Reflecting on 2025: Advocacy, Courage, and Why We Will Never Stay Silent

As we step into a new year, it feels important to pause and reflect on 2025 — a year that challenged us, strengthened us, and reminded us why Candia Care & Support exists.

It was, in many ways, an incredible year. We supported new and existing participants to live fuller, more independent lives, built strong relationships, and shared many moments of joy. We also said goodbye to one very special lady who’s passing deeply affected our team. She reminded us that this work is not just a job — it is deeply human.

But there is another part of 2025 I’m now ready to talk about.

At the time, it was raw, frightening, and painful. It’s something I never thought I would revisit publicly, because it felt like a failure. But silence doesn’t protect people — advocacy does.

Late last year, one of our support workers raised concerns about a participant who was increasingly distressed. She felt her voice was being taken away. Decisions were being made for her, not with her, and she feared those decisions were financially motivated. She told us she no longer felt safe or in control of her own life.

As we listened and investigated further, we uncovered a deeply concerning situation. A former coordinator of supports — someone we had all trusted and believed acted in the participant’s best interests, put pressure to override the participant’s wishes for her own gain.

What followed was one of the most distressing moments we have experienced as a provider.

The participant was crying, yelling, and begging to be taken to the police. She was frightened, overwhelmed, and desperately asking to be heard. Throughout this time, every step we took was guided by her direction, because that is what true person-centered support looks like.

We reached out for help. We escalated concerns. We made phone calls, sent emails, and attended meetings. While there were conversations and representatives involved, the outcome fell short of what this woman deserved.

And that is the part that still sits heavy with me.

I felt like we let her down.

Not because we didn’t care — but because the systems that are meant to protect people don’t always respond the way they should. Advocacy is exhausting. It’s stressful. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s often misunderstood.

After that experience, I told myself it would be easier to “just report it and stay out of it.”

But the truth is — I can’t.

We don’t advocate because we enjoy conflict.

We don’t advocate for recognition.

We don’t advocate because it’s paid time.

We advocate because people deserve to be safe.

They deserve to be heard.

And they deserve backup when power dynamics become unbalanced.

Advocacy is not optional — it is essential.

You Are Not Alone

If this story resonates with you — if you feel unheard, pressured, unsafe, or unsure where to turn — please know this:

You are not overreacting.

You are not a burden.

And you are not alone.

There are people and organisations who will listen, stand beside you, and help you find your voice again. At Candia Care & Support, we remain committed to advocating for those who trust us — even when it’s hard, even when it’s uncomfortable, and even when the system doesn’t respond the way it should.

Because silence helps no one.

And every person deserves to be heard.

Here’s to 2026 — a year of courage, accountability, and standing firmly beside those who need it most.

 

If you or someone you support feels unheard, unsafe, or unsure where to turn, there are independent services available to help protect your rights and amplify your voice:

 

Local Advocacy & Support Services

Port Macquarie / Mid North Coast

 

🔹 Advocacy Law Alliance (NSW)

Free legal advice and representation for people with disability, particularly around decision-making, guardianship, and abuse or neglect.

📞 1800 625 773

🌐 advocacylawalliance.org.au

 

🔹 People With Disability Australia (PWDA)

Individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, and peer support for people with disability.

📞 1800 422 015

🌐 pwd.org.au

 

🔹 Mid North Coast Legal Centre

Free legal advice and assistance, including elder abuse, financial exploitation, and coercive control matters.

📞 02 6583 9866

🌐 mnclc.org.au

 

🔹 NSW Ageing & Disability Commission

For reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older people and adults with disability in NSW. Reports can be made by anyone.

📞 1800 628 221

🌐 ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au

 

🔹 NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

For concerns or complaints about NDIS supports, providers, or workers.

📞 1800 035 544

🌐 ndiscommission.gov.au

 

🔹 Lifeline (24/7 Support)

For immediate emotional distress or crisis.

📞 13 11 14

🌐 lifeline.org.au

 

🚨 In an emergency, always call 000.