We are very proud to announce that Nextt’s very own support coordinator, Narelle Fairweather has been nominated as the ‘Most Outstanding Support Coordinator’ in the 2022 Australian Disability Service Conference and Awards (ADSCA). The ADSCA recognises excellence and innovation in the disability services sector.
Over the past six months, Narelle has introduced 20 National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants to their local real estate agents, she has been able to break down perceptions and barriers and open up the possibility for her clients with disability to find their forever homes on the rental accommodation market.
Narelle has saved people at risk of homelessness and placed them into homes where they have been able to thrive and grow. Narelle explained how she made this all possible, she said:
“We trialled with one NDIS participant organising a meeting with them and the real estate agent – they got to connect with each other and discuss what was required… from there we organised a meeting to include a representative from the NDIS. This gave the real estate agent an understanding of how NDIS services, supports and funding works. The participant’s occupational therapist also met with the agent to get a clear understanding of what was physically needed in a potential rental home”
This is just one example of the steps Narelle takes to create positive, meaningful outcomes, and enhance the lives of many of her clients.
Narelle is one of 35 Award finalists, and one of three in the category Most Outstanding Support Coordinator. The Awards are being organised by One Community and co-founder Shelley Youman declares that it’s high time industry leaders such as Narelle, and the wider disability service sector, are acknowledged for their excellence and innovation.
“The Australian Disability Service Awards will do just that. Credit needs to be given to the amazing people, businesses, programs, and innovations that we see in this industry,” says Shelley.
“It is an industry where people put their heart and soul into what they are doing. Because ultimately the end result is that people’s lives are improved.”
Narelle’s efforts reflect Nextt’s client vision and purpose and emphasises how we support our clients to get more out of life.