My name is Tasha Lamey and I’m the NDIS Lead at Wakai Waian Healing. I’m a proud Bidjira woman living and working in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, the traditional land of the Dharumbal people. I completed my senior schooling in Biloela and, once completed, relocated to Rockhampton. During this time, I completed Certificate III in Business Administration, leading to a long career in Queensland Health for 16 years.
My journey into the disability sector began long before I ever stepped into a professional role; it started with my personal experience as a First Nations mother with a son who has intellectual disability. Navigating the healthcare and education systems, which often needed more resources and understanding, was a constant struggle. These experiences ignited a passion within me—a deep desire to create a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities.
I began my career at Central Queensland University (CQU), where I led the Community Aspirations Program. This initiative was designed to inspire mature-age students to consider pursuing higher education. One of my guest speakers was Ed Mosby, a remarkable individual from the Rockhampton community whose story resonated with many. Ed is an inspiring individual, a Torres Strait Islander, Senior Psychologist, and Founder of Wakai Waian Healing.
As my program gained momentum, we faced the harsh reality of funding cuts. Just as I had started to build trust within communities, especially in Woorabinda, we had to scale back our support. The impact of these cuts was profound, leaving many feeling abandoned and without the resources they desperately needed. I felt a profound sense of loss and responsibility; I feared that my reputation and the trust I had built would be undermined.
Determined not to let this setback define my journey, I applied for a support coordinator position at Community Solutions. My experiences as a mother were my driving force. I had witnessed firsthand how limited support options could affect families like mine, and I knew I wanted to do more. With a background in health and education, I could bridge the gap for others facing similar challenges.
In my new role, I worked with around 40 participants across Central Queensland, and it quickly became apparent that there was a significant need for education about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). I encountered so many individuals and families who were confused about disability support pensions and NDIS processes. I realised I could make a difference by helping them navigate these complexities.
I took a step further by joining Carers Queensland, where my focus shifted to community engagement and education about the NDIS. I worked tirelessly to assist not only First Nations individuals but anyone with a disability who needed help applying for NDIS support. This work felt incredibly rewarding, but I also faced frustrations. Our participants’ systemic challenges, such as bureaucratic red tape and long waiting times, often hindered their access to the support they needed.
Eventually, I joined the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, which allowed me to interview families and gather the evidence needed for clinical assessments. I felt empowered in this role, especially when advocating for those overlooked in the system. This empowerment is something I hope to instill in others, as it is a powerful tool in our collective efforts to improve the lives of mob with disabilities.
Through it all, I was fortunate to have colleagues who understood the importance of collaboration. When a position opened up on the NDIS team, a colleague named Zach, whom I affectionately call my work son, encouraged me to apply. This opportunity felt like a natural progression, allowing me to combine my advocacy skills with my knowledge of NDIS processes. I realised that my experiences, both personal and professional, had equipped me to make a meaningful impact.
Today, I continue to advocate for individuals with disabilities at Wakai Waian Healing, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. My journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also been incredibly fulfilling. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their abilities. I am committed to making that a reality in our First Nations community. This commitment to dignity and respect is at the core of my advocacy, and I hope it reassures mob of the quality of care and support I strive to provide. Reach out to me if you need culturally safe NDIS support 1800 732 850