genU has released its Annual Report 2025, celebrating its growth in Western Australia and positive impact made throughout the financial year.

genU has evolved from a small Geelong play centre founded in 1952 into one of Australia’s largest care providers, dedicated to building inclusive communities nationwide. Throughout its 70-plus-year history, genU has brought several other organisations into its fold, the latest being Western Australian-based Activ Foundation, which became part of genU on 1 July 2024.

genU now supports 48,900 people from communities right across Australia, thanks to a diverse, dynamic and dedicated workforce of 4,900 employees.

genU’s Board Chair, Ingrid Fraser-Williams, says that while every year at genU is significant, 2024–2025 has been truly transformative as genU merged with Activ Foundation.

“At a time when the disability sector is under considerable pressure, this merger represents leadership and transformation of national scale as we welcomed new clients and employees, along with two new Directors to the genU Board,” says Ms Fraser-Williams.

“In line with our long-term aspirations, we launched the genU Strategy 2030—developed in consultation with employees, clients, members and stakeholders.” 

“With strong foundations, we now embark on a bold strategic journey to set new benchmarks for client experience and outcomes, while refining our operating model to bring efficiencies.”

While genU reported an improvement in its financial position compared to recent years, Ms Fraser Williams acknowledges that ongoing external pressures continue to necessitate further action to ensure long-term financial sustainability. 

The comprehensive surplus of $18.5 million has been largely driven by the merger with Activ, which has expanded genU’s scale and created new opportunities for growth, and affirms the strategic value of this decision.

Despite the ongoing external challenges within the disability and aged care sectors, genU’s service delivery continues to thrive. 

Its MatchWorks’ Workforce Australia licences have been extended, they secured the Federal Government’s Department of Social Services-funded JobAccess contract and successfully passed all re-accreditation requirements. 

Meanwhile, the team is preparing for major government-led changes effective from 1 November 2025. This includes the strengthened Aged Care Standards and new Support at Home program for older Australians, as well as Inclusive Employment Australia services, replacing the Disability Employment Services program to better assist people with disability, as well as those with injury or health condition, to prepare for, find and retain a job. 

Ms Fraser-Williams says genU continues to navigate the evolving community services sector operating environment with resilience and foresight.

“I remain continually impressed by the breadth and depth of work across genU, and by the unwavering commitment of genU’s employees to supporting others.”

“On behalf of the Board, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of the genU community. Your individual contributions fuel our collective impact. Every connection counts—and together, we are stronger.” 

“I also offer special thanks to our CEO, Clare Amies, who will step down in early 2026 after more than five years of dedicated leadership.”

Key achievements in 2024-25:

• 3.35 million hours of disability support.
• 23,000 jobseekers with barriers placed in employment.
• 4,200 older Australians supported to stay living independently at home.
• 16,200 students trained through genU Training and Activ Pathways.
• 950 selfless volunteers serving the community.

Read the Annual Report here