Maddy Blair

Maddy Blair

A little about me.

What inspired you to become a Support Coordinator?
I have always had a deep passion for helping people with disabilities feel empowered, valued and in control of their own lives. For me, it's not just about navigating systems or supports, it's about walking alongside someone, truly listening to and understanding their needs, and ensuring they feel seen, heard and respected. Being able to support someone to build confidence, independence, and achieve their goals is something I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of.

How long have you been working in this space, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I have been within the disability sector for going on 1.5 - going on 2 years, and during this time I’ve discovered how meaningful and rewarding this work truly is. What I enjoy most is building genuine connections with participants and supporting them to feel confident, empowered, and in control of their own lives and choices. Every day brings an opportunity to make a positive impact, whether it’s helping someone understand their plan, linking them with the right support, or simply being someone they can rely on.

What types of support services do you specialise in or have experience with?
I have hands-on experience working with a wide range of disabilities and support needs. This includes supporting people with mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, downs syndrome, and physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries and CP. Working across such a diverse range of needs has helped me develop a strong understanding of how to tailor supports, communicate effectively, and ensure each person feels respected, supported, and empowered in their daily life and long-term goals.

Can you tell me about a particularly rewarding or memorable experience you've had while assisting someone?
A particularly memorable experience for me was supporting a woman with severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and self-harm. Over time, we built a strong sense of trust, and she often shared how safe and supported she felt when I was with her, as well as requesting me as her primary carer. She even gave me a small, meaningful gift to show her appreciation. Moments like that remind me how important genuine care and consistency can be in someone’s life.

Are there any resources or programs you find interesting and beneficial for a lot of your participants?
I often recommend community programs that build social connection, therapeutic supports like OT and psychology, and capacity-building programs for daily living, employment, and independence. I always tailor resources to suit each participant’s individual goals and needs.

What do you believe are the most important qualities for a Support Coordinator to have?
I believe the most important qualities for a Support Coordinator are compassion, patience, and strong listening skills. It’s essential to be reliable, organised, and a good communicator, while also advocating for participants’ needs and respecting their choices. Creativity in problem-solving and a genuine commitment to empowering people are also key to helping participants feel supported and confident in reaching their goals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
Outside of work, I am an avid reader and love finding and exploring new books. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and seeking adventure, as well as expressing myself creatively through music. These activities help me recharge and bring positive energy and focus into my life.

Tell us something we don’t know, but need to know?
Work related - I want participants to know that I’m approachable and genuinely committed to supporting them. No task is too big, and I’m here to help make the NDIS process easier and more understandable.
Personally - I’m a bit of a nature geek, I love learning about and understanding our planet, from plants and animals to ecosystems. Exploring these topics and how everything connects both physically and spiritually, really fascinates me and keeps my curiosity alive.