Our history
Knoxbrooke has been proudly operating for almost six decades. Over that time, our services have evolved and changed, but one thing has always remained at the core of what we do – supporting people to live their lives in the ways they choose.
Today, we are a not-for-profit organisation that provides employment, development and support services for people with disability across Outer East Melbourne and Gippsland.
We run four successful Social Enterprises that provide Supported Employment opportunities, and a variety of short courses and programs designed to build skills, confidence and capability.
Our evolution over time
23 July, 1969
Official opening
After years of planning and building, Knoxbrooke officially opened it’s doors. Check out this excerpt from our very first annual report!
1969 - 1991
Knoxbrooke School
Knoxbrooke ran a school for children with disability. In 1991, after thorough consultation, it was handed over to the Department of Education.
1993
The Nursery begins!
Knoxbrooke Nursery began in The Patch on 5 acres of land, along with Knoxbrooke Mowing and Gardening services.
2000
York Road
Knoxbrooke purchased the York Road nursery site it still holds today.
2010s
A focus on employment + enterprise
Knoxbrooke becomes a multi-division social enterprise, expanding core businesses and increasing supported employment opportunities, including:
- Knoxbrooke Industries (packaging and manufacturing)
- Yarra View Nursery (wholesale horticulture)
- Retail garden centre and maintenance services
2017
Choice, outcomes and independence
- A large packaging facility was opened under the name Knoxbrooke Pack + Assemble (formally Outsource).
- Our School Leaver Program (formally Achieve) was started for young adults who were finished with school and ready for something new.
- Knoxbrooke also began to provide 1:1 in-home and community support 365 days of the year.
2019
Nursery expansion
Knoxbrooke closed down its Ferntree Gully site and the traditional day service that operated there and expanded the nursery to incorporate Bushland Flora.
2020
Expanding into Warragul
In 2020, Knoxbrooke acquired what was previously known as Mawarra in Warragul.
Mawarra had been operating in the West Gippsland region since 1959.
It had a strong history of social enterprise, operating a timber production, packaging and assembly and a Gardening Service (now known as Knoxbrooke Garden).
2022
Vintage Vibes created
In addition to the small secondhand retail space inherited from Mawarra, a secondary upcycle retail initiative opened.
2023
Knoxbrooke Coffee opens
Knoxbrooke opened it’s first cafe ‘Coffee Vibes’ located in the West Gippsland Arts Centre, in partnership with the Baw Baw Shire Council.
Now named ‘Knoxbrooke Coffee’, it’s all about great coffee, food and service.
