Category: News

While your competitors plan to “get serious about training in January,” their staff will return to compliance gaps, expired certifications, and a backlog, rendering them “too busy.” Meanwhile, providers who launch strategic training plans now are capitalising on a 72% surge in festive-period training completions—turning holiday downtime into their most productive training period of the year. By January 20th, they’ll have trained teams, closed compliance gaps, and built momentum that carries them through 2026. The window to join them closes December 20th.

The Data You Can’t Ignore

Course completions during the Christmas-New Year period have exploded:

• 2023-24: 3,128 completions
• 2024-25: 5,395 completions (a 72% increase)
• 2025-26: Projected to exceed 10,000

This isn’t a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how leading providers approach workforce development.

Want to get started now? Click Here

Want to learn why you should start now? Please read this important 2-minute article⬇️

Why December is Your Secret Weapon

Support workers are already working. Your overnight and weekend staff aren’t idle—they’re looking for meaningful ways to use their downtime. With mobile-accessible training, they can complete modules between check-ins and during quiet hours.

New hires can start learning before they start working. January recruits can complete induction modules between accepting their offer and day one, arriving already familiar with your policies and the NDIS framework.

Compliance doesn’t take holidays. Worker screening checks and mandatory training windows don’t pause for Christmas. The providers hitting 10,000+ completions have figured out that December is actually the best time to close gaps—when the usual “too busy” excuses disappear.

The Cost of “We’ll Start in January”

Here’s what actually happens:

January becomes February (backlog to clear). February becomes March (full operational capacity, training bumped). March becomes April (Q1 review shows missed targets, compliance gaps creating real risk, NDIS Commission queries arriving).

Providers who launched in December? Already trained, compliant, and hitting the ground running.

What Makes This Period Work

• Reduced operational noise: Fewer meetings and competing priorities mean genuine focus
• Intrinsic motivation: New year mindset creates natural receptivity to learning
• Flexible scheduling: Irregular holiday rhythms create productive pockets of time
• Organisational goodwill: Holiday-period development builds loyalty that carries into 2026

The Strategic Imperative

This isn’t about squeezing more from your team—it’s about:

• Reducing operational risk through year-round compliance
• Improving retention by demonstrating investment in development
• Enhancing competitive positioning with a better-trained workforce
• Building capability that directly impacts service quality and growth

The question isn’t whether you can afford to launch before Christmas. It’s whether you can afford not to.

Built for Your Organisation

Generic training doesn’t work because every NDIS business is different. Our LMS lets you brand it with your logo, embed internal policies, and create custom modules, all at no extra cost. It’s mobile-friendly and is available 24/7. We’ve even added gamification (badges, leaderboards) to keep teams engaged.

Whether you’re onboarding new staff, upskilling managers, or running organisation-wide refreshers, our account managers support you every step of the way. The training adapts to your workflow, reducing admin burden while ensuring everything ties directly to compliance outcomes.

The Window is Closing

Launching a training program requires preparation, customisation, communication, and buy-in. Start today, and you can be ready before December 20th. Wait until January, and you’ve missed the opportunity entirely.

The 10,000 projected completions this festive period represent thousands of support workers becoming more skilled, compliance gaps being closed, and downtime being transformed into professional growth.

Will your organisation be part of that story?

Ready to turn festive downtime into a competitive advantage? We’re ready to help you! Contact us today to launch before December 20th—because the best time to start training your team isn’t in January. It’s right now.

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Author: Matthew Crawford, PGCert(Bus)

Matt has over a decade of experience in B2B sales and business development and with a passion for human services, is deeply committed to driving meaningful solutions within the disability sector. His commitment to improving service quality and his deep understanding of client needs make him a trusted partner in advancing the capabilities of organisations that support people with disability across Australia.

World Diabetes Day is on November 14, 2025!

World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness, improving care, and supporting individuals living with diabetes. It’s a day that brings together healthcare professionals, organisations, and communities around the world to discuss prevention, management, and the importance of education.

We have shared some inspiring real-life stories of people living with Diabetes to help you understand what Diabetes can look like. It doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone at any time:

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/features/living-with-diabetes-stories-of-the-everyday-realities-of-life-with-a-chronic-condition

So, what’s it all about?

World Diabetes Day was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to shine a light on the growing diabetes epidemic. It’s about understanding the risk factors, encouraging early diagnosis, and making sure people have access to the care they need.

So, how is the NGO Training Centre helping to raise awareness and support people in the community with Diabetes?

At the NGO Training Centre, we know that education is key.

Our Diabetes courses give Disability Support Professionals and Aged Care Workers the confidence to:

• Recognise symptoms and risk factors early
• Support individuals with day-to-day management
• Respond to emergencies like hypo- or hyperglycaemia
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices that make a difference

Our flexible online courses enable staff to learn at their own pace, ensuring quality, compliance, and confidence in their care.

This World Diabetes Day, let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can raise awareness, empower our workforce, and support healthier futures for ageing individuals everywhere.

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Author: Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

The Australian Government has today shared some exciting news! Mr. Graeme Head AO has been announced as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

The NDIA Board, led by Chair Kurt Fearnley AO, carefully chose Mr Head for a 3‑year term after an extensive national recruitment process. With decades of experience in public administration and social policy, we are hoping that Mr Head is well-equipped for this important role. He previously served as the inaugural National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards commissioner from 2018 to 2021, which should see him in good standing for this role.

As the new CEO, Mr Head will oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, including managing the NDIS. He will also collaborate closely with the NDIA Board to ensure the scheme continues to support and empower people with disability and their families.

Mr Head’s appointment comes after the current CEO, Rebecca Falkingham PSM, has completed her term, which she has held since October 2022. He will officially start on 24 November 2025.

Mr Head shared his enthusiasm, saying:

“I am very excited to be given the opportunity to play this significant role in the NDIA as key reforms to the Scheme are being shaped and rolled out.”

We’re eager to see how Mr Head builds on the great work already underway to make the NDIS safer, fairer, and more accessible for those who need it the most.

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Author: Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

Speech Pathologist and member of our Governance Team!

Lilly is a Speech Pathologist and Disability Program Manager with over 20 years of experience in direct and management roles within the disability sector. She has specialist skills in implementing best practice, person-centred approaches to supporting communication skills in children and young people, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.

Lilly is a dedicated professional committed to creating useful information, resources, and training materials to ensure that everyone working in the sector has the right tools and knowledge to offer the best possible support to individuals. 

Courses:

• Working with Children and Young People (9-18 years)
• Supporting Children and Young People to Communicate
• Keeping Children and Young People Safe

Learn more about all our brilliant Subject Matter Experts on our About Us page.

The new Aged Care Act 2024 introduces important changes designed to strengthen transparency and accountability across the aged care sector. One of the key updates is the introduction of the term ‘associated providers’, referring to organisations that deliver funded aged care services on behalf of a registered provider.

What This Means for Providers

From 1 November 2025, registered aged care providers are required to notify the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission about their associated providers; both at the time of registration and renewal, and whenever there are changes to associated provider arrangements.

This new measure ensures that the Commission has a clear understanding of all organisations contributing to the delivery of aged care services, helping to maintain high standards of safety, quality, and continuity of care.

Responsibilities of Providers

Under the new Act, providers must have robust systems and processes in place to ensure their associated providers:

• Deliver services that are safe, high-quality, and compliant with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Meet the same care and governance standards expected of registered providers.

These requirements give the Commission greater visibility into third-party relationships that can influence the quality of care and support ageing individuals receive.

Regulatory Guidance Now Available

To help providers understand their obligations, the Commission has released a Regulatory Bulletin outlining:

• Who qualifies as an associated provider
• Who does not fall under this category
• Reporting and compliance requirements for providers using associated providers, and
• Expectations and obligations placed on associated providers themselves.

The bulletin provides practical guidance to ensure providers, and their partners, are prepared to meet the new requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024.

Find Out More

For more details, visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website and review the latest Regulatory Bulletin on associated providers.

If you have questions or need further information, contact the Commission at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 1800 951 822 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)

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The NGO Training Centre is committed to supporting aged care providers with up-to-date industry insights and education programs that strengthen workforce capability and service quality.

We have individual Aged Care courses, plus Business Training Packages, developed by sector experts to meet all new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and ensure you and your workforce are empowered to deliver the best quality care.

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Author: Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

In a move designed to better capture the purpose and value of temporary support arrangements, the NDIS has updated its description of Short Term Accommodation (STA), which will now be known as Short Term Respite or STR.

The change isn’t just in name. From the accommodation itself to the support provided and the vital role of informal carers in sustaining ongoing care relationships, it also provides a shift in focus.

The decision was made following extensive consultation with participants, their families, and caregivers. According to the NDIA, most people said that Short Term Respite better represents the heart of what the support delivers: a chance for participants and their primary informal supports to take a short, restorative break from their usual care arrangements.

While some stakeholders expressed concern about the word “respite,” many carers and families said it was familiar, meaningful, and aligned with their lived and living experience. After weighing all the feedback, the NDIA concluded that ‘Short Term Respite or STR’ was the clearest and most widely understood term.

“This change recognises the value of informal supports and the importance of helping families sustain their caring role,” the Agency said in a statement accompanying the update.

What’s New and What’s Staying the Same

For providers, Short Term Respite continues to serve the same functional purpose as STA, but with refined guidelines that clarify who can use it, what it includes, and how funding can be applied.

The updated Short Term Respite Guideline now outlines:

• Who can use the support: Participants who live with, or receive daily support from, their primary informal carers for more than six hours a day.
• What it includes: Everyday support and standard accommodation (for the participant, and if needed, their support worker).
• Where it can be used: In a range of settings, from a hotel or short-stay rental to the participant’s own home, if that helps provide a meaningful break.
• What it’s not for: Building new skills, holiday accommodation, or event attendance, those needs are covered by other supports.

Importantly, Short Term Respite is designed to give participants and their carers time apart and is not intended to teach new skills or deliver therapeutic programs. Providers should ensure their services reflect this intent.

Like its predecessor, Short Term Respite remains a flexible support funded through a participant’s core budget. Participants retain choice and control, but providers must ensure supports are in line with the new guideline and consistent with what the participant would typically receive at home.

Most participants will continue to be funded for up to 28 days per year, with no more than 14 days taken at a time. Providers are reminded to charge only for the supports actually delivered, ensuring transparency and fairness in billing.

The shift to Short Term Respite isn’t just about semantics. It reinforces a fundamental principle of the NDIS: supporting informal networks and maintaining sustainable care relationships.

By naming the support for what it truly offers, which is ultimately ‘respite’, the NDIA is acknowledging the essential, ongoing role that families and carers play, while ensuring the scheme continues to support both participants and those who care for them.

What Providers Need To Do Now

Providers are encouraged to:

• Review and update service descriptions, agreements, and marketing materials to use the term Short Term Respite.
• Familiarise themselves with the new Short Term Respite Guideline.
• Discuss the change with participants and their carers to ensure clear understanding of what’s included — and what’s not.
• Align booking, pricing, and billing practices with the clarified rules around flexibility and funding.

For more information, visit the updated Short Term Respite Guideline on the NDIS website or speak with your local NDIS contact. With all these changes, we will continue to provide you with regular updates, so please stay tuned for more!

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Author: Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

As November 1, 2025, dawns, Australia’s Aged Care Act 2024 launches a rights-based revolution, born from the Royal Commission’s stark revelations on quality and safety.

The Aged Care Act 2024 will come into effect, replacing the outdated 1997 law and refining its eight Quality Standards into more effective tools. This change follows the 2021 Royal Commission’s final report, which starkly exposed poor conditions, abuse, and a lack of accountability, leading to over 140 recommendations for renewal. This isn’t just a superficial update; it represents a shift to a rights-based approach emphasising dignity, choice, and safety for consumers, aligned with the expansion of the Support at Home program. I believe the goal is to genuinely empower ageing Australians to be at the centre of their care journeys, not simply figures in budgets. However, given sector challenges such as staffing shortages, narrow margins, and pandemic aftershocks, this feels like replacing one difficult tightrope with another, and more compliance pressures that could strain our already stretched workforce.

From Royal Commission Wake-Up to Legislative Leap

Flashback: the old 1997 Act and 2019 Standards kept us afloat, but barely; patching leaks while COVID flooded the decks. The Royal Commission exposed serious flaws, ranging from broken complaint systems to risks of financial exploitation, and called for a framework that includes person-centred care, cultural safety, and continuous quality improvement. The new Act’s main features include a revised Code of Conduct with real consequences for breaches (think meaningful penalties), mandatory worker suitability checks to weed out the unfit before they start, and simpler rights, such as fast-tracked resolutions and protections against abuse.

Better consumer mechanisms? Quicker complaints and home-based options could help people like Mrs Patel enjoy their cultural favourites or Mr Thompson share his stories without feeling isolated, encouraging longer stays in familiar environments. This kind of change could rebuild trust, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones aren’t just looked after, but truly respected, supporting the Act’s aim for a connected, community-focused approach.

The rollout, thankfully delayed from July 1 to November 1 for extra preparation, increases the urgency amid broader changes, such as removing residential subsidies in favour of home supports. Government plans and webinars emphasise the vision of stricter oversight to promote sustainable care. However, as an observer of the virtual sector who has reviewed numerous rollout stories, I see the human stakes: this could transform aged care from reactive fixes to proactive respect, if we don’t let the details overwhelm us.

Here’s the challenge that keeps people awake at night – compliance. While it sounds noble, the surge of mandates, such as trauma-informed training, privacy-locked digital records, unannounced audits, and data-driven risk assessments linked to funding, could overwhelm smaller providers, especially those in remote areas serving high-needs communities. For large city organisations, these may be seen as necessary reforms; for regional underdogs, they present hurdles that worsen post-pandemic shortages and ongoing underfunding. This risk of ‘compliance fatigue” might shift frontline workers’ focus from bedsides to paperwork. Although increasing accountability is vital, without additional staffing ratios, administrators could find themselves burdened, turning high standards into a bureaucratic nightmare and leading to closures when access is most needed.

In my view, the Commission’s heart was spot-on, tackling abuses head-on, but overemphasising punitive teeth at the expense of supportive scaffolding risks the cure being worse than the cold. Evidence from the 2019 Standards rollout shows regulatory ramps without resourcing breed burnout, not breakthroughs. Actual reform demands targeted fixes: training subsidies, tech grants, and audits that evolve with input, not just enforced from on high.

What excites me amid the realism, though, is the chance to make this our dawn. Despite the pressure, the Act opens doors for clever adaptation; forward-thinking providers, such as those piloting resident co-designed plans or integrated digital platforms, can turn compliance into a trust builder and a retention booster. Focus on the human side: involve ageing individuals in giving feedback that shapes changes, cross-train without burning out, and encourage iterative processes where providers and consumers co-refine the rules. We have the federal webinars as our guide, so now’s the time to make adjustments where needed, secure those grants, and foster partnerships that keep innovation alive. This could transform aged care from a state of survival to one of sustainability, blending strong protections with frontline expertise.

A Call to Bridge the Gap

Let’s be honest: the clock is ticking. Promises and challenges go hand in hand, but we’re resilient enough to overcome them. The Aged Care Act 2024 reflects a much-needed promise to improve a sector ready for change. However, its success relies on careful planning and ongoing discussions with stakeholders to ensure protections lead to fair and quality care without causing disruptions. Moving forward, we should closely monitor compliance, fairness, and the rollout’s progress, adjusting our approach as needed.

So, are you ready? What have you been doing to prepare? Share your stories.

I’m all in for sharing tips on dodging that first audit ambush or turning red tape into real wins.

Here’s to a rollout that lifts us all. After all, we are ALL in this together!

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Author: Cathy Kerr BANurs, GDAET, Cert IV Training and Assessment.

Cathy brings over three decades of expertise to the field of nursing education, with a distinguished career as a registered nurse, educator, and now aged care consultant. Her extensive experience spans clinical practice, training, and consultancy, where she has dedicated herself to improving care standards and supporting both ageing individuals and healthcare professionals. With a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, Cathy combines her nursing background with a passion for education to drive positive outcomes in aged care.

You didn’t get into disability services to spend half your week drowning in paperwork. You’re here because you want to make a genuine difference—supporting participants, building a great team, creating services that actually change lives.

But here’s the reality: compliance has become overwhelming. Audits demand weeks of documentation. Reporting processes pull your best staff off the floor. Then, training budgets are constantly squeezed because every available dollar goes toward “staying legal.“

Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone. The NGO Training Centre offers a more innovative approach. One that handles compliance without sacrificing your mission or margins.

The Real Cost of Compliance

Think about your operations manager. She’s brilliant at participant-centred planning, but she spends Fridays buried in audit checklists instead of developing better support strategies. Or your frontline workers logging extra hours after shifts just to upload training records—time they desperately need to rest or develop skills that actually improve service delivery.

This isn’t unusual. It’s become standard across the NDIS sector.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission keeps tightening requirements around everything from Code of Conduct adherence to risk management. Providers can often divert 20-30% of their budgets toward compliance activities alone. What’s left for professional development? Not much. The result? Staff skills stagnate, turnover increases, and services feel reactive rather than innovative.

Here’s the thing: compliance doesn’t have to be a black hole. Your training investments can actually protect you during audits while reducing the time and cost involved.

A Different Approach: NGO Training Centre

We’ve built a training system that’s both intuitive and effective. Over 1,000 Australian organisations and more than 55,000 active learners trust our platform. It’s not a generic dump of modules for the sake of ticking a box. It’s a tailored online system that aligns directly with NDIS Practice Standards and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.

Audit-Ready Training That Actually Saves Time

Stop scrambling for records or retraining staff at the last minute. Our 100+ standards-compliant courses are short (30 minutes each) and engaging with interactive videos, quizzes, and real-world scenarios. Everything from the NDIS Code of Conduct to safeguarding frameworks is delivered through our user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) with a world-class mobile app that your disability support professionals use to complete their professional development on the go.

Our NDIS Health Checks are particularly valuable. These quick assessments identify knowledge gaps early, so you can fix issues before audits happen. No more frantic all-nighters. Just confident, evidence-backed readiness that lets your team focus on delivering great support.

Affordable Without Compromise

Compliance pressures often push training aside. We’ve designed our pricing to prevent that. With affordable, high-quality courses and an LMS that saves your teams hours of time, you can pay per year, not per crisis.

Better yet, our courses contribute to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for qualifications such as the Certificate III in Individual Support and the Certificate IV in Disability. This isn’t just a tick-and-flick; you’re building credentials that attract quality staff and justify premium funding. One provider told us:

“Through both internal investigations and discussions with the commissioner, the NGO training modules have significantly contributed to enhancing our integrity, credibility, and quality. I extend my sincere gratitude to your team for this exceptional product and for your collaborative efforts. I recall our numerous conversations and attempts to bring us on board, and I can confidently state that it has proven to be one of the best business decisions we have made.“

Built for Your Organisation

Generic training doesn’t work because every NDIS business is different. Our LMS lets you brand it with your logo, embed internal policies, and create custom modules, all at no extra cost. It’s mobile-friendly and is available 24/7. We’ve even added gamification (badges, leaderboards) to keep teams engaged.

Whether you’re onboarding new staff, upskilling managers, or running organisation-wide refreshers, our account managers support you every step of the way. The training adapts to your workflow, reducing admin burden while ensuring everything ties directly to compliance outcomes.

What This Means for You

Picture compliance as a seamless part of your operations, rather than a constant battle. Your team finishes training feeling energised and capable. Audits become routine. Your budget has room to breathe, freeing money for the innovations that make you stand out.

That’s what we deliver at NGO Training Centre. We help you meet standards while elevating your entire operation. So you can invest more in participant outcomes and staff satisfaction.

Ready to lighten the load? Our friendly and experienced Customer Relationship team can help you explore our NDIS-compliant courses, book a free LMS demo, or discuss custom packages to suit your team and budget.

Let’s turn compliance from a burden into an advantage.

What’s your biggest compliance challenge right now? Let us know — we’re here to help.

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Author: Matthew Crawford, PGCert(Bus)

Matt has over a decade of experience in B2B sales and business development and with a passion for human services, is deeply committed to driving meaningful solutions within the disability sector. His commitment to improving service quality and his deep understanding of client needs make him a trusted partner in advancing the capabilities of organisations that support people with disability across Australia.

Celebrations are well underway across Australia as we mark National Seniors Month!

It is a time to recognise, celebrate and value the remarkable contributions of ageing individuals in our communities.

From community events in Queensland, to intergenerational programs in Victoria, art and storytelling in New South Wales, and wellness initiatives across Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT, the spirit of appreciation is thriving nationwide. This month is a powerful reminder of the importance of positive ageing, which includes living well, staying connected, and continuing to thrive at every stage of life.

At the NGO Training Centre, we are proud to support aged care organisations and their dedicated teams who make this possible every day. Through our online training programs, we help workers deliver the highest standard of care in line with the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and the Aged Care Act 2024.

Our goal is to build a capable, confident, and compassionate workforce. One that delivers care with respect, dignity, and choice, empowering ageing individuals to live life to the fullest.

As celebrations continue this month, we join the nation in honouring the generations who have shaped our communities and reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who care for them. You can find out what events are happening in your state or region – it could be a lot of fun! Check your local government website or local council websites for event details.

Together, let’s celebrate positive ageing and a future where every ageing individual is valued, supported, and thriving. And, if you’re interested in our incredible aged care Strengthened Standards compliant courses, click the buttons below for more information!

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Author: Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

On behalf of the entire team at the NGO Training Centre, we are absolutely thrilled to congratulate our founder and fearless leader, Jasminne, on being awarded “Employer of the Year” at the Gold Coast Women in Business Awards 2025!

This recognition is a reflection of something we’ve known all along – Jas is not only an exceptional businessperson, but also an extraordinary employer, leader, mentor, and human being. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace culture is what truly sets the NGO Training Centre apart.

As Jasminne said so perfectly in her own words:

“The team culture, and leadership culture we have built at the NGO Training Centre is special, and my team and I invest in this every day. This recognition is 100% a team result, and I know, that we all take great pride in this.”

That team-first mindset is just one of the many reasons we admire Jas. Her leadership is authentic, people-centred, and purpose-driven – everything we stand for as an organisation. She leads with heart, listens with intent, and constantly challenges us to grow both personally and professionally. The positive work culture we enjoy every day is a direct result of her commitment and vision.

It’s no surprise that her contribution has now been formally recognised on such a prestigious platform. The Gold Coast Women in Business Awards is an event that celebrates innovation, resilience and excellence, and Jasminne embodies all of that and more.

To Jas – thank you for being the heart of the NGO Training Centre. You are the kind of leader who makes coming to work a joy, who builds people up, and who constantly reminds us what’s possible when we lead with passion and integrity. We are incredibly proud to stand beside you and to share in this milestone.

And to the entire NGO Training Centre team, this is your award too! Jas is the first to say that this recognition reflects all of us and the collective culture we’ve built together.

Congratulations, Jas – you inspire us every single day.

With love and pride,
Your NGO Training Centre Team