This week, I hosted our very first Support Coordinator and Recovery Coach Online Event in Sydney, and what a smashing success it was! The room was buzzing with energy, knowledge-sharing, and heartfelt connections. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love doing what I do – bringing people together to create meaningful support networks across Australia.
One of the highlights of the event was our amazing guest speaker, Samantha from PBS Collective. Samantha’s passion and expertise shone through as she shared her journey and the transformative work she’s doing in the disability sector.
Meet Samantha: A Champion of Positive Behaviour Support
With over 17 years of experience in the disability sector across the UK, Kenya, and Australia, Samantha has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals with high levels of challenging behaviours. Her journey began in locked dementia wards and children’s hospices, expanded to establishing a learning disability school in Kenya, and now sees her as an esteemed Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner.
Here are some of Samantha’s key specialties:
Designing and implementing tailored behaviour interventions for children and adults in diverse settings.
Supporting individuals with autism, mental health concerns, psychosocial and neurological disabilities, and complex behaviours.
Transitioning individuals from incarceration to supported living.
Reducing restrictive practices and enhancing participant independence.
Delivering behavioural training and consultation to staff, families, and external services.
Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in homes, care settings, aged care, and mental health hospitals.
Samantha, who is based in Cronulla, supports participants across Southwest Sydney, Western Sydney, and even as far as Canberra. Her thoughtful, person-centered approach empowers individuals to thrive with less support and improve their quality of life. Samantha shared valuable insights about how her Behaviour Support Plans can create lasting change through improving environments, communication approaches, and teaching functional, socially acceptable behaviours.
Building Connections in the Sydney Community
In addition to Samantha’s powerful presentation, we connected with two incredible Support Coordinators servicing the Sydney area and welcomed a participant who joined to learn more about the support available through the NDIS. Although the participant had to leave the session early, they gained valuable insights and ongoing support through both myself – the Pink-Haired Lady – and one of the Support Coordinators present at the event.
This event wasn’t just about learning; it was about creating a supportive community where Support Coordinators, Recovery Coaches, participants, and families can come together, feel supported, and build lasting connections. I believe in the philosophy of giving more than you take, and I know that when we give more, we receive even more in return.
Continuing the Momentum Across Australia
Last week, we hosted a similar event in Adelaide, and it was equally impactful. We were able to connect a Support Coordinator with two potential clients, and a family member who came to learn more about the NDIS walked away with valuable information and a newfound sense of empowerment.
These events are happening all over Australia, and I’m thrilled to see how much they’re helping people in the community. Each month, we create spaces where people can connect, share, and feel supported. It’s not just about professional growth; it’s about building genuine human connections.
Let’s Connect – I’m Here to Help!
I want to take a moment to remind everyone who attended (and those who missed out) that you’re not alone. You have a network of people who genuinely care about you and your work, and I’m here to help facilitate those connections.
Join us for the next Event - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sydney-ndis-networking-event-for-support-coordinators-and-recovery-coaches-tickets-1100450018629?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you have free time, I would love to organize a time to catch up with you. Let’s connect over Zoom, Teams, or even just a quick phone call.
Feel free to reach out to me via email – let’s make something happen!
A Final Thought
It fills my heart to see the positive impact that these events have on the community. The NDIS and disability sectors can sometimes feel overwhelming, but when we come together, we create an unbreakable circle of support.
You’re all doing an amazing job, and I’m so grateful to be part of your journey.
Have a Positive, Warm, and Rainbow Kind of Day!
With love and gratitude, Karen – The Pink-Haired Lady

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