Who we are
Real people. Real stories.
The human condition is what connects us all -- our joys, struggles, hopes and dreams. We all share them, no matter who we are…
While this is a true statement, it’s something you’ve heard before. So, in a world full of corporate spin and marketing noise, how do we cut through it and truly show we care?
By sharing our unique personality.
Interchange is a team of people from all walks of life, each carrying stories of joy, sadness, and everything in between. We come from different backgrounds and ages, with unique tales to share – all of us writing our own chapter in this shared journey.
And we see US in YOU.
Just like us, the people we support come from all walks of life – each one an individual, with their own story unfolding, their own hopes and dreams, and their own way of being in the world.
We all want you to ‘Live Your Best Life.’
The Origin Story
Every origin story worth telling begins with a quiet act of courage.
The first spark of change rose not in thunder but in stillness, born from a mother’s quiet resolve that was stronger than the challenges ahead.
In the early 1980s, when mixtapes were love letters and perms were big, Maureen Crawford was a mother on a mission. She wanted something better for her son James, who had an intellectual disability. At the time, the system offered little more than institutions and red tape. But Maureen had a bold idea. What if support could be personal?
That spark became Interchange, a movement powered by everyday people doing extraordinary things for one another.
In 1988, that same spirit took root in the Shoalhaven. A group of local families, armed with big hearts, launched Interchange Shoalhaven. Nowra community members rolled up their sleeves to create practical, people-first solutions in the absence of formal systems. It wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what the community needed.
Over time, the organisation grew. In 2000, it was officially recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution, a rare status held by only about three percent of Australia’s sixty thousand registered charities. It’s more than a title. It means every dollar goes back into the mission. No shareholders. No profit. Just people helping people.
And like any good origin story, this one is far from over…
Our Values
Care to the core.
We’re here because we truly care. About the people. About each other. About the role we play in helping to make the local community more inclusive and vibrant for everyone who lives here. Far beyond mere ‘coffee club’ support, care to us means taking a genuine interest. Going further to provide support and experiences that make a lasting difference. And doing things the right way, day after day, not because it’s a job, but because we’re passionate about supporting local people and families.
Always open.
Openness sits at the very heart of what we do. From the open-minded ways we approach every person we support, to being open and transparent with the information we share (and the way we share it), we always act with honesty and authenticity. We’re not interested in games or politics. What you see is what you get. We keep our word. We say things straight. We’re also open to the rich value of embracing different perspectives and ideas as we strive to provide even better support and pathways. Never closed. Always open. Always improving. Open ears and minds.
Real respect.
Respect guides our words and actions every day, both as a team and as individuals. For each other. For participants. For family members. For collaborators. We respect everyone as equals, quirks and all. We respect deadlines and commitments. We also respect different ways of doing things and always strive to give people a voice, and then listen to that voice. Our default is always to ask, not tell. Listen, not patronise. And to work together. Respectful people, working in respectful teams, achieving great things for the local community.
Active optimism.
The future isn’t set. It’s what we make it. Powered by optimism and a proactive spirit, we work tirelessly to create better opportunities and experiences for the people and families we support. We make things happen. We get on the front foot. We anticipate obstacles. We collaborate enthusiastically. We find ways forward. We take the lead. We actively look for personalised solutions. After all, the more proactive we are, the further we go, together.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
Emily Dickinson, 1891.