About The Ella Centre
The Ella Centre is a warm, welcoming hub in Sydney’s Inner West.
For over 50 years we’ve supported adults living with disability and mature members of our community – including those living with dementia – to stay connected to the people and places they love, close to home.
From weekday disability day programs and our YASS weekend social program to aged care and dementia day centres, 1:1 support and door-to-door transport, we exist so people can live full, connected lives in a safe, person-centred environment.
What you’ll find at Ella
At The Ella Centre, you will find:
Quality
Our staff are caring, active and flexible, with years of experience in disability and aged care and we speak your language. We back up warm hearts with solid knowledge, training and transparent processes.
Convenience
We’re part of the Inner West community, close to your home and easy to reach. Our door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible transport makes it possible for people to attend and for carers to have real respite.
Safety
Support and care are offered in a safe, supportive environment. We meet the Aged Care Quality Standards and NDIS Practice Standards, and we take safeguarding seriously.
Choice
We offer a broad range of activity options, social groups and community outings. You can choose the mix of programs that best fits your goals, interests and energy.
Personal connection
One-to-one support and tailored programs help people build and maintain strong relationships with family, friends and community – giving you more control over your day-to-day life.
If you live in Sydney’s Inner West, you’ll find a warm welcome just around the corner.
Our story
The Ella Centre began with a group of local residents who saw the need for a social and support centre for the whole community.
In 1974, members of St David’s Presbyterian (later Uniting) Church in Haberfield, together with local resident Henry Ella and his brother Norman, made a significant donation and established a trust fund for the Centre, alongside a Federal Government grant. The former Haberfield Methodist Church land and buildings were purchased and transformed into a community centre.
The Ella Centre was officially opened on 21 June 1975 by Dr Sidney Sax, then Chair of the Commonwealth Hospital and Health Services Commission.
Since then, The Ella Centre has expanded its services and is now a major Inner West provider of:
- Disability day programs
- YASS – our weekend social program for young adults with disability
- 1:1 in-home and community support
- Aged care social day centres
- Dementia and younger onset dementia support
- Social support for the frail-aged
Throughout this growth we have remained committed to delivering quality, person-centred services and maintaining strong roots in the Haberfield and Inner West community.
We retain a close relationship with St David’s Uniting Church and with Uniting, the Uniting Church’s community services arm.
Our standards and NDIS registration
The Ella Centre is a registered provider for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Our supports and services help participants work toward their individual goals across the eight NDIS Outcome Domains:
Daily Living
Home
Health and Wellbeing
Lifelong Learning
Work
Social and Community Participation
Relationships
Choice and Control
We also meet the requirements of:
The Aged Care Quality Standards | The NDIS Practice Standards
If you’d like to know more about how your NDIS plan or aged care funding can be used at Ella, we’re happy to speak with you, your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or case manager.
Our people
When you engage with our team you’ll be greeted with big smiles, warm hearts and on-the-ground understanding. Our staff are passionate about supporting people with disability, people who are ageing and their carers, and about creating an inclusive community for all.
We employ people with skills and knowledge across disability, aged care, administration and business management. All staff:
- Undergo NDIS Worker Screening Checks and reference checks
- Complete a thorough induction and training program
- Receive ongoing training to keep skills current and aligned with best practice
Our priority is – and will always be – you and the person you love.
Our leadership and Board
The Ella Centre is governed by a skilled, committed volunteer Board with deep experience in:
- Disability and aged care
- Finance and governance
- Law and advocacy
- Community services and faith-based organisations
You can read more about our Board members and leadership team here