Derek
DIRECTOR | SUPPORT WORKER | GAMER | COMMUNITY BUILDER
About
Hi, I’m Derek
I’ve spent over 15 years working in the disability sector, including as a Support Worker, Support Coordinator and an Education Support Officer in specialist school settings. I love creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where children, families, and communities feel safe, valued, and understood.
I grew up on a farm, so being outside, in nature, and gardening has always been a big part of my life. I also love music, footy, movies, fantasy, and sci-fi, and I enjoy sharing these interests with the people I work with.
When I’m not working, I’m raising my two amazing boys with Kitty, gaming, or exploring the outdoors.
Fun Facts About Me
· I love gaming — some of my favourites are Risk, Catan, Ticket to Ride, Half-Life, Diablo, Risk of Rain, Valheim, Among Us, HeroQuest, and Blood Bowl. Really though, any board gaming or video gaming!
· I grew up on a farm and still love being in the countryside
· I enjoy gardening, music, footy, movies, fantasy, and sci-fi
My Greatest Achievement
Balancing family, work, and my love of community — raising two wonderful boys with Kitty while helping children and families thrive, connect, and feel included in every space I’m part of.
Games I Enjoy
· Risk
· Settlers of Catan
· Ticket to Ride
· Half-Life series
· Diablo series
· Valheim
· Among Us
· HeroQuest
· Blood Bowl
Areas I Support
· Creating safe, inclusive learning environments
· Mentoring and supporting children and families
· Building connection through play, games, and storytelling
· Helping communities discover their strengths and interests
Kitty
TEACHER | SPEECH PATHOLOGY STUDENT | CREATIVE | COMMUNITY BUILDER
About
Hi, I’m Kitty
I’m a teacher, mum, and Speech Pathology student who grew up on a farm, so I’ve always loved being outdoors and exploring nature. I’ve spent over 13 years supporting children and families in disability-friendly spaces, including five wonderful years working in specialist school settings as a classroom teacher, leader, and floating teacher.
I’m passionate about creating happy, safe, fun, and neuroaffirming environments where everyone feels supported, valued, and included. I learn so much from the young people and families I work with every day, and I love building spaces where individuality, strengths, and interests are celebrated.
I’m all about creativity, play, and connection — whether it’s games, storytelling, movement, projects, or shared adventures. I also love hands-on DIY projects, trying new crafts, and picking up tools with enthusiasm (and a hammer in hand), whether my husband loves that or not.
Humour is a huge part of who I am — I love comedies, comedians, and silly reels, and I connect deeply with people through shared laughter and a playful sense of fun. I’m very good at tapping into my inner silly child while still being professional, grounded, and switched-on when it matters most. Balance, right?
Being part of community and culture is really important to me, and I love helping others learn, grow, connect, and feel proud of who they are.
Fun Facts About Me
· I’m a little obsessed with Mario Kart (not competitive at all… okay, maybe just a tiny bit 😏)
· I coach girls’ football and love seeing players grow in confidence and skill
· I’m raising two amazing boys who teach me something new every single day
· I love being active outdoors — running, exploring, adventuring
· DIY projects bring me joy, even if they don’t always go to plan
· I laugh easily and love sharing jokes, memes, and silly moments with others
My Greatest Achievement
Raising my boys while creating inclusive, supportive learning spaces where children and families feel confident, valued, and proud of who they are.
Games I Enjoy
· Anything Mario — especially Mario Kart
· Donkey Kong
· Settlers of Catan
· Ticket to Ride
Areas I Support
· Literacy and numeracy learning
· Personal development skills
· Mentoring and encouragement
· Creative and multimedia projects
· Content creation and podcasting
· Building connection and communication skills through play and storytelling
Vincent
DIRECTOR | SUPPORT WORKER | OPERATIONS | COMMUNITY BUILDER
About
Hi, I’m Vincent
I grew up in Zimbabwe and now proudly call Ballarat home. I’m a parent to two young children and have spent around 12 years working in the disability sector across both government and private settings — supporting people to build confidence, independence, and meaningful social connection.
Alongside my work in disability, I’m a qualified accountant and have operated NDIS services and small businesses. I enjoy balancing hands-on support with behind-the-scenes planning and organisation — making sure programs run smoothly, sustainably, and in a way that supports everyone involved.
I’m passionate about practical, shared experiences. I love cooking, gardening, and getting outdoors, and I’m excited to bring these interests into Quest & Connect through garden-to-plate cooking, outdoor activities, and group projects that encourage skill-building, collaboration, and connection.
My approach is calm, empathetic, and person-centred. I value community, kindness, and humour, and I believe everyone deserves to feel understood, respected, and included — exactly as they are. I’m thrilled to be part of Quest & Connect and to help create a neuroaffirming space where neurodivergent and disabled young adults can build friendships, explore interests, and feel deeply connected to a welcoming community.
Fun Facts About Me
· I enjoy card games and board games
· I love gardening, cooking, and being active
· Reality TV is my not-so-secret guilty pleasure
· I’m a total bookworm and love reading
· I’m known for being calm, organised, and kind
My Greatest Achievement
Creating a meaningful, balanced life centred around family, community, and work I care deeply about — while supporting others and helping shape spaces where people feel included, valued, and connected.
Games I Enjoy
· Card games
· Board games
· Social games that bring people together
Areas I Support
· Disability support and daily living skills
· Cooking and gardening sessions
· Confidence and independence building
· Community connection and shared activities
· Program organisation, systems, and operations