Podcast · Business

Sarah Knows Support Workers

by Sarah Heriot · English · Business

The podcast for NDIS support workers, disability support workers, and aged care workers in Australia. Hosted by Sarah Heriot — interviewing support workers, NDIS providers, disability sector founders, and care sector leaders. Get real insights on NDIS, disability support, and working in aged care. S

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 41 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 13 minNew

NDIS Christmas Rostering: Plan Now, Avoid the Chaos!

Christmas is coming… and if you work in NDIS rostering, you know the chaos can start well before December! 🎄😂 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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Oct 2026 · 49 min
Whistleblowing in the NDIS: What Happens When Speaking Up Is the Only Option?
What happens when you’ve reported concerns, followed the right processes, raised complaints… and nothing changes? In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers , I’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 someone’s rights or safety are at risk. We also talk about what…
5 Oct 2026 · 8 min
Are You a Good Support Worker… or Just a Nice Person?
Being kind matters. But kindness alone doesn’t make you a great support worker. In this episode, I’m talking about the difference between being a lovely person and actually being good at the job. We’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 you’re always late, never write useful notes, blur boundaries,…
27 Sep 2026 · 10 min
Choice & Control vs Duty of Care: When Should Support Workers Step In?
Choice and control sounds simple… 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 it’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 “helping” actually cross the…
21 Sep 2026 · 34 min
"That’s Not the Support Worker I Ordered” — 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 SwiftyMatchy—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 “that’s not the support worker I wanted” 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: • The real cost of poor support worker matching…
14 Sep 2026 · 46 min
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…
7 Sep 2026 · 49 min
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…
3 Sep 2026 · 52 min
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,…
23 Aug 2026 · 48 min
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…
19 Aug 2026 · 47 min
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 •…
6 Aug 2026 · 41 min
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…
3 Aug 2026 · 38 min
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…
20 Jul 2026 · 41 min
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…
9 Jul 2026 · 10 min
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…
8 Jul 2026 · 13 min
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…
22 Jun 2026 · 7 min
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…
10 Jun 2026 · 32 min
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…
8 Jun 2026 · 19 min
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,…
1 Jun 2026 · 45 min
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…
28 May 2026 · 41 min
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…
18 May 2026 · 55 min
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…
14 May 2026 · 46 min
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…
7 May 2026 · 12 min
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…
6 May 2026 · 39 min
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…
4 May 2026 · 46 min
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…
28 Apr 2026 · 55 min
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…
23 Apr 2026 · 54 min
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 .…
17 Apr 2026 · 5 min
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…
15 Apr 2026 · 8 min
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…
13 Apr 2026 · 55 min
"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…

About Sarah Knows Support Workers

Sarah Knows Support Workers is a English business podcast from Sarah Heriot. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Sarah Heriot
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 41 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1754329571
Rights: Sarah Heriot

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