Interchange is delighted to announce that our founder, Maureen Crawford, has received the Unsung Hero Award at the 2015 HESTA Community Sector Awards.
Mrs Crawford was recognised for establishing the first Interchange program in Camberwell, Melbourne back in 1980, with the idea of giving families who have a child with a disability a regular break by sharing their care with volunteer host families.
Maureen was inspired to create the Interchange program after the care of her own intellectually disabled son became too physically and emotionally challenging.
Awards Dinner in Sydney on 25 June 2015.
"We're delighted to pay tribute to Ms Crawford, for her inspirational work in establishing the Interchange program which is now assisting families of children with disabilities in four states across Australia," Ms Blakey said.
The Unsung Hero award is awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to social justice in Australia by enhancing the well-being of individuals or communities experiencing disadvantage.