About

With 150 years+ of experience between us, HEDSS success lies in our approach and how we value staff. If they’re happy, so are our participants.

The HEDSS story

Every individual has a story to tell – and so does every NDIS service provider. It’s what makes us all unique.

HEDSS was set up in 2020. Having managed in the social sector for decades, it seemed that privatisation made the industry more about the funding that came with participants and less about an individual’s needs. So, encouraged by clients and families, HEDSS began.

We’re a registered
NDIS disability services provider supporting the Hunter Region, including Maitland, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

Gavin Dimery

Director | CEO

0493 223 194

gavin.dimery@hedss.com.au

“I enjoy trying to get the best out of people.”

Gavin has worked in the disability industry for over 25 years, 20 in management. He enjoys delivering services to people with disabilities, building relationships and helping staff develop their skills. He always takes the time to listen and explain things clearly, and brings knowledge, experience and humour to his work.

Gavin is: Loyal, passionate, talkative, distracted, interested

Interests: Sport, AFL, frisbee, running, bush walks, swimming and reading

Favourite quote: “The definition of stupidity is to continue to do the same thing and expect different results.”

Cu the Kelpie

Therapy dog

“I love pats and hanging out with participants.”

Cu is a very sweet and gentle kelpie, She loves coming to work every day with Gavin and spends a lot of time napping and supervising staff at our SIL home. Her super power is her ability to patiently sit under a table waiting on a crumb to fall. She can also smell a slice of toast from outdoors

Cu is: Sweet & Calm

Interests: Likes pats and waiting under the table in case you drop a crumb or two

Favourite quote: “Woof!”

Amanda Dimery

Finance & Staff Relations

amanda.dimery@hedss.com.au

“The best part of my job is the people—both participants and staff.”

Amanda has a strong admin background across NGOs, corporates, dot-coms and government departments. As Gavin’s wife and someone who’s been around HEDSS since the start, she knows the business well. She supports our staff with everything finance and team-related, and in doing so keeps our clients happy and supported, too.

Amanda is: Adaptable, curious, practical, empathetic—and a bit clumsy!

Interests: Spending time with my boys and family, bushwalks, river and ocean swims, and hitting the dancefloor (as long as it’s house music!).

Favourite quote: “People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things around us.”

Michael Grozdanis

Clinical Nurse Consultant

Michael is a Registered Nurse of more than 17 years and Managing Director of Lake Macquarie Health Services, bringing extensive experience in clinical governance and training design from NSW Health. He has developed HEDSS’ staff training and competency framework and leads clinical reviews across our SIL homes.

Laura Kidd

Senior Support Worker | Salamander Bay

“I enjoy being able to advocate for participants and improve the support they receive.”

Laura brings extensive experience across the disability and health sectors, including managing Supported Independent Living homes. Her background spans participant support, staff leadership, safeguarding, compliance, risk management and rostering, and she works closely with participants, families, guardians and other services.

Laura is: Caring, determined, organised, approachable and resilient

Interests: Spending time with family, getting outdoors, camping, going for walks and making memories with the people who matter most

Favourite quote: “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. — Maya Angelou”

Damien Beethan

Senior Support Worker | Black Hill

Shauna Lewis-Taylor

Senior Support Worker | Black Hill

“I enjoy building genuine relationships with the people I support.”

Shauna came to disability support through her own family experience, which grew into a passion for helping people who need an extra level of support. She has aged care and PEG experience, is trained in medication administration, first aid and CPR, and is currently studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health.

Shauna is: Caring, reliable, patient, compassionate, respectful

Interests: Time with family and friends, arts and crafts, and relaxing with snacks and a good movie or an addictive TV series

Favourite quote: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

Avalon Woodward

Senior Support Worker | Black Hill & Somerset

“I love getting to know each person and being someone they can trust and rely on.”

Avalon joined HEDSS earlier this year after working in community disability and aged care, where her interest in complex disability support began while supporting people living with cerebral palsy. She holds a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and is a second-year nursing student, bringing clinical knowledge to her role.

Avalon is: Caring, positive, motivated, compassionate and level-headed

Interests: Keeping active, the gym, sport, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends

Favourite quote: “Be the reason someone smiles today.”

Joanne Anderson

Senior Support Worker | Somerset

“It’s not just a job for me — it’s a way to give back to my community.”

Joanne’s path to HEDSS came via farming supplies and a stint in disability support in Singleton, before she found the right fit with our team. She brings care, compassion and a strong ethical foundation, coordinating staff and fostering a positive, supportive environment for our Somerset participants.

Joanne is: Compassionate, supportive, caring, loving and fun

Favourite quote: “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything. — Michael J. Fox”

Our mission

We provide safe, reliable, and flexible support services to NDIS participants so they can live their best independent lives. We do this by providing our staff with a positive, supportive work environment where they’re highly trained and well paid. When our people are happy and rewarded, our clients flourish.

Our vision

To increase the availability of quality, person-centred NDIS support services and supported independent living in the Maitland and Newcastle area.

Establish an industry not for profit
More supported independent living properties
Offer respite/supported holiday care in fully accessible properties
Set up a day centre with practical support facilities and a coffee club
Build a digital disability support community

Our values

What we stand for and believe in as an organisation

Make it happen

Whatever supports people want and need, we do our best to deliver them.

Build trust

We’re transparent, never overpromise, and know our role. People can rely on us.

Be inclusive

We treat people equally and fairly and celebrate everyone’s life and abilities.

Bring enthusiasm

We approach our work with positivity, humour and eagerness, building rapport.

Set boundaries

While we’re flexible, we set clear boundaries to ensure safety and best practice.

Deliver better

We care about our work, clients and staff. We train, pay well and push for industry change.

Join our family

Are you a support worker that loves helping and supporting people? Are you looking for a new opportunity?

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