The 1990s

In 1992 the name of the Tuberculosis and Chest Association was changed to WESTCARE Incorporated to more accurately reflect the increasing involvement of the organisation in the provision of service to people with other disabilities. WESTCARE stands for WEST Australian Care (Accommodation, Rehabilitation and Employment) for people with disabilities. While the organisational focus changed it was still recognised that it would be a mistake to assume that tuberculosis was no longer a problem. In fact tuberculosis was still claiming 3 million lives in the world each year and Westcare’s new mission statement concluded with the words “while at the same time maintaining a concern for the control of tuberculosis”.

Bassendean opening

During the middle of the decade the decision was made to build new factory premises at Bassendean, which were opened in 1996 and named the Alan King Building. The Box and Packaging Services and Central Safety divisions moved to the Bassendean offices. The Carrington Street premises retained the printing services and were renamed the Bob Smith Building. In 1995 it was decided to reintroduce the Christmas Seals as a fund raiser and to hold a competition encouraging art students in High Schools to submit designs, with prizes awarded for the best entries.

A major objective for the organisation during this time was to demonstrate quality of service and operation by achieving Quality Assurance ratings for each division. In 1996 Westcare was named as one of two finalists in the category of “Human Resources Best Practice” in the WA Industry and Export Awards and were again finalists in this category in 1998. In 1997 Westcare received the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) award for meeting the high level of disability services standards.

Westcare Safety products

The Accommodation Services were achieving significant turnover due to the successful caring for and training of many residents to achieve independent living. Facilities under the Westcare Accommodation Services umbrella included the Florence Hummerston Hostel (including Margaret Rickard Training Units), Cornerstone Villas and Kondoola Homes. In addition there was the provision of Community Living Support which included establishment in rented accommodation, advocacy, purchase of furniture, provision of meals and general support. During this decade an additional group home (Bob Elphick House) was added and the “Neighbourcare” service introduced: this was a group of HomesWest units at Glendalough with five people supported by one carer. By the middle of the decade the decision was made to sell the Cornerstone Villas in Subiaco due to constant problems with break-ins. The funds from the sale were used to construct additional training units at Florence Hummerston Hostel, with the Peter Wall and Dr Ken Carruthers Training Units being opened in 1998.

WA Governor Visit

In 1999 Westcare purchased Embroidery Solutions, a small profitable business producing embroidered designs and placing them on garments including work uniforms, shorts, caps and jackets. This slotted in well with Central Safety division. In the latter part of the decade Westcare started seriously considering how they could support the provision of tuberculosis services in Bali which had rampant levels of tuberculosis. Westcare were to further investigate the setting up of a tuberculosis control programme over the next few years. Closer to home Westcare continued to support the research and monitoring of tuberculosis in WA, with the funding of research grants, and funding of the transfer of the local case register to a computerised database. Westcare also commenced a pilot scheme in Albany supporting a women’s group (Wild Women’s Group) which provided social interaction between ladies with disabilities living independently in the community.

At the end of the decade Westcare sought planning approval to increase the size of the Bassendean premises with construction planned to start in 2001. Negotiations were also underway to add a further ten self-contained single bedroom units in Shenton Park.