Maddie’s diverse experience supporting young people, combined with her passion for education, has shaped her into a dedicated and thoughtful Disability Support Worker within our National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Services team.

Maddie grew up on a sheep, cattle and crop farm in Collie alongside her seven siblings, before moving to Dubbo when she was 16 to complete her high school education.

After graduating, Maddie explored a variety of pathways that would allow her to work with and support young people. This journey led her to roles in early childhood education, before enrolling in a Bachelor of Primary Teaching degree, a which she is currently working towards. 

Throughout her experiences, Maddie recognised the importance of understanding people from all walks of life in order to best support the students and young people she would work with throughout her career. 

When the opportunity arose to work in the Disability Support sector, Maddie saw it as a chance to connect with people with disability, while learning effective strategies to help them build confidence, independence and reach their full potential. 

Bamara’s strong focus on First Nations peoples further inspired Maddie to strengthen her allyship with First Nations communities, both in her personal life and throughout her career working with young people.  

In January 2024, Maddie joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Services team as a Disability Support Worker.  

Today, most of her time is spent supporting participants in the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, where she mentors young people to improve their skills and celebrates their achievements every step of the way. 

Whether it’s a day at the saleyards, a morning in the cafe, or attending TAFE to support their training goals, Maddie shows up each day for her participants, ensuring they have the support and encouragement they need to reach and exceed their goals.  

“I walk out every day with a smile on my face because I feel I’m doing something good for them. I feel really proud,” Maddie said. 

Maddie prioritises building strong rapport and camaraderie with participants through social nights and activities at the Hub to help create a safe, supportive environment where participants feel comfortable seeking guidance when their SLES journey feels overwhelming or challenging. 

“I really value the rapport I build with the participants in a safe and secure environment. SLES and work experience can be a bit scary, and in their position, I would have loved to have someone there to show me the ropes,” Maddie said.  

For Maddie, every day at the Hub is its own reward, looking around the Hub and seeing all of those smiling faces, and the blooming pride the participants have in themselves, especially when hitting milestones in their own personal journeys.  

“They make me so happy, I just love my job. I show up each day ready to be their biggest supporter and cheer them on loudly. I want them to be the happiest they can be,” Maddie said.  

While Maddie continues to work towards her long-term goal of achieving her Bachelor’s degree in Primary Teaching and starting her career as a teacher, she remains deeply committed to supporting her SLES participants, championing their growth, celebrating their successes, and helping them build confidence for the future. 

Connect with our NDIS Disability Support Services team  

Bamara is a registered provider of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We have an experienced local team, who know the area, and will strive to assist you in reaching your goals, whether they are big or small.  

Learn more about which of our services and programs might be a good fit for your lifestyle.