About Us

Our vision: We aspire to be the leading provider of Disability Services and Community Support in the New England and North Western NSW.

Our mission: We provide quality support for people with disabilities, to enable the pursuit of their goals and aspirations.

Our participants: We support people with a disability, as well as their families, their carers, and others identified with need of our support.

Our guiding principles:

1. Respect — ensure dignity and valuing of individual talents, strengths and diversity
2. Embrace opportunity — actively seek new and creative approaches and opportunities to benefit participants
3. Best practice — strive to deliver quality services and supports acknowledging best practice
4. Expertise — constantly develop and improve our specialised knowledge and understanding
5. Professionalism — provide services ethically and delivered by highly-skilled staff
6. Quality — achieve excellence in everything we do through innovation and continuous improvement
7. Collaboration — deliver great outcomes together with other community providers, supporters and volunteers
8. Innovation — design and implement new ways of operating and delivering services
9. Evidence-based services — provide evidence of planned supported outcomes
10. We care — everyone is important

Ascent’s origins date back to 15th June 1955 when several Armidale families, who had children with developmental disabilities, established a school for their children, known as The Armidale and Handicapped Children’s Centre. The Organisation later became the Armidale branch of the Sub Normal Children’s Welfare Association, which was renamed the Challenge Foundation in 1983.

The Ascent Group Australia Limited was established in 2007 remains the official entity of the Organisation today.

Since 1955, our services have continually evolved and grown to meet the ever changing needs of the people for whom we provide support, from the original special school through to adult activity support, employment, housing and supported living.

Today we provide quality support to people under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Supports are being provided broadly across the NDIS, and we ensure our participants have choice and control over their lives to pursue their aspirations and achieve their goals.

Huntly Gordon

Brian McRae

Anthony Fox

Peter Westbrook
Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Cooper
Finance and Corporate Services