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Gold Coast Disability Networking – First Helensvale at ARRC Rehab

  • Writer: Jase
    Jase
  • 33 minutes ago
  • 6 min read

Gold Coast Disability Networking – First Helensvale at ARRC Rehab


networking event Arrc Rehab Helensvale

Why Gold Coast Disability Networking Feels Different


I quite enjoy these networking events. Not because they are mine… but probably because they are mine. This Gold Coast disability networking event was our first in Helensvale at ARRC Rehab.


As I learn more about my brain and how I interact with the world, and the things I didn’t even realise I needed to interact properly, I can see how I’ve created this space to be easy for me. muahaha! I didn’t consciously set out to do that, but looking back, that’s exactly what’s happened.


I don’t like networking events where you have to walk up and interrupt, or politely hover until someone finishes speaking, while they look at you like you’re rude for interrupting them at a networking event of all places. Or worse, politely ignore your presence until you realise they’re not your people. Not all events are like that. But enough that I knew I didn’t enjoy it.


For me, being social used to require alcohol (I think it still does, which sux because I don't drink lol). Without it, something just didn’t work. I’d leave those events frustrated, feeling like it was a waste of time, no real connection, and kicking myself for being whatever it was I thought was wrong with me.


Now I get comments, which I’ll choose to call compliments, about how these events are comfortable and relaxed. New people say it wasn’t as scary as they expected. That makes me happy because that was the intent, even if I didn’t consciously realise it at the time. Maybe they needed the same whatever-it-is that I needed.


We chat.

We segway.

And to me those segways feel like actually getting to know the person behind the curtain. Seeing reactions to comments, anecdotes, jokes and cautionary tales gives more to the room than just swapping cards and saying “let’s connect later.”


In this industry especially, having a reasonable idea about a person or business you might refer to matters. Even an amazing provider may not be the right fit for every participant.


Round Table Style and Real Conversations

ndis networking in helensvale with Slim Gym
it is kinda round?! right?!

I like the round table style. Everyone gets a turn. You know when it’s coming. And again, the segways can be surprising and interesting. I genuinely glean great information from those conversations.


Empathy and Acceptance in the Room


Another thing I like, and I think this speaks to the industry as a whole, is the empathy in the room. I’ve seen multiple moments where someone was clearly struggling with something and the group just quietly stepped in with support and advice. No judgement. No awkwardness.


Even for me, learning that my brain isn’t what I thought it was, realising I have different needs in a room or in connection, when I express that it’s not met with dismissal or sarcasm. It’s met with knowing looks, understanding, and most importantly, acceptance.


Anyway… this wasn’t meant to be all about me.


There were other people in the room too, and I’d like to thank ARRC Rehab for generously allowing us to use their meeting room. These are the same guys who helped out with the venue for the last disco, and we’re grateful for that support.


About ARRC Rehab in Helensvale


ARRC Rehab is a purpose-built rehabilitation and allied health facility on the northern Gold Coast, designed to support people recovering from injury, surgery, or managing ongoing physical conditions. Their space includes modern therapy rooms, rehabilitation equipment, and accessible facilities that allow clinicians to deliver structured, goal-focused treatment in a supportive environment. ARRC works alongside medical and allied health professionals to provide coordinated care, helping clients improve mobility, strength, independence, and overall quality of life. It’s a genuinely impressive location and well set up for multidisciplinary collaboration.


Medicross, who also attended the networking event, has an office upstairs, which makes the space even more connected.


Check out below for some of today’s attendees.


Linda – PathStart


PathStart is a young passionate business committed to, and working with young adults to assist their transition from school to work. We work with them on skills to assist them both find and keep a job, supporting them on the job and while they are studying along their own career journey. Based in Surfers PathStart offers small group workshops and one on one support.


Deb – Unify


Unify help both NDIS and private clients develop skills to overcome challenging circumstances. Unify thrives in finding unique individual supports.


Brenda – Just SDA


Love to connect with anyone who may have a housing need or clients in need of housing.We can assist with advice and information on SDA Housing for families, individuals or even a shared situation such as SIL homes.We provide disability accommodation solutions and manage SDA homes.


Elisha – Medicross Care


As an extension of Medicross Medical (GP Practices) Medicross Care offers services for NDIS participants. Medicross Care offers holistic, compliant and person-centred care in daily supports, Community Access, Nursing and Support Coordination.


Thomas – AfterDark


AfterDark started 26 years ago, Thomas comes with 18 years experience, about a 40 head count, No#1 performing Microsoft partner in QLD.

  • They are an end to end IT support company

  • Consultancy advice all things technology

  • Cyber security

  • Microsoft services


Lisa McLeod – Nexus Care Services


Nexus is a provider that specialises in psychosocial and high behaviours. They would like to colaborate with other providers and support coordinators in assisting in finding the bedt fit for participants.


Lara Powers – LiveBig


LiveBig is an Allied Health Provider providing a myriad of supports. On the Gold Coast, they provide services for OT, Plat Therapy, PBS (we have an Advanced Level PBS Practitioner) and Social Work.

You can submit a referral at https://www.livebig.com.au/contact/.


Jazmin Pursell – Jazmin Pursell Consulting


Jazmin Pursell is a Gold Coast–based social worker who supports helping professionals and leaders to build clear boundaries and psychologically safer workplaces. She provides clinical supervision, group programs and training for social workers, counsellors and disability practitioners across Australia.


Jazmin is also available for consultation to organisations supporting NDIS participants with high complexity needs, helping teams strengthen decision-making, communication and sustainable practice. She is known for practical, values-led strategies that reduce burnout, address blurred boundaries and support ethical, confident leadership.


Joel Bobardt – Connect and Thrive / Gold Coast Basketball


Tyrone Gautier – Bespoke Workforce Solutions


Bespoke Workforce Solutions is exactly what we are, a tailored solution for you and your clients and their specific needs. We have the ability to place great people within your team to take the burden of staff off your plate.


We are a family-owned business that has been in your shoes and understand first-hand the frustrations and challenges that go along with having vacancies filled without the proper due diligence and “Bespoke Care”.


We are best known for our swift response in filling shifts with our highly qualified, knowledgeable, and trained staff, we can provide support when you require it the most, 24/7, 7 days per week.


Kelly Richardson – Accesstra Australia (Accessible Transport)


Accesstra provides reliable, pre-booked, door-to-door wheelchair accessible transport to NDIS participants across the Gold Coast, Tweed and surrounds. Our Mercedes Sprinter accommodates up to two adult-sized powerchairs plus three seated passengers, with a 363kg hydraulic lift, securement systems and full safety features to ensure safe, comfortable and dignified travel.


Our service is built from genuine lived family experience and a real understanding of accessibility needs. At the heart of Accesstra is the desire to help people maintain independence and make travel simple, inclusive, reliable and stress-free for everyone — and we are dedicated to delivering exactly that.

Phone: 0423 833 394


Connecting 2 Care (C2C) & Mind & Memory (M&M)


Connecting 2 Care (C2C), alongside Mind & Memory (M&M), a psychiatry clinic, is a registered NDIS provider with clinical oversight across the Gold Coast.

What we do:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL) with clinical oversight

• Mental health support, including psychiatry, psychology, GP, and Occupational Therapy

• NDIS access, FCA and reports support, navigation, and linking community to accessible assessment pathways

How we bridge community and services:

• Carpool networking to events with other providers

• Building a community consortium to problem-solve together

• Building a shared, heart-led directory of services

• Connection, collaboration, and accessible, human support

If you would like to connect, collaborate, be part of problem-solving, or join our carpool networking, we would love to connect. Growing together strengthens our community.


About Me


I run Slim Gym, delivering inclusive fitness and social programs across the Gold Coast and Logan. Most people know me through the gym trailer sessions, small group training, and DiscoAbility nights. I work primarily with teenagers and young adults with disabilities, focusing on fitness, confidence, social connection and building real friendships.


These networking events are an extension of that same mindset. Bringing good people into the same room, building relationships, and making sure participants and families are connected to services that are actually the right fit.


 
 
 

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