Our Mission
We walk alongside people with complex behaviours and mental health needs, helping them build skills, confidence, and stability. Our goal is to support each person to work towards what matters most to them — whether that’s living more independently, reconnecting with their community, or simply having more good days.
Our Values
Our values guide everything we do. We believe in working together with participants, families, and support networks to achieve meaningful outcomes. We treat every person with respect and dignity, focusing on strengths and empowering individuals to move forward with confidence.
Working Together
We believe great things happen when we work as a team — with participants, families, and other supports all on the same page.
Respect and Dignity
Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, understanding, and respect for who they are and where they’re at.
Empowerment
We focus on strengths, not setbacks. Every step forward — big or small — is something to be proud of.
Compassion
We care deeply about the people we support and meet them where they’re at, especially on the hard days.
Trust and Integrity
We do what we say we’ll do, we show up consistently, and we always act in the best interests of the people we support.
Cultural Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and honour the unique cultural backgrounds, identities, languages, and beliefs of the people we support.
What We Do
At Next Reach Services, we support people of all abilities to build independence, confidence, and connection. We offer flexible, person-centred NDIS supports, specialising in complex mental health needs and behaviours of concern.
Finding and Keeping a Job
Practical and confidence-building support to prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment.
Increased Social and Community Participation
Creating opportunities to connect, belong, and engage with community in ways that feel safe and fulfilling.
Assistance with Daily Living
Personalised support to strengthen independence and everyday capability.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Helping participants live safely and confidently with the right level of ongoing support.
Life Skills Development
Building the foundations for daily success, from cooking and budgeting to communication, self-care, and goal setting — even when employment or training isn’t the current focus.
Next Round: Boxing for Growth and Confidence
Our Next Round program blends boxing with wellbeing. It helps participants build structure, focus, and resilience while improving confidence and emotional regulation.
Our Team
Our strength lies in our people. Each team member brings experience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting individuals to build independence, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Lauren
Director
Lauren’s story is one of courage, compassion, and connection. Leaving home at a young age, she set out to experience the world and understand the diverse ways people live, grow, and overcome challenges. Those experiences shaped her belief that everyone deserves to be supported in a way that honours their individuality and potential.
With over ten years in the disability and mental health sector and a Master’s in Mental Health Practice, Lauren has dedicated her career to walking alongside people with complex mental health needs, helping them build capacity, confidence, and meaningful lives within their communities.
As Co-Director of Next Reach Services, Lauren brings warmth, authenticity, and vision to her leadership. She is deeply committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to take the next step in their journey — whatever that may look like.
Mereana
Director
From a young mum to co-founding two purpose-driven businesses, my journey has always been about turning challenge into change. I began my education at a young parents’ school in New Zealand, later moving to Australia to complete Year 12 and multiple traineeships while raising my daughter as a single mum.
My career started in administration, where I grew from a junior role to Senior Administrator at Waiariki Institute of Technology, working alongside disadvantaged youth, returning parents, and people with disabilities. It was there I discovered my passion for empowering others to see possibility beyond circumstance.
Today, as Co-Director, I lead with empathy, experience, and a commitment to inclusion. Our work bridges support, community, and empowerment — from one-on-one NDIS support to innovative initiatives like our boxing and employment readiness programs that help participants grow in confidence and purpose.
Sam
Community Liaison Mentor
Samantha Nokes brings over two decades of experience in employment services, having worked across both private and government-contracted agencies. As a job coach and Vocational Youth Worker, she has helped countless individuals become job-ready and transition into meaningful employment, guided by her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to work—and that there is a job out there for everyone.
In addition to her employment expertise, Samantha has worked within specialist education systems supporting young people who have experienced trauma. She is trained in trauma-informed practices and finds deep reward in working with young people with disabilities, helping them build confidence and pathways toward independence.
Her compassionate, inclusive approach and unwavering commitment to empowerment make her a trusted advocate for individuals navigating complex challenges on their journey to employment.
Ieesha
Management Team
Ieesha is a valued member of the management team with over six years of experience in the NDIS sector. Throughout her career, she has successfully led diverse teams, supported staff development, and overseen service delivery to ensure quality outcomes for participants. Ieesha is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and is known for being approachable, supportive, and genuinely caring toward both participants and colleagues. She thrives on building strong, collaborative teams and creating positive, person-centred outcomes. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two cats and dog, getting lost in a good book, and making the most of the outdoors.
NDIS Referral Form
Please complete this referral form to help us understand the participant’s support needs and funding arrangements. All information provided will be kept confidential and used to ensure appropriate services are arranged promptly.