Gateway’s history is shaped by relationships, trust and shared understanding. From the beginning, support has grown from listening to community needs and responding with care. As times changed, that commitment remained, placing people first and allowing experience, learning and connection to guide what came next.
The milestones below trace how Gateway has grown alongside the community, responding to changing needs, deepening trust and expanding support, while staying grounded in the people and values that have always mattered most.
1981:
Barwon Interchange host program established
Late 1980’s:
The Association for Autism and Allied Disorders (AAAD) was founded
1990:
First accommodation house “Turalla” opened in Camperdown
1992:
The Resource Centre for Children & People with Special Needs commenced
1995:
Gateways moved to Albert Street offices
Commenced Preschool Support Program
Opened 2nd accommodation house
1996:
The AAAD commenced autism assessments
1997
On July 2, Gateways Support Services became a registered business after merging Barwon Interchange, AAAD, and the Resource Centre for Children & People with Special Needs.
Opened 2 more accommodation houses
1998:
Gateways expanded programs to include Early Intervention Services, Parent Support Groups, Pre-School Field Officer Program, and Youth Recreation Holiday Programs
2000:
Gateways developed its logo and “Together we can” slogan
Gateways opened the Early Learning Centre at Greenville
2001-2002:
Gateways opened further accommodation houses
Gateways launched the Autism Help website
2003:
The Prime Movers small group recreation program was established to support individuals who are frail aged or living with dementia.
2004:
Gateways launched of Gateways Auxiliary Committee and Charity Golf Day
2005:
Gateways awarded Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Award in the Government Funded category
Preschool Support Program redeveloped as Kindergarten Inclusion Support (KIS)
2008:
Gateways entered into a partnership with Barwon Valley School to deliver their School Holiday Program
2010:
Gateways entered into a community partnership with Eastbrooke Family Medical Centre to fund autism assessment. The partnership endured for 12 years.
Social Connect program established.
2012:
Gateways expanded into Southwest Victoria, and opened Getaway House in Warrnambool
2013:
Gateways joined the NDIS trial in the Barwon region
Early Intervention Therapy services commence in Southwest Victoria
2014:
Early Intervention Therapy services commence in Western Melbourne
2015:
Support Coordination services commence
2016:
Gateways Gardening Program commences
2017:
Plan Manager services commence
Gateways merged with Interchange Western Melbourne
2018:
Gateways expanded Western Melbourne services and opened an office in Werribee
2019:
Gateways expanded further in Western Melbourne and opened an office in Footscray
Gateways purchased Edmill Court and redeveloped the units to meet the needs of 6 residents
Gateways supported the development of the Geelong Cats sensory-inclusive stadium at GMHBA
2024:
Gateways used fundraising to support the Edmill Court landscaping project
2025:
Gateways Head Office moved to Thompson Road, North Geelong
Gateways ceased Therapy and Plan Management Services
Continuing the legacy together
The values that shaped our beginnings are carried forward by the people behind our work today. Discover the people shaping the future, strengthening community, nurturing trust and carrying shared purpose into what comes next.
The visionary behind over 40 years of quality care
Learn more