Started with Auscare Support:

March 2024

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator, I work with Participants to navigate the NDIS, empower them to build capacity by engaging service providers and assist them to achieve their goals.

Unique skills:

I am patient, empathetic and have an eye for detail. I strive to connect with each Participant by listening to what they want to achieve and empower them to make informed decisions. I am a critical thinker and creatively solve problems to addressing barriers to accessing services.

Previous experience:

After completing a Bachelor of Policing and Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), I worked for the NSW Police Force for ten years in a range of roles including intelligence coordination for Counter Terrorism and project lead for Hate Crime. More recently I’ve worked as an Operations Manager in the allied health services sector, advocating for quality supports and ensuring compliance with the NDIS. My unique work experience has allowed me to gain a robust understanding of how people living with disabilities are impacted by the criminal justice system, care agencies, the local community and their families.

Other interesting roles:

I have a passion for being involved in the community and have been volunteering with the Rural Fire Service in NSW, which has led me to form connections with a range of people coming together to give back to the community and built my resilience in dealing with challenging situations.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Auscare’s passion for empowering and innovating support for individuals shines through in every employee and their genuine care for their work. The ability to have independence and flexibility is also great for work/life balance.

Life outside: 

My family are very much outdoor people! Any spare time I have with my husband, two children and our long-haired chihuahua is spent in nature. Fishing, snorkeling, four-wheel driving, and hiking are our favourite activities.

To sum me up:

I am a compassionate, adaptable, and curious soul, with a thirst for knowledge and have a knack for finding solutions in every situation.

Started with Auscare Support:

September 2023

What I do:

As a support coordinator, I strive to achieve the best possible outcome for each need in a timely matter. I will work with you and your support network to help you link into services that will help you achieve your goals. I’m happy to support participants remotely from homean d I can support participants face-to-face in the local community. I work with a participant to decide on the best possible approach and what works for them.

Unique skills:

I have the ability to always see a positive in every need and situation. I am very task-driven and strive to complete tasks in a timely fashion. I’m passionate about listening to each individual and getting to know each participant individually.

Previous experience:

I previously worked with the Department of Community and Justice by supporting out-of-home care children for the past 14 years which has led me to want to expand into supporting all aged participants who are on the NDIS with their capacity building and navigating the complex system of the NDIS.

Other interesting roles:

Other than working with the Department of Community and Justice, I have completed my diploma in community services that has helped me understand the best way to support the community by teaching me how to take a person-centered and holistic approach. I have lived experience of disability and navigating the NDIS.

What’s Auscare Support like?

I love working with Auscare as they have created a safe learning and working space, they have been very supportive and take a team approach. I like the flexibility of working from home it gives me the chance to have a good work/life balance.

Life outside: 

I have 5 children, 1 grandchild, and 3 cattle dogs. I love to garden, swim, and go for walks in the local community. I like to catch up with family and friends regularly for coffee.

To sum me up:

Kind and empathetic, non-judgemental, task-driven, and up for a chat.

Started with Auscare Support:

June 2022

What I do:

I am a support coordinator, it’s my job to make sure that a participant’s needs are being met and their services are delivered according to their plan. 

Unique skills:

I lived in the USA for 28 years and have a good sense of humour.   

Previous experience:  

I started my nursing training in 1974 and have worked in the medical and healthcare industry since then. I am also a disability and aged care trainer.  

Other interesting roles:

I volunteer with the Australian Red Cross in emergency services on the local Mornington Peninsula team and in logistics in the Emergency Operations Centre. I also raise Guide Dog puppies for Guide Dogs Victoria.  I have a brand–new granddaughter. 

What is Auscare Support like: 

I like that everyone is accountable and the support from other departments is great. 

Life outside:

My kids, my granddaughter, AFL (go Lions). 

To sum me up:
My son says that I always try to help but sometimes help too much! 

Started with Auscare Support:

April 2021

What I do:

I connect my clients with the services that will help them to achieve their goals and aspirations. This includes support workers, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, day programs, short-term accommodation, group activities and supported independent living. 

Unique skills: 

I think one of my best qualities in this role is being adaptive and forward thinking.  My outlook is to always be positive and find something good out of every situation. 

Previous experience:  

I moved to the Gold Coast in 2018 from Tasmania to set up Disability Employment Offices across the Gold Coast and Tweed Regions. Finding employment opportunities for people with disabilities has been a long-term and strong passion that has helped improve and change people’s lives. 

What is Auscare Support Like:

Auscare Support offers me flexibility to enjoy my lifestyle and to do things I love. I can then also help others to achieve the things they dream of. It’s great to be with a supportive company with expert knowledge to help with any tricky situation.

Life outside:

I love the Gold Coast weather and enjoy exploring new places and trails, fishing and travel. I also enjoy painting, being creative and spending quiet times at home with family. 

To sum me up:

I like to be responsive to my participants and to get things done. 

Started with Auscare Support:

May 2023

What I do:

I am a Support Coordinator for Auscare and help NDIS participants build their independence and work towards achieving their goals. This is done through working with and connecting participants with supports and services who can help them with their goals.

Unique skills:

I have worked with participants from a vast variety of backgrounds circumstances and am able to build trusting professional relationships with both participants and providers.

Previous experience: 

I have worked in community services for 8 years including support coordination, public housing and mental health. This experience has helped me see the many challenges that people face day to day and has helped me build my empathy so that I can support people with compassion and dignity.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Working with Auscare has been very supportive.

Life outside:

I enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family.

To sum me up:

I like to make life fun.

Started with Auscare Support:

November 2021

What I do:

I help support participants in understanding and utilizing their NDIS plan through helping to identify and arrange suitable supports, building their capacity and helping them to achieve their goals.

Unique skills:

Communication is vital in dealing with all relevant parties and being able to arrange and organise suitable supports for the NDIS participant. I have strong knowledge of the NDIS and relevant community supports involved with the NDIS.

Previous experience:

I have worked as a delegate/planner/LAC/plan manager and previously with disability employment support, and housing, so I have a wide array of skills and knowledge that I can use in my role. I don’t know any other support coordinators that have the same breadth of experience, or unique journey, that I have had. 

Other interesting roles:

I have worked at Southern Cross University, and a range of administrative roles. I have a background in human resources, after completing a degree in health services management, and post-graduate certificate in human resource management.

What’s Auscare Support like?

Auscare Support has amazing people, and I love working with them. There is a great variety of people with different skills and backgrounds, and we all work together to provide the best support possible.

Life outside: 

My wife and son live on a property in northern NSW and we have beef cattle and chickens. I love working with animals just as much as people. I have written a self-help book with my wide array of previous employment and enjoying writing and reading in any spare time that I have.

To sum me up:

I am hard-working and dedicated in helping others in a kind and friendly way. I love my family, friends and creating a more positive future for others.

What I do:

I support NDIS participants to understand and use their plan to achieve their goals. I take a person-centred approach to support participants to understand their plan, have choice and control, and use their NDIS plan effectively. I help connect participants to providers, mainstream and community supports and provide support for plan reviews.

Unique skills:

I have a Bachelor of Education and Master of Public Health (health promotion and research). I also have life experience as a sibling, aunty and parent of an adult daughter with a disability. My experience with the education, health and disability sectors combined with life experience strengthens my skills as a support coordinator.

Previous experience:

I have previous experience working as a local area coordinator (LAC). I have also worked with children, their families and carers in a variety of roles in the education and early childhood sector. My previous experience has allowed me to understand the uniqueness and
complexity of individuals and their supports and how best to support them. I use an individualised, strengths-based approach combined with strong interpersonal skills to help support clients achieve their goals.

Other interesting roles:

I have operated my own small business, worked as an English as a second language teacher, volunteered as a Primary Ethics teacher and even worked as a dental assistant.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

Auscare Support is professional, responsive and provides a unique individualised and person-centred service. Auscare Support understands the needs of their clients and provides professional support and training so that the best outcomes are achieved for everyone.

Life outside:

I enjoy music, art, travel, coffee, studying, spending time with my family and going for walks with my dog.

To sum me up:

I am curious, dedicated, ethically driven, a life-long learner and appreciate the small things in
life.

Started with Auscare Support:

February 2021

What I do:

I assist participants with maximising the usage of their NDIS plans and funding to achieve their goals and support them in building capacity and skills.

Unique skills:

Positive influence and thinking outside the box. I bring creativity and imagination to overcoming challenges my clients face.

Previous experience:

I have done support work, worked with CALD communities, have been in disability service provider management as well as a psychology therapy assistant.

Other interesting roles:

I have a unique and varied past, which includes: photographer, chef, aircraft interior designer, florist, motor trimmer and executive assistant.

What’s Auscare Support like?

It’s a flexible, autonomous and supportive organisation.

Life outside:

I enjoy photography, swimming, hiking, cooking and art.

To sum me up:

I can adapt to any situation and thrive in a fluctuating environment. I transform unexpected obstacles into stepping stones for achievements.

Started with Auscare Support:

January 2020

What I do:
My role is to support clients with understanding and implementing their NDIS Plan as well as help determine their support, therapy or care requirements. I prioritise capacity building, with an emphasis on choice and control.

Unique skills:
I’m a parent of a child with a disability so I am able to relate as a Carer as well as Support Coordinator in my role. The opportunity to make a difference and play a part in achieving positive outcomes for my clients is the most rewarding part of my role as a Support Coordinator.

Previous experience:  

I started my career in the disability sector eight years ago. I have experience working as a Support Worker, a Teacher’s Aide and as an Office Manager in a School for Specific Purposes.

Other interesting roles:

My son has Muscular Dystrophy and uses an electric wheelchair for mobility. I am the Junior Coordinator of Wheelchair Soccer. I help to establish junior teams in the NSW Powerchair Football competition so that my son, and other young people with a disability, can participate.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

As a parent who has a child with a disability, the flexibility to schedule my own work hours is so important. It ensures that my clients receive the highest level of service whilst my son receives all of the care he needs.

Life outside:

I enjoy swimming and paddle boarding.

To sum me up:
I am very family focused, diligent, loyal and passionate about supporting others.

Started with Auscare Support:

September 2020

What I do:

I establish links between participants and service providers, resolve complex issues, engage in higher level inter-agency liaison for complex cases as well as project research.

Unique skills:

I have the ability to conceptualise a variety of solutions to achieve the best outcome for my clients. I have an in depth knowledge of local service providers and an extensive network within the Shoalhaven disability and community welfare sectors. This ensures that my clients connect with the service providers best suited to meet their needs.

Previous experience:

I’ve been an out-of-home care caseworker; a disability group home manager; a disability caseworker; strategic policy developer and business owner. Did I mention multitasking mum?

Other interesting roles:

I am a lead trail rider at a recreational horse riding ranch!

What’s Auscare Support like?

I receive amazing support from my Plan Managers and Support Coordination coach. Can’t praise them enough. They are smart, responsive and knowledgeable.

Life outside:

I like to go to the gym and research health and nutrition.

To sum me up:

I will always put a different spin on a situation and offer a perspective that you had not previously been aware of.

Started with Auscare Support:

April 2022

What I do:
My role supports NDIS participants in understanding their plan and the complexities of the NDIS.  By using my in-depth knowledge, I connect participants to providers that understand their needs so they can achieve their goals. I also help participants to connect with community and mainstream supports and prepare for NDIS plan reviews.

Unique skills:

I have a Bachelor of Science (Cognitive and Brain Sciences), with a specific interest in neuropsychology. I also am a person with a physical disability and have first-hand experience in navigating the health system. I believe that my experiences in navigating the complexities of the NDIS and engaging and managing agreements with providers, allows me to empower participants to develop their own knowledge and capacity to engage with their providers and the NDIS.

Previous experience:

I have experience as a local area coordinator and am well connected to communities in Western Sydney and the Illawarra. I want to ensure every person understands their plan and is connected to supports, so that they can use their plan as intended.

Other interesting roles:

I have worked as a violin teacher, sleep technician and dental practice manager. They have allowed me to develop my skills in building rapport, communicating with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as the ability to think on my feet and creatively produce solutions that help the people I work with.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

I have valued the level of training and support provided at Auscare Support. I believe that they are unique in that they don’t require us to have KPIs, and instead I am able to provide my participants with the time that they need to understand and implement their plan.

Life outside:

I am a keen volunteer and love to travel. I have been to 29 countries and enjoy savouring the experiences and customs of different cultures.

To sum me up:

I am passionate about social inclusion and human rights, and as an optimist I see the bright side in every situation.

Started with Auscare Support: July 2020

What I do:

My greatest joy is connecting with people. I help clients to build confidence and skill in their daily life to help them to reach their goals. I love to assist others and make the most of the opportunities available in their community.

Unique skills:

I have an ability to know where things need to go and see opportunities.

Previous experience:

I have a really mixed and varied variety of roles that have given me a broad life experience. I worked for 13 years as a Support Worker before joining the Auscare Support Coordination team. I have seen first hand some of the challenges that participants face in their daily life. I reflect on these experiences when considering support solutions for my clients.

Other interesting roles:

I have conducted yoga classes and have experience with various counselling modalities.

What’s Auscare Support like?

I think it’s a good company and progressive.

Life outside:

I like to be with friends or relax in the sun – clean my house or garden – I don’t mind. I value having some spare time though because my life is pretty full.

To sum me up:

I’m warm, astute and caring.

Started with Auscare Support:

April 2021

What I do:

I offer individualised and person-centred support to my clients. I love to help them build capacity, and support them to exercise choice and control as I assist them with achieving their goals.

Unique skills:

I think outside of the box. I am compassionate and a great listener.

Previous experience: 

I worked as a disability advocate for a well-known organisation in the sector. It was a rewarding role and I was able to help many people with a disability to overcome challenges they were facing. I helped people to navigate their support networks, advocate for their individual rights, develop their self-advocacy skills and promote cultural awareness.

I am a proud Kamilaroi woman and the mum of a beautiful daughter with autism. When my daughter finished school, I found there were many gaps in supporting children transition to young adults and I wanted to be involved in helping to close those gaps.

Other interesting roles:

I have also worked as a credit analyst.

What’s Auscare Support like?:

Auscare is focused on assisting NDIS participants to achieve their goals and the organisation is  raising the standards in disability care. Working with Auscare Support empowers me to make a difference in my local community. Working with Auscare Support also provides me with excellent work/life balance.

Life Outside

I enjoy oil painting, horse riding, camping and 4WD driving.

To sum me up:

I am a mother, a fierce advocate and a great friend. I am professional, hardworking, reliable, and results driven. I get things done!

Started with Auscare Support:

September 2022

What I do:

As a Support Coordinator for Auscare I am an advocate of self-management and direction with a passion for empowering people with disability to take control. I help participants understand and implement their plans, help them build capacity to live a good life.

Unique skills:

My skills in leadership and mentoring, my personal passion for helping people and making them feel safe and cared for were certainly easily transferred over into the disability sector and the role of a Support Coordinator.

Previous experience:

I have two decades of experience in front-line emergency health and front-line health management as a Paramedic. My last 10 years of service have been in senior leadership roles, where I have supervised and mentored teams of up to 100 members

Other interesting roles:

I have been a valued consumer council member and strong advocate for stroke with the National Stroke Foundation after suffering a stroke myself at a young age. I have spoken and presented my own case study at many stroke conferences held all over Australia

What’s Auscare Support like:

Auscare gives me the flexibility to ensure that I have a great balance of work and life.  My schedules are more flexible and this enables me to give 110% into my role as support coordinator.

Life outside:

I enjoy the gym, spending quality time with my family and friends and getting out in the sunshine for my vitamin D!.

To sum me up:

I bring a grounded approach to all I do and are dedicated to fostering good health and well-being on all levels.