At Glenray, support starts with care and respect; not only for the person accessing services, but for their support network. Glenray’s NDIS Support Services Manager, Tammy Small oversees day-to-day operations across day programs, residential living, and intake.
If you ask Tammy about her approach to work, and she’ll tell you it comes down to being authentic, treating people like family, and keeping things grounded. Ask her about her personal quirks, and she’ll laughingly admit to two things most people don't expect: a genuine love for ibis birds ("bin chickens") and an appreciation for freckles.
"I just find ibises really unique and majestic," Tammy says. "And with freckles, I think they're beautiful. If someone has a freckly face, I'm just in awe."
That tendency to see value where others might look past it runs right through her work and it's a perspective built over nearly two decades in the disability sector.
Tammy’s Journey to Glenray
Tammy didn't originally plan on a long-term career in disability support. After school, she went to TAFE with her sights set on becoming a caseworker for the Department of Communities and Justice (then DOCS). To support her studies in Sydney, she took a job as a disability support worker.
"I finished my diploma, but I never went into casework because I just fell in love with disability support," Tammy shares. "I found it so rewarding, and I’ve stayed ever since."
When she moved to Bathurst, she spent time at the local Telstra call centre—a job she credits with introducing her to the community—before securing a role with Lifestyle Solutions. She stayed there for 11 years, moving from House Manager to travelling state-wide, and eventually managing services across Dubbo, Bathurst, and Lithgow.
Now going on eight years at Glenray, Tammy focuses on building a cohesive culture across all service areas.
One Team and Person-Centred Support
For Tammy, managing support services means bridging gaps between teams so staff work seamlessly together rather than in silos. It also means keeping person-centred support at the heart of daily operations.
"I’m huge on person-centredness, so the fact that we live and breathe that in our values is massive to me," Tammy says. When recruiting, she looks for down-to-earth people who care genuinely about their work. "One thing I always tell new staff in induction is: treat our participants the way you’d expect me to treat your family member if I were caring for them."
This ongoing commitment to person-centred support is visible every day in how the Glenray team advocates, innovates, and creates meaningful opportunities. Driven by the belief that every individual should be recognised for their unique strengths and capabilities, the team creates tailored pathways that align with each person’s needs, interests, and aspirations.
Whether collaborating with community stakeholders to champion inclusion or adjusting individual support as goals evolve, the focus remains unchanged: delivering high-quality outcomes and empowering individuals to thrive.
“We shift, we adapt, and we work to put the person at the centre of everything we do,” Tammy says. “Finding outcomes that help someone meet their full potential is so humbling and rewarding. Daily, I look around and see our participants living great lives, knowing we hold such an important role in making that happen. This is why I fell in love with our industry.”
She also points to the Glenray Lifestyle & Learning (GLL) centre as a key space where participants gain practical skills—from photography and cooking to woodworking. "It’s not just a place to pass the day. It’s an environment where people learn, reach goals, and build social connections."
Tammy’s Advice for Families Navigating Support
If you’re looking into disability services or trying to figure out the NDIS, Tammy offers a few practical insights on what the process looks like:
1. Taking the First Step with the NDIS
The NDIS intake process can feel overwhelming, but it helps to break it down into manageable pieces:
Start with eligibility: Check whether you meet the criteria and gather the necessary medical documentation from your GP or specialist.
Get hands-on help: "When people come to us feeling completely lost, I’ll often walk over to the NDIS office with them, help them through that first step, and introduce them to a planner," Tammy says.
Ask about everyday supports: Many families don't realise what can be included in a plan, from daily living and allied health to social activities and domestic help.
2. Transitioning Out of the Family Home
Moving into supported independent living or a group home is a big milestone for both the individual and their family.
Go at your own pace: Transitions are tailored to the person. This might start with coming over for dinner, spending an afternoon with housemates, or staying for a weekend before making a permanent move.
Acknowledge the family’s experience: "You have to support the participant, but you also have to recognise that the family is going through a massive change," Tammy notes. "Even though it becomes the participant’s home, families are always part of it."
Support for ageing carers: For families who aren't ready to make a move yet, Glenray provides ongoing background support. "We let families know that we’re here in the background, and when you’re ready—or if something unexpected happens—we’ll step in."
3. The Value of Shared Living
Moving into supported accommodation offers more than just practical care:
Social connection: Living with peers builds genuine friendships and helps prevent isolation.
Independence: "When people move out of the family home, they start building choice and control over their daily routines," Tammy says.
Have Questions About NDIS Support?
Whether you're looking into NDIS funding, exploring day programs, or considering supported living options in Bathurst and the Central West, Tammy and the Glenray team are here to help you talk through your options.
Give us a call on (02) 6331 2388 or email info@glenray.com.au to start your journey with Glenray today!
