Warrah Celebrates 50 Years

50 Years of Enriching the Lives of People with Disability

Warrah Society is proudly celebrating 50 years of supporting adults and children living with disability, and their families.

Warrah started on a beautiful bushland property, now 11 hectares in Dural. A small organic garden was started as a means to provide young adults with intellectual disability to learn skills and engage in purposeful work over the ensuing years. Cottages for accommodation were built and a school for children with disability established. This continues today, with two beautiful brand new purpose built homes completed just prior to Christmas.

Chief Executive Officer of Warrah, Georgina Michaelis said, “The vision of Warrah’s founders continues to be strong and alive today in what we do to support individuals in home, work, school, social and community life.”

Inspired by the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, Warrah’s core intent is to support individuals living with disability to live their life with purpose and dignity.

Warrah parents, Marcelle and Ross King, are extremely thankful for the nearly 40 years that their daughter Jenni has spent in Warrah’s school, residential cottages and day service activities. “Jenni has experienced the love, care and devotion of Warrah’s staff and has made life-long friends with her peers. Warrah provides a space where Jenni belongs and where she can be herself,” shared Ross King.

Today Warrah supports about 120 people with intellectual disability or autism through a range of services and activities, which offer learning, social participation and work skills development. This includes Supported Independent Living across 12 houses across Sydney’s North West, Community Support Services and Courses, and small Special School.

“We have retained our bushland campus and the organic garden of 50 years ago which is today a certified biodynamic farm, selling organic and biodynamic produce through an on-site Farm Shop open six days ,” she said. Bioydnamic farming methods was also developed by Rudolf Steiner, and is a holistic and sustainable approach that uses no harmful chemicals.

Warrah has had an extraordinary and unique history, which has touched the lives of many people. In a rapidly changing society and sector, we look forward with anticipation and excitement to a strong future, which will continue to actively meet the needs and aspirations of people living with disability.