Mentors
 

Meet Kane, a friendly and motivated 25-year-old with a passion for helping others and being part of a supportive team. With his caring nature and positive attitude, Kane promotes independence and wellbeing for everyone he supports. Outside of work, he loves playing and watching rugby league, staying active, and spending time outdoors camping with friends and family. His teamwork, empathy, and calm approach make him a valued part of the Mentor Mates crew.

Meet Lizzi, a 25-year-old with a passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact. After years working in pharmacy, she’s excited to bring her care and compassion into the disability support field. Lizzi loves being outdoors - whether she’s soaking up the sun at the beach, going for a walk, or hiking a new trail. She’s also a big fan of cooking, trying new foods, and keeping active with the gym and Pilates. Eager to learn and connect, Lizzi is ready to make a positive difference and be someone others can trust and rely on.

Meet Finlay, a social butterfly who admits that he would happily talk anyone’s ear off, or have his own ear talked off, for hours. Finlay thrives on meaningful conversations and connections, always ready to lend an empathetic ear or engage in lively discussion. He is a lover of the outdoors and enjoys surfing, swimming or anything close to the beach. Finlay finds fulfilment in gym workouts, recognising the positive impact they have on both body and mind.

Meet Victoria, an adventurous spirit who finds joy in embarking on road trips and immersing herself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether it's walking along the beach or taking a refreshing swim, she thrives in the tranquility and serenity of natural surroundings. She is also a huge music fan and her love for animals shines through in her caring and nurturing demeanor.

Meet Pru, she admittedly enjoys carpool karaoke. Pru finds joy in hiking and exploring nature, working out with friends, and sharing her passion for cooking and meal prep. She also takes pride in helping clients achieve their goals through inclusive activities and active listening, always respecting their autonomy and unique abilities. With strong cultural awareness, inclusiveness, and leadership abilities, Pru approaches each day with reliability, punctuality, and a motivated spirit to make a positive impact.

Meet Lewis, a former professional chef turned ocean lifeguard whose passion for people, culture, and the outdoors runs deep. With a decade spent travelling and cooking across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Lewis brings rich life experience and a worldly perspective to everything he does. These days, you’ll find him patrolling the beaches of Wollongong, studying emergency healthcare, or out in the surf with his rescue dog Roo by his side.  Lewis is all about connection—whether it’s through a shared meal, a meaningful chat, or lending a helping hand when it’s needed most.

Meet Tabitha, a creative and caring support worker with nearly three years of experience helping others shine. She loves brightening someone’s day and empowering people to reach their goals through genuine connection and understanding. A self-proclaimed theatre kid, Tabitha has a passion for music, art, and the occasional karaoke night. When she’s not performing or creating, she enjoys hitting the gym, playing games, and diving into all things artistic. With training in trauma-informed care and experience supporting people of all ages and abilities, Tabitha brings empathy, adaptability, and heart to every interaction.

Meet Emily, a heavy metal enthusiast who also enjoys rock, punk and any music that is live. She is a professional with a Diploma of Community Services and a passion for making a difference. Her other interests extend to indulging in true crime podcasts, reading, gaming, and journaling. Emily is also deeply committed to community involvement through volunteer work and social events. Emily's dedication to enhancing the lives of others is evident in her advocacy skills and expertise in disability support pension applications, diabetes management, and more.

Meet Joe, he has both been a lead singer in a band and a solo artist (ask him for his Spotify) and would love to teach you how to play an instrument or just do any activity with you that involves music. He also loves the outdoors, deep sea diving and Japanese culture. His diverse interests enrich his ability to connect with others and provide meaningful support in their personal journeys.

Meet Ardina, a warm and bubbly creative with a passion for life, music, dance, and art. A proud mum of three and grandmother, Ardina brings a wealth of experience from her years in hairdressing, business, and community volunteering. She loves connecting with people from all walks of life in a caring and respectful way. When she’s not supporting others, you’ll find her ballroom or salsa dancing, singing karaoke, cooking up Italian dishes, or enjoying a walk that ends with a good coffee. With her kindness, humour, and positive energy, Ardina brings joy and creativity to everything she does.

Meet Ella, a University student from Wollongong who’s already making waves in support work while studying for her Bachelor of Communication. With two years of experience, Ella is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and enjoys staying active through walks, gym sessions, and sports like tennis and soccer. She loves exploring new places, diving into fiction books, watching movies, and listening to a mix of Pop, R&B, and Rap. With a Certificate III in Individual Support and a dedication to quality care, Ella combines her creativity and fun personality to make a meaningful impact.

Meet Ben, a friendly and approachable supporter who loves helping people feel included, supported, and empowered. Whether it’s assisting with everyday tasks, providing community access, or sharing a good conversation, Ben thrives on building trust and strong connections. He enjoys AFL, golf, running, swimming, movies, and chatting about anything under the sun. Patient, reliable, and a strong communicator, Ben is dedicated mentor.

Meet Jacob, a caring and active support worker who thrives on helping others and staying involved in the community. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoys everything from rugby and surfing to basketball and skating. Jacob also has a deep love for music and enjoys playing guitar, a skill passed down from his uncle. With a strong work ethic and a passion for connecting with others — whether in person or through gaming — Jacob brings energy, compassion, and dedication to everything he does.

Meet Zane, he has a passionate dream of becoming a WWE star one day, and we’re all going to be watching him on the big screen soon enough. But in the meantime Zane possesses a genuine interest in helping people achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. He has over a decade of experience in the Community Services Sector and has a caring and empathetic personality. Zane also enjoys immersing himself in anime series such as One Piece, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia as well as training, good food and adventure.

Meet Kallan, with a background spanning eight years in the mining industry and eight months in disability support, Kallan brings a unique blend of compassion, practicality, and resilience to his role. He has an open and honest communication style, proactive approach to problem-solving, and commitment to supporting individuals in achieving their goals. Kallan enjoys spending time with his two dogs, exploring new adventures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through activities like snowboarding.

Meet Sharlai, a friendly and adaptable support worker with over seven years of experience as a Special Education teacher.  Sharlai brings a wealth of knowledge across all age groups, along with specialised training in epilepsy and behavioural support. She’s outgoing, warm, and deeply committed to helping people live their best lives—whether that means being a great listener, sharing a laugh, or offering quiet support. Outside of work, she loves dancing, walking her dog along the Blue Mile, catching live music, and playing basketball twice a week as she hones her skills on the court.

Meet Sam, an 18-year-old first-year student at UOW pursuing a career as a high school science teacher. With a friendly demeanor and a genuine passion for connecting with people, Sam is dedicated to supporting others in achieving their goals. His interests include sports—whether playing, watching, or discussing them—surfing and beach walks with his dogs, exploring new music and artists, and seeking out new adventures. Sam’s skills in active listening, problem-solving, adaptability, and motivation make him an enthusiastic and effective mentor.

Meet Jorden, a charismatic 30-year-old support worker with a vibrant personality and a deep commitment to the LGBTQIA community. With experience in retail, hospitality, sales, and administration, Jorden has also dedicated years to volunteering with disabled surfing programs and multicultural centers. Driven by a search for job satisfaction, she now finds immense joy in her role, where she makes a positive impact on individuals' lives and helps them gain independence. Her passions extend to music, pop culture, tattoos, art, and TV and film, reflecting her creative and dynamic spirit.

Meet Rob, a proud Indigenous artist born and raised on Dharawal Country in Wollongong, with family ties to the Yuin tribe of the South Coast. A devoted dad in a big blended family, Rob loves expressing his culture and stories through his artwork. When he’s not painting, you’ll find him enjoying NRL, UFC, or just about any sport, with music or a true crime podcast playing in the background. Known for his patience, adaptability, and easygoing nature, Rob brings creativity, calm, and cultural pride to everything he does.

Meet Oliver, an 18-year-old university student studying Exercise Science. Passionate about support work, Ollie loves connecting with people and helping them achieve their goals. He’s an avid sports fan, playing cricket, soccer (Chelsea fan), touch football, and swimming, and never misses a Cronulla Sharks NRL game. Ollie is also a musician, performing with his band, The Piper’s Son, playing guitar, banjo, and writing his own music. With skills in water safety from his time at Jamberoo Action Park, Ollie is always focused on others’ needs, bringing kindness and fun to everything he does.

Meet Ruby, a vibrant and outgoing support worker with nearly three years of experience helping clients live their best, most empowered lives. Driven by a genuine passion for people, Ruby brings warmth, creativity, and problem-solving skills to every interaction—whether it’s assisting with hydrotherapy sessions, decluttering a space, or chatting about future goals. She’s a lover of animals (especially her cattle dog, Floyd), the gym, and the great outdoors. Ruby also enjoys cooking new recipes, exploring her artistic side, and forming meaningful connections through shared stories and experiences.

Meet Maddy, a 23-year-old who is currently studying economics, finance, and international studies while serving as an active reservist in the Airforce. Maddy is passionate about volunteering and thrives on helping others overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In her free time, Maddy stays active with hiking, running, and gym workouts, enjoys trivia nights, and has a love for discovering new cafes and indulging in coffee and pastries. With a creative streak, she explores art galleries and gardening, finding joy in growing her own food. Friendly, empathetic, and always eager to connect, Maddy brings a positive and engaging energy to everything she does.

Meet Bianca, she is half Hungarian and half Italian and she enjoys experimenting with these two cultures in the kitchen. Bianca also brings a knack for organisation, whether she's coordinating tasks, optimising wardrobes, or planning travel adventures, Bianca thrives on making life easier for those around her. Bianca finds joy at the beach with her dogs or playing netball. She is also a coffee addict, join her on her quest to discover the best brew in the Illawarra.

Meet Shane, a champion axe thrower. No, you didn’t read that wrong. Axe throwing is a sport which showcases precision and skill and this is reflective of Shane’s attitude towards everything he does. He enjoys physical activities and sports. On top of this Shane is an avid bargain hunter, finding joy in the thrill of op shopping and scoring great deals. And he is also an enthusiastic heavy metal fan, and a skilled guitarist himself, and loves going to gigs.

Meet Laura, a compassionate and experienced professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. She creates a safe, inclusive environment where trust and comfort are key. Outside of work, Laura is passionate about fitness and running, always looking for new challenges. She’s also an avid audiobook listener and music lover, discovering new authors and artists in her free time. With a background as a qualified hairdresser, Laura has a keen eye for detail and personalised care, skills she applies in all aspects of her life.

Meet Jessica, a passionate support worker with nine years of experience and a big heart for helping others. She loves making a positive difference in people’s lives and values every opportunity to support clients from all walks of life. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Jessica at the beach, soaking up the sun, dancing, singing, or spending time with animals. She’s also a fan of healthy living, good food, and discovering hidden spots for picnics or a good book. With her calm nature, creativity, and positive attitude, Jessica brings warmth and care to everything she does.

Meet Mark, a dedicated support worker with a decade of experience in the disability sector. Mark’s journey began by helping a friend after a car accident, and he’s been passionate about supporting others ever since. He loves helping people achieve their goals and is eager to do the same with you. Mark is skilled in teaching cooking, budgeting, exercising, social activities, and musical skills. He enjoys both indoor and outdoor activities, from hitting the gym and playing tennis to rock climbing and beach games. In his free time, Mark unwinds with video games and cooking up new recipes.

Meet Jason, a patient and compassionate supporter who loves helping people feel valued and included. With a lifetime of experience in trades, coaching, and mentoring, he brings dedication, knowledge, and a warm sense of humour to everything he does. A sports enthusiast at heart, Jason has played and coached AFL and soccer for decades. He also enjoys cooking, sharing dad jokes, eclectic music, and giving back through regular blood donation, always ready to connect with people in meaningful ways.

Meet Jeremy, a 29-year-old support worker from Barrack Heights with nearly 8 years of experience in the field.  Jeremy is a star rugby league player having transitioned from playing AFL to rugby league in 2024, proving to have a natural ability for the game. A coffee lover, he enjoys dining out with friends for the organic conversations it fosters. Music is another passion —he’s even known to drop a freestyle when the mood strikes! With a Certificate IV in Community Services, Jeremy is easygoing and empathetic, and he shares his home with two adopted pugs who keep life lively.

Meet Bailey, a proud Wiradjuri man with over eight years of experience in community services, supporting people from all walks of life to live with purpose and dignity - he's also a mean Mario Kart player. Based in Wollongong, Bailey combines his background in mental health with a passion for advocacy, always ready to walk alongside those he supports. Outside of work, he’s a lover of punk, metal, and hip-hop, and can often be found in his veggie garden, cooking up a storm, or cheering on the Wests Tigers. 

Meet Nick, a lifelong Shellharbour resident with over 25 years of experience in football and a passion for fitness. Nick’s love for sports and staying active has always been a big part of his life, and it’s this passion that led him to become a support worker. With a desire to give back to his community and help others achieve their goals, Nick thrives on building strong relationships and being a friend to those he supports. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, traveling both locally and overseas to experience new cultures, and staying fit through exercise and sports.

Meet Elliot, a globetrotter with a passion for teaching and connecting with others. Originally from the UK and raised in Shellharbour, Elliot spent 10 years in the Australian Navy, traveling the world and honing his technical skills. Now, he’s dedicated to helping others build independence, whether it’s through cooking, home maintenance, or travel training. Known for his friendly personality and sense of humor, Elliot loves crafting, gaming, and exploring new ideas. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with his two parrots.

Meet Sebastian, a 25-year-old from Campbelltown in the Macarthur region who brings a thoughtful and energetic approach to his work. Currently studying to become a high school teacher, he has several years of experience as a support worker and holds a diploma in counselling, equipping him with strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills. Sebastian is friendly, open-minded, and a great listener, able to connect with people from all walks of life. Outside of work, he’s passionate about music - playing and performing a range of instruments - as well as staying active through soccer, dance, running, and the gym. He’s also an avid chess player and is actively involved in Spanish-speaking community events.

Meet Kristen, a warm and energetic support worker from the Macarthur Region who brings a down-to-earth, caring approach to everything she does. With a background in hospitality and running her own retail store, she has a natural gift for making people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. Kristen is passionate about helping others live independently and enjoy life to the fullest, drawing on her strong communication skills, patience, and practical know-how. A true foodie and home-cooking enthusiast, she also loves getting out in nature, exploring home décor shops, and soaking up live music and comedy shows - always bringing her positive energy and big heart wherever she goes.

Meet Suzannah, a passionate and outgoing disability support mentor based in Annandale, with over seven years of experience delivering warm, person-centred care. Known for her empathy, creativity, and genuine connections, Suzannah supports each client in living more independently and meaningfully—whether that’s through companionship, hands-on support, or simply sharing a laugh. When she’s not working, Suzannah runs a small eco-friendly elixir business, explores nature with her dog and cat duo, and enjoys pottery, home cooking, and live music.

Meet Stephanie, an energetic soul from Adelaide’s southern suburbs, a passionate advocate for the environment, she finds peace and joy in the great outdoors - whether she’s hiking, cycling, kayaking, or reflecting during yoga and meditation. With a background in Youth Work, Stephanie has spent years supporting others through challenges and celebrating their wins, always bringing her warm, positive attitude. A lover of music, she plays piano, sings, and enjoys everything from jazz to vintage metal. From trekking the Himalayas to tending her veggie garden, Stephanie brings curiosity, creativity, and heart to everything she does.

Meet Caine, a 29-year-old from Preston in North Melbourne and a proud Bidjigal/Kamilaroi man with experience across transport, hospitality, and community work. Caine brings warmth, patience, and strong communication skills to every interaction. He’s dedicated to helping people discover their passions and strengths, with a special focus on connecting young participants to Country. A lover of music, Caine enjoys playing guitar, teaching instruments, and catching live gigs. He’s also a big fan of movies, pop culture, and all things sport - especially cheering on the Matildas!