A black and white logo with a heart symbol, with the text 'I ♥ ndis' inside a circle on the left side. To the right, there is text that reads 'REGISTERED NDIS PROVIDER'.

Our Story

NDIS Support Coordination Specialists For Life's Most Challenging Chapters

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A cartoon person with blue hair holding an open book titled 'Newcastle social workers' with a blue logo on the cover, surrounded by question marks.

The right support can
make all the difference

GET IN TOUCH

We understand how overwhelming life’s challenges can be, that’s why your NDIS journey should be a pathway to opportunity, not added stress.

As a company run by dedicated social workers, we combine professional expertise with a deep connection to the Newcastle community and the disability sector. We support individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, and complex support needs in achieving their goals within an inclusive environment.

GET IN TOUCH
Michelle from Newcastle Social Workers walking with an NDIS participant in the Newcastle community, reflecting local, person-centred support coordination.

  • Every participant we work with has their own unique story, and we’re here to listen. We can deliver services for anyone with NDIS funding in the support coordination category, whether that is level 2, level 3 (specialist support coordination), or psychosocial recovery coaching funding

    At Newcastle Social Workers, we are committed to empowering you to live the life you want. Our mission is to help you take control of your NDIS plan, connect you with the right support, and make sure you never feel alone in the process.

  • Our vision is inspired by you. We'd love to make your NDIS journey as smooth and meaningful as possible.

  • Our services are guided by 3 core values. These core values are:

    Respect: We value your choices, individuality, and goals.

    Accountability: You can count on us to be reliable, consistent, and professional NDIS support coordinators.

    Authenticity: We believe in being honest and building relationships you can trust.

Who We Are

MEET THE TEAM

Connected through collaboration and community.

We’re more than just a support provider, we’re part of this community.

Our strong local connections and focus on community engagement ensure access to the right disability services, support workers, and funded supports to empower you on your journey.

OUR SERVICES
Kurt and Ashley from Newcastle Social Workers at a local disability expo, connecting with the community and sharing information about NDIS support coordination.

Meet Our Team

Real people. Genuine support. Every step of the way.

Our strength lies in the people who support you. From experienced Specialist Support Coordinators to community-minded Recovery Coaches, every member of our team brings warmth, understanding, and local knowledge to the journey

  • Kurt, Director of Newcastle Social Workers shown in his staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Kurt Walker

    DIRECTOR

    Newcastle Social Workers was founded by Kurt Walker, an Accredited Social Worker (Australian Association of Social Workers) with a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons).

    MEET KURT
  • Sylvia from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Sylvia Muller

    SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR

    With 10+ years in trauma recovery, mental health, and crisis support, Sylvia brings deep experience and calm guidance to every participant.

    MEET SYLVIA
  • Simone from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Simone Eckert

    SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR

    With over 15 years of experience in mental health, disability, aged care, and suicide prevention, Simone brings a steady, trauma-informed approach to every participant.

    MEET SIMONE
  • Michelle from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Michelle Johnson

    TEAM LEADER, RECOVERY COACH & SUPPORT COORDINATOR

    With 12+ years in mental health, disability, and family support, Michelle leads our team with empathy and insight.

    MEET MICHELLE
  • Debra from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Debra Dean

    SUPPORT COORDINATOR & PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH

    With 7 years of NDIS experience and a background in mental health and disability, Debra brings empathy, calm, and real-world understanding to her work.

    MEET DEBRA
  • Alecia from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Alecia Thomas

    SUPPORT COORDINATOR & DISABILITY ADVOCATE

    A lived experience advocate and mum to two kids with complex needs, Alecia brings warmth, clarity, and deep understanding to every NDIS journey.

    MEET ALECIA
  • Kaylene from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Kaylene Anderson

    SUPPORT COORDINATOR & PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH

    With 10+ years in community services, Kaylene supports people facing complex challenges—mental health, homelessness, and SIL.

    MEET KAYLENE
  • Vidya from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Vidya Unnithan

    SUPPORT COORDINATOR & RECOVERY COACH

    With 10+ years of experience in disability, mental health, and employment services, Vidya supports participants through psychosocial challenges and chronic conditions using trauma-informed, person-centred care.

    MEET VIDYA
  • Ashley from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Ashley Clancy

    SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR & PSYCHOSOCIAL RECOVERY COACH

    With 8+ years of frontline experience, Ashley supports people navigating complex mental health, dual diagnosis, and the justice system.

    MEET ASHLEY
  • Megan from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Megan Luker

    SPECIALIST SUPPORT COORDINATOR & MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

    With a Master’s in Mental Health and 10+ years in disability and child protection, Megan brings clinical insight, trauma-informed care, and deep empathy to her work.

    MEET MEGAN
  • Virginia from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Virginia Pessanha

    SUPPORT COORDINATOR

    With over five years working within the NDIS, Virginia supports participants to understand their plans, use their funding effectively, and build supports that are practical and reliable.

    MEET VIRGINIA
  • Olivia from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Olivia Lichtenberger

    SUPPORT COORINDATOR & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (AHPRA REGISTERED)
    Olivia brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and real-world coordination experience across the NDIS, mental health, and hospital systems.

    MEET OLIVIA
  • Eliza from Newcastle Social Workers shown in her staff bio photo for the local NDIS support coordination team in Newcastle.

    Eliza Kokkin

    SUPPORT COORDINATOR & SOCIAL WORKER

    Eliza is a qualified Social Worker with a strong foundation in psychological science, bringing a thoughtful, relationship-focused approach to support coordination.

    MEET ELIZA