Support to Thrive

11/12/2025

Merry Christmas from the Support to Thrive team to you

06/10/2025

We’re excited to welcome new participants who are looking for caring, professional, and empowering Level 2 Support and Level 3 Support Coordination.
At STT, we’re here to help you:
✨ Understand and make the most of your NDIS plan
✨ Connect with the right services and supports
✨ Achieve your goals — your way
Our friendly team is passionate about helping you live more independently and confidently.
📞 Get in touch today to learn more or make a referral: 0475209502
📧 referrals@supporttothrive.com
🌐 www.supporttothrive.com

02/10/2025

✨ Why Safeguards Are in Place for Restrictive Practices and PBSPs ✨

We often hear that supports and families feel frustrated by the “bureaucratic processes” that come with restrictive practices (RP) and Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs). So, we wanted to explain why they’re in place — and why they matter.

Restrictive practices — like physical holds, environmental restrictions, mechanical restraints or medication for behaviour management — carry risks. They can affect someone’s independence, safety, and quality of life. That’s why safeguards exist:

✅ To protect human rights – Everyone deserves dignity, choice, and respect. Restrictions are only ever used when absolutely necessary, and in the least intrusive way.

✅ To keep people safe – Every use of a restriction must be monitored, documented, and reviewed so it’s not misused or overused.

✅ To focus on positive support – PBSPs are designed to reduce the need for restrictions over time by building skills and strategies.

✅ To ensure accountability – Clear approval and review processes mean the person’s best interests are always the priority.

At their heart, safeguards are about protection, not barriers. They aren’t here to make life harder — they’re here to make sure every decision respects the person, keeps them safe, and puts them at the centre of their support. 💙

27/09/2025

Life threw Nyree some of its toughest challenges — surviving not one, but two strokes while raising a young family and juggling work — yet through sheer determination, hard work, and countless hours of rehabilitation, she not only returned to full-time employment but has gone even further by building and running her own business. We’re so proud to share that Nyree was recently nominated for the Fraser Coast Ability Awards, and it has been truly inspiring to watch her kick goal after goal this year. Nyree, your resilience and drive light the way for so many others, and we couldn’t be happier for all that you’ve achieved!

19/09/2025

🥗 Team Meeting at The Hungry Pelican! 🥗

This week, our team got together at The Hungry Pelican in Hervey Bay- and it was such a great experience! 💙

Not only is it the perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up, but it’s also a fantastic choice for our community due to:

- Delicious food (trust us, the menu is so good🍴)
- Wheelchair-friendly access with ramps and wide doorways
- Staff who go above and beyond to support people when ordering

We love supporting local businesses that make inclusivity part of their service. If you’re looking for a welcoming, disability-friendly café with great food and a beautiful atmosphere, we highly recommend The Hungry Pelican!

10/09/2025

15/08/2025

🌟 Participant Spotlight - Kate Bryant 🌟

With the encouragement and support of her amazing care team, Kate took a huge step — travelling to Melbourne to see her dad for the first time in over three years. Her team worked alongside her to plan the trip, help her feel prepared and support her in stepping outside her comfort zone.

In Melbourne, Kate spent a beautiful day with her dad- filled with conversation, laughter, and heartfelt moments. They toured his hostel together, looked through old photos, reminisced about the past, listened to classic rock and roll and even shared a dance.

Her care team’s thoughtful preparation meant Kate could focus entirely on enjoying her time with him without worrying about the logistics.

Later that evening, she and support worker Sarah explored the area around their accommodation- stumbling across a quirky “Beer Tree” before wandering down to the lake. There, they sat under the night sky, stargazing and watching planes glide overhead- a moment Kate described as one of the highlights of her trip.

By the time she returned home, Kate carried with her not just cherished memories of reconnecting with her dad, but also a renewed sense of confidence and pride. She is deeply grateful for the care team who made this dream trip possible and helped her realise she’s capable of experiencing so much more. ❤️

01/08/2025

🌸Meet Jess Montier🌸

Since July 2024, Jess has been part of the STT team, working as a Support Coordinator. She finds great fulfilment in helping clients manage their funding and services, and she values the trust placed in her to support their journey.

With over 30 years of experience in the care industry, Jess began her career in childcare and later completed an International Nanny Certificate, which allowed her to pursue my passion abroad. She has had the privilege of working with high-profile families- including those supporting children with disabilities. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience working with children and young people with ASD and ADHD.

After 25 years as a professional nanny, she transitioned into education, working as a teacher aide alongside students with behavioural and learning difficulties. Jess spent eight rewarding years at a college supporting students aged 12 to 17- which deepened her commitment to making a positive impact in young people’s lives.

In 2022, Jess completed a certificate 3 in Bi-Cultural Social Work in New Zealand before relocating back to Australia in 2023. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Social Work and looks forward to continuing her future in the industry.

Her passion lies in supporting children and youth and is also dedicated to helping individuals navigate challenges and access the services they need.

"Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to two beautiful girls. I enjoy spending time at the beach and dancing is a cherished part of our family life. I also love travelling and connecting with like-minded people from all walks of life."

27/07/2025

💫Meet Hayley Godfrey💫

We would like to introduce you to the diversely talented, Hayley Godfrey. Hayley is looking for a welcoming work environment who can offer permanent part time work or contracted work to her to allow her to build upon her already expansive set of valuable skills and experience. Please see below a self-written bio from Hayley-

🌿My name is Hayley Godfrey, originally from Palmwoods on the Sunshine Coast, relocating to Hervey Bay in November 2020. I am fortunate to be currently working as a co-peer facilitator for Parent to Parent, recording minutes, delivering team feedback, client liaising, supporting advocacy, information and event sharing. My sensory acuity can be both a blessing and a curse. My role is ever evolving and as a person diagnosed with ASD level 1, I feel equipped to empathise with our clientele and wider community on a relatable level, which is very fulfilling.

Additionally, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing from the University of the Sunshine Coast. I feel that while I chose writing, it chose me in return. I’ve been very privileged to have had some of my writing published in several different publications including ALIVE magazine. I also founded and host the Hervey Bay Writers Group twice a month giving a safe space for creative expression.

My resume experience includes but is not limited to administration for SprAcon- Concrete Spraying Specialists, Buderim Private Hospital, TAFE QLD Hervey Bay and Hervey Bay Library. I have recently received my Blue Card and Yellow Card.
I enjoy reading, writing, watching movies and TV shows, listening to music, and watching sports (especially rugby league and cricket). I find playing with animals (especially dogs) therapeutic. Some principles I live by are honesty, diplomacy, compassion, persistence, loyalty, my faith, my love for family, and trust. I firmly believe that ✨ “If we were all the same, the world would be boring.” And “We may come in different packages, but we’re all red blooded under the skin.” Fun fact: In 1995, I met Wally Lewis and Ian Healy at the final fishing competition at Orchid Beach, Fraser Island (unfortunately, I had difficulty getting a word out due to being awestruck and nervous)." ✨ - Hayley Godfrey ♾️
This is just a snippet of Hayley and her capabilities, and we would love the opportunity to share more with you. If you believe you may have a suitable opportunity for Hayley, please email me at dimiti@supporttothrive.com and we'd be more than happy to share Hayley's resume with you or answer any questions regarding Hayley and how we can support her employment journey.
If you are interested in finessing your creative writing skills please see Hayley's wonderful writers group through this link here-Hervey Bay Writers' Group | Facebook

04/07/2025

🧠💬 What is NDIS Social Work?

NDIS Social Workers are here to support people with disabilities (and their families) through life’s challenges and help them get the most out of their NDIS plan.

Whether you're navigating the NDIS for the first time or facing complex barriers like housing, mental health or family breakdown- Social Workers walk alongside you every step of the way.

Social Workers are allied health professionals who specialise in social functioning—which means they help people strengthen relationships, manage daily responsibilities and participate more fully in their communities.

Here’s how NDIS Social Work can help:

+ Gathering evidence for plan reviews through functional, psychosocial, and support needs assessments.

+ Making your plan work for you by helping you understand funding, link with services, and overcome systemic barriers.

+ Building daily life skills such as budgeting, navigating appointments or managing your household independently.

+ Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing through therapeutic strategies to build resilience, manage stress and improve relationships.

+ Advocating during crisis by helping you access housing, legal aid or urgent health supports when life becomes overwhelming.

+ Linking you with community and social networks to promote connection and inclusivity.

Social workers take a holistic, person-centred approach- supporting you to achieve your NDIS goals. 💛

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If you think Social Work could help you or someone you support, feel free to reach out or ask your Support Coordinator how to include it in your plan.

Just ask for Social Work under Improved Daily Living. ✨

20/06/2025

🌟 Meet Joshua Ward! 🌟

Josh has been part of our team for nearly a year, bringing a vibrant mix of energy, insight, and creativity to his work as a Social Worker, Employment Counsellor, and Support Coordinator.

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2023, Joshua has supported a wide range of individuals across a variety of settings — including children, youth and families, disability, and outpatient rehabilitation. He is skilled at tailoring his approach to meet each person’s unique needs, focusing on practical solutions and empowering clients to achieve their goals. Joshua’s collaborative style and dedication to person-centred support make him a trusted ally to those he works with.

🎭⚽️ Outside of work, Joshua has a passion for both the arts and sports. He’s a musician who plays guitar, piano, and sings, and he’s been involved in local theatre — taking on on-stage roles and working behind the scenes as an SFX technician for productions such as Heathers, 9 to 5, Roald Dahl’s The Witches, and most recently, Falsettos. He’s also a massive football fan and has supported Liverpool FC for over 10 years, bringing that same team spirit and enthusiasm to everything he does.

With his mix of professional skill, creative flair, and down-to-earth approach, Joshua brings a unique and valuable energy to the team — and we’re so glad to have him on board!