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Inside the 2024 Independent Support Worker Summit

Support Workers

Last updated

23 May 2024

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4 min read

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On 18 May, we hosted a summit for our community of independent support workers. With a focus on training and upskilling, we were joined by industry experts who shared key insights on how to support your future as an independent support worker on Mable.Held at the Wesley Conference Centre in the Sydney CBD, and online via live stream, independent support workers gathered for a day of learning and networking.

On the day we joined by the following presenters:

We also had exhibitors from our partners Tafe NSW, who shared valuable information accredited training and learning. Members of the Mable team also ran a Help Desk and Profile Clinic to answer any platform-related questions our community had.

The Summit was jam-packed with insights and learning, both from presenters and our community.

Here are some highlights.

Presenter highlights

Tony co-founded Mable in 2014. In 2023, he assumed the role of CEO, leading Mable’s mission to give more choice and control to those seeking and providing disability and aged care support.

Speaking to the Mable mission, Tony shared the Mable journey, the role of regulatory bodies, and how we work within the two regulated sectors (NDIS and Aged Care).

He also shared insights into upcoming product updates, and what we are doing to ensure a better experience for support workers on the platform.

Watch Tony’s presentation.

Paul has over 20 years of experience in analytics, program management, operations leadership, and process design. Paul leads the data team at Mable, who use data to make the Mable platform a better place for everyone.

Paul shared three key data-led insights:

  • Insights into jobs on Mable and how you can get more work
  • How we are helping ensure our market is balanced
  • How we are using AI to keep you safe

Watch Paul's presentation. 

Elizabeth Farrant and Dr Ellen Fraser-Barbour have been leading the Quality Disability Support Project at JFA Purple Orange for three years. Elizabeth has worked as a support worker for six years, and in the disability sector for ten. Ellen has lived with lifelong visible and invisible disability, and has worked as a support worker for six years. She also is a developmental educator in allied health.

Elizabeth and Ellen used their lived experience to deliver a very real and insightful session on what makes good support work. Using a conversational format, they explored how behaviour is communication, and how the role of a support worker is to look, listen, learn and believe.

Watch Elizabeth and Dr Ellen's presentation. 

Download their presentation handout. 

Specialising in older people’s mental health and dementia, Melissa Levi is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience working at one of Sydney’s prominent hospitals. In 2023, she authored We Need To Talk About Ageing; a comprehensive guidebook that shares expert information and practical strategies that families and carers can use to manage ageing.

A moving presentation, Melissa shared patient stories to illustrate how support workers and carers can have an impact on older people’s lives. She also shared strategies for developing rapport and trust, and tips for promoting independence, dignity and autonomy.

Disclaimer: Patient names, identities and situations have been changed. The information in this presentation is for general information purposes only.

Watch Melissa's presentation.

Lead trainer at People with Disability Australia, Janel has over 30 years experience teaching community services, health and disability subjects. Janel has lived experience of orthopaedic disability, and represented Australia in the 2012 London Paralympic Games in Wheelchair Tennis.

Janel’s presentation was rich in advice and practical tips on how to engage confidently with people with psychosocial disability. She covered what psychosocial disability is, how it can impact a person, why it’s important for support workers to understand the impact of psychosocial disability, and approaches to working with people with psychosocial disability.

Watch Janel's presentation. 

Stay tuned for other Mable events at mable.com.au/events.

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