Dedicated to helping people for over 75 years
Westcare Incorporated has been a cornerstone in supporting individuals with a disability since our establishment in 1947 as the Tuberculosis Association of Western Australia. Since then, our commitment to our cause and community has been steadfast, and we’ve proudly evolved into a leading Australian Disability Enterprise and Social Enterprise, providing quality employment, training, development, and accommodation services for people with a disability.
Scroll to explore Westcare’s rich history
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western Australia faced a significant rise in tuberculosis cases, particularly among miners and the general population.
To address this, the state government established the Wooroloo Sanatorium in 1914, located approximately 50 km from Perth. The sanatorium was designed to treat various infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, typhoid, diphtheria, and leprosy, which had become prevalent following mass migrations during the gold rush era.
The treatment approach at Wooroloo focused on fresh air and sunlight, with open-fronted wards oriented to maximise exposure to these elements. The facility was self-contained, featuring its own laundry, bakery, and power house, and provided a serene environment conducive to patient recovery.
In 1947, the Tuberculosis Association of Western Australia was established as a voluntary organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation and welfare of TB patients from Wooroloo. The association aimed to ease the transition from hospital treatment to employment, restoring personal confidence and providing financial support during this period.
One of the association’s early fundraising initiatives was the distribution of Christmas seal stamps to raise awareness about tuberculosis. This campaign, which began in Europe in 1904, involved adding a charitable stamp to mailed holiday greetings to support children afflicted with TB. The concept gained international traction, and the association continued this fundraising method for many years.
By 1968, reflecting a broader scope of services, the organisation was renamed the Tuberculosis and Chest Association. This period marked significant growth, including the purchase of a new site on Carrington Street, Nedlands, where purpose-built facilities were opened in 1970. These premises housed divisions for printing, box making, woodwork, and sewing, later expanding to include bookbinding.
The 1970s also saw the development of hostel accommodation for employees, with the opening of the Florence Hummerston Hostel in Shenton Park in 1979, providing essential support for workers with disabilities.
In 1992, the organisation adopted the name Westcare Incorporated to better represent its commitment to serving individuals with various disabilities. The acronym WESTCARE stands for Western Australian Care (Accommodation, Rehabilitation, and Employment) for people with disabilities.
The mid-1990s brought further expansion with the construction of new factory premises in Bassendean, opened in 1996 and named the Alan King Building. This facility became home to the Box and Packaging Services and Central Safety divisions, while the Carrington Street location continued to operate the printing services, renamed the Bob Smith Building.
The 2000s were a pivotal decade for Westcare, marked by significant growth and impactful projects. In 2001, the Dr Alan King Building in Bassendean was expanded with the Richard Howell Wing, transitioning in 2003 to house Westcare Foodpak, a division specialising in bulk food packaging. This new venture proved highly successful.
At the time, Westcare employed around 180 people, including 120 supported employees, working across its facilities at Bassendean, Nedlands, and Shenton Park. Accommodation services underwent significant upgrades, including purpose-built residences in Girrawheen and Marangaroo in 2001 and 20 new self-contained units added to the Florence Hummerston Village by 2004.
Internationally, Westcare led a tuberculosis service in Bali, collaborating with AusAID, Rotary International, and the Australian Red Cross. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Balinese Department of Health in 2004, reinforcing these efforts. Locally, Westcare launched the Westcare Breakfast in 2005 to celebrate the International Day for People with Disabilities, an event that ran successfully until 2013.
The 2010s brought significant change and progress for Westcare. Early in the decade, the organisation restructured into distinct divisions—Westcare Accommodation Services, Westcare Foodpak, Westcare Print, Westcare Box, and Westcare Safety—streamlining operations and enabling focused growth.
In 2016, Westcare acquired Percival Print & Packaging Pty Ltd, expanding its capacity to manufacture packaging materials for clients nationwide and creating synergies with existing services. Accommodation services were rationalised to focus exclusively on the Florence Hummerston Village, which was expanded in 2015 to include eight additional self-contained units, a gym, recreation centre, and upgraded dining facilities. By the decade’s end, the Village accommodated 48 residents.
Westcare continued its commitment to medical research through the Dr Alan King Westcare Grants, funding advancements in respiratory disease research, including tuberculosis. Employees were also celebrated, with notable Long Service Awards granted to Kim McNab (45 years) in 2017 and Greg Gardiner (40 years) in 2018.
The decade also marked Westcare’s 70th anniversary in 2017, celebrated with a cocktail event hosted by Board President Sue Morey OAM and attended by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson AC. Morning teas recognised long-time donors, with a special event at the Florence Hummerston Village attended by 180 supporters and representatives.
By the end of the 2010s, Westcare employed 140 people, including 100 supported employees across its Bassendean and Nedlands locations. The decade reinforced Westcare’s mission of inclusion and its legacy of meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The 2020s have marked a transformative period of adaptation and growth for Westcare, as the organisation navigated global challenges while expanding its community impact. Amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Westcare implemented robust safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of its employees and clients. This approach allowed the organisation to maintain continuity of services and provide stability for its supported staff during uncertain times.
In 2022, Westcare forged a significant partnership with Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, aligning with its values of diversity, inclusion, and community building. This collaboration reinforced Westcare’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive society.
Westcare also prioritised sustainability and quality, strengthening its environmental practices and maintaining its ISO 9001:2015 accreditation. By aligning with ‘Green Stamp’ environmental standards, the organisation demonstrated its dedication to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions for its clients. In addition, Westcare has successfully passed recertification audits aligned with the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. This certification underscores the organisation’s dedication to delivering safe, high-quality, and person-centred services in accordance with national disability service standards.
Community engagement efforts were amplified as Westcare’s divisions – Print, Industrial Packaging, Box, and Foodpak – continued to thrive. These divisions contribute not only through exceptional services, but also by creating meaningful employment opportunities that positively impact the broader community.
Modernisation has also been a key focus during this period. Westcare is undertaking a comprehensive evolution of its digital presence, including in-house digital transformation initiatives, the launch of a more accessible and user-friendly website, and the amplification of its social media presence. These initiatives align with the organisation’s mission to prioritise inclusivity in every aspect of its operations.
Through resilience and innovation, Westcare continues to establish its reputation as a trusted and impactful social enterprise. The organisation remains dedicated to supporting Western Australians with disability and fostering a more inclusive and empowered community.