Our History

Activ has a strong and proud history of supporting people living with disability to achieve their goals, break through barriers and increase their independence.

Established in 1951, Activ was formed by a group of families who wanted more for their children who lived with disability and had become marginalised by society. Over time the group grew to encompass community, employment, accommodation, training and more.

Today, Activ has grown into one of Western Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service providers, supporting more than 1200 people across the state.

Our core services have developed and changed according to community needs over the years. Our current services include accommodation, community, training, small-scale employment, behaviour support and more.

We look forward to celebrating our 75^th anniversary in 2026!

Activ was founded (1951)

On 10 October, the Slow Learning Children’s Group (SLCG) was formed.

First community centre opens (1954)

The first occupation centre in Victoria Park, Minbalup (meaning ‘happy place’) was opened on April 11.

First employment site opens (1957)

Established to employ people with disability, the opening of the Hawkevale Farm Village on 31 March was a major achievement for the Group.

Short-term accommodation services commence (1962)

Pelican House short-term accommodation opened in Bayswater.

Employment site for women opens in Perth (1964)

A new employment services site for women opened in Hay Street, Perth, and a contract to fill showbags for the Perth Royal Show was secured.

Accommodation house opens in Albany (1968)

An Albany accommodation house opened to provide services to 21 children.

First City to Surf for Activ (1975)

The first City to Surf fun run took place to raise funds for Activ.

Accommodation services offered in Busselton (1977)

A Busselton accommodation house opened to provide services to five customers.

Providing employment in Rockingham and Kewdale (1981)

Employment services sites opened in Rockingham and Kewdale, providing employment to 60 and 75 people with disability, respectively.

Training centre opens in Fremantle (1984)

A new training centre for 60 customers opened in Fremantle.

Employment services expands in Perth (1986)

Activ opened the Embleton employment services site, providing employment to 30 supported employees.

SLCG becomes ‘Activ’ (1988)

The Group changes its name to Activ Foundation. ‘Activ’ was chosen as it is positive and non-labelling.

A modern employment services site opens in Bunbury (2003)

In June, a modern employment services site was opened in Bunbury, and shortly after, the site gained export accreditation for timber products.

Accommodation homes open in High Wycombe (2003)

New accommodation homes opened in High Wycombe, accommodating 44 customers.

New short-term accommodation site opens for children (2003)

The new Variety Pelican House opened to provide modern short-term accommodation services for up to 10 children.

Training and education offered through Activ Pathways (2009)

Activ Pathways was established as a registered training organisation for people with disability and staff in the disability sector.

Accommodation homes open in North metro (2009)

Three new accommodation homes open in the North metro area.

Chevron sponsors their first Chevron City to Surf for Activ (2011)

Activ was delighted to welcome Chevron as the major sponsor for the City to Surf, and is grateful for their continued support.

City to Surf regional events take place (2013)

Regional City to Surf events were held for the first time in Karratha, Albany, Geraldton and Busselton.

More employment opportunities for Perth metro customers (2017)

The state-of-the-art Bentley Business Services building was completed, where over 400 customers now access employment services.

Transition to national NDIS (2018)

Activ began transitioning to the NDIS, from the previous state-run model.

Independence strategy launched (2019)

Activ’s new strategy, focusing on supporting people to achieve greater independence, was announced.