History of supportLink Australia / IT / International

supportLink began as an early intervention program in 1997 within the southern suburbs of Canberra, Australia. The initiative was conceived, designed and implemented voluntarily by our founding director Mr Tony Campbell with the assistance of dedicated staff.

supportLink was designed to provide a referral mechanism between Police and Social Support services that increased the opportunity of individuals and families in need to receive appropriate and proactive support.

By 2003 supportLink had moved to a patented e-based Service. This Service spread across various Police districts of Canberra at the request of Police stations. At this time supportLink signed its first commercial agreement with the Australian Federal Police to deliver the referral system across all operational sections of Police within the Australian Capital Territory.

In 2006 the owners of supportLink (a Canberra based organisation) sought interest from parties to purchase the (supportLink) Service. The existing staff purchased supportLink has created three companies, supportLink Australia Ltd (Charity) to manage grant funded programs, supportLink IT Pty Ltd (Commercial) to operate commercial ventures and supportLink International to service additional countries.

The three companies share the same name and desire in assisting the community. supportLink IT Pty Ltd continues to support the charitable work of supportLink Australia. supportLink Australia also works directly with Ambulance and Police Services, in particular in the area of crime prevention and trauma support surrounding suicides and motor vehicle fatalities.

In 2008 the eReferral Service won the best use of software in Australia in the Australian ICT awards.

By 2009 interest was being received from Police jurisdictions across Australia and internationally.

In 2010 formal trials began with the Queensland Police Service and the Victorian Police Service.

supportLink is currently in pre trial discussions with other Police Services and is seeking to establish a single national eReferral Service across Australia and beyond.