Twice a week, they get in the car and drive. Some days, the trip takes an hour; on others, it’s a 90 minute round trip.  

It’s a routine14-year-old George knows well. Twice a week for the past six years, George and his mother Cat have bundled into the family car at their Yanchep home to access therapy appointments and disability support services at Ability WA. 

Thanks to the October opening of Ability WA’s Yanchep facility, George will spend fewer than 10 minutes in the car getting to and from his twice weekly appointments. Cat couldn’t be happier. 

“Ability WA therapists and supports made a profound difference to George’s life and our whole family; that’s why we committed to travelling to Coolbinia and Wanneroo. Now Ability WA is in Yanchep, we’ve gained so much time – quality time we now get to spend together as a family.”  

The Yanchep facility allows Ability WA to provide integrated disability services and whole-of-life support to residents in Perth’s rapidly expanding northern corridor. It is the third facility the leading disability service provider has opened in 2024, with new facilities in Murdoch and Wanneroo.   

Ability WA Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Thomson says the expansion is a response to the needs of Ability WA customers and other people living with disabilities. 

Ability WA has been empowering Western Australians to realise their abilities for over 70 years, our newest hub in Yanchep is helping to make that happen.  

“We are thrilled to be expanding our services to reach into the developing and vibrant community of Yanchep where we will be providing access to a full suite of disability supports and services. Our offering will include specialist therapy, home and living, community participation, assistive technology and disability employment services." 

Ability WA’s Yanchep facility is located in ECU Health Centre Yanchep East, a ‘one-stop shop’ that will provide a range of healthcare services to the rapidly growing area, as well clinical training and research opportunities for Edith Cowan University (ECU) students and staff.   

ECU will officially launched the ECU Health Centre Yanchep East on 27 August 2024 with representatives from the Australian and WA Governments, Ability WA and the local community in attendance.  

Those wishing to utilise these new hubs, or simply wanting to learn more, are encouraged to contact Ability WA directly on 1300 106 106 or info@abilitywa.com.au.