Twelve months ago, Mel Maher joined Wakai Waian Healing in an administrative role, supporting referrals and service agreements within the NDIS space. What’s happened since speaks not just to her capability, but to the kind of organisation Wakai Waian Healing is.
“I came in doing service agreements and supporting referrals,” Mel says. “But pretty quickly I started seeing opportunities to do more.”
One of those opportunities became a remote clinic model, connecting occupational therapists with communities in Emerald and Blackwater. Mel identified the need, gathered expressions of interest, worked through the costings, and helped deliver a service that is now set to run regularly.
“It was about seeing a gap and thinking, we can do something here.”
From there, her role continued to grow.
When the Northern Operations Manager went on leave, Mel stepped in to support invoicing across the region. She now contributes to both Northern and NDIS invoicing and has taken the initiative to reconcile accounts, ensuring the organisation has a clear, up-to-date understanding of its financial position.
“She’s taken on a significant amount of responsibility in a short period of time,” says Julie, Head of Finance. “That’s allowed us to strengthen our systems and maintain consistency across both the Northern sector and NDIS. It’s made a real difference.”
Mel is also working alongside Tasha Lamey, Head of NDIS, supporting referrals and exploring new clinic opportunities across regions including the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast.
“What stands out with Mel is her genuine care for the disability sector,” Tasha says. “She brings both lived experience and professional commitment. That combination means she’s not just doing the job, she’s thinking about how to make it better for the people we support.”
Mel’s connection to the sector runs deep. She has worked in disability since she was 18, and today, that connection is both professional and personal.
“We’ve got disability in our family,” she says. “So it’s not just work. It’s something I care about and want to do properly.”
That care, combined with the freedom to contribute ideas, is what has kept her at Wakai Waian Healing.
“The culture here is exceptional,” Mel says. “I feel like I can express myself. When I’ve got ideas, people listen. They see value in what I bring. I’m not just pushing paper, I’m part of something.”
That sense of trust and flexibility has allowed her to step into new responsibilities at her own pace.
“In other workplaces, you just get given more and more without support. Here, I take on what I know I can do, and if something’s outside that, I can say that. There’s no pressure.”
It’s a model that creates space for people to grow.
“I can see a future here,” she says. “There’s room to move, to learn, to step into new roles.”
CEO Ed Mosby says Mel’s journey reflects the organisation’s broader approach.
“Mel is a great example of what happens when you back people properly,” Ed says. “We create space for staff to bring their ideas, grow their skills, and contribute in ways that go beyond their job description. That’s how we build strong teams and keep good people.”
Wakai Waian Healing continues to invest in professional development, encouraging staff to explore their interests and build long-term careers within the organisation.
For Mel, that support is clear.
“The only thing stopping me is choosing what to do next,” she says. “There’s so many opportunities, and I know I’ll be supported.”
Stories like Mel’s are not accidental. They reflect a workplace built on trust, respect and genuine care for both staff and community.
At Wakai Waian Healing, people don’t just come to work. They grow, contribute and stay.