CARE
Built on lived experience. Grounded in real connection.
WITH
Grassroots Leadership
At Great Mates, leadership doesn’t sit behind a desk. It walks beside the people we assist in their homes, in community, in hospital, and in moments of crisis. Our leadership is built from the ground up through genuine relationships, deep understanding and shared experience.
We call it Grassroots Leadership and it’s what sets us apart.
Why Grassroots Leadership Matters
We believe the strongest leadership comes from those who are closest to the people who truly know the individual, the environment and the support required. That includes our team, the people we come alongside, their families and communities.
We lead from within, not from above.
This means decisions are made by those with real insight and lived understanding. It builds trust, improves outcomes and ensures that leadership is not just seen and rather felt.
How Our Structure Works
Our leadership model is practical, responsive and designed to support quality care in real time. Every role in the structure plays a clear and essential part in holding the standard, driving practice, and staying grounded in what matters most, the people we come alongside.
Lifestyle Assistants
The foundation of our service.
Lifestyle Assistants are professional support workers who deliver day-to-day care. They work directly with the people we support and form the core of our team.
- They provide structure, support and safety
- They know each person’s routines, preferences and goals
- They bring warmth, consistency and clarity into people’s lives
Their voice is vital and they lead from the frontline and their insights shape everything we do.
Clinical Lifestyle Assistants
Bringing clinical knowledge into everyday care.
Clinical Lifestyle Assistants build on the role of Lifestyle Assistants by providing clinical guidance and oversight.
- They support medication safety and documentation
- They engage with GPs, allied health and hospitals
- They help ensure care plans are followed, adapted and truly understood
This role bridges clinical understanding with relational, day-to-day support without losing the heart of care.
Senior Lifestyle Assistants
Guiding quality. Strengthening teams.
Senior Lifestyle Assistants offer practical leadership within the support team.
- They lead shifts and model best practice
- They mentor team members and uphold culture
- They liaise with families, clinical staff and executive leads
They hold the detail from managing risks to understanding what helps someone thrive. Their leadership ensures consistency, safety and respect across the board.
Regional Lead and Executive Team
Leading together. Setting the standard.
Our Regional Leads and Executive Team work side by side and not in hierarchy, but in partnership. Their leadership is practical, present and deeply connected to why this community began in the first place.
- They work directly alongside teams in homes, services and the community
- They respond quickly to challenges and remove barriers to good support
- They stay connected with families, clinicians and key stakeholders
Together, they hold the vision, protect the culture, and ensure everything aligns with our values. They don’t just lead, they live the purpose, every single day.
FAQ
Will my plan pay for travel?
While the NDIS won’t pay for your holiday, they may help fund additional support that you’ll need on your trip because of your disability (if it’s deemed reasonable and necessary). You may receive this support through your plan if it’s been budgeted for.
Are there any limits on where I can go?
Nope! Obviously, any trips the team at Great Mates have planned will have specific destinations in mind, but if you have a holiday destination you’ve been dreaming about, we can make that happen! Of course, you’ll want to make sure the places you’re going can accommodate your needs, but that’s all part of the planning process, which is half the fun 😉 We can help you make your dream trip a reality — let’s get a conversation going!
What if I have high needs? Can you accommodate me?
Absolutely! Fun and relaxing holidays should be accessible to everyone, regardless of your needs. Depending on the support you need, you might choose to have a Support Worker come along with you, who can help you out while you’re away. If this is the case, we have options available to cover the costs of their travel.
How far in advance should I organise a trip?
It really depends. A short weekend away? A couple of weeks of prep time should work. If you’re planning a once in a lifetime trip around Europe, maybe give yourself (and us!) at least a few months to plan. Regardless, know that even the waiting will be exciting — sometimes the anticipation and planning for a trip can be just as fun as the actual holiday.