
Sarah Knows Support Workers
By Sarah Heriot


Good People Still Need Good Training | Taieri Walsh Cora Workforce
What actually makes a great support worker?
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I chat with Taieri from CORA Workforce about why being kind and having good intentions is only the beginning.
Taieri started as a support worker before moving through team leadership, management and support coordination. Along the way, she kept seeing the same problem — good people were being put into complex support roles without always being given the skills, confidence or training they needed.
We talk about:
💥 The difference between being a good person and a skilled support worker
💥 Why support workers need more than basic compliance training
💥 Professional boundaries — being friendly, not friends
💥 Why independent support work also means running a business
💥 Training for the actual person you're supporting, not just ticking boxes
💥 Why support workers need to understand the “why” behind what they do
💥 The gaps Taieri saw that led her to create CORA Workforce
💥 How better training can improve support for participants AND protect workers
💥 Why an informed support worker can make a massive difference
Taieri also explains how CORA Workforce uses practical, scenario-based learning designed specifically for frontline disability support workers, including more than 90 courses and training pathways for individual workers and providers.
🎓 Want to check out the training?
If you're an independent support worker wanting to build your skills, or you're an NDIS provider wanting better training and capability across your team, check out CORA Workforce:
👉 coraworkforce.com.au
You can explore the courses, individual support worker options and provider plans, or request a demo directly through the website.
Because participants deserve great support — and support workers deserve the training to actually deliver it. 💚

They Saw the Disability. She Saw Her Son | Lily Grubb, LGO Therapy Group
When Lily Grubb’s son Liam was diagnosed with Level 3 autism, was non-speaking and had global developmental delay, her entire world changed.
But what frustrated Lily most wasn’t the diagnosis.
It was watching people see the disability before they saw her child.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Lily shares how she went from a 10-year career in HR to retraining, entering the therapy world and eventually building LGO Therapy Group.
We talk about:
• Why early intervention can matter so much
• What parents should look for when choosing therapists
• Why being labelled a “difficult parent” isn’t always a bad thing
• Following the child instead of forcing them into a framework
• Why connection matters before qualifications
• Building a predominantly neurodivergent workforce
• What great support workers actually do
• Why simply “supervising” someone isn’t good support
• Celebrating progress — even when it feels tiny
• And the incredible story behind the Little Grubbs Orchard Foundation
Lily also shares why the foundation was created: to help children and families access therapy and supports they may otherwise struggle to afford.
The Foundation says its mission is to financially support people who don’t have adequate access to therapy supports, including costs the NDIS may not otherwise cover.
🌱 Learn more about LGO Therapy Group or enquire about their services:
LGO Therapy Group
💚 Learn more about the Little Grubbs Orchard Foundation or make a donation:
Little Grubbs Orchard Foundation
The Foundation states that 100% of online donations go towards educating children with special needs, and donations over $2 are tax deductible.
🎧 Follow Sarah Knows Support Workers for more real conversations about disability, the NDIS, support work and the people doing things differently.

Give Them the Chance to Shine | Julie Fisher
What does good support actually look like from a family’s point of view?
In this episode, Sarah sits down with author, speaker, radio host and mum Julie Fisher to talk about raising her son Darcy, who has Down syndrome, and everything her family has learned along the way.
Julie shares the reality of receiving Darcy’s diagnosis, navigating medical challenges, raising three boys, finding the right support workers and providers, and why understanding the whole family matters when you’re supporting someone with disability.
They also chat about inclusion, community attitudes, NDIS changes, Julie’s books, her advocacy work and the simple message that has become a huge part of everything she does:
Give people the chance, and you’ll see them shine.
A warm, funny and very real conversation about disability, family, choice and what great support can look like.

Why Is the NDIS Drowning in Admin? Mark Woodland on Kismet & Better Healthcare
Mark retired.
It lasted two weeks.
Then he bought a farm, got a tractor, collected around 40 chickens and somehow ended up back building technology. 😂
In this episode, I sit down with Mark, founder of Kismet, to ask a pretty important question:
Why do we keep making healthcare and NDIS supports harder to access than they need to be?
We talk about removing pointless admin, making healthcare more affordable, giving people more flexible ways to access services and why “that’s how we’ve always done it” is not a good enough answer.
Mark also shares his journey from the Army to early childhood education, software, farming and eventually Kismet.
We also discuss the good happening within the NDIS and why the people creating real change deserve more attention.
And yes, the Emu War somehow makes an appearance. Don’t ask. 😂
Download the Kismet app to explore services, find provider matches and keep your NDIS information together:
Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/kismet/id6443745099
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=healthcare.kismet.app
You can also check out Kismet online:
https://www.kismet.healthcare/
The 2026 Kismet Awards for Health + Disability Services are also coming up, celebrating the people, providers, products and programs making a positive difference across disability, healthcare and support services.
Learn more about the Awards:
https://www.kismet.healthcare/awards/info/about

Sex, Consent & Disability: What Every Support Worker Needs to Hear
Sexuality doesn’t disappear when someone has a disability—but access to clear, respectful education often does.
In this episode, Sarah sits down with sexuality and relationships educator Melanie Guiney, someone she first learned from more than 15 years ago.
Together, they unpack the conversations support workers are often expected to handle—but are rarely trained for—including:
• Consent and the importance of being able to say no
• Privacy, dignity and public versus private behaviour
• Healthy relationships, body safety and warning signs
• Answering awkward questions without creating shame
• Supporting people who communicate differently
• Knowing when it’s time to bring in a specialist
This conversation is honest, practical and sometimes confronting—but it’s one our sector needs to have.
Because people with disability deserve more than protection. They deserve choice, privacy, dignity, relationships, pleasure and accessible education.
If you’re a support worker, team leader, parent, carer or allied health professional, this is an episode to save and share.
Find Melanie at:
https://thriverehab.com.au
melanie@thriverehab.com.au
Content note: This episode discusses sexual assault, abuse, consent and trauma.

From Support Worker to NDIS Business Leader | Kelvin Kamara
What does strong leadership really look like in disability support?
In this episode, Sarah chats with Kelvin Kamara from Hopewell Community Care about his journey from support worker and house supervisor to helping grow a family-run NDIS provider alongside his wife.
Kelvin shares the honest reality of starting fresh, building industry relationships, supporting people with complex health and behaviours, and learning that experience alone doesn’t automatically bring referrals.
They also discuss leadership, workplace culture, the lessons Kelvin has carried between the disability sector and the Army Reserve, and why quality support should always come before business growth.
Connect with Kelvin through LinkedIn or visit Hopewell Community Care online.

KoalaOne: The AI-Powered NDIS CRM for Support Workers & Providers | Bhavin Patel
What if NDIS providers and support workers could spend less time completing admin—and more time supporting participants?
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah chats with Bhavin Patel, founder of Koala One, an AI-powered platform created by an experienced NDIS provider.
They discuss how Koala One can help with:
- Writing case notes
- Managing NDIS budgets
- Rostering and worker matching
- Tracking compliance gaps
- Managing staff, vehicles and properties
- Reducing everyday administration
- Bringing important information into one system
- Supporting independent workers, growing teams and larger providers
Bhavin also shares how Koala One began as a university project and grew into a real platform used by NDIS businesses—including his own.
Less time buried in admin. More time delivering quality support. 🙌
👉 Explore Koala One: https://koalaone.com
🎧 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers for honest conversations about support work, disability services and the Australian NDIS.
#KoalaOne #NDIS #NDISProviders #SupportWorkers #DisabilitySupport #SupportCoordination #NDISSoftware #NDISCompliance #ArtificialIntelligence #CaseNotes

NDIS Compliance Made Simple: Get Audit-Ready with AI | Adam Stefano, Cenaris
NDIS compliance does not have to mean messy spreadsheets, scattered documents and a last-minute panic before your audit.
In this episode, Sarah sits down with Adam Stefano, psychologist and co-founder of Cenaris, to unpack how his experience in mental health, healthcare leadership and compliance inspired him to build a smarter way for providers to stay audit-ready.
Adam explains how Cenaris helps registered and aspiring NDIS providers organise their evidence, map documents against the NDIS Practice Standards, identify gaps and receive practical guidance on what to improve. The platform can support everyone from solo providers starting their registration journey through to larger organisations.
Sarah and Adam also chat about:
✨ Why compliance should improve care—not just tick boxes
✨ The risks of relying on generic policy packs
✨ How AI can support providers without replacing human judgment
✨ Keeping sensitive healthcare information safe in Australia
✨ Building an affordable platform while working full-time
✨ Adam’s hopes for Cenaris and the future of quality care
Cenaris is currently offering a 30-day trial with no credit card required, so you can explore the platform before deciding whether it is right for your business.
👉 Ready to become audit-ready without the chaos? Register and start exploring Cenaris at cenaris.com.au.

How Luke Wilson Built Paylos: NDIS Support Workers, Youth Work & Early Intervention
What happens when lived experience, youth work, case management and a belief in doing support differently all come together?
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Luke Wilson, founder of Paylos, for an honest conversation about the journey from working in residential care and case management to building one of Victoria’s most recognised youth and disability support organisations.
Luke shares how his own lived experience shaped the work he does today, why every young person deserves someone in their corner, and how Paylos grew from a grassroots idea into an organisation supporting hundreds of young people.
They talk about:
• Building Paylos from the ground up
• NDIS support workers and what great support really looks like
• Youth work, mentoring and positive role models
• Trauma-informed and strength-based support without all the jargon
• Why community access is about much more than “going out for a coffee”
• The importance of early intervention
• Why waiting until someone reaches crisis costs everyone more
• The moment Luke nearly walked away from Paylos
• Growing a purpose-led disability and youth services organisation
• Co-design, lived experience and bringing young people’s voices into the room
• The future of Paylos and creating pathways into employment
This is a conversation about NDIS support, youth work, early intervention, community inclusion, lived experience and the power of having someone genuinely in your corner.
🎙️ Sarah Knows Support Workers
Real conversations about support work, the NDIS, disability services and the people doing things differently.
#NDIS #SupportWorkers #YouthWork #EarlyIntervention #DisabilitySupport #Paylos #CommunityAccess #TraumaInformedCare #NDISProvider #LivedExperience

How to Go From Solo Support Worker to NDIS Business Owner
Thinking of going from solo support worker to running your own business?
This episode is for the support workers who are amazing on shift but are starting to ask, “Could I actually turn this into something bigger?”
We’re talking about the jump from doing the work to building something that can actually grow. Clients, boundaries, systems, pricing, confidence, admin, and the part no one likes to say out loud… you cannot just wing it forever.
Because being good at support work is one thing.
Building a business around it is a whole different beast.
In this episode, we chat about:
How to know if you’re ready to go solo
Why local support work still matters
The difference between being busy and being profitable
What support workers need to think about before scaling
Why systems save your sanity
How to stop treating your business like a side quest
This is real talk for support workers who want more freedom, more impact, and less chaos.
No fancy business fluff. Just the stuff you actually need to think about before you make the leap.
🎧 Listen now and send this to a support worker who keeps saying, “I reckon I could do this myself.”

Think Buying an NDIS Business Is Like Coffee or Hair? Think Again.
Most people think buying an NDIS business is just a matter of snapping up a shiny registration online—big mistake. Sarah dives into why that "easy buy" is a dangerous illusion and how rushing in without proper checks can threaten your reputation, your finances, and most importantly, the people you support.This isn’t a quick flip like selling burgers or clothes—you're stepping into a complex world where trust, compliance, and participant safety are everything. Sarah shares the real risks of buying a "clean skin" registration, explaining why registration isn’t a shortcut but a license to deliver safe, quality care. She breaks down the critical questions you must ask before signing any dotted line: What exactly are you buying? Who are the people involved? Are the participants aware and protected? And crucially, do you understand the responsibilities that come with each registration group?You’ll discover: how to spot red flags like poor audits, staff issues, or murky systems that spell disaster down the road. Sarah unpacks the legal, financial, and ethical landmines lurking behind careless purchases—and why the sector is demanding higher standards. Plus, her top tips for vetting providers, interrogating sales promises, and embracing the true responsibilities of a quality provider.Why does it matter? Because buying blindly could mean risking people’s lives for a quick profit, and that’s a gamble nobody should take. The shift toward accountability and compliance isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a safeguard for vulnerable lives. If you’re considering buying an NDIS business, or just want to understand the risks of jumping in unprepared, this episode is your crash course in doing it right.Ready to avoid the costly pitfalls and actually do right by your future participants? Tune in. Sarah’s no-nonsense advice could save you—and the people you serve—a whole lot of trouble.

NDIS Price Guide 2026–27: What Support Workers Need to Read Before January 2027
The new NDIS Annual Pricing Review is 186 pages long… and respectfully, most support workers do not have time to read it front to back unless they have lost a bet.
In this solo episode, Sarah breaks down the key pages support workers, independent support workers and sole traders should read — in order — to understand what the NDIS is proposing, why it matters and what could change before January 2027.
We cover:
- Pages 6–14 for the executive summary
- Pages 32–36 for the reasoning behind registered vs unregistered provider pricing
- Pages 37–59 to understand how support worker rates are built
- Pages 136–154 for community participation, travel, cancellations and the proposed 10% reduction for some unregistered providers
- Pages 176–178 for the Disability Support Worker Cost Model
This is not a new invoicing rate card. It is the NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review and its recommendations for future pricing.
If you invoice NDIS participants, work independently, run a small support-worker business, or deliver community access and participation supports, this episode is your easy-English starting point.
Go read it. Understand it. Do not let January 2027 sneak up on you wearing a fake moustache.

Behaviour Support That Actually Makes Sense with Matt Sevier
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah chats with Matt Sevier, Founder and Director of Steppr, a Positive Behaviour Support provider based in WA.
Matt shares how his own lived experience, time as a support worker, and work as a behaviour support practitioner shaped the way he sees the NDIS, PBS, families, and support teams.
We talk about what Positive Behaviour Support actually means in easy English, why behaviour support plans need to be easier to understand, why training matters, and how support workers and families often hold the most important information.
This is a must-listen for support workers, families, PBS practitioners, and NDIS providers who want behaviour support to feel less like paperwork and more like real support.
Because let’s be honest… if no one understands the plan, the plan isn’t helping anyone.
To learn more about Matt and the work he’s doing at Steppr, visit:
https://www.steppr.com.au/

What Works for Me on Social Media in 2026 | NDIS Provider Marketing
NDIS providers, support worker businesses and independents, this one is for you.
In this solo episode, I’m talking about why social media in 2026 needs to be more than copied Canva posts and “we’re hiring” tiles.
Instagram and TikTok are where many support workers are scrolling.
YouTube is where you can build a trust library with deeper content.
LinkedIn is where business-to-business relationships happen with providers, support coordinators, plan managers and sector leaders.
But the big message is this: your content needs to feel real.
People want to see helpful information, real stories, clear education, reels, carousels, collaboration and proof that your organisation actually understands the people it supports.
If you want support workers to join you, families to trust you, and support coordinators to refer to you, your social media needs to do more than look pretty.
It needs to connect.

Chosen Family, Real Belonging & the Support Work That Changes Lives
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah chats with Traidy, founder of Chosen Family, about support work, advocacy, inclusion, and what it really means to create a place where people feel safe, seen, and supported.
Traidy shares how he went from law, ministry, and community work into support work, and how one unexpected shift helped lead to the creation of Chosen Family.
This conversation dives into LGBTQIA+ inclusion, cultural care, disability support, belonging, AI, leadership, and why good support work is never just “a shift.” It is connection, trust, choice, and sometimes helping someone build a whole new life.
We also talk about the power of chosen family, why providers need to keep learning, and how support workers can make a real impact when they take the time to truly know the person in front of them.
To learn more about Chosen Family, visit:
https://www.chosen.family/

Creating SIL Match: Helping People Find the Right Supported Living Arrangement
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I chat with Umberine Williams, founder of SIL Match, about her journey through the disability sector and why she created a platform to help people find better supported living matches.
Umberine shares her background as a Local Area Coordinator, her volunteer work with the Office of the Public Advocate, and what she learned from seeing supported accommodation before and after the NDIS. We talk about the real challenges participants, families, support coordinators and providers face when trying to find the right SIL arrangement — because finding a house is one thing, but finding the right people to live with is a whole different story.
We also unpack how SIL Match works, why profiles are anonymous, how matching is based on real preferences and support needs, and why participant choice and safety need to sit at the centre of everything.
This is a great listen for support coordinators, SIL providers, participants, families, and anyone who cares about people living in homes that actually feel like home.
Find SIL Match at silmatch.org or connect with Umberine on LinkedIn.

Kindship CEO Hayley Thiele on NDIS Reforms, Parents and Plan Management
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I sit down with Hayley Thiele, CEO of Kindship, for a real and honest chat about NDIS changes, plan management, parenting, support workers, and what families are feeling right now.
Hayley shares her story as a mum of three, her journey into the disability sector, and how her lived experience led her into support coordination and now Kindship.
We talk about:
NDIS reforms and why families are feeling overwhelmed
What Kindship does for parents and carers
Why clear NDIS information matters
The role of plan managers
How Kindship is building community and education for families
Why support workers are still the beating heart of good care
This conversation is honest, easy to understand, and full of lived experience. No fear-mongering. No jargon soup. Just a real chat about what is happening in the NDIS and why families, providers and support workers need clear information more than ever.
Learn more about Kindship here:
https://www.kindship.com.au/supportpathways

Keeley’s Cause: From School Exclusion to 691 iPads for Kids With Autism
She Was Denied an iPad at School — Now Keeley’s Cause Has Helped 691 Kids With Autism
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah chats with Sharon from Keeley’s Cause about the powerful story behind the charity changing lives through iPads, communication, and inclusive education.
Keeley struggled through school, bullying, and being denied the technology that could have supported her learning. After receiving a diagnosis of mild intellectual disability, Keeley turned her pain into purpose and told her mum she wanted to start a charity so other children would not have to go through what she did.
Today, Keeley’s Cause has provided 691 iPads to children with autism, intellectual disability, and communication needs across Australia.
Sarah and Sharon talk about:
How Keeley’s Cause started
Why iPads can be life-changing for autistic and non-verbal children
The reality for families trying to access assistive technology
Why inclusive education still has a long way to go
The emotional impact of giving children a way to communicate
The upcoming Keeley’s Cause Gala and how people can support
This is a beautiful conversation about advocacy, disability, education, family, and what happens when one young person decides to make the world a little fairer.
Support Keeley’s Cause:
Website: keeleyscause.org.au
Instagram/Facebook: Keeley’s Cause

How We Made It to 100 Episodes: Support Workers, NDIS Stories and Real Sector Conversations
We made it to 100 episodes of Sarah Knows Support Workers — and honestly, I don’t think I realised how big that was until now.
This podcast started with no fancy business plan, no perfect strategy, and no big production team behind it. It started because I genuinely enjoy talking to people in the NDIS, disability and aged care sector. I love hearing how people got started, what they have learned, what they are still figuring out, and how they keep showing up when things get hard.
In this solo episode, I reflect on the journey to 100 episodes and what this podcast has taught me about support workers, NDIS providers, business owners, participants, leadership, burnout, sector change and resilience.
The truth is, the NDIS sector is not easy right now. There are big changes happening. Providers are under pressure. Support workers are tired. Participants and families are trying to understand what comes next. But through all of that, there are still people doing incredible work every single day.
This episode is a celebration, but it is also a real conversation.
I talk about why the podcast has lasted this long, why curiosity matters, why support workers need more honest conversations, and why storytelling is so important in this sector. Every guest, every solo episode and every listener has helped shape this podcast into something much bigger than I expected.
If you work in the NDIS, aged care, disability support, support coordination, provider space, or frontline care, this episode is for you.
Thank you for listening, sharing, supporting and being part of the first 100 episodes.
Here’s to more real talk, more learning, more sector stories and more conversations that actually matter.

SIL & Respite Explained: What Every Support Worker Needs to Know | Pure Living Accommodation
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah chats with Stevie-Lee Molina, founder and director of Pure Living Accommodation and Care, about what quality support can really look like in the NDIS.
Stevie-Lee shares her journey from support work, crisis work and child protection into building a registered NDIS business that provides SIL, respite, community access and skill-building supports around the Hunter Valley area.
This conversation covers:
✨ What makes a good SIL home feel like an actual home
✨ Why oversight, communication and routine matter
✨ Green flags families and coordinators should look for
✨ How small goals can lead to huge participant wins
✨ Why support workers need training, guidance and the right attitude
✨ The future of Pure Living, Pure Start and skill-building programs
This episode is full of real talk about participant choice, dignity, independence and building supports that actually help people grow.
To learn more about Stevie-Lee and Pure Living Accommodation and Care, visit:
purelivingaccommodationandcare.com.au

You Are Not Just a Support Worker — Em Hoskin from Your Best Support on What You're Really Worth
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Em Hoskin from Your Best Support to talk about what real, person-centred NDIS support actually looks like.
Em shares how she went from support worker and support coordinator to building a registered NDIS provider during COVID, and why consistency, communication, and getting in the thick of support work still matters.
This conversation covers support coordination, psychosocial disability, participant independence, building capacity, communication styles, provider accountability, and why support workers are so much more than “just support workers.”
We also talk about the original purpose of the NDIS, helping people move forward, and why good support should build skills, confidence, and community connection — not keep people stuck.
Perfect for NDIS support workers, support coordinators, providers, participants, families, and anyone who cares about better disability support in Australia.
In this episode, we cover:
NDIS support coordination
Person-centred support
Support worker skills
Building participant independence
Psychosocial disability support
Communication and behaviour
Provider responsibility
Real stories from the disability sector
Guest: Em Hoskin, Your Best Support
Host: Sarah Heriot, Sarah Knows Support Workers

NDIS Changes 2026 Explained: Support Workers, Funding Cuts & The Future of Care
What’s really happening with the NDIS right now… and what does it actually mean for support workers, providers, and participants?
In this episode, I join Jackie for a real, unfiltered conversation about the latest NDIS changes, funding cuts, and the growing uncertainty across the sector.
We break down:
• What the recent NDIS announcements actually mean (without the fear-mongering)
• The truth about funding cuts and social & community supports
• Why support workers are leaving the sector — and what’s replacing them
• Independent vs provider models — what’s really changing
• The future of registration, audits, and compliance
• How the NDIS has shifted from community-first to system-heavy
• What “good care” should actually look like moving forward
We also talk about the real heart of the sector — the people. The wins, the challenges, and why community connection still matters more than ever.
If you’re a support worker, provider, participant, or just trying to make sense of where the NDIS is heading… this is the conversation you need to hear.
Follow Jacque Grant here

HireUp CEO Peter Willis on NDIS Leadership, Support Workers and the Future of Disability Care
In this episode, Sarah sits down with Peter Willis, CEO of HireUp, to talk about leadership, support workers, provider growth, and the future of disability care in Australia. Peter shares his journey from consulting and public policy into the disability sector, how he worked his way through HireUp into the CEO role, and what it takes to lead one of Australia’s best-known support platforms.
This conversation dives into NDIS leadership, support worker flexibility, provider partnerships, culture, aged care, workforce growth, AI in support work, and how HireUp is responding to sector change. Peter also talks about building strong teams, protecting culture as organisations grow, listening to feedback, and why support workers bring some of the most valuable real-world skills into the sector.
If you are an NDIS participant, aged care participant, family member, support worker, provider, or someone looking for flexible support options, this episode gives you a real behind-the-scenes look at how HireUp thinks about quality support, worker choice, and the future of care.
Want to learn more about HireUp?
Visit the HireUp website to explore support services, find support workers, learn about provider partnerships, and see how HireUp can support participants, families, and care teams across AustraliaIn this episode, Sarah sits down with Peter Willis, CEO of HireUp, to talk about leadership, support workers, provider growth, and the future of disability care in Australia. Peter shares his journey from consulting and public policy into the disability sector, how he worked his way through HireUp into the CEO role, and what it takes to lead one of Australia’s best-known support platforms.
This conversation dives into NDIS leadership, support worker flexibility, provider partnerships, culture, aged care, workforce growth, AI in support work, and how HireUp is responding to sector change. Peter also talks about building strong teams, protecting culture as organisations grow, listening to feedback, and why support workers bring some of the most valuable real-world skills into the sector.
If you are an NDIS participant, aged care participant, family member, support worker, provider, or someone looking for flexible support options, this episode gives you a real behind-the-scenes look at how HireUp thinks about quality support, worker choice, and the future of care.
Want to learn more about HireUp?
Visit the HireUp website to explore support services, find support workers, learn about provider partnerships, and see how HireUp can support participants, families, and care teams across Australia.

The Support Workers Who Actually Change Lives (It’s Not What You Think)
Not all support workers are the same.
Some turn up… and some actually show up.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah talks about the real difference between average support and life-changing support. This isn’t about ticking boxes or following routines — it’s about being present, getting curious, and actually caring about the person in front of you.
We cover:
- Turning up vs showing up as a support worker
- Why curiosity is your biggest strength
- How to spot opportunities that aren’t written in a plan
- Supporting independence in real, everyday moments
- Following through and building trust over time
This episode is for NDIS support workers who want to go beyond the basics and genuinely make an impact.
Because the best support workers?
They give a sh*t.

Support Worker Guide: What to Do When a Participant Refuses Their Support Plan
What should a support worker do when an NDIS participant says no to their support plan? In this episode, Sarah breaks down why participants say no, what support workers often get wrong, and how to respond in a way that respects choice and control while still doing your job well. She covers person-centred care, support plan flexibility, documentation, shift notes, patterns of refusal, when to involve a support coordinator, and how to protect yourself professionally. This is a practical episode for NDIS support workers who want to build trust, respond well in the moment, and support participants in a way that actually fits their life.

"How Support Workers Are Using Community Events to Get More Participants | Cody Thompson
In this episode, Sarah sits down with Cody Thompson, co-founder of Disability Events Community (DEC) and Aged Care Events Community (ACEC) — two fast-growing platforms connecting NDIS participants, aged care participants, providers, and support workers across Australia.
From humble beginnings in Perth to hosting events across Australia, Cody shares how local community events are transforming how people find support, build connections, and grow in the disability and aged care sectors.
You’ll learn:
- How community events are helping participants find the right supports
- Why networking matters more than ever in the NDIS and aged care sectors
- How providers can build real connections (not just collect business cards)
- The power of community-led events across Australia
- What’s next for Disability Events Community and Aged Care Events Community
The Disability Events Community (DEC) connects people living with disability, families, carers, and professionals with local, quality supports and services through accessible community expos across Australia.
The Aged Care Events Community (ACEC) focuses on helping older Australians and their families connect with supports, services, and information in their local communities through smaller, more meaningful events.
This conversation is packed with insights on community, connection, networking, and building meaningful relationships in the disability and aged care space.
🎟️ Disability Events Community
🎟️ Aged Care Events Community
- NDIS Participant
- Aged Care Participant
- Support Worker
- Provider
- Allied Health
- Plan Manager
- Support Coordinator
- Or Anyone Passionate About Community

NDIS Home Care Technology: How One App Is Solving the Family Coordination Problem | Lisa Thomson
NDIS families across Australia are struggling to coordinate care, manage communication, and keep everyone informed. When Lisa Thomson couldn’t find a solution, she built one.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Lisa Thomson, founder of Harmonies Home Health Hub, to explore how technology is transforming home care, aged care, and disability support across Australia.
This episode is for support workers, NDIS providers, families, and aged care professionals looking to simplify care coordination and improve outcomes.
• Why NDIS families struggle to coordinate care
• How Harmony Home Health Hub improves communication
• The gap between care plans and real-life delivery
• How technology supports independence
• What better care coordination looks like in Australia
👉 Follow Lisa Thomson & Harmony Home Health Hub
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers for more NDIS insights
In this episode you'll learn:
https://harmoniehealth.com.au/

NDIS Compliance & Auditing Explained: How Australian Providers Can Turn Audits Into a Growth Strategy
NDIS providers across Australia often fear audits — but what if audits became your biggest business advantage?
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Keturah from Quality HQ about building strong compliance systems that actually support providers, support workers, and participants.
This episode is essential for NDIS providers, business owners, and quality managers.
• Why audits can strengthen your NDIS business
• What the NDIS Commission looks for
• How to build quality systems that work
• Why off-the-shelf policies fail providers
• Where AI fits into NDIS compliance
👉 Follow Keturah & Quality HQ
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers

Support Worker Burnout in Australia: Signs, Causes & How NDIS Providers Can Stop Losing Their Best People
Support worker burnout is one of the biggest issues in Australia's NDIS sector — and it's impacting participants, providers, and the workforce.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah shares real insights from 15+ years in the disability sector.
• Signs of support worker burnout
• Why isolation is common in 1:1 supports
• How burnout impacts participants
• What providers should do differently
• How to improve support worker wellbeing
👉 Follow Sarah Heriot
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
In this episode you'll learn:

NDIS Provider Marketing: Why Authentic Relationships Beat Algorithms Every Time | Solomon
NDIS providers across Australia are trying to grow — but many are doing it backwards.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Solomon about building authentic relationships, personal branding, and growing your NDIS business.
• How relationships grow NDIS businesses
• Personal branding for support workers
• Ethical storytelling in disability
• Building trust with families
• Marketing strategies for NDIS providers
👉 Follow Solomon
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
In this episode you'll learn:

Adaptive Clothing & NDIS Supplies: How Better Products Restore Dignity for Participants | Bec Parry, InCare Supports
The right products can restore dignity for NDIS participants — but many support workers don’t know what's available.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Bec Parry about adaptive clothing, disability products, and improving daily life for participants.
• Adaptive clothing for disability support
• Continence products and dignity
• Product recommendations for support workers
• Disability supply challenges in Australia
• Person-centred care products
👉 Follow Bec Parry & InCare Supports
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
In this episode you'll learn:

NDIS Provider Marketing & Growth Strategy: What's Actually Working in Australia Right Now | Chris Lapa
Many NDIS providers across Australia struggle to grow — not because their services are poor, but because their marketing isn’t working.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Chris Lapa to break down what actually works when growing an NDIS business in Australia.
This episode is for NDIS providers, support workers, and disability business owners wanting to attract more participants and build a strong reputation.
• Common marketing mistakes NDIS providers make
• How to build referral networks in the disability sector
• Personal branding vs business branding
• Marketing strategies for NDIS providers in Australia
• How to grow your NDIS business sustainably
👉 Follow Chris Lapa
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
In this episode you'll learn:

Why NDIS Support Worker Matching Matters More Than Funding, Hours or Compliance
Two NDIS participants. Same funding. Same hours. Completely different outcomes. The difference? The support worker.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah shares why matching the right support worker is one of the most important decisions in disability support.
• Why matching matters in disability care
• How poor matching impacts participants
• What choice and control really means
• How providers can improve matching
• Why relationships drive better outcomes
👉 Follow Sarah Heriot
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
In this episode you'll learn:

Trauma-Informed NDIS Support for Young People: From Support Worker to CEO | Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas
Supporting young people with disability requires trauma-informed care, leadership, and strong support worker teams.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas to discuss youth mentoring and building an NDIS business.
• Trauma-informed support for young people
• Building youth mentoring programs
• From support worker to CEO
• Supporting complex behaviours
• Leadership in disability support
👉 Follow Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
SEO Keywords:
NDIS youth support Australia, trauma-informed care disability, youth mentoring NDIS, disability leadership Australia, Sarah Knows Support Workers
In this episode you'll learn:

Stop Posting for Posting’s Sake: Ethical NDIS Marketing That Works with Michelle Flynn
In this episode I sit down with Michelle Flynn, Growth & Marketing Manager at aryse (https://aryse.com.au/) — a service doing great things in the disability space.
Michelle unpacks what ethical, effective marketing really means in an industry where trust and connection matter more than slick ads. We get honest about:
✨ Why emotional, values-based messaging will always beat hype
✨ The difference between posting content for the sake of it vs content with purpose
✨ How your team’s behaviour out in the community is your most powerful marketing tool
✨ Balancing creative ambition with clear strategy and outcomes
✨ How to scale, delegate and lead without losing your brand’s heart
✨ The importance of real stories that humanise your service
✨ And the marketing mistake that involved 2,000 mousepads with the wrong name 😅
If you’re a provider, business leader, support worker, marketer or anyone wanting to grow in the NDIS sector with integrity — this one will give you practical takeaways, grounded insights, and a fresh way to think about promotion in a space that’s not always “sexy,” but absolutely essential.
Find aryse + connect with Michelle on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and keep learning.

The Hidden SIL Problem No One Is Talking About: Rostering & Claiming
Running a SIL service and feel like you’re constantly juggling rosters, funding, staff needs, and compliance… and still wondering if you’re getting it right?
You’re not alone — and you’re not failing.
In this episode, Sarah chats with Josh Pix from Resolv, a team that works alongside SIL providers across Australia to fix one of the biggest hidden problems in the sector: rostering and claiming that doesn’t actually match participant funding.
We talk about:
• Why SIL rostering is one of the hardest jobs in the NDIS
• How “being nice” and adding extra hours can quietly cost providers thousands
• The real impact of incorrect rostering on participants and staff
• Why leadership in disability looks different (and starts with kindness)
• What a SIL “health check” actually looks at
• Why even experienced providers get this wrong — and why that’s okay
Josh shares insights from working with hundreds of providers and explains why this isn’t about working harder — it’s about having the right systems and support in place.
If you’ve ever cried over a roster, worried about funding gaps, or felt like SIL is an impossible puzzle… this episode will make you feel seen — and give you a clearer path forward.
🎧 Perfect for SIL providers, service managers, team leaders, and anyone responsible for rostering or compliance in the NDIS space.

From Mugs to Matchmaking: A Support Worker Tale
I’m not great at elevator pitches — and honestly, I don’t want to be.
I’m better at listening.
Listening to why you do what you do.
How you got here.
And what actually matters to you.
In this episode, I share the real story behind Support Worker Store — how it accidentally turned three years old, how it started while I was pregnant with my third child, and how it evolved from funny support-worker mugs into something much bigger.
We talk about:
✨ Playing too small (and realising it)
✨ Building a brand while pivoting… a lot
✨ The podcast journey (70+ episodes in — wild)
✨ Why matching matters in disability support
✨ The origin story of Swifty Matchy (yes, inspired by reality TV 👀)
✨ And why “that’s not what I ordered” is something too many NDIS participants feel
This isn’t a polished pitch.
It’s the honest, messy, values-driven version.
If you work in the NDIS, care about quality support, or just love a good origin story — this one’s for you.
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments
👍 Like if this resonated
🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations from inside the sector
— Sarah

NDIS Career Pathways: How to Go from Support Worker to Leadership in Australia's Disability Sector | Joel Scott
Support work can lead to leadership — and Joel Scott proves it.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Joel Scott about career growth in Australia's disability sector.
• Career growth in disability support
• From support worker to leadership
• Skills needed to grow
• Leadership in disability services
• Career pathways in NDIS
👉 Follow Joel Scott
👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers

Rebuilding Allied Health: Inside Australian Therapy Hub & the Tech Changing Care
What happens when people inside the NDIS get fed up with broken systems… and decide to build something better?
In this episode, I’m joined by Ammar Kazi and Valentina Aushana, the founders of Australian Therapy Hub (ATH) — an all-in-one platform designed to make therapy simpler, fairer, and more human for NDIS participants, therapists, and families.
We unpack:
Why the current allied health systems weren’t cutting it
How admin, travel, and paperwork were eating into actual care
What happens when participants get real choice and control
How ATH reduces burnout for therapists
Why simplicity, clarity, and privacy were non-negotiables
And how tech can support care without replacing human connection
This isn’t another “tech for tech’s sake” story.
It’s about getting funding back where it belongs — into care, not wasted admin.
ATH is now live, growing, and refining in real time — and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year.
If you’re a:
NDIS participant or family
Therapist or allied health professional
Support coordinator
Or someone who cares about better systems in care
👉 This episode is for you.
🔗 Learn more:https://austherapyhub.com.au/
📲 Follow: Australian Therapy Hub on Instagram & Facebook

10 Years, No Shortcuts: Vision, Hustle & Balance with James Bennett
We’re back for 2026 — and kicking off with a powerful conversation.
In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with James Bennett, Director of Evergreen Disability Care, to talk about what it really takes to build a disability business with integrity, long-term vision, and heart.
James shares his journey from the corporate world into disability, shaped by lived experience as a parent and years on the ground. This is an honest conversation about leadership, supporting staff properly, and keeping the people we serve at the centre of every decision.
Why James started Evergreen Disability Care
Leadership without ego
Supporting support workers so they stay and thrive
Capacity building that leads to real independence
Long-term thinking in the NDIS
Burnout, boundaries, and balance
Why integrity and communication still matter
This episode is for support workers, leaders, business owners, and anyone thinking about starting or growing an NDIS service in 2026.
🎧 No shortcuts. No fluff. Just real talk.
In this episode:

17 Years in the Disability Sector: Lessons Every Support Worker Needs to Hear | Sarah Heriot
What do you learn after 17 years in the disability sector?
In this episode, Sarah Heriot reflects on her journey through support work — from the early days to the major shifts in advocacy, choice, and independent living we see today.
Sarah shares real, lived lessons from working directly with people with disability, watching the sector evolve, and learning what truly creates better outcomes. This is an honest conversation about what’s changed, what’s improved, and what support workers need to hold onto as the sector keeps moving forward.
This episode is for NDIS support workers, independent support workers, providers, and anyone working in disability support who wants perspective, clarity, and grounding from someone who’s been there.
How support work has changed over the past 17 years
Why advocacy and real choice matter more than ever
The shift toward personalised support and independent living
What listening to the people we support actually looks like
Why empowerment leads to stronger outcomes
The importance of continuous learning in support work
The disability sector will keep evolving — but the heart of good support has always stayed the same.
👇 Subscribe for honest, experience-led conversations about support work, the NDIS, and building a sustainable career in care.
In this video, we talk about:

Thriving in 2026 as a Support Worker | Skills, Tech & Confidence in the NDIS
Support work is changing — fast.
In this episode, Sarah Heriot unpacks what it really means to thrive as a support worker in 2026, not just survive the shifts in the NDIS.
We talk about how expectations are evolving, why technology now plays a bigger role than ever, and how support workers can stay relevant, confident, and indispensable — without losing their values or burning out.
This episode is for NDIS support workers, independent support workers, and anyone working in disability support who wants clarity, confidence, and practical strategies for the future.
What’s changing in support work heading into 2026
Why innovation and tech literacy matter in the NDIS
How to understand and back your worth as a support worker
Staying clear on your role, boundaries, and values
Skills that will keep you employable and in demand
Why adaptation (not perfection) is the real key to success
Support work isn’t disappearing — it’s evolving.
And the workers who thrive are the ones who adapt with intention.
👇 Subscribe for honest conversations about support work, the NDIS, and building a sustainable career in care.
In this video, we cover:

How Support Workers Can Use ChatGPT (Without Losing the Human Touch) | Sarah Heriot
Can ChatGPT actually help NDIS support workers — or is it something we should be wary of?
In this episode, Sarah Heriot shares how she uses ChatGPT in everyday NDIS support work to plan meaningful activities, support goal-focused programs, and write clearer professional notes — without replacing the human side of support.
With over 17 years in the disability sector, Sarah explains how AI can reduce mental load for support workers, help expand ideas, and support better outcomes — when used intentionally and ethically.
This episode is for NDIS support workers, independent support workers, providers, and anyone curious about AI in care — explained in plain English, no tech jargon, no fear-mongering.
How ChatGPT can support planning in NDIS work
Why AI is a tool, not a replacement for support workers
How to use prompts properly to get useful results
Ways AI can assist with professional progress notes
Where the boundaries are when using AI in support
Why human judgement and connection still come first
ChatGPT, Sarah Heriot, NDIS support work, AI in disability care, support worker tools, meaningful programs, progress notes, human-centred support, future of support work
👇 Subscribe for more real conversations about support work, the NDIS, and doing this work well.
In this video, you’ll learn:Topics covered:

This Platform Is Changing Independence for People with Disabilities | The Me Plus More Story
In today’s episode, I sit down with Tara Shekede, founder of Me Plus More — one of Australia’s leading online platforms supporting people with intellectual disability to build real independence, confidence and life skills.
We talk about:
• The real reason Me Plus More was created
• Why easy read, accessible learning and clear language matter
• Digital safety, scams and online risks for people with disability
• How support workers can use Me Plus More as a toolbox for skills-building
• How NDIS participants, families & providers can access the platform
Whether you’re an NDIS provider, support worker, or a family member supporting someone with an intellectual disability — this episode is packed with insights, practical advice and real stories of independence.
⭐ Check out Me Plus More:
https://meplusmore.com.au/
👉 Free 5-day trial
👉 No credit card needed
👉 Easy Read, videos, gamified learning & workbooks
👉 Suitable for NDIS participants, support workers and providers

From Drama Teacher to Care Trainer: Yvette’s Pivot to Ethical Training
From Drama Teacher to Care Trainer — meet Yvette “Spaghetti” Salvaris!
In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store sits down with Yvette Salvaris, founder of Ethical Training Solutions, to talk about her wild career pivot from teaching drama to transforming the care and training sector.
They dive into:
💬 How Ethical Training Solutions started (and what “ethical” really means)
💡 Why career pivots are booming post-COVID
🐶 How volunteering (with therapy dogs!) keeps her grounded
👥 Why empathy + real skills matter more than certificates
☕ How Yvette’s networking events are creating safe spaces for care professionals
🌏 Her plan to expand Ethical Training Solutions nationally
If you’re a support worker, educator, or care industry pro thinking about upskilling, pivoting, or growing your network — this chat is your sign.
📌 Timestamps
00:00 Meet Yvette “Spaghetti” Salvaris
02:41 From Drama to Care Training
05:30 Launching Ethical Training Solutions
07:37 The Power of Career Pivots
10:26 Volunteering & Therapy Dogs
12:53 The Truth About Working in Care
18:22 How to Make Training Fun (and Not Boring)
20:01 Safe Networking for the Care Sector
22:48 What’s Next for Ethical Training Solutions
✨ Hit Subscribe for more real convos with changemakers in the care and NDIS space.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast: [insert Spotify/Apple link]
💻 Find Yvette: https://ethicaltrainingsolutions.com.au
💖 Follow Sarah: @SupportWorkerStore
#NDIS #CareIndustry #SupportWorkers #CareerPivot #TrainingSolutions #EthicalTraining #Volunteering #PersonalDevelopment #Education #Networking #NDISPodcast #SupportWorkerStore

From Garage to GOAT: Garth Belic on Building PayCat — Payroll That Actually Works
From humble garage beginnings to becoming the go-to name in NDIS & aged-care payroll — meet Garth Belic, founder of PayCat 🐱💼
Sarah (aka the Brat) chats with Garth about how PayCat turned the pain of SCHADS payroll into a smooth, automated system that actually makes sense.
In this ep, they cover:
💥 How PayCat was born in a garage (and built into a 30+-staff powerhouse)
💥 The truth about SCHADS — why it’s so messy and how PayCat simplifies it
💥 Saving hours (and money) with award-costing + automation
💥 The upcoming game-changing API that lets CRMs cost rosters in real time
💥 Lessons in balance, health, and building a business that lasts
If you’re a small NDIS provider, payroll officer, or support-biz owner who’s ever screamed at an Excel sheet — this one’s your new religion.
👉 Listen now, follow the show, and check out PayCat.com.au for free SCHADS resources + demos.
#NDIS #AgedCare #SCHADS #Payroll #PayCat #SupportWorkerStore #BratEnergy

The All-in-One Care Hub: Matt Cagney on Building ShiftCare’s Legacy
If you’re tired of juggling apps, emails, and endless admin, this episode’s for you.
Sarah sits down with Matt Cagney, CEO of ShiftCare, to unpack how his platform became the one-stop shop for disability and aged care providers across Australia. From client management and rostering to billing, compliance, and communication — ShiftCare’s doing it all (and doing it well).
Matt shares his journey from the tech world to the care industry, what it takes to design software that genuinely supports support workers, and how community feedback drives every update. They chat about innovation, automation, and how tech can still have heart in a sector built on people and purpose.
Whether you’re running a small NDIS business, managing a large provider, or working 1:1 with participants, this episode gives you a front-row seat to what’s next in care tech.

💬 “If You’re Going to Be in This Sector — Don’t Be a Dickhead” | Nicole Doherty on Respect, Care & Leadership
In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Doherty, founder of Empowered Livability, who drops one of the realest lines you’ll ever hear in the NDIS sector:
👉 “If you’re going to be in this sector — don’t be a dickhead.”
Nicole has over 25 years of experience in community services and has built Empowered Livability on one core value — treat people like people.
We talk about:
🏠 Creating homes that actually feel like home
💬 How emotional intelligence changes everything in care
⚖️ The balance between compliance and compassion
💡 What strong leadership really looks like in the NDIS world
Whether you’re a support worker, provider, or just curious about what good care really means — this one’s a must-watch.
🎧 Also available on Spotify + Apple Podcasts under Support Worker Store Podcast
#NDIS #SupportWorkers #EmpoweredLivability #NDISLeadership #DisabilitySupport #NDISCommunity #CareWithRespect

The Real Cost of Building an NDIS Startup in Australia: Resilience, Pivots & the Grind Nobody Shows You | MyAssista
The first few years of business? Brutal. 💀
But Cedar from MyAssista and Support Worker Store spill the truth: it’s the grind that builds the gold.
In this episode, we talk about:
💬 The messy, unglamorous side of startup life
💡 Why “hustle” still matters when you’re building something from nothing
🧱 Learning skills you never thought you’d need (and wearing all the hats)
🔥 What keeps founders pushing through when the money’s tight and the doubt’s loud
If you’ve ever felt like giving up on your dream — this one’s your pep talk and reality check all in one.
👀 Tune in now to Sarah Knows Support Workers — the podcast for the real, raw, and ridiculously resilient.
#MyAssista #SupportWorkerStore #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #WomenInBusiness #NDISBusiness #Founders #AustralianStartups #PodcastForFounders

The Truth About Behavior Support Nobody Tells with Brett Sams
With 19 years in the disability sector, Brett Sams has seen it all — from the overwhelming early days of community care to becoming a behavior support practitioner shaping workplace wellbeing. In this conversation, Brett shares how personal experiences influenced his career, why understanding behavior triggers is essential, and how collaborative support plans can change lives.
We dive into the real talk on burnout, why men in the sector struggle to open up about self-care, and how building a toolbox of wellbeing strategies can protect workers and improve company culture. Whether you’re a support worker, team leader, or provider, this episode will remind you why looking after yourself is just as important as looking after others.
✨ Takeaways:
Collaborative care = better support outcomes
Self-care looks different for everyone
Corporate wellbeing programs can shift workplace culture