Headstart ABI Services

04/09/2026

Dayne has just got a brand-new tattoo — and it’s all about something he feels strongly about: the importance of mental health, positivity and keeping going when times get tough. “Don’t F… Quit!”

And if you’re wondering what that middle word is… you’ll have to ask Dayne! 😉

We know these letters are meaningful and encouraging for Dayne, and we hope they might inspire someone else to keep going too. 💙 Sometimes, simply putting one foot in front of the other is a pretty big achievement.

Just the right time for Dayne to get those guns out as the warmer weather arrives! 💪😎

03/09/2026

🧶💜 Meet Pedro, the purple monster! 👾

Lyn is proudly showing off her new-found talent in crochet — and what a fabulous first project! 😍 “Lyn is absolutely chuffed with Pedro, her purple monster!” says CSW Olivia. 🙌🧶

Lyn’s sister Deb, who is also her carer, says: “Olivia is a fantastic support worker for Lyn, really bringing out the best in her. I love seeing them laugh together!” 🥰

We can’t wait to see what Lyn and Olivia come up with next! 💜✨

01/09/2026

💙 Looking for answers, support or simply someone who understands ABI?

Come and say hi to the Headstart team! 👋 We’re at the Newcastle Aged Care & Disability Expo today at Newcastle racecourse today

If you or someone you know is living with an acquired brain injury, we’d love to meet you — whether you’re looking for support, exploring your options, or simply have questions about what life and care can look like after brain injury.

📍 Newcastle Racecourse�📅 Wednesday 2 September�🎟️ Entry is FREE
👉 https://disabilityexpo.com.au/expo/newcastle/

We’re here to help!

01/09/2026

🍋 Spring has arrived… with a zesty surprise! 🌼

What better way to welcome the first day of spring than with a generous gift of fresh lemons? 🍋💛 Darren and CSW Katrina kindly dropped by our office this morning with a bunch of lovely home-grown lemons for our staff.

“We picked them this morning,” said Darren. 🌿

Now that’s a pretty a-peel-ing way to start spring! 😄🍋

Thanks Darren and Katrina — even though it's a warm one already you’ve brought a little extra sunshine to our day! ☀️

31/08/2026

💼 WE’RE HIRING — FINANCE MANAGER

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? ❤️

Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Services is looking for a Finance Manager to join our team in Hamilton, Newcastle. This is a senior role overseeing our financial operations, reporting, budgeting and compliance, while working closely with our CEO and Management Team.

But at Headstart, it’s about more than numbers.

Your financial expertise will help us continue supporting people living with acquired brain injury to build independence, develop life skills and stay connected with their communities.

📍 Hamilton, Newcastle NSW
⏰ 4 days per week – (alternative arrangements may be considered for the right candidate)
📋 Fixed-term contract
💰 $63.13–$65.77 per hour + NFP salary packaging benefits
📅 Applications close: 14 September 2026

We’re looking for someone with strong financial management experience, CA/CPA qualifications and ideally experience in the NDIS sector. If you’re ready to use your skills in an organisation with purpose, values and genuine community impact, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply now and join the Headstart team! https://bit.ly/4gwGN5a

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this post with them. 🙌

27/08/2026

💙 Looking for the right support after a brain injury? Come and talk to us.

The Newcastle Aged Care & Disability Expo is happening on Wednesday 2 September at Newcastle Racecourse, bringing together people with disability, families, carers and a wide range of service providers. We will be there!

If you or someone you care about is living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), come and have a chat with our team. Whether you’re looking for support, exploring your options, or simply have questions about what life and care can look like after brain injury — we’re here to help.

📍 Newcastle Racecourse
📅 Wednesday 2 September
🎟️ Entry is free

Come and say hello to the Headstart team. We’d love to meet you!

https://disabilityexpo.com.au/expo/newcastle/

26/08/2026

Sue has sailed away! ⛵️💙 A great story from Hunter Headline on Sue's legacy and incredible contribution to the Hunter’s ABI community. 👇

Headstart ABI Services founder and long-standing Chief Executive Officer, Sue McHattie OAM has formally retired following nearly four decades leading specialised brain injury support across the Hunter region.

Read more via the link below 👇

🌐 https://hunterheadline.com.au/article/headstart-abi-services-founder-sue-mchattie-oam-retires-after-four-decades-building-hunter-brain-injury-support-infrastructure/

26/08/2026

Creativity, community and some great snaps! 📸

Callan enjoyed capturing some super photos at our Rec Group! The Newcastle Mens Shed Inc joined us once again for a fun animal-themed arts and crafts session, with plenty of creativity and community spirit on show. 🐶🎨

Thanks, Cal, for capturing some great moments! 💙 🙌

25/08/2026

💙 You don’t have to do it alone. Are you a carer, family member or friend of someone with an acquired brain injury (ABI)?

Our friendly Carers & Family Support Group is a relaxed space to connect, share experiences and support one another.

📍 Central Leagues Club, Charlestown
📅 First Tuesday of each month
⏰ 11:30am

Everyone is welcome — whether you’re connected with Headstart or joining us for the first time. Enjoy a chat, refreshments or lunch, and stay as long as you like.

The group has been supporting local families for more than 37 years.

As Kim says: “Having someone in the same shoes as you is incredibly valuable.”

📞 Questions? Call Headstart on 4965 4420 and we’ll connect you with one of the group leaders.

24/08/2026

🎨 In case you missed Luke's NewsLink story about finding purpose through paint...

Luke's journey is proof that new passions can emerge from life's biggest challenges.

Following a serious motorbike accident and brain injury, Luke had to relearn many everyday skills. Along the way, he discovered a talent for graffiti art that has become much more than a hobby – it's how he expresses himself and looks to the future.

Today, Luke creates colourful murals with permission, transforming walls and fences into works of art. His goal is to turn his passion into a career, creating custom murals for people and businesses.

We're proud to share just a few of Luke's amazing artworks. Which one is your favourite? 🎨💙