Cairns’ i’ara Specialist Support Coordination wins national disability service award

A Cairns disability support service has claimed Australia’s top award for outstanding service, crediting the Far North community for shaping their national success. Details:

I’ara Specialist Support Coordination recently took home the “Most Outstanding Support Coordination Provider” at the Australian Disability Service Awards in Melbourne. The i'ara team. Picture: Supplied

A Cairns disability support service has been awarded the country’s most outstanding for its ability to provide a ‘village’ of support to its clients.

i’ara Specialist Support Coordination recently took home the “Most Outstanding Support Coordination Provider” at the Australian Disability Service Awards in Melbourne.

The Cairns North home-based service provides specialist support co-ordination to both NDIS and NIISQ participants, helping connect them with services and build strong support networks.

i’ara means “village” in the language of Papua New Guinea’s Kairuku people, and founder Maddi Wright said the name exemplified their company mindset – that everyone deserves a village behind them.

“That village mindset is what has carried us all the way to a national award,” Ms Wright said.

Founder Maddi Wright. Picture: Supplied

The award recognises a provider who “actively builds capacity, champions choice and control” and strives to build strong support networks for participants to ensure they achieve great outcomes.

The company now employs more than 50 staff across Australia, but Ms Wright said the award was a win for the Cairns community.

“This region shaped who we are,” she said.

“The Cairns community has taught us the importance of showing up, working together, and making sure every voice is heard.

“We’ve grown, but our heart has never left this region.”

Originally published as Cairns’ i’ara Specialist Support Coordination wins national disability service award