Who We Are

Carinya Society provides adult training and support services to advance the independence, dignity, worth and human rights of people with disabilities. We believe that everyone has an equal right to a happy and meaningful life.

Carinya was founded in response to a need for care and support for those with a disability in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne. Our day service programs have been providing companionship, education, direction, respite, security, and unique opportunities to individuals with disabilities since our inception in 1952.

Currently operating over 70 programs a week, based both in the community and at our centre in Coburg for over 110 regular participants, Carinya Society utilises a strong base of support and connections to organisations across Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs in order to provide exciting day-to-day experiences for our participants. We also offer respite care and residential services.

Carinya is a place that respects human dignity, celebrates diversity and holds passionately the belief that individual worth is an intrinsic right of every person.

We run a quality certified, professional service with well trained and enthusiastic staff. We believe in working with our participants, their families and carers and other organisations to get the best results for everyone.

Carinya Society began as Coburg Helping Hand Association on 8 December 1952. The goal was to provide children with a better existence and a chance to reach full potential.

The Victorian State Government, the Victorian Helping Hand Association, Coburg Council, Coburg Rotary Club and the Post Office Hotel Social Club assisted with the establishment of the Activity Centre on the present site.

Over the years many changes have taken place. The main changes include the erection of a hall, industrial area and the transfer of the Junior School to a Special Development School. This ended an era of services to children and adults. The Society now caters for adults over 18 years of age in the provision of specialised training and residential care.

The community has always been an inclusive part of Carinya. It has provided financial support and been involved in training and social activities.

On 1st January 2001, as well as a change of name to Carinya Society we became a company limited by guarantee.

Download a descriptive history of Carinya Society – “Nowhere to Somewhere”

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Board of Directors

To provide outstanding services to individuals with a disability that facilitate choice, support and value each individual as an integral part of the community in which they live.

Carinya Society seeks to develop a culture of strength based practice and person centeredness which is underpinned by our key values:

• Respect
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Continuous Improvement
• Quality