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Share in the inspiring stories of amazing individuals and dedicated support teams who work together every day to empower potential.

Experience the joy of learning about community news from across Australia, where diverse stories highlight the resilience and spirit of our people.

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The Unsung Heroes of the East Coast: NSW/QLD Care Coordinators at ITEC Health

Did you know that ITEC Health’s team of Care Coordinators work tirelessly across nearly half the East Coast of Australia? From the vibrant community of Thursday Island in the north to the picturesque Newcastle region in the south, this remarkable group of individuals is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of NDIS participants.

Their mission? To empower people to build capacity, achieve their goals, and live their best lives.

As the year draws to a close, we’ve taken a moment to reflect on the incredible impact of our Care Coordinators.

Through their compassion and unwavering support, they have helped participants overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and create inspiring stories of transformation. Here are just a few of the stories of our participants over the past year.

A Heartwarming Rescue in Charlestown

In Charlestown, a kind-hearted participant with a passion for helping stray cats found himself overwhelmed by his rescue efforts. The situation became too much to manage on his own, but with the help of our dedicated Care Coordinators and a local rescue group, a solution was found. Together, they rehomed a stray cat and her kittens, ensuring a brighter future for the animals. With a lighter load and newfound connections in the community, the participant has reclaimed time for himself and rediscovered joy in his passion.

Building Confidence in Brisbane

For a young man in Brisbane, life once revolved around gaming. He rarely ventured outside his comfort zone—until he began receiving consistent support from an ITEC Health Care Coordinator. With each small step, his confidence grew. Today, he’s living more independently, engaging with others, and even holding a driver’s license—a major milestone in his journey. Now exploring part-time work opportunities, his story is a testament to the power of encouragement and persistence.

A Memorable Journey in Cairns

In Cairns, another participant faced a challenging life transition when he moved into Supported Independent Living (SIL). With the guidance of his Care Coordinators, he developed vital independent living skills and gained the confidence to plan a special road trip to visit family. The journey was filled with scenic stops, unique activities, and cherished moments, leaving him with stories he loves to share. It was more than a trip—it was a celebration of progress and connection.

Healthier Living in Mackay

In Mackay, one participant’s dream of healthier living is becoming a reality. Previously reliant on takeaway meals, he now plans and prepares nutritious meals with the guidance of ITEC Health’s team. Each meal brings him closer to his goals of improved health, greater independence, and enhanced daily living skills.

Every Story Matters

These are just a few examples of the incredible impact our NSW/QLD Disability Team has on the lives of participants. From small steps to life-changing milestones, their work transforms challenges into achievements and dreams into realities.

If these stories inspire you to join us as a participant—or to make a difference through a rewarding career—why not take the next step?

Or, if it’s a fulfilling career you’re looking to explore, take a look at our current opportunities and begin a role where your work truly changes lives.

Together, we can create more stories of hope, progress, and transformation.

Caring for a Loved One with a Disability at Home?

Discover How to Reduce Burnout and Spend More Quality Time Together!

Caring for a loved one with a disability is both rewarding and challenging, especially when families bear the responsibility alone. The emotional and physical toll this can take on individuals and their families are significant. That’s why Supported Independent Living (SIL) services are designed to ease that burden by providing compassionate, professional care right in the comfort of the home.

With trained professionals handling daily tasks, families can focus on their own well-being and spend more meaningful time with their loved ones, without the added stress of managing everything alone. This support helps reduce the risk of caregiver burnout, offering peace of mind knowing that their loved one is receiving the care they need in a safe and comfortable environment.

Helping to clean in the kitchen participant and carer

Participants playing cards at table at home

Enhancing Family Life

When families are relieved of the full-time demands of caregiving, they can enjoy a better quality of life themselves. SIL services in the home allow families to re-establish balance, fostering healthier relationships. Family members can focus on being companions and loved ones, rather than solely being caregivers, which enhances emotional connections and creates a more positive environment.

The Freedom of Choice

Offering SIL in the home means individuals have greater flexibility and choice over how they live. They can stay in control of their surroundings, retain their privacy, and access the level of support they require without making major lifestyle changes.

For those with disabilities, this is about more than just receiving care—it’s about living with dignity, retaining freedom, and nurturing the ability to make decisions about their own lives, all from the comfort of home.

Carer with participant cooking in the kitchen

Carer with participant in wheel chair at home

SIL in Your Own Home: The Best of Both Worlds

Supported Independent Living in your own home brings together the best of both worlds: the comfort and familiarity of home and the professional care needed to foster independence. It’s an empowering choice that reduces family reliance, promotes autonomy, and helps individuals lead a fulfilling life within the environment they know and love.

For families and individuals looking for a flexible and comfortable care solution, SIL at home offers a supportive option that can bring a lasting positive impact for everyone involved.

Our SIL service expertise includes managing daily tasks, supporting skill development, and fostering a collaborative approach to empower participants. For more information about our range of SIL services, please click here.

If you or a loved one could benefit from our personalised in-home SIL services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

📞0473 508 808 or 1300 004 832 or via email info@itecgroup.com.au.

Empower Your Potential: Personalised Support in the Comfort of Your Own Home!

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is a life-changing service that empowers individuals with disabilities to live more independently while receiving the personalised support in their own home. At ITEC Health, recently awarded Most Outstanding Provider of Community Care in Australia for 2024, we are dedicated to offering SIL services that help individuals reach their goals, from the comfort of their own home.

Key Benefits of SIL in Your Own Home

Freedom and Autonomy
SIL empowers individuals to take control of their daily lives, allowing them to make decisions about how they spend their time, manage their household, and engage with their community. This increased autonomy builds confidence, self-esteem, and a greater sense of personal fulfillment.
Skill Development
At ITEC Health, we prioritise helping participants develop essential life skills that promote independence. From cooking and cleaning to budgeting and navigating public transport, our support workers guide individuals in mastering the skills they need to live independently in their own homes.
Reduced Family Reliance
By transitioning to SIL in-home services, individuals can reduce their dependence on family members for daily support. This not only fosters personal independence but also allows family caregivers to focus on building a more meaningful relationship with their loved ones.
Improved Quality of Life
With increased independence and skill development, participants experience an overall enhancement in their quality of life. Engaging with their communities, pursuing personal interests, and achieving new milestones all contribute to a deeper sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Personalised In-Home Support
ITEC Health provides SIL services that are tailored to each participant's needs and aspirations. We offer customised assistance in their own homes, addressing specific challenges and supporting individual goals to ensure the best outcomes.

Wheelchair Asian Lady with carer comforting touching shoulder

Tailored Support & Planning for Your Unique Needs

At ITEC Health, we recognise that your journey to more independence is unique. With decades of experience, we're here to provide the personalised support and collaborative planning you need to reach your goals. Our team is committed to helping you live more independently while ensuring your journey is guided by care and expertise.

We hope you’ll be moved by the incredible journey of one of our participants who has been with us for 14 years. From being non-verbal to becoming socially active, losing 50kg, and conquering a local walking trail, their transformation is nothing short of amazing.

Read the full story and discover how our SIL services can empower your or a loved ones life: https://itecgroup.com.au/news

For more information about our SIL services visit https://itecgroup.com.au/sil or to review NDIS SIL service supports visit Home and Living supports.

Contact us today to help empower your journey!

Experience more Comfort and Independence with In-Home Supported Independent Living Services!

At ITEC Health, recently awarded Most Outstanding Provider of Community Care in Australia for 2024, we are proud to help individuals maintain their independence and comfort through our in-home Supported Independent Living (SIL) services.

We have many inspiring stories to share, but we want to highlight one about a cherished participant who has been with us for over 14 years. The profound impact that in-home SIL services can have on a person's quality of life is truly life changing.

A Transformative Journey

When our participant was first referred to ITEC Health, they faced significant challenges, including being non-verbal, struggling with social interactions, and severe obesity. Despite these obstacles, it was crucial for the participant to remain in their own home, where they felt safe and secure. Our team recognised that addressing a wide range of complex needs required a tailored and compassionate approach.

We started with simple, achievable goals. One of the first steps was taking short walks with the participant, gradually building stamina and confidence. What began as brief strolls around the block evolved into something extraordinary—the participant eventually conquered a local walking trail! This incredible milestone was a pivotal moment, opening the door to even greater achievements ahead.

A Holistic Approach to Health

In addition to promoting physical activity, our team supported our participant with daily meal planning, helping them make healthier food choices. Over time, the combination of regular exercise and improved nutrition led to a weight loss of over 50kg. This transformation not only enhanced their physical health but also had a positive effect on their overall well-being and confidence.

Breaking Communication Barriers

Initially presenting as non-verbal, the participant's communication abilities were another area that required attention. After we introduced a support worker fluent in Creole, a Torres Strait Islander language, it was identified that the participant was fluent in this language. This breakthrough unlocked a new world for the participant, who began communicating freely and engaging more socially. What was once a barrier to communication has transformed into a powerful gateway for social interaction and personal growth.

The Power of Personalised In-Home Support

This journey is a testament to the power of personalised support and the significant difference it makes when care is tailored to an individual's unique needs in their home. As Lynn, an ITEC Group board member, said, "This is a prime example of how we can tailor services to meet the needs of the individual."

At ITEC Health, we empower our participants' potential within the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Can we assist you or a loved one?

Supported Independent Living in your own home provides the opportunity to lead a more independent and fulfilling life while enjoying the security and comfort of familiar surroundings. Our dedicated and experienced team is committed to helping individuals set and achieve their goals, enhance their health, and foster meaningful connections—customised to their unique needs.

For more information about our SIL services, please visit our website: click here.

If you or a loved one could benefit from our personalised in-home SIL services, don’t hesitate to contact us today 1300 004 832.

Celebrating Matthew & Mark’s Achievement at Inclusive Basketball Event!

It brings us great joy to share the wonderful achievements of our clients, Mathew Lothian and Mark Lynch, who recently participated in the Inclusive Basketball event at Central Oval, Port Augusta. Both Mathew and Mark showed incredible dedication and passion, and their efforts were recognised with “Most Improved” certificates—a testament to their hard work and perseverance.

This achievement is not only a reflection of their determination but also highlights the incredible support they received along the way. A special thank you goes out to our Disability Support Workers Emily Clarke and Trent Ferguson, whose unwavering motivation and guidance played a pivotal role in Mathew and Mark’s achievement. Their encouragement made a world of difference, helping the clients gain confidence and develop their skills on the court.

These moments of growth and celebration remind us of how teamwork empowers potential, inclusion, and community.

Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support, and a huge congratulations to Mathew and Mark—you’ve made us all so proud!

From ITEC Health Team

Empowering Young People: Our Collective Commitment to a Fair Go for Every Child

This week, from September 1st to 7th, we proudly celebrate National Child Protection Week, standing united behind the powerful message: ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.’ This serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to provide every young person with a safe and supportive environment.

As a child-centered young person's service, our ITEC Youth team are dedicated to protecting and empowering vulnerable young people from diverse cultures. Our mission is to place each young person at the heart of all our services and support, embedding practices that create a safe, supportive, and caring environment. This commitment includes new initiatives aimed at encouraging positive engagement, such as evening activities that foster a strong sense of community and belonging.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to creating an environment where young people can explore, grow, hope, and dream. Through our dedicated and collaborative efforts, we’ve helped re-engaged young people with their education, strengthened family connections, and supported their journey toward employment readiness.

We invest in training our team as part of our broader effort to create an environment where every conversation matters and where our young people feel empowered to reach their full potential.

As part of National Child Protection Week, we pledged to ‘Work together with everyone to create a safe space where our young people can explore, grow, hope, and dream.’

We invite you to join us and many other organisations in making a pledge for Youth Week by visiting the NAPCAN website

Together, we can help every child in every community have a fair go!

From everyone at ITEC Youth & ITEC Group

Kirstin & Dallas Shine at the 2024 Enablement Awards!

At ITEC Group, we take immense pride in the dedication, compassion, and care that our team brings to their roles. We are delighted to announce that two of our Care Coordinators, Kirstin Perkins and Dallas Plummer, have been recognised at the esteemed 2024 Enablement Awards. These awards honor excellence in disability housing, care, and services, and both Kirstin and Dallas have exemplified the spirit of these awards through their unwavering commitment to their team and the people they serve.

Kirstin Perkins: Championing Collective Community Care

Kirstin Perkins, whose two separate nominations inspired an exceptional recognition for her ITEC Health team, has had the honor of leading them to be named the Most Outstanding Provider of Community Care in Australia for 2024.

With over 20 years of experience in the disability sector and more than three years with ITEC Health (part of ITEC Group), Kirstin’s contributions have been nothing short of exceptional. Her extensive knowledge, deeply respected by both colleagues and external partners, has been pivotal in crafting innovative approaches to participant engagement. Kirstin’s unwavering focus on empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives, combined with her ability to think creatively and empathetically, truly sets her apart.

Whether she is working directly with participants or leading her team, Kirstin consistently radiates a passion that is both inspiring and contagious. This prestigious award is a fitting recognition of her and her team's unwavering commitment to delivering community care that has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals.

Dallas Plummer: A Rising Star with Unmatched Passion

Dallas Plummer, from ITEC Health Brisbane, has also been named a Provisional Winner in the Disability Services discipline. Dallas’s journey with ITEC began as a Support Worker, and although he is relatively new to the disability sector, his growth into the role of Care Coordinator has been nothing short of impressive. Dallas’s infectious enthusiasm and commitment to his work have earned him the trust and respect of those around him, from external stakeholders to colleagues.

Earlier this year, Dallas received a glowing 5-star rating and a heartfelt recommendation from an external stakeholder for his exceptional support to both clients and team members. His ability to embody our vision of 'We empower potential' each day is a testament to his dedication to providing the highest quality of care. Dallas’s recognition at the Enablement Awards reflects his tireless efforts to uplift and support those he works with.

A Moment of Pride for ITEC Group

Carmel Josephs, National NDIS Team – QLD/NSW State Manager, shared her pride in the achievements of Kirstin and Dallas, saying, “I have been privileged to work alongside both Kirstin and Dallas as they empower their staff every day, providing clear direction and support for them to engage confidently with the participants we support.”

As we look forward to the official award presentation this Friday, 16 August 2024, in New Farm, Brisbane, we extend our warmest congratulations to Kirstin and her ITEC Health team, as well as to Dallas.

From everyone at ITEC Group

Note: Pictures in the above are from the awards night as winners!

Celebrating Aunty Lynn: A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication with more to come!

Lynn Walker, endearingly called Aunty Lynn, continues to lead and inspire even after 19 remarkable years of service! From her humble beginnings on station to winning the NT Rural Women’s Award and the NT Exporter Award for mangoes, Aunty Lynn’s journey took a transformative turn in 2006 when she decided to create a disability support business.

Equipped with just a laptop and a phone, from Ken O’Brien, she embarked on a mission to help others, long before the advent of the NDIS. In those early days, securing grant funding required proving her capacity directly to the department, a challenge she embraced with unwavering determination.

Nineteen years later, we celebrate not only one of the biggest contributors to the ITEC Group but also a beacon of support for communities, families, and individuals. Aunty Lynn's journey has been marked by countless moments of courage and compassion. In March 2006, just a few months into the new business, she quickly recognized the need for child protection services. She stepped in to care for a young girl in ministerial care, bravely confronting challenges and initiating our Youth division.

Reflecting on her journey, Aunty Lynn shares a few special memories:

Just three months into her new role, a trip to Tennant Creek to support a participant led to the news that she had been chosen to manage a highly complex participant case, which catapulted the business into a million-dollar support service.
The NDIS Pilot in Tennant Creek in 2015, where ITEC Group was the only organisation mentioned in the government report, remains a standout moment.
The touching story of a participant, who has since been in our care for 14 years, that with the help of a disability support worker fluent in Kala Lagaw Ya (Kriol), a language spoken by Torres Strait Islanders, began communicating after being considered non-verbal.
The remarkable transformation of another participant who has been in our care for over a decade, losing 50 kg, which demonstrates the profound impact of dedicated support.
The heartwarming tale of a 99-year-old participant who simply wanted a VB for Easter, settling instead for chocolate.
As Managing Director, she reflects on working with so many teams across the years that have been so incredibly passionate, dedicated, and hardworking, achieving moments that truly make a difference to participants, their families, and the community.

Aunty Lynn has worn many hats in our disability and youth support services, always with resilience and grace. She acknowledges the challenges, the lessons learned, and the collective effort required to overcome them. “It’s a tougher industry today; staying informed about changes that may impact you now or in the future is crucial,” she notes, reflecting on the myriad government changes she's navigated over the past 19 years.

Now, at 72 years young, Aunty Lynn is retiring from her leadership roles in the business, which have included Managing Director and, more recently, Director of Care. She will take on a new role as the only female Director on the Board of ITEC Group Australia. She brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and dedication to this strategic leadership role. Balancing her professional responsibilities with being a mother of three, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of two, she truly embodies the spirit of family, community, and consultation.

The world is constantly changing, and providers often face tough decisions, but Aunty Lynn remains steadfast in her commitment to helping others. We thank her on behalf of every individual, family, community, and team member whose lives she has touched. The world is undoubtedly a better place because of her dedication, and we eagerly anticipate her continued positive impact on our organisation.

On behalf of everyone at ITEC Group and all those she has inspired over the last 19 years – THANK YOU, AUNTY LYNN!

Please join us in celebrating her legacy and new role.

Dale Cliff
Chairman
ITEC Group Australia

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Join Us in Welcoming Garry Buckton, Our New Head of NDIS Operations!

ITEC Group is thrilled to announce that Garry Buckton has joined ITEC Health as the Head of NDIS Operations, starting this week. This new position highlights our ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of our service delivery and operational excellence.

Garry brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to our team. Over the past eight years, he has been an integral part of Wesley Mission Queensland, spending the last five years as the Clinical Services Manager for Supported Disability Accommodation and Community Services. He holds an Honours degree as a Community Specialist Practitioner in District Nursing, an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, and maintains his nursing registration. Additionally, Garry possesses a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and Sculpture.

In his previous roles, Garry has demonstrated expertise in managing organisational change and has successfully developed and implemented new service models. His passion lies in shaping the sector to better meet the needs of individuals with complex needs, ensuring that services are both effective and compassionate.

We are excited to have Garry on board and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our team and the communities we serve.

From Everyone at ITEC Group.

Meet DJKJ: Katelyn Spencer, GULF FM's New Radio Announcer!

Katelyn had a dream, and together, we helped her achieve it. Introducing DJKJ GULF FM's newest radio announcer for their upcoming segment, ‘K Tunes Show’.

Last week, Katelyn began her training. Between shifts, she tackled her 'homework' with determination. "I've enjoyed learning everything at the radio station. Dave has been very helpful and has a great sense of humour," Katelyn shared. The first week was overwhelming with all the buttons to learn and the nerves of speaking on air. But by her second shift, Katelyn was confidently playing her favourite playlists, sending shout-outs to family and friends, and even reading community announcements live on air.

"At first, it was a bit overwhelming, but now that I've found my confidence, I'm enjoying being a radio announcer," Katelyn said.

Working with Katelyn, Jackie Devenport and Alison Flavel from her disability support team discovered her passion for music, dance, and performing arts. When they learned that the local radio station was looking for announcers and offering training, they introduced Katelyn to the idea. She was thrilled at the thought of having her own radio segment. After helping Katelyn submit an expression of interest, Alison took her to meet Dave Hurrell at the radio station. Dave was impressed with Katelyn's enthusiasm and took her on a tour of the station.

The GULF FM Board approved Katelyn’s application, and another special moment was when Dave gave her her very own headphones and microphone sock. "I now have a 'microphone sock' to keep the microphone clean and my own headphones," Katelyn shared.

We are incredibly proud of Katelyn and her journey to becoming a radio announcer. Congratulations to Katelyn, Jackie, Alison, Dave, and everyone involved.

We can't wait to tune in to GULF FM’s ‘K Tunes Show’ with DJKJ - don't forget to send your requests in!

From Everyone at ITEC Group.

PS. Reach out if you or someone you care about needs support to empower their potential. Contact us at 1300 004 832 or email us at info@itecgroup.com.au.