Community & Business
25 November, 2025
Local service takes out national disability award
A DISABILITY support organisation that began as a small home-based service on the Atherton Tablelands has just been named Australia’s Outstanding Support Coordination Provider.
i’ara Specialist Support Coordination, now located on Main Street in Atherton, received the national honour at the 2025 Australian Disability Service Awards, a major win for a regionally founded, community-led organisation.
i’ara provides Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination to both NDIS and NIISQ participants, helping people navigate complex systems, connect with services, and build strong, sustainable support networks.
Pronounced eye-ara, the name means “village” in the language of the people of Kairuku in Papua New Guinea. Shared with founder Maddi Wright by her mother-in-law and chosen with her blessing, the name reflects both the cultural ties between the Tablelands and Cairns region and PNG, and i’ara’s philosophy of care: every person deserves a village behind them.
“i’ara wasn’t built in a city boardroom, it was built right here in the Tablelands and Cairns, supporting local families,” Ms Wright said.
“We’ve grown, but our heart has never left this region. This award is really a win for our whole community.”
As the need for high-quality disability support grew across the Tablelands, i’ara outgrew its original home office and established its Atherton Main Street office, which today hosts the region’s monthly Disability Network, bringing together providers, families, and community organisations to strengthen support pathways across the Tablelands.
From those early days, the organisation has now expanded into a women-led team of over 50 Support Coordinators and Specialist Support Coordinators, supporting people across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
But despite national recognition, i’ara’s roots remain firmly regional.
“This region shaped who we are,” Ms Wright said.
“The Tablelands taught us the importance of showing up, working together, and making sure every voice is heard. That village mindset is what has carried us all the way to a national award.”
The award itself recognises a provider that delivers support coordination that is clear, measurable, person-led, and truly grounded in what matters to participants, not just compliance. It highlights organisations that build capacity, champion choice and control, and create strong, resilient networks of support.
This is an approach i’ara has championed throughout the Tablelands, where access to services can be limited and navigating multiple systems can be overwhelming for families.
“We’re here, we have time, and we’re on your side – that’s been our promise from the very beginning,” Ms Wright said.
