Company history

Possability has been providing services to people with disability for 30 years.

Possability began operating in Hobart, Tasmania in 1989, as a voluntary, non-government organisation, then known as Euphrasia and led by a group of nuns. The organisation brought a new approach to support clients to have socially valued roles to help them achieve ‘a good life.’ Services initially included two group homes, a transition house and the oversight of six independent units.

In 1997, Euphrasia merged with Tyenna Wholistic Health Inc. which provided supported accommodation in the community to people who had previously lived in institutional care in Willow Court, New Norfolk. The merged entity was called, Optia Incorporated. By this stage the organisation was a fully professional not for profit organisation, not aligned with a religious organisation.

Over the following decades, services expanded across Tasmania as the State Government transferred services to the community sector. The suite of services also grew to include Intensive Support Services, Children’s Respite and Adult’s Respite.

Since the introduction of the NDIS in July 2013, we have continued to grow services across Tasmania, responding to individual and community needs. We have also partnered with other organisations and companies to develop much needed affordable and accessible accommodation.

In 2015, we converted from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee and following comprehensive research and consultation with clients, families, employees and other stakeholders, the Board determined to change our name from Optia to Possability. This new name encapsulates our focus on individuals’ strengths and abilities, and the desire to inspire people to realise their potential.

In 2016, we merged with OAK Tasmania to become Tasmania’s largest disability services organisation. Our other branch of the organisation, Oakdale Enterprises is Tasmania’s biggest provider of supported employment.

In 2018, we commenced services in Victoria for claimants of the Transport Accidents Commission in Frankston and Lilydale. In 2019, we welcomed more than 300 Participants and close to 500 DHHS employees to Possability as part of the Victorian Government’s Disability Services Transfer.  Possability now provides services in the Grampians, Loddon and suburbs on Melbourne’s western outskirts.