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Australia’s leading podcast for NDIS support workers, NDIS providers, disability support services, and care sector business owners. Sarah Heriot shares real insights on the NDIS, disability sector, aged care, support worker tips, provider growth, business strategy, industry updates, and policy changes across Australia. Hear honest conversations, expert advice, and interviews with founders, leaders, and changemakers in disability and aged care. New episodes weekly for support workers, independent support workers, NDIS businesses, and providers who want to stay informed and grow.
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NDIS families across Australia are struggling to coordinate care, manage communication, and keep everyone informed. When Lisa Thomson couldn’t find a solution, she built one.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Lisa Thomson, founder of Harmonies Home Health Hub, to explore how technology is transforming home care, aged care, and disability support across Australia.This episode is for support workers, NDIS providers, families, and aged care professionals looking to simplify care coordination and improve outcomes.• Why NDIS families struggle to coordinate care• How Harmony Home Health Hub improves communication• The gap between care plans and real-life delivery• How technology supports independence• What better care coordination looks like in Australia👉 Follow Lisa Thomson & Harmony Home Health Hub👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers for more NDIS insightsIn this episode you'll learn:https://harmoniehealth.com.au/
NDIS providers across Australia often fear audits — but what if audits became your biggest business advantage?In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Keturah from Quality HQ about building strong compliance systems that actually support providers, support workers, and participants.This episode is essential for NDIS providers, business owners, and quality managers.• Why audits can strengthen your NDIS business• What the NDIS Commission looks for• How to build quality systems that work• Why off-the-shelf policies fail providers• Where AI fits into NDIS compliance👉 Follow Keturah & Quality HQ👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
Support worker burnout is one of the biggest issues in Australia's NDIS sector — and it's impacting participants, providers, and the workforce.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah shares real insights from 15+ years in the disability sector.• Signs of support worker burnout• Why isolation is common in 1:1 supports• How burnout impacts participants• What providers should do differently• How to improve support worker wellbeing👉 Follow Sarah Heriot👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support WorkersIn this episode you'll learn:
NDIS providers across Australia are trying to grow — but many are doing it backwards.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Solomon about building authentic relationships, personal branding, and growing your NDIS business.• How relationships grow NDIS businesses• Personal branding for support workers• Ethical storytelling in disability• Building trust with families• Marketing strategies for NDIS providers👉 Follow Solomon👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support WorkersIn this episode you'll learn:
The right products can restore dignity for NDIS participants — but many support workers don’t know what's available.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Bec Parry about adaptive clothing, disability products, and improving daily life for participants.• Adaptive clothing for disability support• Continence products and dignity• Product recommendations for support workers• Disability supply challenges in Australia• Person-centred care products👉 Follow Bec Parry & InCare Supports👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support WorkersIn this episode you'll learn:
Many NDIS providers across Australia struggle to grow — not because their services are poor, but because their marketing isn’t working.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Chris Lapa to break down what actually works when growing an NDIS business in Australia.This episode is for NDIS providers, support workers, and disability business owners wanting to attract more participants and build a strong reputation.• Common marketing mistakes NDIS providers make• How to build referral networks in the disability sector• Personal branding vs business branding• Marketing strategies for NDIS providers in Australia• How to grow your NDIS business sustainably👉 Follow Chris Lapa👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support WorkersIn this episode you'll learn:
Two NDIS participants. Same funding. Same hours. Completely different outcomes. The difference? The support worker.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah shares why matching the right support worker is one of the most important decisions in disability support.• Why matching matters in disability care• How poor matching impacts participants• What choice and control really means• How providers can improve matching• Why relationships drive better outcomes👉 Follow Sarah Heriot👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support WorkersIn this episode you'll learn:
Supporting young people with disability requires trauma-informed care, leadership, and strong support worker teams.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas to discuss youth mentoring and building an NDIS business.• Trauma-informed support for young people• Building youth mentoring programs• From support worker to CEO• Supporting complex behaviours• Leadership in disability support👉 Follow Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support WorkersSEO Keywords:NDIS youth support Australia, trauma-informed care disability, youth mentoring NDIS, disability leadership Australia, Sarah Knows Support WorkersIn this episode you'll learn:
In this episode I sit down with Michelle Flynn, Growth & Marketing Manager at aryse (https://aryse.com.au/) — a service doing great things in the disability space.Michelle unpacks what ethical, effective marketing really means in an industry where trust and connection matter more than slick ads. We get honest about:✨ Why emotional, values-based messaging will always beat hype✨ The difference between posting content for the sake of it vs content with purpose✨ How your team’s behaviour out in the community is your most powerful marketing tool✨ Balancing creative ambition with clear strategy and outcomes✨ How to scale, delegate and lead without losing your brand’s heart✨ The importance of real stories that humanise your service✨ And the marketing mistake that involved 2,000 mousepads with the wrong name 😅If you’re a provider, business leader, support worker, marketer or anyone wanting to grow in the NDIS sector with integrity — this one will give you practical takeaways, grounded insights, and a fresh way to think about promotion in a space that’s not always “sexy,” but absolutely essential.Find aryse + connect with Michelle on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and keep learning.
Running a SIL service and feel like you’re constantly juggling rosters, funding, staff needs, and compliance… and still wondering if you’re getting it right?You’re not alone — and you’re not failing.In this episode, Sarah chats with Josh Pix from Resolv, a team that works alongside SIL providers across Australia to fix one of the biggest hidden problems in the sector: rostering and claiming that doesn’t actually match participant funding.We talk about:• Why SIL rostering is one of the hardest jobs in the NDIS• How “being nice” and adding extra hours can quietly cost providers thousands• The real impact of incorrect rostering on participants and staff• Why leadership in disability looks different (and starts with kindness)• What a SIL “health check” actually looks at• Why even experienced providers get this wrong — and why that’s okayJosh shares insights from working with hundreds of providers and explains why this isn’t about working harder — it’s about having the right systems and support in place.If you’ve ever cried over a roster, worried about funding gaps, or felt like SIL is an impossible puzzle… this episode will make you feel seen — and give you a clearer path forward.🎧 Perfect for SIL providers, service managers, team leaders, and anyone responsible for rostering or compliance in the NDIS space.
I’m not great at elevator pitches — and honestly, I don’t want to be.I’m better at listening.Listening to why you do what you do.How you got here.And what actually matters to you.In this episode, I share the real story behind Support Worker Store — how it accidentally turned three years old, how it started while I was pregnant with my third child, and how it evolved from funny support-worker mugs into something much bigger.We talk about:✨ Playing too small (and realising it)✨ Building a brand while pivoting… a lot✨ The podcast journey (70+ episodes in — wild)✨ Why matching matters in disability support✨ The origin story of Swifty Matchy (yes, inspired by reality TV 👀)✨ And why “that’s not what I ordered” is something too many NDIS participants feelThis isn’t a polished pitch.It’s the honest, messy, values-driven version.If you work in the NDIS, care about quality support, or just love a good origin story — this one’s for you.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments👍 Like if this resonated🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations from inside the sector— Sarah
Support work can lead to leadership — and Joel Scott proves it.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah speaks with Joel Scott about career growth in Australia's disability sector.• Career growth in disability support• From support worker to leadership• Skills needed to grow• Leadership in disability services• Career pathways in NDIS👉 Follow Joel Scott👉 Subscribe to Sarah Knows Support Workers
What happens when people inside the NDIS get fed up with broken systems… and decide to build something better?In this episode, I’m joined by Ammar Kazi and Valentina Aushana, the founders of Australian Therapy Hub (ATH) — an all-in-one platform designed to make therapy simpler, fairer, and more human for NDIS participants, therapists, and families.We unpack:Why the current allied health systems weren’t cutting itHow admin, travel, and paperwork were eating into actual careWhat happens when participants get real choice and controlHow ATH reduces burnout for therapistsWhy simplicity, clarity, and privacy were non-negotiablesAnd how tech can support care without replacing human connectionThis isn’t another “tech for tech’s sake” story.It’s about getting funding back where it belongs — into care, not wasted admin.ATH is now live, growing, and refining in real time — and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year.If you’re a:NDIS participant or familyTherapist or allied health professionalSupport coordinatorOr someone who cares about better systems in care👉 This episode is for you.🔗 Learn more:https://austherapyhub.com.au/📲 Follow: Australian Therapy Hub on Instagram & Facebook
We’re back for 2026 — and kicking off with a powerful conversation.In this episode of Sarah Knows Support Workers, Sarah sits down with James Bennett, Director of Evergreen Disability Care, to talk about what it really takes to build a disability business with integrity, long-term vision, and heart.James shares his journey from the corporate world into disability, shaped by lived experience as a parent and years on the ground. This is an honest conversation about leadership, supporting staff properly, and keeping the people we serve at the centre of every decision.Why James started Evergreen Disability CareLeadership without egoSupporting support workers so they stay and thriveCapacity building that leads to real independenceLong-term thinking in the NDISBurnout, boundaries, and balanceWhy integrity and communication still matterThis episode is for support workers, leaders, business owners, and anyone thinking about starting or growing an NDIS service in 2026.🎧 No shortcuts. No fluff. Just real talk.In this episode:
What do you learn after 17 years in the disability sector?In this episode, Sarah Heriot reflects on her journey through support work — from the early days to the major shifts in advocacy, choice, and independent living we see today.Sarah shares real, lived lessons from working directly with people with disability, watching the sector evolve, and learning what truly creates better outcomes. This is an honest conversation about what’s changed, what’s improved, and what support workers need to hold onto as the sector keeps moving forward.This episode is for NDIS support workers, independent support workers, providers, and anyone working in disability support who wants perspective, clarity, and grounding from someone who’s been there.How support work has changed over the past 17 yearsWhy advocacy and real choice matter more than everThe shift toward personalised support and independent livingWhat listening to the people we support actually looks likeWhy empowerment leads to stronger outcomesThe importance of continuous learning in support workThe disability sector will keep evolving — but the heart of good support has always stayed the same.👇 Subscribe for honest, experience-led conversations about support work, the NDIS, and building a sustainable career in care.In this video, we talk about:
Support work is changing — fast.In this episode, Sarah Heriot unpacks what it really means to thrive as a support worker in 2026, not just survive the shifts in the NDIS.We talk about how expectations are evolving, why technology now plays a bigger role than ever, and how support workers can stay relevant, confident, and indispensable — without losing their values or burning out.This episode is for NDIS support workers, independent support workers, and anyone working in disability support who wants clarity, confidence, and practical strategies for the future.What’s changing in support work heading into 2026Why innovation and tech literacy matter in the NDISHow to understand and back your worth as a support workerStaying clear on your role, boundaries, and valuesSkills that will keep you employable and in demandWhy adaptation (not perfection) is the real key to successSupport work isn’t disappearing — it’s evolving.And the workers who thrive are the ones who adapt with intention.👇 Subscribe for honest conversations about support work, the NDIS, and building a sustainable career in care.In this video, we cover:
Can ChatGPT actually help NDIS support workers — or is it something we should be wary of?In this episode, Sarah Heriot shares how she uses ChatGPT in everyday NDIS support work to plan meaningful activities, support goal-focused programs, and write clearer professional notes — without replacing the human side of support.With over 17 years in the disability sector, Sarah explains how AI can reduce mental load for support workers, help expand ideas, and support better outcomes — when used intentionally and ethically.This episode is for NDIS support workers, independent support workers, providers, and anyone curious about AI in care — explained in plain English, no tech jargon, no fear-mongering.How ChatGPT can support planning in NDIS workWhy AI is a tool, not a replacement for support workersHow to use prompts properly to get useful resultsWays AI can assist with professional progress notesWhere the boundaries are when using AI in supportWhy human judgement and connection still come firstChatGPT, Sarah Heriot, NDIS support work, AI in disability care, support worker tools, meaningful programs, progress notes, human-centred support, future of support work👇 Subscribe for more real conversations about support work, the NDIS, and doing this work well.In this video, you’ll learn:Topics covered:
In today’s episode, I sit down with Tara Shekede, founder of Me Plus More — one of Australia’s leading online platforms supporting people with intellectual disability to build real independence, confidence and life skills.We talk about:• The real reason Me Plus More was created• Why easy read, accessible learning and clear language matter• Digital safety, scams and online risks for people with disability• How support workers can use Me Plus More as a toolbox for skills-building• How NDIS participants, families & providers can access the platformWhether you’re an NDIS provider, support worker, or a family member supporting someone with an intellectual disability — this episode is packed with insights, practical advice and real stories of independence.⭐ Check out Me Plus More:https://meplusmore.com.au/👉 Free 5-day trial👉 No credit card needed👉 Easy Read, videos, gamified learning & workbooks👉 Suitable for NDIS participants, support workers and providers
From Drama Teacher to Care Trainer — meet Yvette “Spaghetti” Salvaris!In this episode, Sarah from the Support Worker Store sits down with Yvette Salvaris, founder of Ethical Training Solutions, to talk about her wild career pivot from teaching drama to transforming the care and training sector.They dive into:💬 How Ethical Training Solutions started (and what “ethical” really means)💡 Why career pivots are booming post-COVID🐶 How volunteering (with therapy dogs!) keeps her grounded👥 Why empathy + real skills matter more than certificates☕ How Yvette’s networking events are creating safe spaces for care professionals🌏 Her plan to expand Ethical Training Solutions nationallyIf you’re a support worker, educator, or care industry pro thinking about upskilling, pivoting, or growing your network — this chat is your sign.📌 Timestamps00:00 Meet Yvette “Spaghetti” Salvaris02:41 From Drama to Care Training05:30 Launching Ethical Training Solutions07:37 The Power of Career Pivots10:26 Volunteering & Therapy Dogs12:53 The Truth About Working in Care18:22 How to Make Training Fun (and Not Boring)20:01 Safe Networking for the Care Sector22:48 What’s Next for Ethical Training Solutions✨ Hit Subscribe for more real convos with changemakers in the care and NDIS space.🎧 Listen to the full podcast: [insert Spotify/Apple link]💻 Find Yvette: https://ethicaltrainingsolutions.com.au💖 Follow Sarah: @SupportWorkerStore#NDIS #CareIndustry #SupportWorkers #CareerPivot #TrainingSolutions #EthicalTraining #Volunteering #PersonalDevelopment #Education #Networking #NDISPodcast #SupportWorkerStore
From humble garage beginnings to becoming the go-to name in NDIS & aged-care payroll — meet Garth Belic, founder of PayCat 🐱💼Sarah (aka the Brat) chats with Garth about how PayCat turned the pain of SCHADS payroll into a smooth, automated system that actually makes sense.In this ep, they cover:💥 How PayCat was born in a garage (and built into a 30+-staff powerhouse)💥 The truth about SCHADS — why it’s so messy and how PayCat simplifies it💥 Saving hours (and money) with award-costing + automation💥 The upcoming game-changing API that lets CRMs cost rosters in real time💥 Lessons in balance, health, and building a business that lastsIf you’re a small NDIS provider, payroll officer, or support-biz owner who’s ever screamed at an Excel sheet — this one’s your new religion.👉 Listen now, follow the show, and check out PayCat.com.au for free SCHADS resources + demos.#NDIS #AgedCare #SCHADS #Payroll #PayCat #SupportWorkerStore #BratEnergy
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