Welcome to our Brightwater website. As you explore the pages, you will find information about our services, our people, our history and our hopes for the future.
From a courageous beginning in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in response to the needs of those with chronic and serious disease and conditions, we have continued to serve and care about Western Australians, whatever their need, however complex their problem. While government systems have evolved to define and categorise services according to age, condition, and level of dependency, we steadfastly continue to be an advocate for, and respond to, adults of all ages with a wide range of needs.
We are a non profit, non denominational organisation, a public benevolent institution. Our service ethos is built on a fundamental respect for people, expressed by our philosophy of Personhood.
Our values of Care, Learning, Innovation and People, underpin the way we plan, carry out and reflect on everything we do.
Services for Older People
We provide many kinds of services to older people, in their own homes, or in our 13 residential homes, in many locations throughout Perth, Rockingham and Mandurah.
We have a special commitment to services for people living with dementia. We use all our knowledge and experience, to enable each person living with dementia, and their family, to live happily with confidence and dignity.
Another important service area is our range of ‘Transitional’ and short term programs – these are set up to assist people leaving hospital after an illness, or to help people avoid hospital altogether, and take the time to recuperate and recover the ability and confidence to return home and stay there successfully.
Services for Younger People
Younger people have been a part of Brightwater since it began in 1903.
Our flagship is Oats Street, a very special place and rehabilitation program to assist recovery of life skills after catastrophic brain injury. We celebrate the success of the hundreds of young men and women who have achieved independence, after a long and courageous journey at Oats Street.
There are shared houses in many suburbs for people with ongoing support needs. Two of these, Ellison House and Brightwater Cannington are special places for people living with Huntington’s disease.
At Brightwater Marangaroo, there is assistance for younger people whose lives are so complex they spend long periods in hospital, to get back on their feet, and strike out on their own. For others with high care needs, Marangaroo is their home.
Other things we do
While the reason we exist is to care about and for people who live with challenges, we also do other things.
Kingsway Court is a retirement community of happy and energetic people. This friendly environment has a very supportive relationship with Brightwater Madeley, a co-located aged care facility in Madeley.
Brightwater Linen is a very large laundry at Malaga, servicing hospitals and care services, hotels, and mining sites throughout Western Australia. With over 120 clients, Brightwater Linen processes just over 1 million items per month and is still growing.
Also at Malaga is Brightwater Catering, a production kitchen which prepares and delivers more than 3000 meals per day both to our residents and to other service and retail customers.
Our People
We have over 1900 staff members who are skilful and dedicated; they love their work, and are proud members of this extraordinary organisation. Whether working in one of our homes, our administration office, or out in the community each and everyone one is essential to the wellbeing of the organisation.
Volunteers are wonderful people who bring special skills, enthusiasm and empathy. They ‘fill the gaps’ and give the ‘extras’ that make all the difference to people’s lives – along with staff, they are the everyday reminder that it is people who matter the most.
