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.”

Still a puppy, Lewie is at the beginning of his therapy dog training. He goes to work with his mum, Kirston, every day and spends a lot of time napping and supervising staff at our SIL home. His favourite treats are Chunkies, his favourite toy is his Kong Knot Teddy, and his best trick is making food disappear very quickly! He’s a good boy.

Cu is: Sweet & Calm

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

Favourite quote: “Woof!”

Roche Duffy

Operations Manager

roche.duffy@hedss.com.au

“I love people and implementing systems and change strategies.”

With 11 years of experience as a practice manager in allied health, Roche began independently coordinating support for two NDIS clients, sparking her transition into NDIS-focused operational roles. Now implementing new systems and processes for our team, she continues to make a positive, indirect impact on participants.

Roche is: Approachable, conscientious, curious, committed, warm

Interests: Camping, exploring and new adventures, meditation, painting and floristry

Favourite quote: “Where love rules, there is no will to power, and where power predominates, there love is lacking. The one is the shadow of the other.”

Olivia Crichton

SIL Team Leader

olivia.crichton@hedss.com.au

“I’m passionate about advocating for NDIS participants.”

Before transitioning into disability support, Olivia spent 11 years in aged care, following a 20-year career as a chef in the industry. In her team leader role, she oversees everything from personal care to the day-to-day operations of SIL. She finds joy in advocating for participants and seeing the positive impact it has on helping them live their best lives.

Olivia is: Reliable, honest, hardworking, selfless, caring

Interests: Spending time with her husband and children

Favourite quote: “It is what it is.”

Leah McInnes

SIL Team Leader

leah.mcinnes@hedss.com.au

“I apply a holistic approach to helping clients live their best lives.”

Leah’s role here at HEDSS involves coordinating all aspects of care for clients living in SIL, from managing daily routines and ensuring personal care needs are met to overseeing safety. Before transitioning to SIL, she spent 20 years as an endorsed enrolled nurse at the Stockton Centre and in mental health settings across both public and private hospitals.

Leah is: Ambitious, flexible, open-minded, empathetic

Interests: Camping, fishing and spending time with family

Favourite quote: “Alice, you’re entirely bonkers. But, I’ll tell you a secret: all the best people are.”

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.”

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?

See latest vacancies