About North East Coordination
Every person with a disability should feel supported, capable and valued.
North East Coordination provides person-centred supports that empower people with disabilities to live with confidence, independence, and choice. Through practical life skills, community participation, support coordination, respite, and individualised supports, we help participants build the skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals and live life on their own terms.
We also recognise the vital role families, carers, and support networks play in a participant's journey. Our services are designed to provide guidance, support, and meaningful outcomes that strengthen not only the individual but those who walk alongside them.
Our beginnings
"This isn't just a career for me—it's a lifelong commitment. I believe every person deserves the opportunity to be heard, valued, and supported to achieve their goals. Independence looks different for everyone, and my role is to help people discover what that means for them while ensuring they feel empowered every step of the way."
Today, North East Coordination continues to grow as a proudly female-led organisation committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred supports that empower participants, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for people to thrive.
When Founder and Director Sam Handley established North East Coordination in 2020, she had a clear vision: to create a service built on compassion, empowerment, and genuine connection. As a woman, a leader, and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, Sam was determined to build an organisation that would make a lasting difference in the lives of participants and families across her community.
"Growing up, my nan worked in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home, and I spent much of my childhood around the residents. Those experiences taught me the importance of inclusion, respect, and simply being present for others. I saw firsthand the impact that compassionate support can have on a person's confidence, wellbeing, and quality of life."
With more than 15 years of experience across disability, community services, support coordination, and leadership, Sam has dedicated her career to helping people overcome barriers and access the opportunities they deserve. After relocating to North East Victoria, she combined her professional experience, qualifications, and passion for supporting others to create North East Coordination.
SAM’S PHILOSOPHY:
"Every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, achieve their goals, and feel supported along the way. Our role is not only to provide support today, but to build confidence, independence, and opportunities for tomorrow."
Meet the Team
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Sam Handley
DIRECTOR and SUPPORT COORDINATOR, South East Melbourne Suburbs
Sam is the Director of North East Coordination and is passionate about creating high-quality, person-centred services that empower participants, support families, and foster a positive and professional workplace for staff.
With over 15 years of experience in community services and disability support, Sam has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate challenges, access the right supports, and achieve meaningful outcomes. She holds qualifications in Community Services, Individual Support, Cookery, and Life Coaching, bringing a diverse range of skills and knowledge to her leadership role.
As Director, Sam's focus is on ensuring every participant receives compassionate, responsive, and high-quality support tailored to their individual goals and circumstances. She believes that strong outcomes are achieved through collaboration between participants, families, support networks, and a dedicated team of skilled professionals.
Sam is equally passionate about supporting and developing her staff. She believes that when employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, they can provide the highest standard of care and support to the people they work alongside. Her leadership approach is built on respect, accountability, continuous learning, and creating opportunities for growth within the organisation.
What Sam is most proud of is her commitment to going above and beyond for the people North East Coordination supports. Whether advocating for participants, mentoring team members, or helping families navigate complex systems, she strives to make a positive and lasting difference in people's lives.
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Larissa Lamb
TEAM LEADER, North East Victoria
Larissa is a dedicated and compassionate Disability Support Worker with over eight years of experience supporting children, teenagers, and adults across a wide range of settings. Her experience includes one-on-one support, group programs, school holiday activities, community access, in-home support, and school camps. She has extensive experience supporting people with autism, mental health challenges, physical disabilities, and complex behaviours.Known for her patient and person-centred approach, Larissa focuses on building genuine connections with participants, empowering them to achieve their goals while maintaining choice, independence, and dignity. She is passionate about advocacy, inclusion, and creating positive opportunities for the people she supports.
Larissa is confident in providing personal care, medication assistance, behaviour support, meal preparation, transport, and community participation. She takes pride in helping participants develop confidence and independence, celebrating every achievement along the way.
Outside of work, Larissa enjoys camping, fishing, bushwalking, health and fitness, baking, and creative activities. She loves encouraging participants to get involved in activities they enjoy, whether that's swimming, cooking, recreational classes, or exploring the outdoors.
Larissa holds a Certificate IV in Disability, First Aid and CPR qualifications, NDIS Worker Screening clearance, Working With Children Check, Police Check, and has her own reliable vehicle for participant transport.
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Jesse Jones
COMPLIANCE MANAGER, South East Melbourne Suburbs
As the Compliance and Internal Audit Officer at North East Coordination, Jess is committed to ensuring the organisation delivers safe, high-quality, and person-centred services. Jess’s role focuses on maintaining compliance with industry standards, supporting continuous improvement, and helping the team provide the best possible outcomes for the people they support.Before joining North East Coordination, Jess spent four years working in aged care as a Home Support Officer. This hands-on experience gave her a strong understanding of the importance of compassionate, person-centred care and the positive impact quality support can have on people's lives.
As a proud mother of two boys, Jess values kindness, resilience, and integrity both in her personal life and career. She is passionate about helping create an environment where participants feel safe, respected, and empowered, and where the NE Coordination staff are supported to deliver exceptional care. She believes that strong compliance and quality systems are the foundation of outstanding service, and is dedicated to fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence across the organisation.
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Tahnee Blair
SUPPORT COORDINATOR, North East Victoria
Tahnee is a caring and patient Support Worker who is passionate about helping participants build confidence, independence, and achieve their goals. With experience supporting children, teens, and young adults through therapy and allied health settings, she brings a calm, understanding, and person-centred approach to every support.Currently studying Occupational Therapy, Tahnee enjoys helping participants develop new skills, access their community, attend appointments, and engage in meaningful activities that enhance their quality of life. Her genuine nature, strong communication skills, and commitment to building trusting relationships make her a valued member of the North East Coordination team.
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Laura Collings
SUPPORT COORDINATOR, North East Victoria
Originally from New Zealand, Laura has proudly called Australia home since 2019. She is a devoted wife and mum to three boys and enjoys spending her free time listening to music, collecting shells, and getting creative through arts and crafts.
Laura has worked in the disability sector since 2021 and brings a wealth of experience supporting people to achieve their goals. Prior to this, she cared for children with disabilities as a nanny in both Australia and the United States, where she developed a strong understanding of person-centred support and the importance of building meaningful relationships.
Laura is passionate about empowering participants to live the life they choose. She enjoys helping people navigate the NDIS, connect with the right supports, and build the confidence and skills to achieve their goals. Her compassionate, organised, and approachable nature enables her to work closely with participants and their families to create positive outcomes and promote independence.
Laura believes every person deserves the opportunity to pursue their interests, reach their potential, and feel supported every step of the way. She is excited to be part of the North East Coordination team and looks forward to making a positive difference in the lives of the participants she supports.
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Amanda
SUPPORT COORDINATOR, South East Melbourne Suburbs
Amanda is a dedicated Support Coordinator with almost four years of experience in the NDIS sector and more than 14 years of supporting children and families. She is passionate about empowering participants and their families to navigate the NDIS with confidence while achieving meaningful, person-centred outcomes.
Throughout her career, Amanda has worked alongside families from a wide range of backgrounds, including those experiencing complex circumstances, cultural diversity, and vulnerability. She has extensive experience supporting participants through every stage of their NDIS journey, from referrals and access requests to plan implementation, reviews, and transitions.
Amanda holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and a Certificate III in Community Recreation. She has also completed professional development in child mental health, trauma-informed practice, play therapy, behaviour support, and inclusive education, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the diverse needs of the people she supports.
As both a mum and a stepmum, Amanda understands the importance of family, connection, and creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive. She is committed to building strong, trusting relationships and ensuring every participant feels heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals.
Operating in North-East Victoria and the South East Melbourne suburbs
Things we value
Dedication + Drive = Devotion
Where dedication meets an intense drive to serve and create space where people with disabilities can thrive.
Safety first
We’re driven to ensure that every person feels safe and that our care and support feels like a place that helps them grow.
Leading by inspiration
We want to help build capability by creating worlds, spaces and experiences that introduce new abilities and create a clear path towards their future.
A warm welcome
Warmth is at the heart of everything we do. From a warm smile, to an open door - we want our space to welcome the entire community through its doors.
Effective supports
Quality support underpins our service and offerings. We use our extensive experience to design effective supports to build growth and independence.

