About

Our Story: The History of Empower & Engage

At Empower & Engage, our journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and confidence.

about empower and engage
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Humble Beginnings

Empower & Engage was founded by a team of passionate disability support professionals who saw a need for more personalised, person-centred care in the disability sector. With backgrounds in social work, allied health, and disability services, our founders set out to create an organization that would go beyond basic support—one that would truly empower individuals to achieve their goals and engage meaningfully in their communities

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Growth & Expansion

What started as a small, dedicated team quickly grew into a trusted NDIS-registered provider with a strong reputation for high-quality, individualised support services. Over the years, Empower & Engage expanded its reach, providing tailored support solutions across the Central Coast and Newcastle in New South Wales, as well as Far North Queensland, including Port Douglas, Greater Cairns, Babinda, and Innisfail. We recognised that no two individuals are the same, which is why we developed a wide range of services designed to cater to different needs—including accommodation support, life skills development, therapeutic services, employment assistance, and community participation programs.

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Our Commitment to Excellence

From the beginning, we have remained committed to upholding the highest standards of care, inclusion, and respect. Our team of qualified professionals works closely with participants, their families, and support coordinators to create customised plans that enable individuals to thrive, not just survive. We believe in continuous learning and innovation, always striving to improve our services to better support individuals with disabilities. Through partnerships with local organisations, community groups, and employers, we continue to foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and succeed.

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Where We Are Today

Today, Empower & Engage is known as a leader in disability support services, offering a holistic, person-centred approach that places the needs and aspirations of our clients first. We are proud to have helped countless individuals achieve greater independence, build meaningful relationships, and access opportunities that enrich their lives. As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to empower individuals, engage communities, and build a more inclusive society.

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Looking to the Future

Our journey is far from over. We are continuously expanding our services, embracing new technologies, and finding innovative ways to better support individuals of all abilities. Our goal is to continue making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve, ensuring that everyone has the support, tools, and opportunities to live their best life.

Join Us on Our Journey

Whether you’re looking for disability support services, employment opportunities, or a compassionate team that truly cares, Empower & Engage is here for you. Together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey!

Meet the team

At Empower & Engage, our passionate team of Disability Specialists are committed to providing the guidance and support you need to thrive.

With a wealth of experience, expertise, and a compassionate approach, our team is dedicated to delivering personalised, person-centred care that empowers you to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. We focus on building independence, resilience, and well-being, ensuring you receive the right support to achieve your goals.

Let us help you take control of your journey, embrace new opportunities, and live life to the fullest.

Ben Baker

Managing Director | Disability Support Worker | Supported Employment Coordinator | Mental Health Professional

Melissa Heffernan

Administration Manager | Community Engagement Specialist |Disability Advocate | Support Coordinator

Jacqueline K

Operations Manager | Disability Support Worker | Compliance & Safety Officer
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Ben Baker

Managing Director | Disability Support Worker | Supported Employment Coordinator | Mental Health Professional

Ben is a passionate disability sector leader and CEO, dedicated to creating inclusive, high-quality services for people with disabilities. As the CEO of a leading disability services company and Director of Fair Workplace Consulting, Ben combines his extensive HR expertise with lived experience of navigating life with a physical disability, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by people with disabilities.

His personal journey has shaped his commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and person-centered care, ensuring that every individual—whether a client, employee, or support worker—is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Having worked extensively across the NDIS, hospitality, and not-for-profit sectors, Ben brings a wealth of experience in NDIS compliance, workforce planning, and inclusive workplace strategies, making him uniquely positioned to lead a disability-focused organisation that prioritises quality, empowerment, and community integration.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Ben has held senior HR leadership roles and consulted on employment relations, WHS, risk management, and workplace investigations. His expertise ensures that his organisation not only meets but exceeds NDIS standards, fostering a safe, compliant, and supportive environment for both participants and staff.

Ben holds a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of New castle and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Mental Health at Southern Cross University. In addition, he has achieved multiple diplomas in key areas of governance, compliance, and workplace safety, further strengthening his ability to lead in the disability sector:

  • Diploma in Government Investigations– Expertise in regulatory compliance, workplace investigations, and legal governance.
  • Diploma in Quality Auditing – Ensuring NDIS providers meet and exceed industry compliance standards.
  • Diploma in Work Health & Safety– Commitment to creating safe and supportive workplaces for both employees and participants.
  • Diploma in Business Management– Strong leadership, operational strategy, and financial acumen.
  • Diploma in Event Management– Ability to organise accessible, inclusive community events for people with disabilities.

Melissa Heffernan

Administration Manager | Community Engagement Specialist |Disability Advocate | Support Coordinator

With over 22 years of experience in community engagement within the NSW Rural Fire Service, I have developed a deep understanding of emergency management, public safety, and crisis communication. My expertise spans incident management, executive support, event coordination, stakeholder engagement, and project management, all of which have strengthened my ability to connect with diverse communities and advocate for their needs.

Beyond emergency services, I am deeply passionate about disability inclusion and advocacy. I believe that true community resilience is built on accessibility, inclusivity, and proactive engagement with underrepresented groups. My work integrates emergency preparedness education, accessibility planning, and inclusive policy development, ensuring that people with disability are not only considered but actively involved in community safety initiatives.

In addition to my work in community engagement, I specialise in support coordination, helping individuals navigate the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). My focus is on empowering people with disability to access the right supports, build their capacity, and achieve their personal goals. By bridging the gap between emergency services, disability networks, and social support systems, I advocate for holistic, person-centred approaches that enhance safety, independence, and wellbeing.

I hold a Diploma in Project Management (TAFE NSW), equipping me with the skills to drive meaningful change through structured initiatives. Whether it’s developing inclusive community engagement strategies, advocating for accessibility in emergency planning, or providing personalised support coordination, I am committed to making communities safer, more inclusive, and better prepared for the unexpected.

Jacqueline K

Operations Manager | Disability Support Worker | Compliance & Safety Officer

With a strong background in community engagement and compliance, I bring a wealth of experience in ensuring safe, inclusive, and high-quality support services. Having worked extensively in legal services and the disability sector, I have developed key skills in incident management, compliance monitoring, advocacy, customer service, and workplace health & safety (WHS).

For over five years, I have been dedicated to the disability services sector, where my passion for advocacy drives me to support individuals in achieving their goals and living with dignity and independence. I am committed to ensuring that services not only meet regulatory requirements but also prioritise the rights, safety, and wellbeing of people with disability.

As an Operations Manager and Compliance & Safety Officer, I specialise in risk management, policy development, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that organisations operate efficiently and ethically while upholding the highest standards of care. My experience in the legal industry has further strengthened my ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, resolve challenges proactively, and advocate for systemic improvements within the disability sector.

I am passionate about creating inclusive, safe, and accessible environments where people with disability are empowered to thrive. Through advocacy, compliance, and community engagement, I work to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that every individual receives the support they deserve.