In the disability sector, it’s easy to lead with awards, funding announcements and milestones. For us at ConnectAbility, those things matter – but they’ve never been the starting point.
What defines us is the trust placed in us by our 1,335+ customers who tell us in our customer feedback surveys each year that they are thrilled with the support they receive, and the dedication of over 550 staff delivering that support every day across Newcastle, the Hunter Region and surrounding communities.
That trust is earned quietly, consistently and over time, and has grown significantly since a small group of local families came together in Newcastle with a simple idea back in 1992.
When Recognition Comes, It Belongs to the Whole Community
Over the last 12 months, that commitment has been recognised numerous times on a broader stage.
Last year, ConnectAbility was included in a major NDIA grant as part of a national pilot focused on defining quality Supported Independent Living care, and our work was also acknowledged nationally at the Australian Disability Service Awards. These milestones are affirming, not because of prestige, but because they reflect the values, systems and people behind our services.
ConnectAbility CEO David Carey recently shared this news with our 550+ staff and more than 1,780 customers, acknowledging that such recognition only exists because of the everyday work happening in homes, communities and our local hubs and clinics across the region.
But awards don’t tell the whole story – and they never will.
The Feedback That Matters Most
The feedback we value most doesn’t come from judging panels or funding bodies. It comes from customers, families and carers who tell us:
- They feel heard
- They feel safe
- They feel supported to live life on their own terms
When more than 1,335 people are surveyed and collectively report they are happy with the support they receive, it tells us something important: the systems are working, the culture is strong and the relationships matter.
That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
Built Locally, Grown With Purpose
ConnectAbility was founded by a small group of local parents who wanted something better for their children and their community. That local, values‑driven origin still shapes everything we do.
Over time, ConnectAbility has grown to include Early Links and Finding Yellow, extending our ability to support people across all ages and life stages while remaining grounded in our not‑for‑profit purpose and community focus.
As CEO David Carey has said, “ConnectAbility has always been committed to delivering the highest standards of care for people with disabilities.” That commitment isn’t new – it’s simply being recognised more widely.
As Gold Sponsor of this year’s Hunter Disability Expo, we are proud to stand alongside a sector full of passionate providers, advocates and communities. What we hope people see in ConnectAbility is not just growth or recognition, but consistency – a provider that has scaled without losing its heart.
Recognition will come and go. Funding cycles will change.Our focus won’t.
We remain proud of what we have achieved, deeply grateful for the recognition we’ve received, and most proud of the people – customers and staff alike – who make ConnectAbility what it is, every single day. For more information on our services, call us on 02 4962 1000 or visit www.connectability.org.au or www.earlylinks.org.au.