Gwen was a young mum on the edge of a breakdown. Her daughter was born with complex disability and needed tending around the clock, which left no time to care for her other youngsters. Gwen’s health was failing. Unable to cope with placing their daughter in the Claremont Mental Hospital, her husband Frank Anderson approached The Daily News, hoping something could be done to help parents like themselves.
Today, Nulsen is one of Western Australia’s leading organisations supporting people with complex disability. Here, we share with you stories of our history and the organisation that we’ve become.
Original MICA logo
Bill and Ena Burns
1956: Official opening of
refurbished Nulsen Haven.
23 September 1954
The Daily News article “A Father Speaks Up for Some the World Forgets” published.
8 October 1954
Agreement to form the Mentally Incurable Children’s Association (MICA) and election of office bearers, including inaugural President William R Burns.
9 August 1955
“Dear Brutus” at 517 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe purchased as the first home for MICA.
Day room in original haven.
7 October 1956
The refurbished “Nulsen Haven” officially opened by Premier A R G Hawke, and Minister for Health Emil Nulsen.
September 1957
The first Women’s Radio Service Club meeting held in Bunbury. Perth members later renamed themselves the “Wandana Club”.
21 November 1965
“Wedderburn” new Nulsen Haven hostel officially opened by Minister for Health the Hon G C McKinnon.
The 60’s
1967
Nulsen Ladies’ Auxiliary Opportunity Shoppe opens in Victoria Park.
Jane Marshall, radio presenter who spoke with Ena Burns on her program and asked listeners to 'adopt' a charity, raising awareness of Nulsen.
The Early 70’s
Late 70’s
1973
Commencement of resident training at Nulsen, leading an evolution in disability services.
1973: 'Training' of residents focussed on learning everyday skills, a revolutionary approach of the time.
1976
Ms Jill Bennett appointed Matron to usher in a new era.
May 1977
Nulsen commences its first May campaign, raising funds and publicity. A year later, the “horse raffle” became a major part of the May campaign for 14 years.
The Early 80’s
Bold moves towards independence.
1981
“Normalisation” formally adopted at Nulsen based on standards and principles embodied in report submitted by the Murdoch Group.
2 October 1983
MICA formally becomes Nulsen Haven Association Inc (for the training and care of severely and profoundly Intellectually Handicapped People).
January 1987
Six residents from urgent wait list move into experimental group home at Yorna Road, Kalamunda.
July 1987
Landmark legislation Disability Services Act 1986 comes into effect.
April 1988
Implementation of 10-year Transition Plan commences with key components - the Personal Future Planning process, PASSING workshops and in-service workshops aimed at providing “information and inspiration”.
8 May 1989
The first two residents move into their own home in the community, in Willetton.
May 1989
Independent Living Services commences, with around 40 community activities in place within 2 years.
Early 90’s
The move from institutionalised care to supported living in the community.
1991-92
Mission Statement and Statement of Governing Principles developed and formalised. ‘To enable people with disability to achieve and maintain a valued quality of life as part of an accepting community.’
1993
Western Australia establishes a Cabinet Minister for Disability and commences the Disability Services Commission (DSC), the first agency of its type in Australia.
1994: Ms Jill Bennett retires after 25 years of faithful and dedicated service (pictured with Mrs Peg Parkin).
1993-94
Ms Jill Bennett retires after 25 years of faithful and dedicated service. Mr Gordon Trewern, the then Accommodation Services Coordinator, takes over the role of Director of Nulsen on initially a 12-month term.
February 1995
A PASSING evaluation (a tool for analysing service quality according to Social Role Valorisation criteria) funded by the DSC took place, resulting in the development of an improvement framework.
1995-96
Nulsen begins a new business venture named ‘Independent Administration’, to provide support to small non-government organisations with payroll, accounts and insurance services.
1995: Nulsen Haven signage outside 28 Burton St office.
18 May 1997
Administration offices at 28 Burton Street Cannington open.
June 2000
Mrs Peg Parkin accepts the inaugural “Award for Service Excellence” from the DSC in recognition of exceeding the quality requirements of the national disability standards in the accommodation support services provided at Rosella Place and Cardington Way.
2000: Mrs Peg Parkin accepts the inaugural “Award for Service Excellence".
2001
Nulsen develops its operational relationships with St John of God Hospital in Murdoch, local general practitioners and dental clinics to better manage the health and needs of aging residents.
2001-02
Scope Community Integration Services commence providing activities for residents to enhance their skills and social development through community-based daytime options.
Our Leaders
Listen to former CEO Gordon Trewern as he talks about the difference Nulsen makes in the lives of people with disability.
2004-05
The Nulsen Ladies Auxiliary and Southwest Radio Clubs celebrate their 50th anniversaries.
January 2006
White Place, Subiaco opens to expand Nulsen’s accommodation services to include support for people with Acquired Brain Injury as well as in-home support.
2006: Nulsen Youth Patrons from Hale School, with Tina Altieri.
2006: White Place, Subiaco opens.
January 2006
The Nulsen Youth Patron Program is launched in partnership with Hale School.
August 2008
Charlesworth Estate opens, a significant milestone for families and residents.
2007-08
Nulsen Therapy achieves preferred provider status with the DSC for Disability Professional Services, a major acknowledgement of skill and competence.
2007-08
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) launched, the first by a disability services organisation in WA.
2008: The Melbourne Cup celebration at Charlesworth Estate.
2009
Nulsen Haven Association rebrands to Nulsen Disability Services.
Being a support worker
Listen to Katie as she shares her experience as a support worker at Nulsen.
2010-11
Partnership with Goldfields Individual and Family Support Association (GIFSA) to provide culturally appropriate disability accommodation supports for six Aboriginal people, enabling them to return to Country from an aged care facility in Perth.
2010: Ms Kathy Rouse and Greg Barr enjoying gardening together at City Farm.
2011-12
Media personality Ms Tina Altieri retires as Nulsen Patron after 13 years. Mr Malcolm McCusker AC, Governor of Western Australia, accepts the invitation to become new Patron.
May 2013
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 proclaimed in Federal Parliament, establishing the National Disability Insurance Agency.
2013: Nulsen partners with GIFSA to open a new home in Kalgoorlie.
July 2014
NDIS trial sites commence in WA.
Our colleagues
Listen to former Chair of the Disability Services Commission, Barry MacKinnon, as he talks about what sets Nulsen apart as a leading organisation.
2015-17
Nulsen commences supports to 40 people moving from six state government disability accommodation services.
1 July 2016
National launch of the NDIS.
September 2016
Nulsen Opportunity Shoppe in Victoria Park closes after 50 years of community service.
Nulsen Opportunity Shoppe in Victoria Park served 50 years of community service.
2017-18
Nulsen’s total revenue exceeds $50 million for the first time, supporting 253 services, including 206 residents in accommodation support services.
December 2017
Bilateral Agreement between Australian and WA Governments signed following decision to join national NDIS.
2018
Nulsen Group formed to provide governance model to allow for growth alongside Nulsen Disability Services.
January 2018
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission commences.
2019: Adventistcare is acquired. Nulsen welcomes 16 residents and 24 employees.
7 May 2019
Outcare joins Nulsen Group, bringing 40 homes, 900 clients and 80 employees.
March 2020
COVID 19 declared worldwide pandemic.
2022
5-year housing program commences to replace legacy housing stock with new SDA accommodation in partnership with SDA providers Sana Living and Nesti Housing.
Sally and Andrew
Adam and Nessy
Belinda and John
Nulsen SDA / SIL homes
July 2022
Ms Caroline Watt commences as Nulsen Chief Executive Officer, while Mr Gordon Trewern commences as Group Chief Executive Officer of PeopleKind Group.
5 July 2022
PeopleKind Group launched as parent company to a range of organisations, including Nulsen, to support sustainable growth and diversification.
October 2022
Three-year CAN Do (Culture at Nulsen) project commences to restrengthen Nulsen’s culture.
2022: CAN Do (Culture at Nulsen) project commences to restrengthen Nulsen’s culture.
September 2023
The Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is released.
September 2024
Mr Gordon Trewern retires as Group CEO after 37 years of dedicated service and leadership.
70th Anniversary Reflections
Listen to Gordon and Jill as they reflect on 70 years of Nulsen.
18 October 2024
Nulsen celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Together: Edition 9
Listen to Nulsen Co-Chair Bernadette Celliers and members of the CAN Do Committee as they reflect on the achievements of the previous 3 years.
