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Welcome to our Blog!
This space brings together the voices, experiences, and insights of our team. From personal reflections on working in disability support, to updates on NDIS policy, case law, and sector developments, our blog is a place to share what we’re learning, what matters to us, and how we support participants every day.
Whether you’re a participant, family member, student, support worker, or sector professional, we hope these stories offer clarity, connection, and a genuine insight into life at Hillebrand Shaw & Co.
Lexi’s 2025 & Intentions for 2026: Is a COS on the Horizon?
Lexi just kept hitting the targets this year! This year was full of unexpected life turns and many career opportunities, with my chosen opportunity being Hillebrand Shaw & Co. This year has shaped my future and the person I am today. Since starting with HS&C in July 2025, I have been welcomed into many homes of families who require day-to-day assistance – and for this I am very grateful. Every support is full of ups and downs but also lots of fun and laughter. I thank every f
The importance of Work-Life Balance & how Max achieved it in 2025
The importance of a work-life balance is something which I believe cannot be reiterated enough - you will not excel in any field without taking the time to do things which make you happy. Throughout 2025, my life as a support worker allowed me to witness firsthand, and in many ways, just how important this balance is. This first way became evident in the way in which I always imagined a work-life balance, and that was in my personal life. Having commenced my first year of uni
Bree's 2025 with Hillebrand Shaw & Co
Bree reflects back on a great 2025 at Hillebrand Shaw & Co.
One Year Working at Hillebrand Shaw & Co
Maeve reflects on her 2025 at Hillebrand Shaw & Co.
The Difference between Nursing & Support Work
*Lexi has completed her first year of nursing at the University of Newcastle.* Nursing and Support work are so alike yet so different. They both require people who are caring, passionate and friendly. During my time in nursing, I learnt that often people don’t care to learn your name, they just care if someone does what they need them to do. Support work is not at all like that. Clients care if you turn up, they know your name and make an effort to remember it. As much as I l
5 Quick Tips on HOW to Smoothly Navigate a Meet and Greet
Before getting into the tips, it must be stated that I am no expert at meet and greets (M&G); these are just my general tips that I remind myself of before heading into the M&G (whether alone or with a supervisor), and thought this might be useful for others in the NDIS field. Let us know your thoughts on these tips and if they are helpful, or if you use other methods, all feedback is great feedback. :) Preparation Preperation, Preparation & Preparation!!! Preparing doesn’t
The Alternative Career Paths Panel: Exploring Diverse Pathways Beyond Traditional Legal Practice
On the 25th of September, I had the privilege of attending the Alternative Career Paths Panel held at the University of Newcastle’s Nuspace Building. The event, hosted by the University of Newcastle Law Students’ Association (UNLSA) and proudly sponsored by Hillebrand Shaw & Co, offered an engaging exploration of the many ways a law degree can be applied beyond the traditional roles of practising as a solicitor or barrister. As a law student myself, I was particularly drawn
The Criminology Panel with Hillebrand Shaw & Co attending
I was lucky enough to sit in on an inspiring presentation last week at the University of Newcastle, which brought home the multi-faceted...
🎵 Good Vibes Only: Art & Music Therapy Backed by NDIS Review
There’s been a big update on art and music therapy under the NDIS and it’s good news! An independent review, led by Dr Stephen Duckett...
When Mum’s the Best Support Worker: Tribunal Backs Paid Family Care for NDIS Participant
Scaramella and National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) [2025] ARTA 870 Case Summary: In mid-July, the Administrative Review Tribunal...
Bree’s Approach to Building Genuine Rapport With Participants in Disability Support Work
During my journey as a support worker, I have learned that building genuine rapport is not achieved through big gestures, but through...
Max Jones: "My Introduction to Life as a Support Worker"
Having only recently began my journey in support work, I have been welcomed into the role through many ways which have reinforced the...
Deafblind Awareness Week 2025 (23 June - 29 June)
Last week, June 23 to June 29, marks Deafblind Awareness Week, observed annually in honour of Helen Keller, whose birthday on June 27...
NDIS 2025 Pricing Review: Travel Rate Reduction and Rural Impact
As of today, July 1, 2025, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will implement a major change to the way allied health...
NDIS Case Review: Paul v NDIA (April 2025)
Decision: The Tribunal set aside the NDIA's decision under review pursuant to s105 of the ART Act 2024 (Cth). The Tribunal decided that...
Update on Music & Art Therapy
Background: Last year, the NDIA announced that they found there was insufficient evidence to conclude that art and music therapy are...
ART Win for Participants: Maintenance Funding for Assistance Animal Approved & Longer Plan Secured
A recent decision by the Administrative Review Tribunal of Australia (ARTA) has set an important precedent for NDIS participants who rely...
Record-Breaking $1.9M Fine: Federal Court Penalises NDIS Provider over Participant’s Death
Commissioner of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission v Valmar Support Services Ltd [2025] FCA 11 Case Summary: This case came...
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