Over the last decade, estara has delivered more than five million hours of care, empowering individuals with spinal cord injury and other disabilities in South Australia to live enriching lives.

From in-home community support and specialised disability support to social related programs, estara’s diversity allows guidance at every stage of an individual’s journey. 

Originally known as Paraquad SA and HomeCare+, the benevolent organisation has brought both brands together under the one unified brand.

“estara will allow a more holistic approach in how we influence effective change and strive to remove barriers to good living, upholding the rights of people living with disability,” said estara CEO Peter Stewart.

CEO for more than 10 years, Stewart is well versed in the needs of the disability sector, as a former specialist spinal nurse and academic.

He observed how the sector has shifted in recent years and how estara will continue to advocate for those who become impacted by spinal cord injury.

“Spinal cord injury can happen to anyone at any age, and research tells us that the incidence of injury resulting from falls continues to rise, with over one third of traumatic spinal cord injury cases attributed to a fall of some kind. At the same time, injury due to motor vehicle accidents remains prevalent,” he said.

“Building a range of supports for people following the incidence of spinal cord injury is critical, this not only includes in home support but also social inclusion.

“We often work with hospitals, councils and organisations to fund the delivery of equipment and aids that improve access to social activities, events and vocational training.”

One such community initiative, which estara collaborated on with the City of Holdfast Bay, is the recently funded 30-metre-long beach mat and beach chairs for public use at Glenelg, giving people with spinal cord injuries or mobility issues the opportunity to access the beach.

There are people who have not been onto the beach for over 20 years due to lack of access for people with impaired mobility; this equipment helps remove these barriers.

Molly Bycroft, a wheelchair user of 17 years, explained the profound impact community facilities such as the beach mats deliver to those with spinal cord injury and other disabilities.

“The introduction of beach mats has not only facilitated my return to the beach but has also allowed me to be present during precious moments with my family and cherish my love of being in the outdoors,” Bycroft said.

“Community facilities such as these also increases awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities when it comes to accessing public spaces.

“It serves as a reminder for businesses and communities to be mindful of accessibility when designing and constructing public places.”

estara’s new therapy rooms in Dulwich

A recent quarter million-dollar investment at estara’s Dulwich site also provides multi-disciplinary onsite support that complements its existing range of individualised and in-home services.

The facilities include two new therapy rooms and a kitchen that has been constructed to facilitate therapy and training for people living with disabilities with features such as height adjustable benches, cabinets, accessible appliances and movable shelving.

Stewart explained how the recent developments are just one example of estara’s commitment to improving the lives for people with spinal cord injuries and the broader disability community.

“The new spaces coupled with our existing education, grant and recreational supports help to promote independence and diminish isolation for people with disabilities,” he said.

estara’s services are far reaching, with a 700 strong work force that extends to regional locations including, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Kadina and Berri.

The organisation’s commitment to the South Australian disability sector strives to provide a sustainable future network of support for people with spinal cord injury and other disabilities so they can confidently regain independence and fulfil their potential.

Follow estara’s journey at estara.com.au