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 accepted the role of Chairman of The Ascent Group in 2006. He has been a member of the Board since 1995, also serving as Vice President on the LifeSkills Participation Advisory Committee. He has a background in law, managed the family grazing property at Ben Lomond with his wife Cath, and has recently retired to Armidale. Their son Alasdair is a client of  Ascent.

 Jenny Bailey
Jenny Bailey joined the Board in 2016. A virtual native of Armidale, Jenny has long been immersed in local community activities. Jenny is the Patron of PLC Armidale, having also previously served as the President of the P&F, and has worked in the service of a number of community organisations in the region, including the Armidale Hydrotherapy Pool. Jenny and her husband Peter were co-founders of Country Week, the precursor to the Foundation for Regional Development of which Jenny continues to contribute to today as a Consultant. Jenny was elected to the Armidale Dumaresq Council in 2012 and served until it’s amalgamation with Guyra Shire Council in 2016.

Will Warrick joined the Board in January 2013. During the last few years, Will has held the position of Treasurer. Will is a qualified Chartered Accountant (1985-2011) and has a Bachelor of Financial Administration. He was also a Partner with Roberts and Morrow before retiring in 2011. Will is currently on Ascent’s Management, Planning and Finance Committee.

Brian McRae joined the Board in November 2011. Brian has practiced as a Veterinarian and Business Manager.  Brian has also been a Director of Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Homes. Brian’s  son Matthew is a client of The Ascent Group.

Peter Westbrook  Peter has a passion for providing great support services for people with disability to achieve the best outcomes in their  life. He was appointed to the position of CEO in July 2014 to provide the leadership for ASCENT to transition into the NDIS and continue the strong tradition of being the support provider of first choice in the New England Region. Peter has extensive Executive Management experience gained over 30 years working in Senior positions with prominent Disability Organisations. He has also worked in Public administration and small business. Peter has an outstanding record in delivering strategic change with project outcomes that satisfy customer’s requirements.

Michelle Cooper joined Ascent in April 2010 as the Finance and Corporate Services Manager. Prior to this, she was the Finance Manager for another local not-for-profit. Michelle has extensive experience in Commonwealth Government, working for the Australian Bureau of Statistics for 11 years, and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations for 4 years. At the ABS, Michelle was the Assistant Director for Corporate Planning before moving to the International Trade in Services section. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Management from the University of New England, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and is a Member of CPA Australia.