Did you know Kurrajong was first formed in 1957, 65 years ago?
Initially, Kurrajong was known as the Society for the Welfare of Retarded Children. In 1961 the first school building of Kurrajong School at the Lord Baden Drive site was opened with funds raised by Jaycees.
Then the first hostel providing accommodation for children and adults opened in 1967. In 1978 the Wal Wilde Activity Centre in Chaston Street (now known as Kurrajong Recycling) was then opened. And a year later, in 1979, a hostel specifically for adults was established and opened on site at Lord Baden Powell Drive.
In 1982 Kurrajong became known as Kurrajong Complex. Then in 1983, the NSW Department of Education assumed responsibility for all children and adolescents with a disability at Kurrajong Park School; this school is now known as Willians Hill School.
1984 was a big year for Kurrajong as this was the year Wagga Early Intervention Services and Waratah Industries merged with Kurrajong Complex. The organisation was now known as Kurrajong Complex Waratah Industries, incorporating Early Intervention. Then in 1990, the organisation’s name was formally shortened to Kurrajong Waratah Industries Ltd.
By 1994 Kurrajong Waratah’s Work Solutions service was established to support people with a disability to find and keep employment in community businesses. Then in 1999, the organisation’s name was shortened again to Kurrajong Waratah.
Over 2004 and 2005, Kurrajong Waratah merged with Marshal Disability Services in West Wyalong, Allambie Disability Services in Leeton and Cypress Centre in Narrandera.
2017 saw significant change for the sector with the implementation of the NDIS and rebranding of the organisation to be simply known as Kurrajong. Funding was also received to help the organisation purchase and establish group homes to replace rental properties and establish a two-year pilot project known as InterLink.
Looking toward the future, we have many exciting initiatives planned, including the opening of new sections of Hildasid Farm by late 2022. Situated outside of Wagga Wagga, Hildasid Farm will undoubtedly become a community hub and a must-visit attraction over the coming years.
We also have a new building in construction for Kurrajong Narrandera. This building will be used for our Lifestyle Choices, Supported Living, Therapy Plus, Support Coordination and First Contact services.