From Penrith to Hearts Everywhere: John’s Red Nose Day Impact

October 4, 2025

From Penrith to Hearts Everywhere: John’s Red Nose Day Impact

On 28 August, our NDIS participant, John, proudly hosted a Red Nose Day stall at Penrith Westfields, raising an impressive $769.40 in support of life-saving research and support services for families affected by sudden infant death.


As John passionately puts it, this money is for “saving little lives.”


Although the stall was scheduled to run from 10am to 4pm, John kept it open until after 5.30pm, taking full advantage of late-night shopping to maximise donations and sales.


This marks the third year John has run a Red Nose Day stall, with previous events held in Richmond and Windsor. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed - Red Nose now contacts him in the lead-up to the event to confirm his interest. John also keeps himself informed by regularly checking the Red Nose website for volunteer updates.


John’s preparation is meticulous. He ensures he has plenty of time to:

  • Place orders for merchandise
  • Organise card payments via an app on his phone
  • Coordinate with the venue
  • Book nearby accommodation to arrive early
  • Prepare his outfit and signage
  • Recruit help from friends and family


This year, John’s brother assisted in the morning, as well as two close friends. Behaviour Support Practitioner Danielle Leek also attended the event to cheer John on and stayed to help pack up.


Danielle shared that John was a familiar face at the centre, warmly greeted by staff and friends. He was professional, polite, and incredibly well-organised—setting phone alarms for reminders, bringing all necessary equipment including a money tin, a wheeled cart, a secure bum bag for transporting funds, red balloons he personally blew up, and clearly marked price signs.


Beyond Red Nose Day, John also supports the Leukaemia Foundation through events like the World’s Greatest Shave and Light the Night - causes close to his heart after losing his mum to leukaemia in 2013.


When asked why he continues to fundraise, John responded with a big smile:

“To connect with people and raise money to save little lives, of course.”


John’s commitment, warmth, and community spirit are truly inspiring. We’re proud to support him and celebrate his efforts.


Pictured above: (L) John and Danielle at the Red Nose stand (R) John standing with his Red Nose Store.


News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

Kia’s Big Leap: From Challenges to Triumph at McDonald’s

November 7, 2025
At helpz, we love celebrating milestones that highlight resilience, growth, and the power of support. Today, we shine a spotlight on Kia, a young woman whose journey reminds us that with compassion and belief, incredible things are possible. Kia has faced more challenges than most her age. Growing up in foster care and overcoming significant hurdles in her early years has not stopped her. Kia has not let her life story define her spirit. Recently, she achieved a life-changing milestone: she proudly started her first job at McDonald’s . This isn’t just employment; it’s a symbol of her growing confidence, independence, and belief in herself. Working at McDonald’s is more than flipping burgers and serving fries. For Kia, it’s an opportunity to develop essential life and work skills; communication, teamwork, following routines, and managing new responsibilities. Each shift strengthens her sense of purpose and pride, proving that she’s capable of thriving in a structured, supportive environment. The McDonald’s team has played a vital role in Kia’s success. Their welcoming and inclusive approach ensures she feels supported as she learns at her own pace. Patient guidance from colleagues, combined with ongoing encouragement from her behaviour support practitioner, Marika Williams, has created a foundation where Kia can flourish. Equally deserving of recognition is Renee, Kia’s Living Skills Keyworker from Catholic Care . Renee has worked tirelessly alongside Kia, providing consistent, grounded support that has been instrumental in helping her reach this milestone. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering belief in Kia have made a profound impact, and we deeply appreciate the role she’s played in Kia’s journey. Starting a customer-facing role is no small feat for someone who has experienced social anxiety and depression. Every interaction, every smile exchanged, is a step toward conquering fears that once felt overwhelming. Kia is not just earning a pay cheque, she’s building confidence, practising social skills, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. Kia’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right supports, compassion, and belief, people can achieve incredible things. She is discovering her strengths, embracing new challenges, and proving to herself, and to all of us, that she is capable of greatness. Congratulations, Kia! Your courage and determination inspire us all. Here’s to many more milestones and a future filled with possibilities.

Disability Awareness Hub: Huntington’s disease

November 7, 2025
Understanding Huntington’s disease

The new NDIS needs assessment

November 7, 2025
Are you ready for a fairer, simpler NDIS? What the new support needs assessments mean for you and your clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving, and one of the most exciting changes on the horizon is the introduction of support needs assessments, set to roll out from mid-2026. These assessments promise to make planning fairer, more consistent, and less stressful for participants, families, and providers alike. So, what’s changing and why does it matter? What are support needs assessments? Support needs assessments are a new way for the NDIS to understand what supports a person with disability truly needs. Instead of relying on participants to gather their own reports and evidence, the NDIS will use a validated, strengths-based tool called the I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) — developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and refined over 20 years. This tool focuses on a person’s support needs, not just their impairments, and is built on the globally recognised International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Why this is a game-changer For too long, participants have faced the burden of sourcing costly reports, navigating complex systems, and advocating for their needs in planning meetings. The new assessments will: remove the need for participants to provide their own evidence create fairer and more equitable budgets offer more flexibility and choice in support arrangements ensure consistency across the NDIS planning process And importantly, the government will fund these assessments, not participants. How will it work? Trained, accredited assessors will meet with participants aged 16 and over to complete the assessment. The process will include: a personalised interview using the I-CAN tool consideration of environmental and personal circumstances additional assessments for complex support needs The NDIA is working closely with the disability community to co-design this process, ensuring it reflects lived experience and is accessible to all. What’s next? The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected over five years. This phased approach allows for real-time feedback and continuous improvement. Most participants will continue using the current planning process for now, but the NDIA will notify individuals when it’s time for their assessment. Final thought: planning with purpose This isn’t just a new tool — it’s a new mindset. By focusing on what people need to live well, rather than what they can’t do, the NDIS is taking a major step toward a more inclusive, empowering future. Are you ready to support your clients through this change? Now’s the time to learn, prepare, and embrace a more proactive approach to planning.