With her beaming smile and bubbly demeanour, Kate has the power to light up the room and lift people’s spirits from the moment she walks through the doors. 

A familiar face at the Dubbo Disability Hub since 2022, Kate has only grown brighter and more confident with each passing day. 

Kate is a clever and creative young woman living with an intellectual disability, and a loving aunty to many nieces and nephews. For her peers at the Hub, she is a natural mentor, always happy to lend a helping hand with a smile on her face. 

Her days at the Hub are filled with friendship, arts and crafts, and steadily building her skills and independence through the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program. 

From the beginning, Kate carried a spark of ambition. Her Support Workers recognised this immediately and worked to nurture her goals and help her chase her dreams, no matter how big or small.

Most recently, she’s realised her passion in making a difference in the lives of young children, an interest inspired by the joy she finds in spending time with her own nieces and nephews, and her mother who works as a school principal.

Prior to trying her hand at Early Childhood, she explored volunteering options in other areas she was interested in and pursued a TAFE course in hospitality.

These experiences gave her a clearer outlook on what she truly wanted to pursue, as well as helping her build her skills in customer service, teamwork, problem solving, and more.

Additionally, she would take initiative at the Hub with morning teas and BBQ lunches, helping set up and serving up delicious food for all.

With the help of our team, she was supported into work placement at a local childcare centre two days a week.

Despite her excitement, Kate felt the weight of nerves as she approached this new journey – but the team had faith in her and did all they could to help her have faith in herself as well.

Our team were there for Kate every step of the way to provide reassurance and encourage her to take initiative, ask questions, and more than anything else, to not give up.

Since her first time doing work placement in April, her confidence has soared, and the growth she has shown in this time has been something to behold.

The children she works with have affectionately dubbed her “Miss Kate,” and she has quickly become a valued and adored presence in their daily routines.

Whether she’s helping with morning tea, reading stories, or helping create and play fun games, she is making a meaningful difference while continuing to develop her skills, independence, and sense of purpose.

“The kids love her when they see her walk in. She knows all of their names. We’re so proud to see how much Kate has blossomed,” Kendall said.

The joy she brings each day is matched only by the pride she feels in the role she’s growing into.

“My favourite part about work placement in early childhood is seeing the children thrive and knowing I’m making a difference,” Kate said.

For Kate, we know this is only the beginning.

In her time at the Hub, she continues to nurture her own passion in early childhood education by writing her own children’s books.

Her path forward is bright, and we can’t wait to see where her talent, compassion, and courage take her next.

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.