The History of WRESACARE

Westernport Residential Association was originally formed as Westernport Regional Accommodation Council in 1980 by parents of children with intellectual disabilities who were looking for an alternative to institutional care for their children. Subsequently the Association grew to manage 16 residential units for people with an intellectual disability. In 1989-90 the membership decided to expand into running a range of services other than residential for people with physical and sensory disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury, as well as people with an intellectual disability. 

In November 1992 the Community Residential Units were resumed by the then Department of Health & Community Services, as a precursor to the business being tendered out. After some negotiation, a settlement was reached with the Department regarding the Associations' assets that were resumed with the Units. At that time the Executive Committee resolved to utilise these funds for the benefit of persons with special needs and their carers in the community.

The Association is managed by a voluntary Executive Committee, elected annually from the membership of the Association. There are no membership restrictions, and the composition of the membership is made up from clients, their parents/carers, professionals in the industry, and persons who are interested in disability service provision. An Executive Officer is employed to Co-ordinate and manage the Association's business.

Westernport Residential Association registered the name WRESACARE in late 1995 as being more descriptive of the activities and direction of the Association, as more and more work is done outside a residential setting.

The name of the association was formally changed to WRESACARE Inc on 30/06/99.