Supporting independence, employment, life skills, ‍ ‍and adventure.

Northaven Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation based in Inverell, New South Wales, dedicated to supporting people with disabilities to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. For over 60 years, we have been providing quality services and creating opportunities for individuals and families throughout Inverell and the wider New England North West region.

Guided by our motto, "Supporting Independence Through Employment, Life Skills and Adventure," we empower people to achieve their goals through supported employment, accommodation services, community participation, skill development, recreation programs, and personalised support. We are also proud to operate social enterprises, including The Haven Café and The Haven Floristry & Giftware, creating meaningful employment and training opportunities within our community.

At Northaven, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through genuine partnerships, innovative programs, and a person-centred approach, we help people build confidence, develop skills, create connections, and live life to the fullest.

Where we began.

Our Vision.

Northaven Ltd was established in 1969 by a passionate group of local community members and families who recognised the need for employment, training, and social opportunities for people living with disabilities in Inverell and the surrounding region.

From humble beginnings, Northaven started as a community garden, growing flowers and plants for local residents while creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to develop skills and participate in their community. As the organisation grew, Northaven expanded its operations and established a recycling facility, which became a highly successful enterprise and provided employment for many people with disabilities for more than 20 years.

Over the decades, Northaven continued to evolve in response to the needs of the community. Services expanded beyond employment to include respite, community access, supported independent living, and a range of personalised supports designed to help people achieve greater independence and quality of life.

Today, Northaven is a leading disability service provider in the New England North West region, offering employment opportunities, accommodation and support services, life skills development, and community participation programs. We are also proud to operate The Haven Café and The Haven Floristry & Giftware, creating new pathways for training, employment, and community connection.

While our services have grown and changed over the years, our purpose remains the same—to create opportunities, foster independence, and support people with disabilities to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Northaven Ltd will seek to:

  • Develop and provide opportunities for people with all levels of abilities.​

  • Provide and maintain an environment that fosters freedom of expression, enhances individual decision-making, and welcomes the involvement of families, friends, carers and advocates.​

  • Develop and maintain their skills in many situations that provide stimulation and challenge.​

  • Work towards productivity-based wages for workers employed within the service.

  • Develop quality products that can be sold in the open market for competitive prices, and assist individuals to integrate with co-workers and members of the community in a socially inclusive manner.​

  • Take an active role on behalf of workers whenever necessary to protect and uphold their legal human rights.​

  • Raise community awareness of our role in assisting people with disabilities and our services that support them.

  • ​Ensure all businesses are viable, sustainable, and beneficial to the individuals with disabilities who attend our organisation.

  • ​Develop programs tailored to the needs of the individual to assist their personal development and the achievement of their personal goals

Our Team

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General Manager

Melissa Perrin

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Jaimi Dixon

Services Manager
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Trudi Darby

NDIS Manager
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Vickie Crichlow

Life Skills Officer
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Eloise Squire

Finance Officer
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Tammy Gardner

HR and Grants Officer