House with No Steps (now Aruma) merges with ICN

We’re excited to announce our expansion into Victoria through a merger with fellow disability service provider, Interchange Northern Region Inc (ICN). This merger brings great benefits for both organisations including enhanced stability, additional resources, experience and opportunities for expansion.

As a small local provider, ICN recognised that it needed to join forces with another organisation in order to continue providing high quality services to customers and families in the fast-growing and competitive market created by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

ICN’s Committee of Management decided to merge with House with No Steps (now Aruma) after an extensive search for an organisation that shared their values and would provide increased opportunities for their customers and staff.

“The team from ICN is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead for our customers. The move is a great example of how two organisations with a shared commitment to the human rights of people with disability can come together to strengthen their capacity to help people with a disability lead a great life”, said Anita Craven, Interchange Northern President .

House with No Steps (now Aruma) CEO Andrew Richardson said, “We’re delighted to join forces with Interchange Northern to provide people with a disability, their families and carers in North East Melbourne with greater certainty of ongoing support and more choice and control over their lives.

“We have been impressed by the skills, passion and commitment of Interchange Northern’s Committee of Management and staff, and are delighted to now formally welcome them to our organisation.”

Our experience operating in the NDIS environment will be invaluable as ICN’s customers and families start to transition to the scheme.

“The roll out of the NDIS is a great social reform. We look forward to the opportunities we now have, together, to make a positive difference in the lives of many more people, in Melbourne and beyond, over the coming years”, continued Andrew Richardson.

ICN services will continue to operate as usual with the same passionate and committed staff, and the same quality supports. As ICN transitions over, our greatest priority will be ensuring that the transition has minimal impact on our new staff, customers and families.