
OUR VISION
Mission: To empower individuals with disabilities to live their most independent and fulfilling lives by providing compassionate, reliable, and tailored support services.
Vision: To be a leading and trusted provider of disability support in the local Macedon Ranges community, known for our excellent standard of care, professional staff, and positive client outcomes.
Values:
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Person-Centered Care: We put the individual’s goals, choices, and well-being at the heart of everything we do.
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Strength Based Approach: We value each individuals strengths and work within those strengths to promote self confidence and enthusiasm within the participant.
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Respect & Dignity: We treat every person with the utmost respect and honour their dignity and right to self-determination.
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Integrity & Transparency: We operate with honesty, integrity, and open communication with our clients and their families.
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Professionalism & Excellence: We are committed to maintaining a highly skilled workforce and delivering services of the highest quality.
WHAT WE OFFER
Individualised Care
Support plans tailored specifically to your needs, goals, and lifestyle, ensuring flexibility and self direction.
Community Access
Support to engage with your local community, access essential services, and participate in social activities.
Therapeutic Support
Coordination and delivery of therapy services to help maximize independence and achieve personal milestones.
Specialised Services
For Young People
We are dedicated to supporting young people (aged 15-25) as they transition into adulthood. Our process starts by **working with you** to define your aspirations, ensuring all goals and subsequent support plans are co-designed and focused on your independence, peer connection, and employment pathways.
Whilst our passion is working with young people we will work with anyone.
Capacity and life skill
We assist young people in developing essential everyday skills required for independent living, including: budgeting, meal preparation, public transport navigation, household management, and self-advocacy.
Social and Peer Inclusion
Facilitating meaningful peer connections through supported group activities, youth clubs, hobby groups, and sports, helping to build confidence and long-lasting friendships outside of the family unit.
School to Work Transition
Specialised support for post-school planning, including School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES), career exploration, interview skills, resume writing, and navigating further education opportunities.
Setting and Achieving Goals
We work collaboratively with each participant to create goals that align with their personal plans. We then develop a support plan outlining how Wise Disability Support Services will help the participant achieve those goals.
Our Clients Say
Meet the Team

Director
Nathaniel Slater
Macedon Ranges/Sunbury
Nathaniel Slater holds a strong academic foundation with a double Bachelor's degree from Victoria University, specializing in both Youth Work and Sport and Recreation Management. This unique educational combination reflects his comprehensive understanding of holistic well-being and community engagement.
Bringing a wealth of practical expertise, Nathaniel has accumulated 14 years of professional service dedicated to supporting young people across a diverse range of critical environments. His extensive background includes key roles within Youth Justice, educational settings, and Residential care facilities, providing him with a nuanced perspective on the challenges and needs of vulnerable young people. Furthermore, his tenure in Council Youth Services and as a Sessional Lecturer at Victoria University demonstrates his commitment to community-based support and professional mentorship.
Nathaniel is deeply passionate about empowering all young individuals, with a particular commitment to supporting those with disabilities. He works tirelessly to ensure they receive the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nathaniel maintains an active and engaged presence in his local community. As a sports enthusiast who enjoys fishing and the outdoors, he is a recognizable figure in the local basketball and pickleball circles. He leverages these interests to contribute to community spirit and promote the benefits of an active lifestyle.
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Manager/Clinical Supervisor
Emily Slater
Macedon Ranges/Remote
Emily is a qualified Social Worker who has a long career working in the Youth Mental Health sector. Emily is currently a Team Leader at headspace National, and a Clinical Educator for Social Work at the Royal Women's Hospital. Emily's passion is supporting and capacity building a workforce to be able to deliver care to participants that is trauma informed, compassionate and implements interventions that are underpinned by best-practice standards, and are evidence based. Outside of work, Emily spends time walking the hills of the Macedon Ranges, devouring historical non-fiction and watching Marvel movies with her family and beloved dogs.

Support Worker
Phil Efstratiou
Macedon Ranges
I have worked in disability support work for around 2 years and then took a break as I went to study Graphic design. Upon further thought I have decided to come back to this line of work as it brings me joy to help and see individuals grow to their fullest potential.
1. I love beautiful, wholesome, healthy, nourishing food. It is such a beautiful feeling to create a dish and share that with a special person/people.
2. I love everything to do with being active a nd getting my body moving.
3. I love immersing myself in nature using it to ground me through the peace but also being in constant awe of its beauty.
4. I love seeking growth in all areas of my life so that I am able to unlock my highest potential.
5. I love being curious which leads to exploring places, peoples and things and getting a deep and meaningful understanding of the world.

Support Worker
Gabby Kane
Bendigo
Hi, I’m Gabby!
I have over four years of experience supporting people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, including working alongside behaviour practitioners to support individuals with complex needs. My focus is always on helping people live their best lives in a way that feels right for them.
I’m currently qualified with a Certificate IV in Individual Support and will soon be continuing my studies to become a Behavioural Therapist. I’m passionate about learning and growing so I can provide the best possible support to the people I work with.
A little about me. I’m friendly, easy-going, and genuinely love helping others. I enjoy building meaningful connections and creating a positive, supportive environment where people feel comfortable and understood.
Outside of work, I’m a big car enthusiast and love working on my Ford. I also enjoy cooking and often spend my weekends meal prepping or making dinner for friends. When I can, I like getting out into the community. Whether that’s exploring local markets or going for a walk around Lake Weeroona.
My hobbies include:
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Cooking and Baking
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Going for walks and exploring the community
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Self Care
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My Car

Support Worker
Hayley Grimmond
Macedon Ranges/Sunbury
Hi, my name is Hayley!
I’m really passionate about supporting young people to feel safe, heard and accepted
for exactly who they are. Life can be a lot sometimes, and I care about being someone
who shows up with kindness, patience and zero judgment (and a sense of humour
when it’s needed).
I have a background in law and community-based roles, but what I really love is
working directly with people and being part of those small, everyday wins. I’m big on
building genuine connections, meeting people where they’re at, and helping young
people feel more confident, independent and comfortable in themselves.
You can expect a calm, supportive, “come as you are” space with me, no pressure, no
expectations, just support, real conversations and a few laughs along the way.
When I’m not working, I’m usually hanging out with my daughter, spending time
with my Husky, or finding something good to watch on Netflix. I love getting out in
the sunshine, listening to music, and slowing things down to enjoy the little moments.
My hobbies include:
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Playing/watching AFL
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Spending time with family and friends
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Music and Netflix nights
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Travelling and exploring new places (Vietnam has my heart)

Support Worker
Tom Grant-Valli
Bendigo
Hello, my name is Thomas!
I have completed a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in History, with a minor in sociology and political science) and am due to commence my masters degree in Social Work at Monash this year.
I have experience with mental health support for young adults. I also have experience managing programs - ranging from individuals with high physical needs to individual with high mental health support requirements, but have missed working directly with individuals (hence the career change).
In my spare time I enjoy camping and taking in beautiful views and sites.
At home you will find me reading history books and playing video games.
I also enjoy spending as much time as possible with friends and family, this includes my best friend Honey, a stubborn French Bulldog
My hobbies include:
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Playing with my bulldog Honey
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Camping
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Learning about history












