About Us

Our history began Back in 1932
  • 1932

  • 1932

    Newcastle and Districts Crippled Children Association was formed to provide medical, educational and lifestyle support for Polio Victims aged 0-21, living in the area bordered by the Hawkesbury River in the south, Manning River in the north and west to Singleton.
  • 1946

    Gosford Branch of Newcastle & District Association for Crippled Children was formed to take over responsibility for Clients (known as Wards) in the now Central Coast local government area.
  • 1964

    The AI & EH Chapman Wills came into effect with the Gosford Branch of Newcastle & District Association for Crippled Children being a beneficiary.
  • 1994

    Following the Richmond Report, to ensure political correctness, a name change was made to Weeroona Association Central Coast Branch. This name was taken from the Association’s holiday house at Belmont.
  • 2008

    Name change was made to Wheeling and Able Central Coast Branch to reflect the assistance provided by the organization, highlight the abilities of Clients and boost community recognition
  • 2015

    Process began of gaining independence from the Newcastle and Hunter based Wheeling and Able in order to carry on the objects of Wheeling and Able as a new entity exclusive to Central Coast Clients.
  • 2017

    CoastAbility Limited was successfully registered as a Business Limited by Guarantee with ACNC Charity Status and most importantly, obtained confirmation of proven succession in law to continue as a beneficiary of the Chapman Trusts.
  • 2018

    Following Membership and Client transfer processes, a transition general meeting from Wheeling and Able to CoastAbility was held. This was followed later in the year by the inaugural CoastAbility Limited AGM.
  • 2019

    CoastAbility Constitution amended to extend Client age range from <21 years to <25 years recognising the post school needs particular to young people establishing themselves in the adult world.

  • 2020

    CoastAbility Inaugural Academic and Sporting Scholarship Program launched.

Our Story

The Central Coast Branch of Wheeling & Able is now an independent charity registered as CoastAbility Limited. Wheeling & Able continues to be a charity based in Newcastle, Cessnock and Singleton with a presence in the Hunter Valley and environs.

CoastAbility is based in the Central Coast Council area and run solely by a small group of dedicated volunteers. In 2019 we extended our focus to giving financial assistance to resident Clients aged 0-25 with a physical disability in order to meet their unmet prescribed disability related needs. This extended Client age range recognises the post school needs particular to young adults.

CoastAbility continues to provide wheelchair accessible buses to Support Units at Gosford East PS and Henry Kendall HS and Glenvale School (Narara and North Entrance) to enable Clients to take part in offsite educational programs with their peers. These buses are manned by a team of committed volunteer drivers.

Our Board and Members have a very strong allegiance to the local community and a commitment to the legitimate use of Chapman Trust Funds for the enhancement of the lives of Clients. The Central Coast is a large, ever growing community. Opportunities exist to expand community links, strengthen reciprocal partnerships and maximise access to local funding grants.

In light of the NDIS roll out, CoastAbility seeks to fill gaps by being responsive to justified disability-based Client needs, as well as locally identified program options. We appreciate that our area has its own needs, resources and opportunities. We are interested in the consideration of worthy projects tor the future in our endeavour to enhance the lives of our young Clients.

Our People

PATRON – David BOOTH AOM
– Trustee Chapman Trusts
– Dealer Principal, Booth’s Motor Group

ACCOUNTANT / TAX AGENT / AUDITOR – Evan NICHOLAS

HONORARY SOLICITOR – Vin GOLDRICK
– Goldrick Farrell Mullan

Liesl is still a great supporter but unfortunately her new role in NSW government restricts her allegiance with community groups. Ambassador role is not filled at present.

Board

CHAIRPERSON – Helen WALKER
– Inaugural Director 2017

SECRETARY / PUBLIC OFFICER – Chris GARRATT
– Inaugural Director 2017

TREASURER / OFFICE SUPPORT – Gwenda WILLIAMSON
– Appointed Director 2018

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR – Gwenda WILLIAMSON
– Appointed Director 2018

CLIENT SUPPORT – Toni STANLEY
– Appointed Director 2020

SCHOOL BUS PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Philip REES
– Appointed Director 2022

Downloads

Constitution

[ Download PDF ]

Strategic Plan 2022-2024

[ Download PDF ]

Annual Report 2023

[ Download PDF ]

Past Annual Reports

[ View Past Annual Reports ]