Over that time, it has grown to support communities across NSW and Victoria.
With the head office still pride of place in Deniliquin, Intereach now covers 38 local government regions with the organisation establishing 17 offices in the Riverina/Murray NSW and central and northern Victoria.
To celebrate the major milestone, a special 50 years logo has been developed and a series of events and activities will be held across the year.
This will include community open days, special anniversary celebrations, and sharing stories from current and past members, participants and staff.
Board chair Rob Brown said Intereach was a wonderful success story that Deniliquin could be proud of.
“Such growth and success would not have been possible without the support of founding members who embraced the opportunity to spread services for the betterment of regional and rural New South Wales and Victoria – areas so close to our hearts today,” Mr Brown said.
The catalyst for Intereach was established in 1973 with the formation of a Total Aged Care Committee, which morphed into the Deniliquin Council for Social Development (DCSD).
The foundation members of the organisation were Aldermen Kevin G Renwick, Sylvia Baker, John Field and Hector Campbell, Total Aged Care chair Bert Farlow, secretary John Lindsay-Field and treasurer John Windridge.
DCSD started with a community development officer and a part-time administration assistant; a far cry from total staff numbers which today exceed 450.
“They had a strong vision and were key advocates for bringing better services to the regions,” Mr Brown said.
“So many people have been helped, supported and gone on to live the best of their lives because in 1973 a key committee said more needs to be done for the bush.
“Now we are an organisation which is leading the way in New South Wales and Victoria in service delivery across the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), aged care sector, mental health, assisting children and families, supporting disadvantaged and troubled youth and working in partnership with our indigenous communities.
“People are at the heart of everything we do. We remain committed to our core values of leadership, partnership and social justice and are dedicated to developing community infrastructure.”
The organisation was founded with the goal of providing community programs and services, including Youth Club, Senior Citizens' space, Meals on Wheels, Mobile Nursing Service, and Family Day Care for children.
“Fittingly those services are our key areas of operation today. We are part of people’s journeys in so many ways, from the start of life to the end of life and all in between,” Mr Brown said.
Growth and an expanded reach resulted in the organisation becoming the Council for Social Development - Central Murray Region and later the Regional Social Development Group before evolving to Intereach.
In 2016, the roll-out of the NDIS provided Intereach with a significant opportunity to further meet the needs of local communities and empower them to live their best lives with local area coordination and early childhood services being offered.
“We are grateful for the contributions of our dedicated staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to support the communities we serve.
“With a team of over 450 staff and 150 volunteers in our 17 offices, Intereach is committed to investing in its people, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality support services.
"As we celebrate this significant milestone, we reflect on the incredible journey we've had, and we look forward to the future with great optimism.”
Co CEOs Michelle Tai and Yvette Buhagiar said it was a special year of reflection, with a clear focus on the future delivering improved and expanding services.
"It is an honour to celebrate this momentous occasion with our community,“ Ms Tai said.
“Our dedication to providing high-quality support services has remained unwavering, and we are excited to continue growing and evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve,” she continued.
“We continue to explore opportunities to support communities and provide career pathways in the many communities we serve. We continue to care for community and staff, that is really important to us,” ,” Mrs Buhagiar added.
If you, or someone you know, needs support, please contact Intereach on the toll-free number 1300 488 226 or visit www.intereach.com.au.
