About Us

Our Vision

The Foundation is a vibrant and sustainable disability enterprise, providing opportunities and pathways for our friendly, willing, and able people.

The health and safety of our teams and our customers is our number one priority. We have implemented COVID safe practices within all our business units and will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as necessary.

Willing & Able Foundation Meaningful employment and opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities

Our Mission

Is to provide meaningful paid employment, personal growth opportunities and other support services in a safe and happy environment for people living with disability.

With more than 40 supported employees, people are individually placed in work most suited to their physical and intellectual strengths and personal preferences.

Willing & Able has several successful businesses which provide employment for Supported Employees in the Port Macquarie Hastings region.

We also have activities programs running 4 days per week, individual support services and our very own Supported Independent Living Home.

Our Values

Our shared values define the organisation we aspire to be. They provide guidance for planning and decision-making at all levels. Our values fit the acronym FACES:

Friendship

Acceptance and inclusion
Sense of fun
Teamwork
Pride in each other’s achievements
Courtesy and respect
Safety first

Ability

Meaningful employment
Valuing people’s abilities
Excellence in training and supervision
Maximising personal growth
Skill development
Creativity and innovation

Community Contribution

Compliance with industry & community standards
Business success
Making a difference
Involving and communicating with the community
Supporting diversity

Excellent service to customers

Cheerful environment
Proud and happy staff
Commitment to serving people well
High-quality products
Value for money
Reliability
Continuous improvement

Self-worth and Self-esteem

Person-centred support, care and guidance
Encouragement
Personal pride
Community understanding
Integration

Our Board Members

Maria Doherty

President

John Sheather

Vice President

Rhonda Thompson

Secretary

Matthew Sawin

Director

Caroline Hungerford

Director

Sharon Bennett

Director

John Carroll

Director

The Willing & Able Story

We were originally known as Q Robin, commencing with the opening of a school for the intellectually disabled in Wauchope in 1966. A definite need to cater to adults was realized and that resulted in a sheltered workshop/activity training centre being opened in 1975 in Port Macquarie.

In 1984 we became the Challenge Foundation of NSW. In 1986 the Disability Services Act was introduced, which gave our organisation a new strength to create public consciousness and provide awareness of our services.

Jindalee Enterprises and Workteams were then developed, which focused on providing supported employment for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The various business entities were born over the following years and our goal was to grow the businesses and increase awareness of our mission. We were always striving to educate the community to accept people with disabilities as relevant, valuable members of society.

In 1992 we were known as the Hastings Foundation Limited and in 2007 yet another name change ‘Willing & Able Foundation Ltd. including a new logo design which has given us modern appeal and a memorable local image.