Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Lives Through Disability Support
The Mai-Wel Group is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider dedicated to empowering people with disability and job seekers across the Hunter Valley. Established in 1960, we create innovative services that connect individuals with opportunities to achieve their life goals. Our mission focuses on breaking down barriers through personalized support in employment pathways, home living, social engagement, and creative programs. With purpose-built facilities from Singleton to Port Stephens, we deliver tailored NDIS supports while advocating for inclusive communities. Our team of experienced professionals works collaboratively with participants to build independence, confidence, and community connections.We maintain strong governance through our board of directors, who bring expertise in finance, corporate governance, and disability advocacy. Our values of integrity, excellence, and respect guide all our interactions, ensuring participants receive high-quality, person-centred services. We actively engage in reconciliation initiatives and maintain transparent operations aligned with sector best practices. With over six decades of experience, we combine deep local knowledge with contemporary support methodologies to deliver meaningful outcomes. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures we remain at the forefront of disability and employment services in regional NSW.
Services
NDIS Pathways
Employment Support
Home Living Programs
Creative Arts Therapy
Community Engagement
Skill Building Workshops
Supported Independent Living
Travel Training
Mental Health Nursing
Youth Transition Programs
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience in disability support services
- Our person-centred approach creates individualized support pathways
- We maintain purpose-built facilities across the Hunter Valley region
- Our board includes experts in disability advocacy and corporate governance
- We provide holistic support from employment training to independent living
Associations and certifications
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider
What people say
Personalized support
Dedicated staff
Successful outcomes
Community integration
Skilled mentors
Services
NDIS Pathways
The Mai-Wel Group provides registered NDIS disability support services tailored to individual goals. Our programs focus on building independence, community participation, and life skills for people with disability. We offer personalized support plans that adapt to changing needs while maintaining compliance with NDIS quality standards.
Employment Pathways
Our employment support programs help participants develop workplace skills and secure meaningful employment. Services include vocational assessments, job readiness training, and workplace mentoring for school leavers and adults seeking employment opportunities in the Hunter Valley region.
Home and Living Pathways
We support individuals to develop independent living skills through in-home assistance and purpose-built Supported Independent Living facilities. Our programs teach budgeting, meal preparation, personal care, and community navigation to promote self-sufficiency in domestic environments.
Creative Arts Programs
The Mai-Wel Group's creative arts programs offer participants opportunities to explore visual arts, music production, and creative writing. Delivered in specialized studios and community locations, these programs foster self-expression, social connections, and skill development through structured artistic activities led by experienced mentors.
Community Engagement
Our community access programs help participants build social connections through group activities and local community participation. Services include organized outings to cultural events, recreational activities, and supported community integration initiatives that enhance social inclusion and confidence.
People
Felicity Laczina
Chair of the Board
With 25+ years in HR and business roles, Felicity brings executive expertise to The Mai-Wel Group's governance. Her personal connection to disability through family experience drives her commitment to community impact. Holds MBA and AICD qualifications.
Michael Burfitt
Deputy Chair of the Board
Chartered Accountant with 30+ years in financial governance. Serves as Chief Financial Officer at Maitland City Council. Brings financial expertise and governance experience to ensure sound fiscal management of The Mai-Wel Group's operations.
John Cleary
Chief Executive Officer
Leads The Mai-Wel Group's strategic direction and operational management. Oversees service delivery across disability support programs. Ensures organizational alignment with mission while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards for NDIS providers.
Dr Sherphard Chidarikire
Director
Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at University of Newcastle. Brings clinical expertise in mental health care and research experience. Focuses on improving rural mental health outcomes through The Mai-Wel Group's support programs.
David Belcher
Director
Disability advocate and former Lake Macquarie Councillor. Specializes in accessible infrastructure and inclusive policy development. Lived experience as wheelchair user informs advocacy for accessible services and community integration.
Questions
What NDIS services does Mai-Wel offer?
Mai-Wel provides employment support, home living programs, creative arts therapy, community engagement activities, and supported independent living options registered under NDIS quality standards.
Do you offer employment programs for school leavers?
Yes, our employment pathways program supports Year 10-12 students and school leavers with vocational training, workplace experience, and job placement assistance across the Hunter Valley.
What areas do you service?
We operate from Singleton to Port Stephens, including Maitland, Newcastle, and Cessnock areas, with purpose-built facilities and community-based support options.
Are your staff qualified disability support workers?
Our team includes certified disability support workers, mental health nurses, and specialized mentors with relevant qualifications and experience in delivering NDIS-compliant services.
Can you help with independent living skills?
Yes, our Home and Living Pathways program teaches budgeting, meal preparation, personal care, and community navigation skills through in-home support and purpose-built facility programs.
Videos
Reviews (7)
J. R.
Nov 24, 2021
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Do not go here if you have mental illnesses. They pretended to care, respect my choices and be involved then after daily complaints about an abusive employer they threw everything in my face, blaming me and mocking my choices. They even had the nerve to say " since you blew the last opportunity we gave you there won't be another" being abused at work in not blowing an opportunity. I had to go back to therapy because of the way maiwels treated me. Don't waste your time.
Christopher Gorton
Aug 07, 2021
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Ive been with Mai-Wel for almost 2 decades. Ive developed really good friendships with many other participants and staff over the years.
Nichole Orr
Sep 19, 2019
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I know Ally from a business group I attend. Ally is passionate about her work and her clients. I would highly recommend ally to assist you in recruiting the right person for your business.
Marcus Kroek
Aug 31, 2019
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I have done business with a number of businesses that have employed people via Mai-Wel. The people have been very happy in their roles and the employers have told me how great their Mai-Wel employees are and how much effort the Mai-Wel team put into making sure they get the right person for the job. The employers have also told me that they get fantastic ongoing support from Mai-Wel.
Mark Van Huisstede
Nov 25, 2017
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Mai-Wel have helped me destroy / shred all my old paper files so no private information could be collected. What a wonderful organisation to work with.
Nat Hudson
Aug 05, 2017
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Mai-Wel Enterprises provide fantastic employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Our business has been very impressed with the friendly, economical and innovative solutions provided by these Enterprises. Our business has also been very impressed with the recruitment services provided by Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions.
Marc Brabander
Jun 23, 2017
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We've been using MayWel for a great many years. It might not be well known, but MaiWel has been providing a wide range of services for people with a disability since the 1960s. For us as business owners it's very rewarding to be able to support people with disabilities through employment opportunities. The changes we see first-hand are heart-warming. From time to time, we utilise the services of PACE Setters -
a timber and light engineering division of The Mai-Wel Group - always a great result.
a timber and light engineering division of The Mai-Wel Group - always a great result.
