David studied and worked overseas in the field of disabilities and in 1991, following his return to Australia he founded the Compass Institute. Initially, Compass provided Alternative Education programs to youth at-risk, with over seven thousand school children benefitting from their involvement. In 2003 these programs were offered to support young people with intellectual and physical disabilities when they completed their secondary education.
Currently our 100+ staff support over 180 Trainees (people with disabilities) via 6 Campuses and a range of Compass-built social enterprises, from Caboolture through to Gympie.
Compass’s social enterprises include a fully functional farm, multiple cafes, a retail outlet, a commercial kitchen, trades skills training and much more – all offering life-changing opportunities for young people with disabilities.
Compass officially commenced in 1991, but its origin story began many years earlier in a quiet suburb in 1960’s Brisbane. It’s the story of two boys, David and Geoffrey.
Encouraged by his family, David made friends with a young boy in the neighbourhood named Geoffrey. Geoffrey had been born with cerebral palsy and an intellectual impairment. He wore braces on both legs, had one malformed arm and struggled with his speech. He was left out by the neighbourhood children and even bullied by some.
David was captain of his Rugby League team, an athlete and a capable student. Above all else, he had been brought up to value fairness, which influenced him to become somewhat of a protector to Geoffrey. The two boys spent a great deal of time together walking to and from school, playing in the park and doing whatever young boys do! Over time, David realised that Geoffrey never judged him, he was always kind, he was incredibly grateful for every little thing… and he even laughed at all of his jokes!
David learned that while he accepted Geoffrey exactly as he was, Geoffrey also completely accepted him as he was. This was a striking realisation and one that would go on to shape David’s life.
Along the way, Compass has won numerous awards including Hall of Fame inductee in the Sunshine Coast Business Awards and was runner up in the Queensland Community Organisation of the Year. At Compass, we believe in the extraordinary potential of human beings and are driven to create a world where EVERYONE can have the opportunity to create the life of their choice.
