The Northside Story
30+ Years of Empowerment, Inclusion & Impact
Since 1991, Northside has grown from a small, community-driven initiative into a respected leader in disability support and inclusive employment.
Our story began with a few passionate individuals determined to make a difference. Operating from a modest room in the Narraweena Community Centre, we provided supported employment services to people with disability, backed by NSW State Government funding.
The early 1990s were a time of major reform in Australia’s disability landscape. With the introduction of the first Commonwealth-State Disability Agreement, Northside adapted quickly — transferring employment services to Shore Personnel (now Job Centre Australia) in 1995, and successfully launching a Post School Options program in 1994 to support young people transitioning from school into adult life.
As the world entered a new millennium, with rapid social and technological change, we kept our focus local and personal—supporting people with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore. Our community grew from six individuals to over sixty, and with it, so did our physical footprint. We moved from community halls to rented office spaces, finally settling into our permanent home in Brookvale in 2001, thanks to the generous support of a benefactor.
The 2000s saw new opportunities emerge, and we rose to meet them. We were awarded tenders to run the Community Participation and Transition to Work programs and expanded our services to include LeisureLink recreation programs, enriching lives through social connection and community engagement.
In 2008, Bushlink was born — our award-winning supported employment social enterprise. Launched with generous funding from ROCHE Products Pty Ltd and later sustained by supporters including the Ian Potter Foundation, Sisters of Charity Foundation, Freshwater Community Bank, and Northern Beaches Council, Bushlink has empowered people with disability through meaningful environmental work. By 2017, Bushlink had expanded into Chatswood and North Sydney, creating more inclusive green spaces — and futures — across Sydney.
2002: Northside’s Maria Circuitt (left) thanks Illeanna Archer for her generous donation of property
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We became a registered NDIS provider in 2016 and fully transitioned participants to the NDIS by 2017. This marked a new era for Northside—one of greater choice and control for participants and a renewed commitment from us to uphold the highest standards of personalised, participant-led support.
Then came the COVID years — a global crisis that tested resilience everywhere. Despite lockdowns, disruptions, and uncertainty, our mission held firm. We adapted services, supported our staff and participants through isolation, and emerged with renewed purpose. Today, we are proud to be recognised as a provider of excellence in disability care and a model for person-centred innovation in the sector.
Throughout every decade, one thing has remained constant: our belief in people. Our incredible staff—past and present—have shaped Northside into a place where people with disability are not just supported but empowered. Whether it’s building life skills, securing meaningful employment, connecting with community life, or just having fun, we’re here to help people thrive.
We’ve come a long way — but we’re not done yet.
Partner with us.
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Make a lasting impact.
Together, we can ensure people of all abilities have the chance to thrive—today and for generations to come.
