Through MADEC’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) service, NDIS client Skye has built an active and independent lifestyle centred on her passion for sport. With encouragement from her SIL support team and the inclusive sports group Mackay Fire— whose mission is to bring “sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disabilities and autism”—Skye participates enthusiastically in basketball, football, swimming and wakeboarding.

In October 2024, she represented Mackay Fire at the Special Olympics Queensland Central Queensland Games, where her team proudly earned a silver medal in the 3×3 basketball division. Supported by her MADEC workers and housemates who cheered her on from the sidelines, Skye’s achievement reflected not only her personal dedication but also the power of inclusion and community connection. Earlier in the year, she took part in training sessions with NRL legend Martin Bella through the Mackay All Abilities rugby league team—an experience that broadened her sporting skills and strengthened her confidence.

Skye’s journey demonstrates how MADEC’s SIL program extends beyond daily living support to help participants pursue personal goals, build social networks and engage fully in community life. Her next ambition is to attend a State of Origin match—continuing to set new goals and embrace new experiences. Skye’s story is a powerful example of the impact of inclusive support: fostering independence, wellbeing and genuine participation in the life of the community.

Through MADEC’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) program, Andrew has achieved two deeply personal goals that reaffirm his identity and connection to family and culture.

In August 2024, he successfully changed his legal name back to Andrew Yatta, reclaiming the surname he was born with. The moment his certificate arrived was one of pride and celebration — Andrew sang with joy, surrounded by support from his MADEC team. His support worker reflected that “having his original name back has had such a positive impact in his life.”

In 2025, Andrew achieved the next step in his journey by travelling to the Northern Territory to visit his mother’s grave in Darwin — a powerful and emotional experience that honoured his family’s story and cultural roots. Supported by MADEC, the visit gave Andrew an opportunity to pay his respects and strengthen the enduring bond he holds with his mother and his heritage.

Andrew’s story exemplifies the purpose of MADEC’s SIL program: to empower people to live independently while supporting them to achieve goals that are deeply meaningful and culturally significant. His journey — from reclaiming his name to visiting his mother’s resting place — reflects self-determination, pride and belonging, and stands as a powerful testament to the impact of person-centred support in enabling individuals to live with purpose and connection

In 2024, MADEC’s Youth Empowerment and Support Service (YESS) had the privilege of walking alongside a determined young person on their journey toward independence, education, and self-belief.

Facing personal and educational challenges that once made mainstream schooling feel out of reach, they worked closely with the YESS team to build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills that helped them not only complete high school but also prepare for their next chapter.

Through regular one-on-one support, goal-setting, and tailored case management, YESS helped them access vital resources. Their hard work culminated in an incredible milestone in 2025: acceptance into university to study a Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies. This achievement reflects not only their determination but also the holistic, empowering approach of the YESS team, who ensure young people have the tools and encouragement to realise their potential. Reflecting on their journey, the young person shared: “Thank you for your support through everything. You genuinely changed my life for the better, and I’m so grateful.”

The YESS program is a free, voluntary service for young people aged 12–21 across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, including Sarina, Pioneer Valley, Bowen, and Collinsville. It provides tailored support in areas such as life skills and wellbeing, transitions to adulthood, education and employment, housing, health, and community connection. With consent, YESS also works closely with families and other agencies to provide coordinated, wraparound care.

This young person’s success story captures the heart of YESS — empowering young people to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and step confidently into the future

Through the support of MADEC and partner service provider Endeavour Foundation, John has built a rich, active, and independent lifestyle in the Mackay community.

Known for his upbeat attitude, John pursues a busy routine of work, fitness and connection: twice each week he works at Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions – Mackay, where he is part of a team managing general assembly, warehousing and gardening duties. His favourite role is working in the garden, growing seasonal fruit and vegetables for lunch and tending the site’s garden beds.

John also accesses MADEC’s Community Engagement support to stay active and connected. He trains at the local PCYC gym twice a week, with his support workers helping him through workout programs and counting his reps. His positivity has made him a well-known regular at the gym and his fitness has improved markedly. After gym sessions he enjoys heading out to local cafés or taking a beach walk, and he takes part in social nights with the SNAGS group for karaoke, friends, providers and his support team.

When asked about the future, John says he would like to continue gardening and further improve his fitness—goals that are already supported by MADEC and Endeavour.

His story exemplifies how MADEC’s Community Engagement supports enable people with disability not only to participate in the community, but to thrive.