit: https://interchangewa.org.au/accommodation/host-home-in-wanneroo

📞 (08) 9329 9399
📧[email protected]

Interchange WA

From clay to creativity 🎨

Our customers, their family members, and our Support Workers recently came together for a wonderful day of creativity, laughter, and connection.

What began as an idea from our customers soon grew into a meaningful group activity, creating cherished moments for everyone involved.

Want to see the amazing creations and moments that made the workshop so special? Read the full blog here: https://interchangewa.org.au/posts/customer-led-pottery-workshop