Interchange Founding Story: Interchange Rich in People, Purpose and Possibility
It’s true — over three decades of connection, care, and community. That’s what Interchange is all about. And to understand how far we’ve come, we need to go back to where it all began…
Where It All Began
In 1991, the disability support landscape looked very different to today. Families often had few options. Services were limited, institutional, and often failed to see the person beyond the disability. For many, inclusion in everyday community life was simply out of reach.
But a small group of families in Fremantle believed there had to be a better way — a more human, more connected approach to support. They imagined a future where their children would be part of their neighbourhoods, not apart from them. Where they could build friendships, learn new things, live with freedom and dignity — and most importantly, belong.
That belief was powerful enough to create change.
Change through integration. Interchange.
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 began as a grassroots initiative quickly gained momentum. The Interchange approach was different — more personal, more flexible, and centred around each individual. Word spread. More families came on board. More lives were touched.
Over the years, Interchange grew alongside the community it served. One neighbourhood at a time, more people with disability began accessing support that respected who they were, what they wanted, and how they wanted to live.
Today, Interchange supports more than 400 people of all ages and backgrounds across nine local Neighbourhoods in the greater Perth region. We’re proud to employ more than 250 qualified, passionate staff who walk alongside the people we support with care, creativity, and commitment.
Still Guided by the Vision of Belonging
So much has changed in three decades — in policy, in systems, in society. But our mission has remained the same. We’ve never lost sight of the founding belief that every person deserves to feel connected, valued, and empowered.
At Interchange, 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 communities — where diversity is welcomed and every person is seen for who they truly are.
The People Who Started It All
To truly understand Interchange Foundingstory, you need to meet the people who started it all.
Founding member Ron Read and his daughter Annette were among those early families whose courage and conviction helped create a new way forward. They didn’t know then just how far their idea would go — but they knew the importance of starting.
Their journey is a testament to what’s possible when families come together to dream bigger, demand better, and act with heart.
📽️ Watch Ron and Annette share their story here. You might want to grab a tissue — it’s powerful.
30 Years On — and Still Just Getting Started
Three decades of impact is no small thing. But for us, it’s not about the numbers — it’s about the lives changed, the opportunities opened, and the sense of belonging built along the way.
We are so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey — the families who believed, the people we support who trust us every day, the team members who go above and beyond, and the broader community who stand with us in creating a more inclusive world.
30 years of quality supports.
30 years of inclusion.
30 years of Interchange.
And we’re not done yet.
Want to Be Part of the Story?
Whether you’re looking for support or looking to support someone else — we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Simply fill out our Customer Form, email us at hello@interchangewa.org.au, and one of our friendly team members will be in touch soon.
Together, let’s keep writing the next chapter — one where everyone belongs.