Our history

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Building belief since 1938

At Rocky Bay, our mission to give a voice to people living with disability has never wavered. Our story is one of pioneering spirit, determination, resilience and teamwork. Over the course of over 80 years, we've built hospitals, broken down barriers, raised money (and awareness) and challenged what it means to be ‘able’. To this day, we continue to fight for a national culture of respect where every individual feels safe, included and empowered to reach their potential, whatever that looks like. Caring is contagious. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow.

1936

Perth Rotary’s Community Service Committee discuss possibility of forming a Crippled Children’s Society.

Rocky Bay History - 1938

1938

Constitution is granted.

Incorporated as the Western Australian Society for Crippled Children (WASCC) in September.

1939-1945

WWII puts a hold on WASCC development.

Rocky Bay History - 1950

1950

WASCC offered premises at Avonmore Terrace Mosman Park following a bequest from Mrs Lucy Creeth.

Rocky Bay History - 1953

1953

WASCC move into Avonmore Terrace, Mosman Park, after undertaking significant alterations and additions.

1961

A major donation is received from the Lotteries Commission to build a school room at Lucy Creeth House. This is in conjunction with 3 rooms at the property already serving this purpose.

Rocky Bay History - 1963

1963

Yaringa School at Lucy Creeth House is opened.

1970

A new admin and treatment block is opened on Salvado Rd. It includes Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and a new double sized hydrotherapy pool.

rocky bay northwest trip

1972-1974

Group of 8 clients visit WA Northwest as part of WASCC.

This trip is considered so successful an interstate visit is undertaken in 1974.

mcabe street mosman park

1977

Plans begin for a new WASCC headquarters at McCabe Street, Mosman Park.

Rocky Bay History - 1979

1979

WASCC’s new headquarters is opened at current premise in McCabe Street, Mosman Park and named Rocky Bay Village.

1983

WASCC commences a volunteer recruitment campaign entitled ‘Come along for 10 weeks and see how you like it’. The campaign encourages people to bring a friend and experience the benefits of WASCC.

Rocky Bay History - 1996

1986

A Western Australian team supported by WASCC participates in the first National Electric Wheelchair games held in Melbourne.

1987

First independent accommodation is built on the McCabe Street site.

1991

WASCC changes its name to Rocky Bay Incorporated.

1993

An Employment Services division is established to secure employment for people with disabilities.

Rocky Bay History - 1995

1995

The Getabout Program (now Community) is introduced, offering support to clients participating in individual or group recreational, educational and personal development options.

1996

Rocky Bay launches new logo and positioning statement – Discovering Abilities.

1997

Rocky Bay is successful in its tender to provide therapy services for children attending schools in the Peel Education District.

2000

With the support of Lotterywest a training and conference facility is officially opened and two respite homes are built in Beeliar.

AHG recreation centre mosman park

2006

The AHG Recreation Centre is opened at Mosman Park.

2008

The School Age Therapy program is extended to the Fremantle Education District, resulting in the additional support of almost 1000 children.

2009

Mosman Park undertake a refurbishment of its therapy pool and clinical room, while the sites gardens undergo a re-design and landscaping.

rocky bay - disability services in perth western australia

2010

The refurbishment of the Lucy Creeth Residence is celebrated

The Patricia Kailis Centre is opened in Baling Street, Cockburn Central.

2012

The Rockingham Guest House (now called The Beach House) is opened.

Rocky Bay History - 2014

2013

The Gosnells Guest House (now called The Country House) is opened.

2015

The Rocky Bay Midland office is opened.

Independent living units at 62 McCabe Street, Mosman Park are opened.

Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of WA (SBHAWA) merge with Rocky Bay.

One Group Home transitions from Disability Services Commission.

2016

Valued Independent People merge with Rocky Bay.

Seven group homes are transitioned from the Disability Services Commission into Rocky Bay.

2017

Phase two of the Patricia Kailis Centre, Cockburn is completed.

Rocky Bay services are expanded to Ascot and Mandurah.

Rocky Bay History - 2018

2018

Rocky Bay’s 80th anniversary is celebrated.

Major refurbishments to the Duncraig offices are completed.

Four properties from Baptistcare are acquired.

rocky bay clarkson

2019

Rocky Bay services are expanded to Clarkson and a new Mandurah hub.

The Reconciliation Action Plan is launched.

Rocky Bay History - 2021

2021

Rocky Bay continues to offers services and support to thousands of people of all ages and abilities across WA.

Rocky Bay launches new logo and positioning statement – Partners in Possibility.

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