Our Story
Founded by Melinda Carney, Positive Step Forward North Coast is built on 14 years of experience in the disability sector across Tweed Heads and surrounding areas. Melinda has worked across all aspects of the disability industry supporting participants, from 1:1 assistance to managing high-intensity support teams and participants, always striving to create meaningful, person-centred support services.
🔹 Provided support for individuals aged 7-60 in various settings, including in home care, community programs, and centre-based activities.
🔹 Experience in manual handling, hoist transfer, enteral feeding, and assistance with medication.
The team at Positive Step Forward North coast have a diverse skillset, we ensure to have a high level of communication with each other and all our participants. We all have extensive experience providing support for people with disabilities and mental health, which has strengthened our ability to provide compassionate, knowledgeable support services.
Our passion for empowering participants and building strong, lasting relationships is what drives Positive Step Forward North Coast to deliver high-quality support in a holistic approach.
Why Choose Us?
At Positive Step Forward North Coast, we stand out through our individualized approach and Supported Employment Program—a service not widely available in our area. The closest alternative is in Burleigh Heads. 90% of our participants have followed us across multiple organizations over the past two years, demonstrating our commitment to quality support and strong relationships with those we support.
Positive Step Forward North Coast has passed Audit and are waiting for Registration to come through from the NDIS.
Services
We provide tailored support to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to live as independently as possible.
Our team is highly trained, experienced and passionate and one of our strengths is matching our staff with participants individual needs and preferences.
Assistance with Daily Living
Support with cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and self-care.
Assistance with daily life covers any reasonable and necessary supports for daily personal activities connected to your disability needs. These supports are provided to help you to live as independently as possible at home and in the community. This may include in your own home, living on your own or in a shared living arrangement such as supported independent living.
Our experienced staff customise these supports and activities to go hand in hand with our participants to ensure optimal outcomes.
Community Participation
Encouraging social engagement, recreation, and skill development.
• meeting new people who have the same interests as you
• engaging in activities with people in the community.
We are here to support you in participating in activities you enjoy.
This can mean different things to different people and we are here to support you with exploring options and participate in exciting and meaningful activities like:
• Attending a café
• Joining a sports team
• Engaging with employment with support
• Volunteering with people in your community.
Supported Employment
At Positive Step Forward North Coast we are very proud to provide an Open Supported Employment Program. These programs provide participants the opportunity to gain meaningful employment and paid at award wage while being provided support. Participants and the support worker provide a Yard and Garden Maintenance and Cleaning Service which other participants and members of the public can engage with and pay for. It’s just like hiring any company to complete these tasks.
Short-Term Accommodation (STA)
Temporary stays to build independence and provide respite.
Our Team happily assists in planning and implementing temporary stays that are tailored to the needs of our participants and their goals. This includes meal preparation, budgeting, engaging in the community and daily living skills. It also gives the family and participant some much needed respite.
Supported Independent Living
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Positive Step Forward North Coast Supported Independent Living service will provide participants a home to make their own, family and visitors are always welcome. Participants are supported with 24/7 support to live as independently as possible; all participants will be provided with an individualised approach.
Our Mission
We take a holistic and inclusive approach to support services. Through high levels of communication and personalised support, we foster independence, capacity building, and community participation.
- Tailored services to meet individual needs
- Strong, ongoing relationships with participants and families
- Experienced, person-centred support workers
We believe when participants are happy, they stay—which is why so many have continued their journey with us.
Our Vision
We focus on skill development to support participants to build capacity in independence and confidence in various aspects of daily living and community engagement, promoting a more inclusive and fulfilling lifestyle.
