About
CareWest
CareWest is a community based organisation that was founded in 1984. It was established by a group of community leaders in Orange who shared the view that community based organisations were the most appropriate groups to assess and act on local needs, and to develop and deliver services to meet those needs. During its first years of operation, CareWest pursued community development activities whilst serving as an “umbrella” organisation providing corporate and governance support to a range of relatively independent services. It was not uncommon for CareWest to “spin-off” one of its services and assist the service to establish itself as a completely autonomous organisation.
CareWest grew steadily through the 1980s, 1990s and into the early 2000s, whereupon its growth rapidly accelerated through the significant expansion of the Disability Service, Respite Services and the Aged and Dementia Service, the introduction of the Community Options Program, and the friendly takeover of Orange Community Transport Service. CareWest has more than doubled in size in the three years leading up to 2008. During this same period, CareWest invested heavily in corporate infrastructure and management systems and the Organisation is much more unified as a result.
CareWest’s annual revenue is now approximately $10 million, 90% of which comes directly from Commonwealth and State Government agencies, with service user contributions and revenue from fee-for-service activities making up the balance. CareWest employs over 150 staff and utilises the support of some 20 volunteers.
CareWest has commenced some small-scale community development activities during the past two years, partnering with other community groups in an attempt to reduce the barriers Aboriginal people living in the Central West experience in accessing childcare services, education and training. This “recommitment” to its community development origins resonates strongly through CareWest’s 2008-2011 Strategic Plan.
History
The Orange Community Resource Organisation (Carewest) is a community based organisation that was founded in 1984. In its developmental role, CareWest liaises with government agencies and other service providers affording support and resources to a broad range of community groups. The funding for the services managed by CareWest is provided by the State and Federal Government to which it is accountable for the efficient delivery of those services.
An elected Management Committee comprising members of the community who serve in a voluntary capacity, manages CareWest.
We approach our work through:
- Connections with the communities in which we operate
- Decentralised decision making within the context of a unified organization
- Supporting and collaborating with other organizations in the community to meet community needs
- Entrepreneurial thinking and action
Future Goals
CareWest has defined five objectives for the next four years:
- provide high quality,flexible and responsive services
- expand the scope and diversity of Government funded community services
- identify and participate in community development activities
- be an employer of choice
- improve our governance, infrastructure, processes and viability.
The strategies we will use to achieve these goals and the measures by which we will judge our success is outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Contact us for more information
Media Contact: CEO Tim Curran 02 6361 9012
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ABN 63 235 438 158
PO Box 2500, Orange NSW 2800
Ph 02 6361 9012 Fax 026361 9702