Anglicare WA
Past and Present
The Revd Chris Thomason, Chaplain
Anglicare WA turns 50 this year and I have heard some people say that Archbishop Geoffrey Sambell would not recognise Anglicare WA today. That we have changed so much from Sambell’s vision that we would be unrecognisable to him. I wonder if this is really the case.
It is true that Anglicare WA now offer a diverse range of over 100 services designed to empower people to move toward lives that are safe, healthy, and full of hope. These services include:
- Housing and Homelessness: Support is available for both adults and young people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their home. Programs also help young people develop essential independent living skills.
- Family and Domestic Violence Support: We offer a wide range of assistance for those impacted by violence and work with individuals who use violence in their relationships and support them to manage their harmful behaviour.
- Child Safety and Wellbeing: Specialised counselling and support are provided across the state for children affected by sexual abuse, family violence, and other emotional challenges.
- Financial Independence and Security: Rather than offering ‘quick fixes,’ we focus on equipping people with the tools, strategies, and guidance they need to navigate long-term financial challenges.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: Recognising that every person’s needs are different, we provide personalised mental health support and work with individuals to develop plans that suit their specific experiences.
- Parenting and Family Functioning: From helping families and kinship groups handle the ups and downs of caring for children to providing tools for building healthy relationships, Anglicare WA is committed to helping families thrive.
From our humble beginnings 50 years ago, Anglicare WA now stands as a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating a just and fair Western Australia.
By walking alongside individuals and families when life gets tough, Anglicare WA offers a trusted support network that reaches from Balanggarra Country (near Wyndham) in the North to Minang Noongar Country (Albany and surrounds) in the South.
Operating across the state means the scale of Anglicare WA’s work is significant. In the 2024-25 period alone, the organisation reached over 102,981 Western Australians. This support was delivered through a vast network of more than 200 locations, ensuring that support is never too far away, whether in metropolitan or regional areas. This reach is made possible through the dedication of compassionate workers, volunteers, and strong partnerships with government and businesses.
What sets Anglicare WA apart is our commitment to our core values of being All about People, Focused on Strengths, Fiercely Inclusive, a Trusted Partner, Curious and Creative and Gutsy and Courageous. We understand that behind every challenge is a person with a unique story, which means we listen, respect, and create safe spaces for healing and growth, ensuring that everyone who seeks help is met without judgement.
Now this seems very similar to the themes in Sambell’s 1972 paper on the establishment of a welfare arm for the Diocese. Sambell wanted to provide a professional, holistic approach within an integrated welfare service. While Anglicare WA has changed and grown, I am confident Archbishop Sambell would recognise in Anglicare WA that same commitment to service.
So, as we turn 50 this year, we remain confident that Archbishop Sambell would recognise his vision in Anglicare WA’s strategy, values, vision and purpose. Happy 50th Anglicare WA.
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