From 1967 to today: honouring New Horizons’ 58-year commitment to International Day of People with Disability

“Today, on the International Day of People with Disability, we are reminded that an inclusive society is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic and social necessity. This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” challenges us all to build communities where every person can contribute, participate, and thrive. At New Horizons, this commitment is woven into the fabric of who we are, and who we have been for more than five decades. 

New Horizons’ journey started more than 55 years ago at a petrol station in North Ryde, born from a groundbreaking partnership with BP Australia. At that time, opportunities for people with disability, particularly in employment, were extremely limited. But BP saw potential where society often did not, and together we created an innovative workplace that provided meaningful roles, dignity, and a sense of purpose. 

You can get a glimpse of the BP/New Horizons origin story below:

What began as a small initiative has become an organisation supporting thousands of people every year. That early vision of believing in the abilities, goals, and rights of people with disability remains the heart of everything we do. 

Our disability employment enterprises, Packable and Wellbees, continue this legacy today. These businesses are more than workplaces; they are communities of belonging and social progress. They demonstrate what becomes possible when organisations invest not only in productivity, but in people. 

  • Packable provides supported employment in packaging and fulfillment services, empowering employees to build skills, confidence, and independence while delivering high-quality outcomes for commercial clients. 
  • Wellbees creates opportunities for people with disability through creating and assembling high-quality bee frames for small-scale hobbyists and commercial beekeepers.  

These social enterprises prove that inclusive employment is smart, sustainable, and impactful. They show other Australian organisations what the future of work can look like when diversity is embraced. When people with disability access good jobs, education, housing, and community life, social cohesion strengthens, economies grow, and barriers fall for future generations.  

At New Horizons, we see every day that: 

  • Social progress accelerates when people with disability are leaders, creators, workers, and community members, not just recipients of support. 
  • Inclusion improves wellbeing not only for individuals, but for families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. 
  • True progress happens when we move from “for” people with disability to “with” people with disability. 

As we reflect on this important day, I invite business leaders, policymakers, and community organisations to think boldly about how they can contribute to a more inclusive Australia. Ask: Who is missing from the table? Whose voices need to be heard? What barriers still exist, and how can we remove them together? 

At New Horizons, we will continue to push forward, to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose. We remain committed to supporting people with disability to live life on their terms and to advocating for a society where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. 

Our history shows what is possible: a single partnership 55 years ago helped seed a movement that has empowered thousands. Imagine what the next 55 years could hold if more organisations made a similar commitment.”


– Luke Buckley, CEO

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