Stories - June 30, 2025
Nicole going the extra mile for social justice
When Nicole (pictured above right) stepped away from a 22-year pharmacy career, it was to pursue something more meaningful — where she could make a genuine and lasting difference in people’s lives.
That desire, shaped by her personal experience as a parent of a child with disability, led her to Intereach.
“I wanted to help people connect to supports so they could live the best live they could and be the best version of themselves,” Nicole said.
And that’s exactly what she does as a local area coordinator — supporting people with disability to access and navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) while helping participants build capacity, access supports and be part of their communities.
“With my lived experience, I feel that I am able to connect and understand some of my participants and their representatives as I know what they are going through."
Nicole - Local area coordinator
Two years into her role, Nicole has been recognised with the Intereach Social Justice Award as part of the organisation’s quarterly thank you awards.
Developed by Intereach’s People and Culture Governance Group, the awards honour staff who uphold the values of leadership, partnership and social justice – building a strong, connected culture in the workplace.
Just as Intereach values social justice by protecting human rights and ensuring all people are free and equal in dignity, Nicole reflects this in her day-to-day work.
“It’s about looking out for my participants, making sure they know their rights and supporting them when they need it,” she said.
Winning this award is recognition of the hard work we all do each day and knowing that I have made a small difference in people’s lives and being able to help advocate for people that can’t necessarily do it for themselves.”
Nicole’s advocacy has already had a significant impact on her participants and the local community of Shepparton.
“She consistently goes the extra mile to educate, support and advocate for people with disability,” LAC Goulburn Program Manager Melissa said.
Supporting a young participant with complex needs and challenging family dynamics over the past 18 months is just one example of this.
With patience, understanding and a refusal to forget about the participant’s needs, Nicole worked with both guardians so their child could access funding and appropriate supports — at both homes.
“Hearing how happy they were and knowing they could access the supports they needed made me feel overjoyed,” she said.
Far from an isolated situation, the impact of her work hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Nicole was recently commended by an NDIS delegate for her active engagement, and a participant’s family expressed how grateful they were for her support.
For Nicole, it’s the small wins that keep her going.
Some days, it’s simply having a chat with someone who has no–one else. Other days, it’s listening to their stories and helping them advocate for themselves,” she said.
Nicole (left) with two of her colleagues.
“I stay passionate by staying true to myself and following my instincts to help others.”
Outside of work, Nicole is just as community-minded — heavily involved in her local footy club, coaching netball, volunteering as a trainer and committee member, and supporting her husband and daughters who are also active club members.
To others looking to make a positive impact, Nicole offers this advice: “Remember why you do this job. Listen deeply. Make sure your participants feel like they matter — because they do”.
At Intereach, we’re proud to recognise staff like Nicole who are creating real change in their communities.
If you want to be part of a values-led organisation that makes a difference, explore our exciting career opportunities across Victoria and NSW at Careers – Intereach
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