About Us

Meet our tEAM

Scott Mackenzie

Executive Director

Sharon Dixon

Lead Support Worker

Nathan Mccalister

Drug And ALcohol Worker

CANDICE BRADY

NDIS Support Worker

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Respites.com.au, your trusted partner in providing high- quality, compassionate, and reliable respite care services.

Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families by offering tailored shortterm accommodation and travel support services. We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the best possible care, enabling them to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

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OUR MISSION

At Respites.com.au, our mission is to provide exceptional respite care services that prioritize the well- being, dignity, and independence of our clients. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive 

environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive. Our goal is to offer personalized care that meets the unique needs of each client, ensuring they receive the highest standard of support and respect. 

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OUR VALUES

Our values are at the core of everything we do. They guide our actions, shape our culture, and define our commitment to our clients and their families.

Compassion: We approach every client with empathy and understanding, recognizing the importance of compassionate care in enhancing their quality of life

Respect: We treat all individuals with respect, honoring their dignity and rights. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard

Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all our interactions. Our clients trust us to provide reliable and transparent services, and we take this responsibility seriously

Excellence: We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care. Our team is committed to continuous improvement and professional development to ensure we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. 

Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. By working together with clients, families, and other professionals, we can achieve the best outcomes for those we support.

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OUR HISTORY

Respites.com.au was founded by Sharon Dixon and Scott Mackenzie, two passionate individuals with a shared vision of improving respite care services in Australia. Sharon, an experienced NDIS support worker and counselor, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in providing care and support to individuals with disabilities. Scott, a website developer and digital marketing expert, contributes his skills in creating a strong online presence and reaching out to those in need of our services

The journey of Respites.com.au began with a simple idea: to offer respite care that truly makes a difference. Over the years, we have grown and evolved, expanding our services and reaching more clients across Australia. Our commitment to excellence and our dedication to our clients have been the driving forces behind our success.

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Client Stories

 Client Stories 

Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are honored to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives, and we are grateful for the trust they place in us. Here are some of their stories: 

John’s Story: 

John, a 45yearold man with cerebral palsy, came to us in need of shortterm accommodation while his primary caregiver was recovering from surgery. John was apprehensive about staying in a new place and meeting new people. Our team worked closely with John and his family to create a personalized care plan that addressed his specific needs and preferences. During his stay, John formed a strong bond with our support workers and enjoyed participating in various activities that were tailored to his interests. By the end of his stay, John expressed how comfortable and supported he felt, and his family was grateful for the peace of mind that our services provided

Sarah’s Story: 

Sarah, a young woman with autism, had always dreamed of traveling to Sydney to see the Opera House. However, her family was concerned about the challenges of traveling with her special needs. Our travel support team stepped in to assist with planning and coordination, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was accessible and comfortable for Sarah. One of our support workers accompanied Sarah and her family, providing the necessary support throughout the journey. Sarah’s dream came true, and her family was thrilled to see her enjoying the experience without any stress or anxiety

Michael’s Story

Michael, a 30yearold man recovering from substance abuse, was struggling to find the support he needed to stay on the path to recovery. Our team provided him with short- term accommodation and access to counseling services. Through personalized care and support, Michael was able to focus on his recovery and rebuild his life. He expressed his gratitude for the safe and supportive environment we provided, which played a crucial role in his journey towards sobriety

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OUR SERVICES

At Respites.com.au, we offer a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our primary focus is on providing short- term accommodation (STA) and travel support, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the care they need, when they need it

ShortTerm Accommodation (STA): 

Our STA services are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. Whether it’s for a weekend, a week, or longer, our accommodation options are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We offer: 

Flexible Scheduling: We understand that each client’s needs are different. Our flexible scheduling options allow families to choose the duration and timing of respite care that best suits their needs

Personalized Care Plans: Each client receives a personalized care plan that outlines their specific needs, preferences, and goals. Our team works closely with clients and their families to ensure that the care provided is tailored to their individual requirements. 

Comfortable Living Spaces: Our accommodation facilities are designed to provide a homelike environment where clients can feel comfortable and relaxed. We prioritize safety, accessibility, and comfort in all our living spaces. 

Qualified Support Staff: Our team of experienced support workers is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. They are trained to handle a variety of needs and are committed to ensuring the wellbeing of our clients

Travel Support

We understand that travel can be challenging for individuals with disabilities. Our travel support services are designed to provide the assistance needed to make travel safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. We offer

Planning and Coordination: We assist with planning and coordinating travel arrangements, ensuring that all aspects of the journey are taken care of. This includes 

  • transportation, accommodation, and any special requirements. 

Travel Companions: Our support workers can accompany clients on their travels, providing the necessary support and assistance throughout the journey. Whether it’s a family vacation, a business trip, or a medical appointment, we ensure that clients have the help they need

Accessible Travel Options: We work with clients to identify and arrange accessible travel options, ensuring that transportation and accommodation meet their specific needs

Future Expansion: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

In our ongoing commitment to expanding our services and meeting the needs of our clients, we are planning to establish a drug and alcohol treatment center. This new initiative will provide specialized support and rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. Our goal to offer a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, helping clients achieve lasting recovery and improved quality of life.

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COMMUNITY AND FUTURE GOALS

At Respites.com.au, we believe in giving back to the community and making a positive impact beyond the services we provide. We are actively involved in various community initiatives and partnerships that align with our mission and values

Partnerships

We collaborate with local organizations and service providers to enhance the support available to our clients. By working together, we can offer a more comprehensive and integrated approach to care, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support. 

Community Events

We organize and participate in community events that promote awareness and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. These events provide opportunities for our clients to connect with others, participate in activities, and enjoy a sense of belonging

Advocacy

We are committed to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities. We actively engage with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote policies and practices that support inclusion, accessibility, and quality care. Our advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and drive positive change in our society

  1. Future Goals 

At Respites.com.au, we are constantly striving to improve and expand our services to better meet the needs of our clients. Our future goals are centered around enhancing the quality of care, increasing accessibility, and broadening our impact. 

Becoming a Registered NDIS Provider

One of our primary goals is to become a registered NDIS provider within the next twelve months. This will enable us to offer a wider range of services and support to NDIS participants, ensuring that they have access to the care they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. We are working diligently to meet the necessary requirements and standards to achieve this goal

Establishing a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center: 

As part of our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our clients, we are planning to establish a drug and alcohol treatment center. This facility will provide specialized support and rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. Our comprehensive treatment program will focus on holistic recovery, addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. By offering this vital service, we aim to support individuals in their journey towards lasting recovery and improved quality of life

Expanding Our Service Reach

We are dedicated to expanding our reach and 

making our services accessible to more individuals across Australia. This includes increasing our capacity to provide shortterm accommodation and travel support in various regions. By growing our team of support workers and establishing new partnerships, we aim to reach more clients and provide the highquality care they deserve

Investing in Staff Development

Our team is our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in their professional development. We will continue to provide ongoing training and support to ensure that our staff is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver exceptional care. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, we can maintain the highest standards of service and support for our clients

Enhancing Client Engagement

We believe in the importance of involving our clients and their families in the care process. We are developing new ways to enhance client engagement and feedback, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. This includes regular surveys, focus groups, and opportunities for clients to participate in the planning and evaluation of our services

Leveraging Technology

We are exploring innovative ways to leverage technology to improve our services and streamline our operations. This includes the development of a userfriendly online platform where clients can access information, book services, and communicate with our team. By embracing technology, we aim to enhance the convenience and accessibility of our services for clients and their families

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OUR VALUES

Our values are at the core of everything we do. They guide our actions, shape our culture, and define our commitment to our clients and their families.

Compassion: We approach every client with empathy and understanding, recognizing the importance of compassionate care in enhancing their quality of life

Respect: We treat all individuals with respect, honoring their dignity and rights. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard

Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all our interactions. Our clients trust us to provide reliable and transparent services, and we take this responsibility seriously

Excellence: We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care. Our team is committed to continuous improvement and professional development to ensure we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. 

Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. By working together with clients, families, and other professionals, we can achieve the best outcomes for those we support.

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OUR TEAM

Our team is the heart and soul of Respites.com.au. We are proud to have a dedicated and compassionate group of professionals who are committed to providing the best possible care for our clients

Founders: 

Sharon Dixon: Sharon is a seasoned NDIS support worker and counselor with a passion for helping others. Her extensive experience in the field and her compassionate approach to care have been instrumental in shaping the services we offer at Respites.com.au. Sharon is dedicated to ensuring that each client receives the personalized support they need to thrive

Scott Mackenzie: Scott brings his expertise in website development and digital marketing to the table, helping us create a strong online presence and connect with those in need of our services. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence have been key drivers in the growth and success of Respites.com.au

Support Workers

Nathan McAlister: Nathan is one of our dedicated support workers who is always ready to travel across Australia to provide care and assistance to our clients. His commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those he supports is truly commendable

Candice Brady: Candice is another valued member of our team, known for her compassionate and empathetic approach to care. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each client feels supported and understood

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