Featured, Stories - May 22, 2026
Changing Lives, Strengthening Communities: The Intereach Impact
Intereach is making a powerful and positive impact on communities and individuals each and every day.
This impact is evident in the lives of people across regional NSW and Victoria, where access to connection, dignity and opportunity plays a critical role in reducing isolation and fostering belonging.
For more than 50 years, Intereach has worked alongside people with disability, older Australians, families and communities to help them to live the life they choose.
In Albury, young artist Stella found her creative voice and a sense of purpose through Intereach’s NDIS support and community connections. With help from a Local Area Coordinator, Stella accessed funding that allowed her to attend The Art Factory, a supported studio for artists with disability.
Today, her vibrant artworks have been exhibited in Melbourne, a milestone that has strengthened her independence and community connection.
“With the support of Intereach and the NDIS, I am able to be more independent and connected in my community,” Stella (pictured) said.
For Lisa and her father Bill, Intereach’s in‑home aged care meant Bill could continue living independently, while Lisa could step back into the role of daughter rather than full‑time carer.
“Dad is still reasonably independent and healthy, but he needs some help to stay on top of things at home,” Lisa shared.
Intereach’s support gave their family peace of mind and preserved Bill’s dignity – allowing him to stay where he feels most comfortable and connected.
Intereach’s impact is also felt among newly arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants through its Settlement and Engagement Transition Support (SETS) program. Delivered across regional communities, SETS helps individuals and families who have recently arrived in Australia to understand local systems, build independence and feel a sense of belonging in their new home.
Intereach supported a young family who arrived in the Riverina with limited English and little understanding of Australian services. Through SETS support, the family was guided to enrol children in school, access health services, navigating licences, and connect with local community and sporting groups.
“Moving from a small island country to Australia is challenging, but the support we’ve received has made a huge difference,” mother Alelia (pictured right) said.
For another SETS participant, consistent support from Intereach meant feeling “safe enough to ask questions” and gaining the confidence to engage with the wider community.
Over time, the participant progressed from relying heavily on support to independently accessing services, improving their English skills and strengthening their resilience for the future.
Intereach’s impact also extends to inclusion at a community level. Programs like Hot Wheelies in Mildura bring people of all abilities together through inclusive wheelchair basketball, building confidence, friendships and a powerful sense of belonging.
Participants in the inaugural competition reported feeling fitter, more confident and socially connected, demonstrating how shared experiences can break down barriers and reshape attitudes to disability.
Intereach Co‑CEO Yvette Buhagiar said these outcomes reflected the organisation’s purpose in action.
“Every day I see the Intereach team go above and beyond to support regional Australians, often at a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable,” she said.
“Our team has a genuine and heartfelt commitment to care, ensuring people are treated with kindness, respect and dignity.”
From helping individuals reclaim independence to creating inclusive communities, Intereach’s impact is measured not only in programs delivered, but in lives changed – one story, one connection, and one community at a time.
To learn more about Intereach’s services, reach out today.
Call 1300 488 226, visit our website at www.intereach.com.au, or drop into one of our 16 regional offices.
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