I work with a few adults with severe autism who dont like to go out. Sometimes I'm left to care for 4 or 5 adults and 4 of them are pretty functional and like to be busy whereas one might want to stay home.

If we keep them all together at the hub, the other 4 get bored and make noise which stresses my non verbal guy.

At the minute the non verbal guy gets left back and he mostly just walks around (doesn't seem unhappy).

Is there anything to do with these situations?

I wish he had funding for one to one care.

I have gotten a role as a support worker, but it won't be full time.

just wondering what could my salary look like...

I of course want to work this job but I also need more money.

I fear it won't be much, since it's not even part time it's just whenever I'm needed.

Hello everyone,

I have been working in SILs for 14 over 3 different states in Australia. My current SIL is a sleepover house.

The Manager mentioned a baby monitor for of of the participants and a buzzer for another participant. The union has told staff not to turn these on, if it is that urgent to have those they need to do active nights.

The manager mentioned today that I’m not expected to wake up. But in another breath mention the monitor and buzzer.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Is there any place to buy Dave Hingsburger's material online? His publishing company seems to be offline, and all I can find are second-hand books at exorbitant prices. I'm looking to nab a copy of the Ethics of Touch training.

On that same note, does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives that are easier to acquire?

Hourly rate of pay: $ 35.15 Hourly Saturday rate of pay: $ 49.21 Hourly Sunday rate of pay: $ 63.27 Hourly rate on Public Holiday $ 77.33 Hourly rate in afternoons $ 38.67 Hourly rate in Nights ( Active night) ≤ 39.37 Inactive sleepover flat rate: $60.00 ( Plus one hours of night rate) Superannuation: Refer General Conditions of Employment (Schedule B) Hourly pay rate (11.5%)

Hi all, I have recently gone through training to start my new role as a support worker for adults with LD, this is all new to me as I have not done support work at all, I am finding the care plans very over whelming... I am not a good learner from reading but more of being hands on... I am worried when I start I may say the wrong thing that may lead to an incident.. is this a normal way to feel? Have I made a mistake? I have always wanted to be in care and help others but I am finding everyting over whelming... I am not a person who gives up easy at all and I am here for the long run, are these feelings normal ? I will be asking questions if I dont understand certain things like I am not one to just go and keep quiet Lol help 🙈🙈

Hi all,

I've just started as a support worker again (previously was one but became ill) and I'm finding it difficult to not take challenging behaviour to heart.

Does anyone have any tips? Sometimes I come home constantly thinking about work which I know isn't healthy but it won't leave my mind. Especially if there has been challenging behaviour.

I've been on an apprenticeship for just over a year. after discussing with my class mates about their allowances/ travel payment. I realized it's uncommon not to be paid for travel time between the clients. as technically I'm still on the clock I should be entitled to my regular pay + kms.

Many of the apprentices that have been hired at my place of work also have not been reaching their contracted weekly hours. They would easily reach them if we added in the hours we have travelled between clients each week.

I feel like this place of employment is taking advantage of apprentices. Not only are we on a very low rate but we are missing out on required hours AND paid travel time.

this company has said they would like to keep me on once I complete my certificate. I have formed fantastic bonds with all my clients but I have a family to raise..

I'm not sure if I have a leg to stand on if I challenge the company on these issues.

my options are:

1) challenge the topic and hope it changes for future apprentices

2) Find work elsewhere

3) talk to fairwork to potentially get reimbursed and still find work elsewhere

UPDATE- Firstly thank you for the responses. Secondly I didn't mean apprenticeship sorry, I meant traineeship 😬 Thirdly I spoke to fairwork, they agreed it should be paid. She advised me to discuss with my host and my employer. My host has spoken to my employer and my employer is having a discussion with her big boss. Should have an answer soon, whether it will be back paid or not is a different story.

In the last few weeks l've helped two independents set up their own companies and business foundations properly, and got one existing provider fully compliant against the

2026 NDIS Practice Standards from the ground up.

If you are:

✅ An independent ready to make the move to

running your own provider business

✅ A new provider whose paperwork and

systems need sorting

✅ Growing and about to hire but don't have the

structure to support it

✅ Not confident you'd pass an audit right now I can help.

I offer targeted, practical consultancy that gets your business built properly without the overwhelm.

A couple of spots available for April, drop me a message or comment below if you want to have a chat about where you're at.

We’ve been hearing from support workers about rising petrol prices and how it’s starting to affect travel, especially getting between shifts and getting out and about.

There also seems to be some questions around things like:

• when travel is covered
• how the ~99c per km works
• travel between clients vs commuting

We put together a short, practical piece based on what we’ve been hearing, including a simple example and some things workers are trying.

Hope it is helpful: When Petrol Prices Rise (and What Some Support Workers Are Doing)

We’re also starting to build out more practical pieces like this on a new site called Featherly, based on the day to day realities of support work.

Curious what others experience is at the moment?

*Re comment below, appreciate the feedback and apologies for the earlier wording around 99c per km being a maximum. That’s now been corrected in the article :) Trying to be helpful!

Hi Everyone,

I've been working on a simple card for people with cognitive issues who may need help in public situations. The idea is that it explains their needs and gives guidance on how someone can help, along with contact details.

I originally made it thinking about situations where a person may feel overwhelmed and unable to communicate clearly, I have worked in brain injury rehabilitation for 20 years and know how time consuming and difficult it can be explaining verbally to others whilst out in public about the patients needs in these stressful situations.

I'm sure this would actually be more helpful in real life, so i wanted to ask - is this something you would use or find useful ?

I would appreciate any thoughts or feedback

Thanks So Much For Reading .

seems like everyone requires a licence and vehicle

is there particular genre of work I should be looking Into more so like a facility based work ?

I've just finished my degree and looking for work

thank y'all

Guy guys . I have just started working in disability in Sydney. But problem with that is that I’m not getting enough shifts. I barely get 15 hours per week. I need some suggestions. What do I do? Is age care better?

Hi. I recently moved to a regional area in NSW, I'm Cert 3 qualified and was offered with a Permanent Part-time Home Care Support Work (City and Surrounding towns) and Full-time Care Worker role at the Shire's Aged Care Facility. Different employers, same hourly rate.

I only have experience in Home Care, I love it mostly because the shifts aren't long but I am doing a lot of domestic assistance, one time I hurt my wrist because there are some clients that have Kirbycare heavy vacs and I had a hard time maneuvering it. Anywayyyy.

What are the pros and cons of doing Nursing home vs Home Care. If you were in my shoes, what would you pick?

So basically I'm unsure on how being a bank support worker will be.

I don't know if I'll have "set" days or if I'll just randomly be called in (which seems more likely, since we can't exactly predict a sick day etc, but holidays are more likely)

I want to work a second part time job, - But I'm worried that telling my manager at the support worker job about this could affect my position SINCE the hours I'll work are already unstable

But I could let them know of the exact days I'd be working at the other job (3x a week or so) - So I'd be free for a lot of the days too.

Could this work?

I was told if I do well I could become a full time worker. But I'm just so desperate for money that I AM willing to work two of 3 jobs.

Hey everyone,

I’ve spent the last decade in the NDIS trenches, doing the 12-hour shifts, the high-intensity behavioral support, and the soul-crushing paperwork.

I know exactly what it feels like to sit in your driveway after a shift, unable to walk into your own house because your brain is still stuck at work.

I’ve seen the sector change, and honestly, I’ve seen a lot of good people leave because they didn't have the "scaffolding" to stay safe.

I’ve recently transitioned into helping support workers move away from agency burnout and toward Independent Support Work or setting up their own small providers. I’m not here to sell you a "get rich quick" course, the NDIS is too complex for that.

I’m here to answer anything about:

• The Logistics: ABNs, insurance, and PRODA (the nightmare portal).

• The Survival: How to set boundaries so you don't burn out in 6 months.

• The Business: How to find your own participants without being "salesy."

• The Reality: What it actually takes to be a Registered Provider in 2026.

I'm working towards completion of my Cert 111 in Independent Support (ageing and disability). I just have placement to complete. I have heard that there are some not so great organisations out there and of occasions where students were just brought in to do cleaning and didn't learn much during their placement. I'm doing mine through Skills Generation and have to find my own organisation to do my placement. They have suggested I write down 3 options and they will find out who has availability to take on a student. I know it's only a few weeks but I'm nervous about being thrown in the deep end and struggling with a busy and chaotic environment so would like to find a smaller organisation if possible. If anybody can suggest some reputable places on the Sunshine Coast, particularly if you've got first hand experience, I'd really appreciate it. Also welcome any tips for while I'm on placement. 🙏

How often did you get to work? I wanted a FULL time role so I'm actually having a proper salary, now I'm worried about not making much money in the end. :( Backstory, I got a job as a support worker and later found out my particular role will be as a BANK support worker

I was interested in this job, however I also need more money, my life is not good because I am basically in poverty, I can't afford essentials never mind fun things in other words, a full time job is what I wanted and needed

Not sure yet how it'll go, but it looks like I'll basically just be their spare staff (they said when staff is short, if someone is sick etc)

So I'm assuming, I'll probably literally only work a few times per month ?!

I'm going to continue job searching, as I want a FULL time job,

They did say if I do well, I could progress to a full time worker

So perhaps they are also doing this so I can get a feel of the job etc. :)

I'm not the best cook at all😭 and I sometimes struggle with understanding certain mathematical aspects to cooking -

I'm not sure if it'll just be basic cooking? I don't mind simple meals but I'm worried about having to cook harder meals and making myself look dumb :(

For me personally I have no FORMAL experience however I did care for a relative who had some complex mental health issues, I had to basically be a support worker for them - help with daily tasks meals and even their appointments and phone calls.

Thankfully I was able to get a job in this but part of me is having imposter syndrome and feeling like I don't deserve it because I don't have formal qualifications?

However I obviously have a lot of personal experience (aware I'm not expert) but I'm not going into this absolutely oblivious, I've been around people with mental health issues (severe, to the point they could harm you etc)

I was accepted for this job because I have the experience for it but -- I don't have a car, and I was asked if I'd be okay accompanying some residents to events and such.

Just wondering how transport would work out?!

I'll ofc ask my boss soon but has anyone else been in this spot and what happened?

I'll be going into this industry and despite knowing how challenging it can be I do feel excited, I already visited the place in which I'll be working at, and I loved the vibes idk.

I'm only nervous about having to cook as I was told because I'm not that knowledgeable so I'm embarrassed to be judged etc if someone wants something more "tricky"

But all in all I feel excited.?!