Activ Foundation will become known as genU from 1 September, ushering in a new era for the WA born support organisation, which now has a national impact as one of Australia’s largest NDIS providers.
Activ announced it was merging with Geelong-based community services provider genU on 1 July 2024, outlining a 12-month transition process that was finalised at the start of this financial year. As an integrated organisation, it is set to build on the quality services already offered across Activ and genU, creating more opportunities and access to services for clients, their families, and carers, plus the more than 6000 staff across Australia.
genU Board Chair, Ingrid Fraser-Williams said Activ has a proud history of improving the lives of people with disability and making a positive difference in the WA community. “Together with genU, we lean into 150 years’ of combined experience in the disability support space and will continue to achieve this under the genU name,” Ms Fraser-Williams said.
Following the WA Group’s establishment in 1951, the Activ Foundation name came about 37 years ago to demonstrate a more inclusive organisation.
“Now the two organisations have come together, it’s time to embrace the genU name, which is representative of how we continue to build genuinely inclusive communities around Australia.”
As of 1 September, the Activ brand will become known as genU. genU Chief Corporate Officer Kelly Marshall said while the genU name may be new to West Australians, the positive associations linked to the Activ brand, including being focused on customer’s needs, providing a safe environment, and being friendly and inclusive, would continue.
“Our current Activ clients won’t see any change – they will continue to receive the same high-quality services, from the same friendly faces, in the same familiar places,” Mrs Marshall said.
“Our scale gives us the strength to provide continuous high-quality care, and importantly stability, for clients knowing the organisation they trust is prepared for the future and can continue to empower people to lead their best lives.” Long-term Activ, and now genU, client Aeron is embracing the change, and having had a taste of what to expect, is confident she will be living an enhanced life through the new opportunities she can access with genU.
“It is totally different and new, but also the same, because I will still be getting all the support I need, and I am really excited,” Aeron said.
“I feel positive, and I like that we are here in WA and now we are going to talk with people all round Australia and I love that.” “I’m excited that in my heart I am Activ and now my heart gets to grow and have genU in there as well.”
All of Activ’s current services, including Accommodation, Employment, Allied Health, Community Programs, Training and Social Enterprises, will continue, along with some new opportunities for WA clients and staff being rolled out over time.
An exciting new opportunity for people in WA is the expansion of genU’s Gamer online program, being launched here in WA and nationally. “Gamer online is a digital community of people with similar interests in gaming who may not feel confident enough to interact in person, neurodiverse, living with disability, or want to build on their social skills,” Mrs Marshall said.
“Run by expert gamers who are also trained mental health experts, Gamer takes teams through capacity-building exercises through gamification, in a safe, inclusive and welcoming platform. “Gamer participants often say they have found their ‘squad’ and feel part of a community for the first time.”
Registrations for the Gamer Online taster days in late September are now open here – genU | Gamer Squad Sessions.
Mrs Marshall said it was an exciting time to be a part of genU as a client, staff member, or supporter as they look forward to the next 70 years and beyond. “Our national presence gives us a strong foundation to advocate on behalf of our clients and the sector, and we are also expanding our national opportunities for partnerships and fundraising to reduce the reliance on government funding for core services.”
Mrs Marshall highlighted that all proceeds from genU’s WA-based fundraising initiatives stay in WA to be invested back into local programs and services. The iconic fundraising event – the Chevron City to Surf for Activ, will become the Chevron City to Surf for genU for the 2026 event.
“We are continually grateful for the ongoing support of our events and fundraisers and are pleased to confirm that although we may now be a national organisation, we are still proudly profit-for-purpose and all money raised from our fundraising activities in WA stays in WA to continue providing vital services for West Australians with disability.”
Learn more about genU at www.genu.org.au.