Our Services Supported Independent Living Social & Recreational Activities Supported Employment Support Coordination
Working With DARE Supported Employment General Employment
Phone 02 4751 5266

HISTORY OF DARE Disability Support

DARE (formerly the Blue Mountains Handicapped Children’s Centre 1961-1963, and Eloura 1963-2014), was founded by a group of Katoomba parents in 1961.

This was in response to their children’s needs being unmet. As a result, they decided to create the opportunities that were otherwise unavailable.

Officially changing the name to DARE Disability Support in 2014, we still maintain the caring ethos in which the parents began, offering quality support throughout the Blue Mountains & Hawkesbury regions.

 

 

 
 
 
 

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Supported employment was first discussed in 1963, since then, DARE has worked across many different industries with the focus always being on sustainability, support and training.

It started with an Op Shop in Katoomba in 1967 and has included flower farming, silk screening, manufacturing of toy blackboards, fire rescue kits & Christmas trees; just to mention a few.

We have run a successful woodwork business since 1988 and established a Grounds & Maintenance crew in 1993 both of which are still running today within our DARE Industries department.

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SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION

First offering hostel style accommodation in Katoomba in 1980 DARE, then known as Eloura, opened its first house offering 24 hour care in 1996.

From the beginning the homes were purchased specifically for 3-4 residents & had to not only be practical but responsive to clients needs. The focus has always been on residencies that weren’t just houses but their homes.

Since the first house purchased in 1996, DARE has gone on to support over 40 residents in 13 houses all across the Blue Mountains.

RECREATIONAL & LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Since DARE’s inception, there has always been a focus on inclusion in the community, creativity, learning and having some fun.

The original ‘Activity Therapy Unit’ opened in 1975. Initially the programs were only available to adults, until 1985 when the centre was made accessible to 12-16 year old’s and offered both day & after school activities.

The Centre moved many times due to the overwhelming growth throughout the years. A highlight in the history would have to be the 2018 opening of the Community Activities Centre in Springwood, where it’s housed today.

DONALD LUSCOMBE AFSM FCA - CHAIRMAN

Donald Luscombe is a practising Chartered Accountant with over 50 years’ experience and operates a professional practice from Winmalee in the lower Blue Mountains.

With a passion for equality and justice for people with a disability, Donald has shown tremendous commitment to DARE, serving as a Board Member since 1992, including appointments as Chairman from 1993-1996 and 2008-2022.

In addition to his voluntary position with DARE, Donald maintains his role as a Group Captain (Retired) of the NSW Rural Fire Service and is a Founder and Director of the Coffee for Kids Foundation. Donald is also a director of Economic Development Australia Limited and Western Sydney Business Centres and is a Life Member of DARE Disability Support.

MATTHEW BRYANT - DEPUTY CHAIR

With over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology field, Matthew has developed innovative business solutions for a wide range of companies, gaining invaluable business insights. Matthew has a broad knowledge of business operations and development. Besides being active in the local community, Matthew maintains links to fellow indigenous Australians via his love of sailing, including competing in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race with the first all Indigenous team on “Tribal Warrior” in 2019.

KEN WADE FERRELL

Ken has been a resident of Winmalee in the Blue Mountains for the past 49 years, married with three children and eight grandchildren who have also grown up in the area. Ken has worked in the finance and accounting field for most of his career and retired as Financial Controller from Windsor Farm Foods in 2012.

Ken has been an active member and officer of the Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade for the past 46 years, representing the NSW RFS at local, district and state level.

MICK FELL

Mick Fell is a Councillor on the Blue Mountains City Council. After a career in the community development field, particularly in local government, Mick retired to an active involvement in his local community.

In the course of his career, Mick was involved in the development of a range of services, including services for people with disabilities, community-based housing and facilities management. Mick is currently a director on the boards of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and the Western Sydney Local Government Insurance Pool (WestPool).

 

CHERYL KITTO

Cheryl has worked in the recruitment, vocational education and careers industries throughout Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and has recently retired. Cheryl is an active Rotarian of 29 years standing and has been honoured with a Saphire Paul Harris fellowship. Cheryl is a past president of the Rotary Clubs of Springwood and Granville.

Cheryl has been nominated for the Telstra women in business awards on two separate occasions. Cheryl lives in Springwood with her husband Norm and is looking forward in her retirement to travelling and Grandma duties.

ED CHAN

Ed is an experienced energy policy professional who has led a number of key reforms that support the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy sector in recent years. He is recognised by stakeholders for his collaborative approach to policy development and also his persistence in pursuing reforms that benefit all energy consumers. In the early part of his career, Ed worked in energy and water businesses where he led the development of corporate strategies and regulatory pricing proposals.

In addition to his professional capacity, Ed has also been an Army Reserve officer for the past 20 years and have been deployed on both overseas and domestic operations. He is currently the Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of New South Wales.

Ed holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Honours), Master of Commerce, Master of Logistics Management and is a member of Certified Practicing Accountant Australia.

MERYLESE MERCIECA

Merylese is a multifaceted professional, serving as Business Manager, Co-founder and Occupational Health Nurse at Blue Eco Homes. Her diverse roles encompass overseeing company operations, managing staff and evaluating the health impacts of contemporary building standards.

Drawing from her experience as a senior Respiratory Nurse and armed with a Master's degree in Health Science from the University of Western Sydney, Merylese offers a unique perspective on the well-being of individuals. She further enhances her expertise with a Cert IV in Carbon Management.

Merylese firmly believes that success in business hinges on people - the staff, clients and the wider community. She actively cultivates professional growth among Blue Eco Homes' team members, fostering an ever-improving workforce.

Merylese's commitment extends beyond the company's walls as she actively engages with various business networks, construction groups, community organisations and reputable charities.

 

BEN DROLL - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOHN COTTEE - PEOPLE AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

CHRIS HURLEY - DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

NEVILLE THOMAS - FINANCE MANAGER / COMPANY SECRETARY

EMMA COGHLAN - CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

KATHRYN WOODS - PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

 

KYLIE BOUGHTON - EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

 

joint Vice Regal Patrons

DARE is very proud to announce that Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson are now joint Vice Regal Patrons of DARE.

The Governor and Mr Wilson have previously supported DARE and we look forward to working with them in the future.

June 2023

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