30 Years of Life Without Barriers
Then, Now, Next
Our History, Our Story
Life Without Barriers' story is one of courage, learning, adaptation, and innovation, always placing our people at the heart of everything we do. Our organisation was formed to address an unmet need: people with disabilities were being denied access to vital quality services and the opportunity to fully participate in their community. We responded to these needs with grit, determination, and courage. This way of working remains the heartbeat of our organisation today.
From our passionate commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people with disabilities, we have expanded to care for children in out-of-home care, people living with mental health challenges, asylum seekers, and older Australians.
Now, 30 years later, we remain a contemporary organisation, driven by the opportunity to provide exceptional services with generosity and a socially driven purpose to partner with people to change lives for the better. In the years ahead, we will continue to partner with many in our community who face barriers in their lives.
We are led by our values, which our staff and carers live and breathe in their roles and actions. It is also the people who turn to us for support and assistance and the relationships we build that make the difference. The Life Without Barriers community is strong and resilient, offering support and strength to people across Australia whenever they need it.
As we look to the future and the impact we aim to have as an organisation, we are confident in our ability to embrace the unknown. We have always been, and will continue to be, a community unshaken by the toughest circumstances and invigorated by working together to break down barriers.
You can watch a short video by Claire Robbs, Chief Executive Officer, here.
1992
Starting from an idea
The concept of Life Without Barriers was first discussed in 1992 by a group of Newcastle business people, as a way for people with disability to make the decisions affecting their lives.
Image: The original Life Without Barriers logo. Two hands and a flower on a yellow background, text reads 'Life Without Barriers'.
1995
Two community leaders from Newcastle, who shared a passion for improving the lives of people living with a disability, proposed to create a new non-government, secular organisation for people living with a disability.
A Board was formed and Life Without Barriers commenced operation, with regular meetings upstairs in Newcastle's Delany Hotel, Life Without Barriers was born.
Image: Black and white photo of Life Without Barriers Centre from 1997.
1997
Opening the Life Without Barriers Centre
The Board lobbied local businesses for funding and the Newcastle City Council for the use of a run down, old bowling club at Parry Street. $500,000 was raised to refurbish the old club and fund what was needed to start new Life Without Barriers services.
In May, Life Without Barriers moved into the Life Without Barriers Centre and established more opportunities for people with a disability living in the Hunter region.
Image: Black and white photo of 'Life Theatre' performing at the Life Without Barriers centre.
1999
Enhancing and expanding
By early 1999, Life Without Barriers was up and running, with volunteer run services and funded by donations.
Ray Dunn became General Manager and under his leadership, Life Without Barriers recruited new staff, significantly enhanced and expanded our disability programs, and pursued growth by securing government funding.
The very first Life Without Barriers Youth Group was formed, and we expanded the family carer model to include people with disabilities. One of the first organisations to use this model for people with disabilities.
2000
Launching new services and programs
In 2000, a range of creative and innovate programs were developed, including sport, recreation and education programs for people with a mental illness.
Care and protection services, including foster care, commenced in New South Wales.
Demand for these services increased rapidly because of our unique community based approach.
Image: A map of Australia with each state and territory changing from grey to coloured as services began there.
2001-2009
Growth across Australia and New Zealand
A time of continual growth in our programs, geographical areas and infrastructure throughout the organisation.
We also established our first National Office in Newcastle!
Image: A black and white photo of four carers in South Australia from 2001.
2001
Queensland and South Australia
By 2001, our services expanded outside of New South Wales and into Queensland and South Australia. We won a $2 million tender for out-of-home care services in South East Queensland, and established services in South Australia for people living with a disability and out-of-home care.
This saw a dramatic increase in our capacity and number of staff and carers.
Image: A vintage style photo of Life Without Barriers Corporate Services Team from 2002.
2003
Corporate Services and exploring Aged Care
By 2003, we were operating in 11 regions of Australia and received approval to provide services in Western Australia (operational by 2007).
We also started to recognise the growing need for Aged Care services at the time and into the future, exploring possible new services specialising in Aged Care.
With our continued expansion, and a continually changing business environment, came the need for a skilled corporate support team, and so the Corporate Services Team was created.
Image: Photo of the Senior Leadership team from 2005. Standing left to right Lindsay Wegener, Rob Dawson, Ray Dunn (CEO), Tony Call. Front row seated left to right Claire Robbs and Leah Young.
2005
Collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and expanding into the Northern Territory
In 2005, the Life Without Barriers model of care expanded into mental health services in South Australia and services commenced in the Northern Territory.
New programs were developed in collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to provide culturally appropriate care.
Life Without Barriers was now one of the largest NGO providers of out-of-home care for children and young people and a significant provider of services for people living with a disability.
In 2005, Life Without Barriers also welcomed a new Senior Leadership Team.
Image: Four paintings in round circles on a pale purple background.
2006
Turning the tide
In 2006, operations were established in Tasmania and Far West New South Wales. The Life Without Barriers' strategic focus sought to continue growing so more people have access to the services they need.
The ‘Turning the Tide’ exhibition was a celebration of artworks from with people we support with a disability in the Hunger region, held from 3-7 December in 2006 at the Newcastle Maritime Centre.
Exhibits included brightly coloured surfboards, paintings, collages, photographs, wood sculpture and pottery.
2007
Growing together - expanding into Western Australia
In 2007, Life Without Barriers was operating in most States or Territories across the country.
We launched our services in Western Australia and won the Australian Business Award for Innovation for our unique approach to mental health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services.
Image: Life Without Barriers Reconciliation journey 2005-2023 Graphic
2008
Reconciliation and accessibility
By 2008, we were the largest non-government provider of disability services in the Northern Territory.
Our first Reconciliation Action Plan was launched in July 2008, focusing on reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the creation of relationships, respect, and opportunities. We also held our first annual reconciliation event and the first annual Carer Conference in Sydney.
This same year, we launched our five year Accessibility Action Plan.
2009
Expanding internationally and introducing new sectors
In 2009, operations were established in Victoria and internationally in New Zealand. We started services in new areas including programs providing care to unaccompanied asylum seekers on Christmas Island, people experiencing homelessness, Youth Justice and Ngatti House (WA). We also registered as a Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) network partner.
2010
Leadership in action
By 2010, we were the largest provider of care and protection services in Australia, with a workforce of over 1,700 staff, 4,467 clients and 2,298 carers. Life Without Barriers had over 85 support centres throughout Australia and New Zealand.
This year, our leaders from across Australia and New Zealand met in Sydney to take part in the Life Without Barriers Leadership Conference, 'Leadership in Action'.
Image: Image of Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Officer, Claire Robbs
2011
A new era, a new CEO
In 2011, Life Without Barriers welcomed Claire Robbs as Chief Executive Officer. At this time, the organisation was supporting close to 5,000 children, young people and adults across Australia and New Zealand.
We were accredited as a home and community care provider and commenced services in Queensland to veterans and war widowers funded by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Immigration support services for asylum seekers were expanded to include the provision of community detention.
Image: Icons and text explaining the Life Without Barriers values.
2012
Implementing a new strategy
By 2012, Life Without Barriers was well underway with the implementation of the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan.
The implementation of CIRTS improved service quality by enabling us to electronically record, track and report on the progress of the people we support, a major achievement for the organisation.
By December 2012, the Life Without Barriers' Board commenced a review and refinement of our organisational values.
The values articulate our vision and purpose, inform our Strategic Implementation Plan, and drive our universal behaviours.
An organisation wide consultation was undertaken with staff, carers and the people we support to develop a revised ‘Life Without Barrers Way’, more accurately reflecting a mature organisation that has substantially evolved.
2013
20 years of living life without barriers
By 2013, Life Without Barriers was embarking through an extensive change process to embed the refreshed 'Life Without Barriers Way' in everything we did, and to ensure we can achieve our purpose of changing lives for the better.
Along side our new values came a refreshed brand, as Life Without Barriers celebrated 20 years!
Image: Green and black text reads '20 years of living Life Without Barriers'
Image: Four people smiling at the camera and holding their awards at the 2014 National Carer Awards; Paul Windridge, Carer of an Older Australian; Ellen Holmes, Young carer Awards; Tracey and Richard Collard, Foster and Kinship Carer award.
2014
Clients' voices, clients' choices
By 2014, Life Without Barriers expanded immigration support services nationally, now collectively known as National Immigration Support Services (NISS), providing support to over 5,200 children, families and individuals from over 72 nationalities in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
More new services emerged. In Queensland, the Next Steps program and domestic violence services. Alcohol and other drug services commenced in South Australia.
The Child, Youth and Family National Happiness Survey heard from 1,884 children and young people in out-of-home care who told us they felt safe and a part of the family where they lived.
Life Without Barriers also completed its third Reconciliation Action Plan and hosted the 2014 National Carer Awards.
2015
Individual stories
By 2015, Life Without Barriers was supporting 11,591 people across services for; Aged Care, Disability, Children, Youth and Families, Homelessness, Mental Health, and Asylum Seekers.
'We Put Children First' training commenced, demonstrating our commitment to child safety being everyone's responsibility and an increased focus on children's happiness, wellbeing and safety.
Image: Graphic art created by Artist Rikki Salam. Return to Country - Land, Sea and Sky tells the story of the birth, life and migration of the sea turtle. It parallels an individual's story of self-discovery and the role Life Without Barriers plays in this journey.
2016
Lead, innovate, focus, enhance
By early 2016, Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) was being rolled out across Life Without Barriers - a world leading, evidence based program developed by researches at Cornell University.
Life Without Barriers saw an increase in demand for Aged Care services, and began anticipating and preparing for ongoing growth and demand for services.
In February 2016, we launched our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan. Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the Stretch RAP embedded respect for culture and Australia's First people into every aspect of the organisation.
Image: Life Without Barriers staff and carers at our first Mardi Gras in 2017.
2017
Partnering in action
In 2017, CARE implementation continued across the organisation and the first MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Constellation was also formed.
Life Without Barriers also participated in Sydney Mardi Gras for the first time and launched the Access Inclusion and Employment Plan.
New partnerships and merges lead to significant increases in our capacity to deliver services.
DUO joined Life Without Barriers
DUO became part of the Life Without Barriers family. By joining Life Without Barriers, DUO could continue to deliver their services to local communities, but with the added resilience and innovation that comes from being part of a national organisation.
2018
Our values make the difference
In 2018, the second 'Child Voice' survey was conducted, speaking to 1,606 children and young people in care across Australia.
95% felt safe and 92% felt they were part of the family.
Joblife celebrated its first year, supporting over 350 people with disability to participate in meaningful, ongoing employment or education throughout the year.
This year, Alliance20 was launched, a partnership between Life Without Barriers and 15 of the largest disability service providers in Australia to promote the NDIS and lobby for changes needed to ensure the best outcomes for participants.
NSW Divestment
Life Without Barriers also welcomed 640 additional people as part of the transfer of NSW disability services to Life Without Barriers.
The LWB Story
Launched in 2018, 'The LWB Story' is a one hour film that shows the Life Without Barriers journey from our early beginnings. It shows how our organisation emerged from a passionate commitment to create opportunity for people with disability and expanded to support children in out-of-home care, people living with mental health challenges, asylum seekers and older people through personal and professional heartfelt experience and expertise.
Image: Photo of Life Without Barriers staff and Uncle Ian Hunter standing on a field.
2019
The power of community
In 2019, we lived and provided support in over 500 communities across Australia. Sadly, many of our staff, carers and families across Australia were affected by bushfires, floods and natural disasters.
In September, Life Without Barriers established an Emergency Response Team to make immediate and agile decisions, keep communication open and support people who needed to flee their homes.
VDAS
It was also a period of continued growth, we welcomed 679 participants as part of the transfer of VDAS from the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria.
Image: Two photos, left image: Life without Barriers staff packing care and PPE packs for residential homes. Right image: Physical distancing in action in Disability Services.
2020
Adapt and respond
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia. Our staff, people we support, carers and families experienced months of incomprehensible adversity.
By March, Life Without Barriers enacted its COVID-19 Pandemic Plan. The National Emergency Management Team prioritised our response through nine focus areas, including health and safety, wellbeing and morale, leadership, financial, and technology.
Life Without Barriers adapted services over time, in line with Public Health Orders and Care Directions.
The Life Without Barriers COVID-19 Response Call Centre was established to provide a central point of information and support.
2021
The power of purpose
In 2021, Strategy 2025 was launched, setting clear directions for our organisation, and defining how we will carry forward our vision and values as we partner with people to change lives for the better.
Life Without Barriers assisted in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for people in Priority 1a and b groups by establishing dedicated vaccination hubs for people with disability in partnership with Aspen Medical. The Life Without Barriers National COVID-19 Call Centre and COVID-19 Response Unit responded to over 50,000 enquiries.
Brett Rasmussen, one of the people with disability who we support, was one of the first people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.
Terry Lawler, one of the creators of Life Without Barriers, retired as Board Chair. Terry and his family contributed enormously over the previous 30 years. We welcomed Greg Ridder as the new Life Without Barriers Board Chair.
Image: Staff and carers holding a 'we're for reconciliation banner' during a NAIDOC Week march.
2022
Partnering for the future
By 2022, we had been deeply involved with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities for more than 25 years.
We launched our Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan and announced a partnership with SNAICC with a commitment to transfer out-of-home care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-control within 10 years.
In February and March, severe storms and floods in Queensland and New South Wales required a community response, and we rallied together. We enacted our Emergency Response Protocol, providing centralised oversight and support for local teams and partnered with Red Cross to ensure a consistent food supply was available.
Transfer of Sydney Lifestyle Disability Services
Australian Unity transferred disability services provided in various locations across NSW to Life Without Barriers in December, ensuring continuity of care for people with disabilities.
Image: Logos for Home Stretch, Alliance20, #RaiseTheAge, Allies for Children, The Possibility Partnership and First Nations NGO Alliance.
2023
Collaborating for impact
In 2023, partnerships were central to our engagement throughout the country. Life Without Barriers formed a number of new partnerships and advocated for change across a variety of areas including;
Joined the #RaiseTheAge campaign to encourage state and territory governments to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years.
Signed up to the Home Stretch Campaign and joined calls encouraging the Queensland government to extend support for young people in out of home care to the age of 21.
Joined as a founding member of the Allies for Children, a committed partnership of Chief Executives working across the child, youth and family sector to ignite long term, positive outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families.
Joined the First Nations NGO Alliance, consisting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in prominent positions within various non-Government and non-Aboriginal organisations in the child protection sector.
2024
Lived experience guides us
In 2024, we celebrated how the lived experience of people all across our Life Without Barriers community has guided us to live our purpose more fully through our values of respect, responsiveness, courage, imagination and relationships.
After partnering with the Disability Leadership Institute, Debbie Herron led as intern Co-CEO alongside Claire Robbs, bringing lived experience to the helm of Life Without Barriers.
We invested in expanding how as a for-purpose charity, we are led by the experiences, insights and choices of the people we support, including their families, communities, and carers.
We made a clear commitment to fully supporting the Voice to Parliament as part of our commitment to the Uluru Statement in its entirety.
Our National Transition Roadmap was launched! The Transition Roadmap outlines how we will transition our children and young people into the care of ACCOs, in partnership with SNAICC.
2025
Myhorizon joins Life Without Barriers
In 2025, Myhorizon joined the Life Without Barriers family, expanding our services to include a Registered Training Organisation, Disability Employment Services, and Social Enterprises.
Our Mission and Purpose
How has our purpose and mission changed over time?
Over 30 years, our purpose and mission have evolved alongside our tremendous growth and impact. From humble beginnings in disability employment services to a contemporary charity, motivated by the opportunity to provide great services with generosity and a socially driven purpose.