Sarah Knows Support Workers

  1. 2d ago

    NDIS Changes: 5 Things Support Workers Should Do Before 2027

    The NDIS is changing, but does that mean it's all bad news? Absolutely not! We've known for a while that changes are coming. Instead of focusing on everything that could go wrong, let's talk about what support workers can actually do to prepare for 2027. In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I'm sharing five things I'd be doing right now, especially if I was working independently. We're talking about: Getting your systems organised and doing the basics really well. Delivering quality support that puts participants first. Exploring group supports and new opportunities in your community. Building your skills without spending thousands on qualifications. Thinking differently about how we provide supports. Because here's the thing: change doesn't always have to mean something negative. It can also be an opportunity to grow, improve and do things better. I'm not saying the changes ahead will be easy. But I do believe support workers have an opportunity to be part of the solution. So, rather than asking what we're going to lose, let's start asking what we can build. šŸŽ§ Have a listen and tell me: What's ONE thing you'd do differently as a support worker heading into 2027? Sarah Knows Support Workers ā€” Real conversations about disability support, the NDIS and the people doing the work. #NDIS #SupportWorkers #IndependentSupportWorkers #DisabilitySupport #NDIS2027

  2. Oct 27

    NDIS Kickbacks Banned: What Every Support Worker Needs to Know!

    Referral fees, gift cards, kickbacks and conflicts of interest. Where do we draw the line in the NDIS? New laws targeting kickbacks and inducements are coming into effect in November 2026. And whether you're an independent support worker, support coordinator or NDIS provider, this is something you need to understand. In this solo episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah breaks down what the changes mean in easy English. We're talking about: What kickbacks and inducements actually mean. When a referral payment could become a problem. What independent support workers and providers need to know. Whether gifts, discounts and business promotions are still allowed. Why conflicts of interest matter. What could happen if providers break the rules. How to report concerns to the NDIS Commission. Because here's the thing: a participant is not a sales opportunity to be traded between businesses. There's nothing wrong with building relationships, recommending great providers or growing your business. But participant choice should always come first. Good referrals should be about finding the right support, not receiving a financial reward. šŸŽ§ Have a listen and ask yourself: where should we draw the line between a genuine referral and a kickback? Want to read the official information? NDIS Code of Conduct:https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/ndis-code-conduct Australian Government legislation:https://www.legislation.gov.au Search for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026. This episode provides general information and is not legal advice. #NDIS #SupportWorkers #NDISProviders #DisabilitySupport #SupportCoordination #NDISReforms #SarahKnowsSupportWorkers

  3. Oct 26

    9,351 NDIS review applications in one year. A growing backlog. And longer waiting times. What's going on?

    The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) has released its 2025ā€“26 Annual Report, and some of the NDIS figures are worth paying attention to. In this solo episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I'm breaking down the report in easy English. No complicated government jargon, just the facts. We're talking about: Why NDIS review applications have increased by 130% in two years. The 7,077 cases still waiting to be finalised. Why the median waiting time has increased to 34 weeks. What it means when 65% of cases are resolved by consent. Changes to how NDIS access reviews involving young children are prioritised. These aren't just numbers. Behind these applications are people with disabilities, families and people supporting them. But don't just take my word for it. Read the report yourself! šŸ“– Official source: Administrative Review Tribunal Annual Report 2025ā€“26 https://www.art.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-10/Administrative%20Review%20Tribunal%20Annual%20Report%202025-26.pdf See pages 72 and 208 for the key NDIS findings and statistics. šŸŽ™ļø My question to you: Are we paying enough attention to how many NDIS decisions are being challenged? #NDIS #DisabilitySupport #SupportWorkers #NDISReviews #SarahKnowsSupportWorkers

  4. Oct 19

    Dating, Drinking & Disability: Let's Talk About It | Samantha Prior

    What was it really like growing up with a rare disability in Australia during the 1990s? In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I sit down with Samantha Prior (Sam), who was one of the first people in Australia diagnosed with the ultra-rare condition MPS VI, also known as Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome. And trust me, Sam has some stories to tell! From growing up with a disability and dealing with school bullying to dating, nightclubs, relationships and finding her independence, Sam shares the good, the bad and the moments that shaped her life. We talk about: šŸ’¬ Growing up disabled in the 90s and fighting for inclusion. ā¤ļø Dating, relationships and the stigma around disability. šŸšØ A frightening nightclub experience involving a stranger. šŸ  Moving out, accessing the NDIS and finding a home that truly suits her. šŸ’Ŗ Why being called "inspiring" isn't always a compliment. āœØ Why people with disabilities deserve the freedom to make their own choices, take risks and live their lives. Sam also shares why parents and support workers need to stop wrapping people with disabilities in cotton wool. This episode is full of humour, honesty, some wild stories and important conversations about disability, dignity, independence and choice. Because having a disability doesn't mean missing out on life. šŸŽ™ļø Listen to Sarah Knows Support Workers and join the conversation. ā¤ļø Follow, subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

  5. Oct 15

    A Motherā€™s Perspective: Mental Health, Advocacy & Hope | Kym McMinn

    āš ļø Content Warning: This episode includes personal discussions about suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm, mental illness and experiences of hearing voices. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I sit down with Kym McMinn, founder of T&K Support Services, for a deeply personal conversation about family, mental health, advocacy and hope. Following my conversation with her son, Lachy, we hear the story from a mother's perspective. Kym opens up about her family's experience navigating the mental health system, the challenges they faced, and how those experiences shaped her approach to supporting others. We talk about the importance of recognising when someone is struggling, the challenges of accessing mental health services, the impact on families, and why listening without judgement can make such a difference. Kym also shares how her experiences helped shape T&K Support Services, her passion for mental health education, the Hearing Voices support group and her belief in putting identity before diagnosis. This is a conversation about more than the difficult moments. It's about learning, community, finding your voice and the importance of having people who will stand beside you. Thank you, Kym, for trusting me with such a personal part of your family's story. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available in Australia: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. You don't have to navigate difficult times alone.

  6. Oct 14

    Beyond the Diagnosis: Lachy's Journey from Lived Experience to Advocacy

    Identity before diagnosis. A message that sits at the heart of Lachlan's story. In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah is joined by Lachlan for an open and meaningful conversation about lived experience, mental health, the NDIS and the importance of seeing the person beyond their diagnosis. Lachlan shares his personal experiences of receiving mental health support, navigating the NDIS as a participant and how those experiences have helped shape his approach to working in the disability sector today. One particularly meaningful part of Lachlan's journey is reconnecting with Prue, a nurse who supported him during his time in psychiatric care. Years later, they found themselves working as colleagues and recently shared the stage at a mental health conference, bringing together two perspectives on the same experience. Throughout the conversation, Lachlan offers valuable insights into what meaningful support can look like, including the importance of listening, creating safe spaces, respecting individual experiences and understanding that sometimes simply being present can make a difference. We also explore the work being done through T&K Support Services, the value of peer connection through the Hearing Voices group, and Lachlan's passion for using music as a way to connect with and support others. Beyond his professional work, Lachlan shares what matters most to him, including his family, becoming a father and his hopes of one day establishing Second Chances Studio, a recording space where people can explore their creativity and express themselves through music. This episode highlights the value of lived experience in shaping better services, challenging assumptions and creating a more person-centred approach to mental health and disability support. Lachlan's story is his own, and we're grateful to him for choosing to share his experiences, perspectives and aspirations with our community. Whether you're a support worker, NDIS participant, provider, family member or someone interested in understanding different lived experiences, we hope this conversation encourages reflection on how we listen, connect and support one another. šŸŽ§ Follow Sarah Knows Support Workers for real conversations and diverse perspectives from across the disability and NDIS sector. Content note: This episode includes discussions about mental health, psychiatric hospitalisation, hearing voices, substance use and homelessness. #SarahKnowsSupportWorkers #LivedExperience #IdentityBeforeDiagnosis #MentalHealth

  7. Oct 12

    NDIS Christmas Rostering: Plan Now, Avoid the Chaos!

    Christmas is comingā€¦ and if you work in NDIS rostering, you know the chaos can start well before December! šŸŽ„šŸ˜‚ Annual leave, public holidays, staff shortages, changing participant routines and those dreaded last-minute cancellations. Sound familiar? In this solo episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, I'm sharing what I'd be doing RIGHT NOW to prepare an NDIS roster for Christmas, New Year's and January. Drawing on my own experience in disability rostering, we're talking about staff availability, annual leave planning, participant choice, keeping your CRM accurate, checking SCHADS Award conditions and making sure you've got a backup plan when things go sideways. Because good rostering isn't just about filling shifts. It's about communication, preparation and making sure the people we support receive consistent, quality care. My biggest tip? The work you do in October can save you a whole lot of headaches in December! šŸŽ§ Whether you're a support worker, roster coordinator, team leader or NDIS provider, this episode is for you. šŸ’¬ Tell me: What's the biggest Christmas rostering disaster you've ever experienced? Because I reckon we've all got a story! šŸ˜‚ #NDIS #SupportWorkers #NDISRostering #DisabilitySupport #SCHADSAward #SarahKnowsSupportWorkers

  8. Oct 5

    Whistleblowing in the NDIS: What Happens When Speaking Up Is the Only Option?

    What happens when youā€™ve reported concerns, followed the right processes, raised complaintsā€¦ and nothing changes? In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Iā€™m joined again by Belinda Toohey for a very real conversation about whistleblowing in the disability sector. Belinda shares lived experiences from her career, including situations where people with disability were allegedly prevented from leaving services they no longer wanted, concerns around NDIS funding and providers, and what it can take to keep pushing when someoneā€™s rights or safety are at risk. We also talk about what support workers can actually do when something doesnā€™t feel right ā€” starting with knowing your policies, procedures and Code of Conduct, documenting concerns, speaking up, and knowing when concerns may need to be escalated to regulators, police or other appropriate authorities. Most importantly, this episode is about the people we support. Because support workers are often the eyes and ears on the ground. And sometimes doing the right thing means being willing to say: ā€œNo. This isnā€™t okay.ā€ Belindaā€™s advice is pretty simple: do the right thing, trust your gut, find people with integrity, and donā€™t stay silent just because speaking up feels uncomfortable. Pasted text āš ļø Content warning: This episode discusses alleged abuse, exploitation, restrictive practices, sexual exploitation and other distressing situations involving people with disability. šŸŽ§ Sarah Knows Support WorkersReal conversations about support work, the NDIS, disability and all the messy stuff in between.

  9. Oct 5

    Are You a Good Support Workerā€¦ or Just a Nice Person?

    Being kind matters. But kindness alone doesnā€™t make you a great support worker. In this episode, Iā€™m talking about the difference between being a lovely person and actually being good at the job. Weā€™re talking about reliability, case notes, communication, boundaries, professional judgement, independence, knowing when to speak up, and actually understanding what the person you support wants from their life. Because you can be fun. You can be caring. You can remember the coffee order. You can be the favourite support worker. But if youā€™re always late, never write useful notes, blur boundaries, or make someone more dependent on youā€¦ we need to have a chat. šŸ˜‚ The sweet spot?Be kind and professional.Be fun and reliable.Be caring and know your role. Thatā€™s what makes a bloody good support worker.

  10. Sep 27

    Choice & Control vs Duty of Care: When Should Support Workers Step In?

    Choice and control sounds simpleā€¦ until a participant makes a choice that might put them at risk. So where does dignity of risk end and duty of care begin? In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah gets into the real-life situations support workers actually face. What if someone wants to wear shorts when itā€™s freezing outside? What if a participant with diabetes wants takeaway and a giant sugary drink? What happens when someone refuses their medication? Or stops eating? Do you step in? Do you respect the choice? Do you escalate it? And when could ā€œhelpingā€ actually cross the line into controlling someone? Weā€™re talking about: Choice and control Dignity of risk Duty of care Medication refusal Health and safety concerns Restrictive practices Staying within your role When to document and escalate What to do when you genuinely donā€™t know what to do Because good support isnā€™t about letting someone do whatever they want and ignoring risk. And itā€™s definitely not about controlling someone because you think you know whatā€™s best. Itā€™s about finding the balance between rights, choice, safety and your responsibilities as a support worker. Sarah also shares five questions you can ask yourself when youā€™re unsure, plus where support workers can go for further guidance, including the NDIS Code of Conduct, the Working Together Guide for Workers and the Quality, Safety and You worker orientation module. šŸŽ§ If you work in disability support, this is one worth saving. Follow Sarah Knows Support Workers on Spotify and leave a review if these episodes help you on shift.

  11. Sep 21

    "Thatā€™s Not the Support Worker I Orderedā€ ā€” Why I Built SwiftyMatchy Sarah Heriot

    In this special episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, the microphone is flipped. James Loveday takes over as host and interviews Sarah about SwiftyMatchyā€”the support worker finding app created to help NDIS and aged care participants find support workers who genuinely align with them. Sarah shares how years of hearing ā€œthatā€™s not the support worker I wantedā€ inspired the idea, why better matching matters, and how video profiles can give participants more confidence, choice and control before someone arrives at their door. They also chat about: ā€¢ The real cost of poor support worker matchingā€¢ Why personality, availability, interests and location matterā€¢ How SwiftyMatchy supports participants, families and support coordinatorsā€¢ The opportunities for independent support workers and providersā€¢ Sarahā€™s bigger vision for choice, control and self-advocacy The right support shouldnā€™t be left to chance. It should click. Sign up for SwiftyMatchy and be one of the first to join: swiftymatchy.com

  12. Sep 14

    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 ā€” good people were being put into complex support roles without always being given the skills, confidence or training they needed. We talk about: šŸ’„ The difference between being a good person and a skilled support workeršŸ’„ Why support workers need more than basic compliance trainingšŸ’„ Professional boundaries ā€” being friendly, not friendsšŸ’„ Why independent support work also means running a businessšŸ’„ Training for the actual person you're supporting, not just ticking boxesšŸ’„ Why support workers need to understand the ā€œwhyā€ behind what they došŸ’„ The gaps Taieri saw that led her to create CORA WorkforcešŸ’„ How better training can improve support for participants AND protect workersšŸ’„ 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. šŸŽ“ 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: šŸ‘‰ 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 ā€” and support workers deserve the training to actually deliver it. šŸ’š

  13. Sep 7

    They Saw the Disability. She Saw Her Son | Lily Grubb, LGO Therapy Group

    When Lily Grubbā€™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 wasnā€™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: ā€¢ Why early intervention can matter so muchā€¢ What parents should look for when choosing therapistsā€¢ Why being labelled a ā€œdifficult parentā€ isnā€™t always a bad thingā€¢ Following the child instead of forcing them into a frameworkā€¢ Why connection matters before qualificationsā€¢ Building a predominantly neurodivergent workforceā€¢ What great support workers actually doā€¢ Why simply ā€œsupervisingā€ someone isnā€™t good supportā€¢ Celebrating progress ā€” even when it feels tinyā€¢ 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 donā€™t have adequate access to therapy supports, including costs the NDIS may not otherwise cover. šŸŒ± Learn more about LGO Therapy Group or enquire about their services:LGO Therapy Group šŸ’š 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. šŸŽ§ Follow Sarah Knows Support Workers for more real conversations about disability, the NDIS, support work and the people doing things differently.

  14. Sep 3

    Give Them the Chance to Shine | Julie Fisher

    What does good support actually look like from a familyā€™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 Darcyā€™s diagnosis, navigating medical challenges, raising three boys, finding the right support workers and providers, and why understanding the whole family matters when youā€™re supporting someone with disability. They also chat about inclusion, community attitudes, NDIS changes, Julieā€™s books, her advocacy work and the simple message that has become a huge part of everything she does: Give people the chance, and youā€™ll see them shine. A warm, funny and very real conversation about disability, family, choice and what great support can look like.

  15. Aug 23

    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. šŸ˜‚ 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 ā€œthatā€™s how weā€™ve always done itā€ 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. Donā€™t ask. šŸ˜‚ 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

  16. Aug 19

    Sex, Consent & Disability: What Every Support Worker Needs to Hear

    Sexuality doesnā€™t disappear when someone has a disabilityā€”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 handleā€”but are rarely trained forā€”including: ā€¢ Consent and the importance of being able to say noā€¢ Privacy, dignity and public versus private behaviourā€¢ Healthy relationships, body safety and warning signsā€¢ Answering awkward questions without creating shameā€¢ Supporting people who communicate differentlyā€¢ Knowing when itā€™s time to bring in a specialist This conversation is honest, practical and sometimes confrontingā€”but itā€™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 youā€™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.aumelanie@thriverehab.com.au Content note: This episode discusses sexual assault, abuse, consent and trauma.

  17. Aug 6

    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 doesnā€™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.

  18. Aug 3

    KoalaOne: The AI-Powered NDIS CRM for Support Workers & Providers | Bhavin Patel

    What if NDIS providers and support workers could spend less time completing adminā€”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 notesManaging NDIS budgetsRostering and worker matchingTracking compliance gapsManaging staff, vehicles and propertiesReducing everyday administrationBringing important information into one systemSupporting independent workers, growing teams and larger providersBhavin also shares how Koala One began as a university project and grew into a real platform used by NDIS businessesā€”including his own. Less time buried in admin. More time delivering quality support. šŸ™Œ šŸ‘‰ Explore Koala One: https://koalaone.com šŸŽ§ 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

  19. Jul 20

    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: āœØ Why compliance should improve careā€”not just tick boxesāœØ The risks of relying on generic policy packsāœØ How AI can support providers without replacing human judgmentāœØ Keeping sensitive healthcare information safe in AustraliaāœØ Building an affordable platform while working full-timeāœØ Adamā€™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. šŸ‘‰ Ready to become audit-ready without the chaos? Register and start exploring Cenaris at cenaris.com.au.

  20. Jul 9

    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, ā€œCould I actually turn this into something bigger?ā€ Weā€™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 loudā€¦ 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 youā€™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. šŸŽ§ Listen now and send this to a support worker who keeps saying, ā€œI reckon I could do this myself.ā€

  21. Jul 8

    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 onlineā€”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 isnā€™t a quick flip like selling burgers or clothesā€”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 isnā€™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?Youā€™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 purchasesā€”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 peopleā€™s lives for a quick profit, and thatā€™s a gamble nobody should take. The shift toward accountability and compliance isnā€™t just bureaucratic red tapeā€”itā€™s a safeguard for vulnerable lives. If youā€™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. Sarahā€™s no-nonsense advice could save youā€”and the people you serveā€”a whole lot of trouble.

  22. Jun 22

    NDIS Price Guide 2026ā€“27: What Support Workers Need to Read Before January 2027

    The new NDIS Annual Pricing Review is 186 pages longā€¦ 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 ā€” in order ā€” to understand what the NDIS is proposing, why it matters and what could change before January 2027. We cover: Pages 6ā€“14 for the executive summaryPages 32ā€“36 for the reasoning behind registered vs unregistered provider pricingPages 37ā€“59 to understand how support worker rates are builtPages 136ā€“154 for community participation, travel, cancellations and the proposed 10% reduction for some unregistered providersPages 176ā€“178 for the Disability Support Worker Cost ModelThis is not a new invoicing rate card. It is the NDIAā€™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.

  23. Jun 10

    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 letā€™s be honestā€¦ if no one understands the plan, the plan isnā€™t helping anyone. To learn more about Matt and the work heā€™s doing at Steppr, visit:https://www.steppr.com.au/

  24. Jun 8

    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, Iā€™m talking about why social media in 2026 needs to be more than copied Canva posts and ā€œweā€™re hiringā€ 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.

  25. Jun 1

    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 ā€œa shift.ā€ 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/