Headway ADP moved into its current premises in 1983. The culmination of work, fundraising, negotiation, sweat and tears. With intense lobbying and representation from Bankstown/Lidcombe Hospital staff, enthusiastic families and their loved ones, Headway ADP was finally able to secure a significant investment from the State Government of NSW to provide a facility that was purpose built and close to transport in Percy Street Bankstown. This meant that persons living with ä “Head Injury” could access a centre that they could finally call their own. The goal of providing social supports to people and families impacted by traumatic brain injury was now a reality. But this was only the start of a longer journey.
By 1992, Headway ADP started its transformation into a Skills Development Centre. The changes not only secured funding but moved the service towards a strengths-based learning culture. Innovative programs were developed with NSW Health funding, and the focus was on life skills, re-education and the then relevant, NSW Disability Service Standards. What was more significant however was the move to change Headway’s legal entity. In 1992, Headway became Headway Adult Development Program Incorporated. This meant that Headway ADP would be able to register as a charity, form a proper committee structure and look to a future of growth and sustainability. Although the relevant State Minister would continue to be a financial stake holder in terms of property and land, tenure was secure provided that the organization could return a modest profit and remain viable. I.e., not dependent on further investment beyond its modest program funding.
At 2022, Headway ADP has undergone massive transformation and the recent upheaval driven by NDIS transition and National Service Standards. Through all of this however, we have remained true to the mission of the founders. We have been a bedrock service for people living with an acquired brain injury for over 30 years. In 2022, we are still registered as a charity and we proudly maintain our not-for-profit status, meaning that our earnings are reinvested into the community or saved for future projects. We do not pay shareholders. More relevant however, are the improvements we continue to make in assisting people to achieve their life goals.
We now have a secure financial base, a modernised centre and a workforce of over 20 people. We have committee input from our participants, and we aim to exceed the expectations of participants and funding bodies.