Indigo began more than 45 years ago as the Independent Living Centre WA (ILC).
Renamed, restructured and rebranded to Indigo in 2020, we continue the legacy of our beloved founder, Freda Jacob, to continue creating a community in which all abilities are valued, where people have the knowledge, tools and confidence to participate. Read more about our vision and values.
In 1981 Freda was the first occupational therapist in WA to receive the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her service to the occupational therapy profession and community. In 2012 Freda was inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame. Sadly, Freda passed away aged 97 in May 2017. Freda dedicated her long, productive life to the community and spread her zest for life and championed her causes to reach many people in Western Australia, Australia and internationally.
Freda Jacobs
Founder of the Independent Living Centre
In 1970, I went to a World Federation Occupational Therapy meeting in Switzerland and listened to this talk about how good it would be if every nation could have an independent living centre.Well, to me, I could see it. I could see that we could really get it underway.
Indigo has expanded and grown during its more than 40-year lifespan and is managed by an effective Board of Management. In early 2019, the Board determined the organisation required significant change and restructuring in order to evolve with the Commonwealth’s scheduled changes to the aged care and disability sectors and to remain responsive to customers’ needs and expectations.
In 2020 a separate, new assessment organisation was established; Independent Living Assessment which focuses on supporting people through assessment, navigation and sector capacity-building initiatives.
It is our aim that under this revised business structure we honour our founder Freda Jacob’s tenacity, dedication and commitment to improving people’s well-being and independence.
