👉 SECURE YOUR TICKETSingle Ticket $399 pp OR Table of 8 for $2,950

'Taking care of business'

the sustainability of business, leaders & teams

has never been more important than now.

And that's why this October, Cassie Day is bringing together the best and brightest in our sector to provide insights, to share, learn and grow together.

We have the power to choose our next steps and to curate a future that aligns with our purpose, our values and who we are . . . we can choose to do it alone OR we can ground in our collective wisdom.

No rose-coloured glasses. No BS. Real stories, real f#$k ups, real strategies, real solutions and all the colours in between.

Interactive workshops, meaningful keynotes + education and information delivered differently.

Our community, those we serve, deserve nothing less than the best.

*SECURE YOUR TICKETS*Single Ticket $399 OR Table of 8 for $2,950

last year's summit sold out in 3.5 weeks

REFORM is here!

The NDIS Amendment (securing the NDIS for future generations) Bill has been passed by Parliament.

The choice right now for businesses and professionals?

Adapt or be left behind . . . bleak, yes - yet it's our reality.

And we will showcase how others have and are doing it, in practice.

The focus is on the FUTURE, what we CAN DO and CAN CONTROL.

And we're doing it together!

What to expect this year

The Experience

🍽️ Morning Tea, Lunch, Teas, Coffee & Soft Drinks
👥 Learn while connecting with your peers, business owners and senior leaders
🌟 Quality Speakers, Subject Matter Experts & Facilitators from across Australia
💥 Keynotes, 'In Conversation' Discussions, Small Panels and Breakout Workshops

🙌 Lived Experience perspectives with specially curated showcase for the whole room

Topics & Themes
📢 NDIS Reform Agenda & Legislative Changes
✅ NDIS Quality, Compliance, Regulations & Governance
🛡️ Business, Strategy, People & Future Proofing
⚙️ Sustainability, Systems, Efficiency & AI
🤝 Diversification, Collaboration, Partnerships, Scale 'In or Up'
+ so much more!

The Investment
All tickets are inclusive of booking fees and GST.

🎟️ Single Tickets: $399 pp
🎟️ Tables of 8 people: $2950

Hosted at the glorious Morphettville Racecourse in Adelaide, SA!

👉 GET YOUR TICKETSINGLE TICKET $399 pp OR Table of 8 for $2,950

. . . and The VIP Cocktail Party 🎉🎉

5:30pm to 7:30pm

To celebrate the launch of Cassie Day's Changemakers & Risk Takers International.

2-hour drinks package, canapés, music and great company

Plus continue the rich conversations from the Summit.

$59 pp all inclusive

Meet the Speakers

Cassie Day

Changemakers & Risk Takers International

Multi-award-winning businesswoman and a trusted voice in the NDIS sector for over ten years. A carer of more than 24 years, her son an NDIS participant, she founded support coordination agency The Carers Place in 2016.

As the Founder of Changemakers & Risk Takers International, Cassie champions impact driven leaders across the Care Economy through the curation of large scale events, community building, workshops, team development, experiences and strategic coaching.

She is an active Board Member of the South Australian Social Enterprise Council (SASEC) and contributes her time and expertise to other business venutres nationally.

Host & Emcee

Justine Hall

Plan Tracker
Plan Management

Trusted leader across the NDIS Sector, Justine is the State Relationship Manager 'Plan and Support Services' for Plan Tracker & Plan Partners, with more than ten years of deep operational knowledge of how the sector works.

"I’ve taken a winding road to get here: teacher, ATO person (who no one wanted to talk to!), Z-grade TV 'star' and a restaurant owner"

A selfless giver who shares her knowledge and insights, contributes to a thriving ecosystem, and genuinely cares about people impacted by disability and the community around them.

Justine thrives on demystifying the ever-evolving world of NDIS for providers and participants alike.

Emcee

Sam Paior

The Growing Space
& Make it Easy

Sam Paior is the founder and CEO of The Growing Space, and co-founder of the Make it Easy and Belong apps. All three are registered NDIS providers with one purpose: helping people make sense of complex systems and take more control of their lives. They employ almost exclusively disabled people and carers. Sam is in her sixth year on the NDIS Independent Advisory Council, co-founded the Self Manager Hub, and works and volunteers across the disability sector nationally. Her plain-English explainers reach more than a million people a month on social media. Above all, she brings lived experience as mum to two (stellar) young men with disability.

Delivering the Keynote Address

Ben Paior-Smith

Flinders University

Benjamin is a Community Researcher at the Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University.

He draws on his lived experience as a creative individual with Down Syndrome and Autism to inform his work.

He also works as an ambassador and co-developer for the Make it easy App, and as a Digital Champion for Down Syndrome Australia, teaching others with disability how to stay safe online.

He has experience with volunteering in the arts sector and working in a number of advisory groups, including the NDIS Participant Reference Group and SA Health Youth Advisory Group.

Presenter

Zac Colton

The Growing Space

Zac has a Certificate III in Information Technology, and is currently study for a Diploma in Employment Pathways at Flinders University.

Zac uses his lived experience with Kabuki syndrome and an intellectual disability to share valuable insights and contribute meaningfully to his work as a content creator at The Growing Space.

He has served as a working member of the NDIS Participant Reference Group and acts as an ambassador for Make It Easy.

Zac has a future goal of providing dedicated tech support to help people overcome technology challenges.

He is actively involved in advocacy and community leadership.

Presenter

Madhavi Nawana Parker

Positive Minds
Australia

Madhavi Nawana Parker is a globally awarded author, keynote speaker and award-winning CEO of Positive Minds Australia, internationally recognised for her leadership in mindset, wellbeing, resilience, neurodivergence, relationship skills in health and is a parenting expert.

Madhavi's programs are implemented in schools and allied health care settings globally and her 13th book, 'The Friendship Blueprint,' will be released worldwide this July.

She is the author of 13 books with her work shaping wellbeing practice across education, allied health, and parenting for more than two decades.

Madhavi is a regular podcast, radio and magazine guest and she is a mother of three and wife to one.

Keynote Speaker

Sharon Floyd

Engels Floyd
Quality Consulting

As Director of Engels Floyd Quality Consulting, Sharon brings specialist expertise in quality improvement, NDIS support, and compliance. She leads a team of highly skilled professionals across the country dedicated to supporting NDIS providers and the broader human services sector.

Before founding Engels Floyd, Sharon was a senior manager in the Commonwealth Government, playing a pivotal role in developing Australia’s first certification system for disability services, and earning an Australia Day award for excellence in audit processes.

Sharon and the team help providers understand their obligations while building systems that genuinely reflect how they operate. Under her leadership, Engels Floyd has become a trusted partner to new and existing NDIS providers across Australia, delivering tailored audit preparation, policy development, training, and coaching. Engels Floyd clients range from Australia's largest NDIS provider through to sole traders and brand new providers. On behalf of the NDIS Commission, Engels Floyd has trained all 1500 NDIS auditors each year since 2018.

KN Speaker

Nicole Makin-Doherty

Empowered Livability

Nicole Doherty is the Founder and MD of Empowered Liveability. With a background of 25+ years in disability and mental health, Nicole is a wealth of knowledge, with qualifications and experience across the Community Services sector (Aged, Disability, Mental Health, AOD, Youth, Homeless, Justice), including extensive experience as a counsellor, case manager, and vocational educational training.

A passionate lived/work experience advocate, Nicole has lived through mental health and addiction stemming from childhood trauma, which set her on a path to support people with complex dual disabilities, and eventually into housing support.

As a mother of a neurodivergent child, and sister with a spinal cord injury, Nicole’s passion for providing tailored solutions to complex housing needs, is more personal than most.

An innovator with compassion, integrity and empathy, Nicole’s knowledge of SDA and complex care, see her support many people with their housing needs.

Speaker

Michaela Banks

B-Hart & Disability Sector Australia

Michaela is a disability-sector executive helping shape how organisations lead, grow and deliver high-quality, rights-centred services. As Group Executive Manager, she connects provider operations, human rights and technology, bringing a practical leadership perspective to sector conversations about service quality, organisational capability and sustainable growth. Her work translates strategy into action, strengthens leadership and accountability, and supports thoughtful technology adoption without losing sight of people. Combining commercial pragmatism with lived experience as a parent of a young person with disability, Michaela champions a sector where quality, culture and business performance advance together, grounded in human rights and purpose.

Speaker

Daniel Climent

EFFICA

Daniel is a Group Commercial Manager supporting NDIS providers to deliver high-quality, rights-centred services through better systems, data and design. He combines strategic thinking with hands-on operational problem-solving, turning complex processes into practical improvements that help teams work more effectively. His work spans commercial operations, platform adoption and process improvement, connecting service delivery, quality, finance and technology to strengthen organisational performance. With a focus on accurate information, accountable systems and reducing unnecessary administration, Daniel helps providers navigate complexity, make informed decisions and build sustainable services without losing sight of their core purpose: supporting people with disability and their families.

Speaker

Tim Lavis

Business Strategist

Tim Lavis is an Adelaide-based business strategist and founder of Tim Lavis Consultancy. With over a decade advising businesses and 20 years in coaching, Tim brings extensive commercial experience across the finance, medical and professional services sectors.

Specialising in business growth, strategic partnerships and diversification, Tim helps business owners identify new opportunities, strengthen revenue streams and build sustainable, valuable businesses.

Tim's approach challenges conventional thinking, explores opportunities through collaboration and strategic alliances, and focuses on strategy execution. Tim is passionate about helping business leaders adapt to changing markets, reduce operational dependency and create lasting commercial value.

Panellist

Cath Durney

Together We Can International

Cath Durney is a changemaker, social entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Together We Can International (TWCI), a certified social enterprise that helps neurodivergent people build real careers and connected lives. With more than 25 years in employment services and workforce progression, Cath leads with a simple conviction: if the system does not accommodate people, you build one that does. Under her leadership, TWCI turns that belief into practical supports and action, focused on measurable results and lasting impact across the wider community. She keeps TWCI true to what it does best and partners with people and organisations who excel at what they do, an approach that has made TWCI a leader in its field. That work has been recognised with finalist places in the 2026 International Stevie Awards, the 2025 National Disability Awards and the 2026 SA Premier's Business and Export Awards, and a top 3 finalist place in the 2025 Telstra Business Awards.

Panellist

Pouya Farbod

Disability Sector Australia

Pouya is an entrepreneur and business founder working across disability services, human rights, technology and investment. He brings a founder’s perspective to leadership, growth and diversification, informed by experience building organisations across complementary areas of the disability sector. His background in developmental education, behaviour practice, engineering and international business combines frontline understanding with strategic and commercial insight. The author of Supporting with Heart, Pouya champions sustainable growth without compromising purpose. His approach places human rights, dignity and inclusion at the centre of how organisations innovate, lead and grow, guided by a belief that progress should improve people’s lives.

Panellist

Meet the Workshop Facilitators

Sasha Dragovelic

Polaris
Business Centre

Sasha is a leading career advice professional, experienced educator, and a pro at brokering partnerships with a wealth of knowledge drawn from a long career of entrepreneurial and mentoring experience. As the Leader of The Polaris Centre, he is committed to empowering people and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and connection.

He worked for many years for the Coober Pedy Council, has served as a local and national career specialist with the Australian Industry Group, and initiated youth entrepreneurial programs for HYPA Works and mentored at Techstars Startup Weekends in Adelaide.

In 2016, he was celebrated in the Business Startup Adelaide Community as ‘Mentor of the Year’ for his mentorship of entrepreneurs. His motto, "people make the world go round!" encapsulates his belief in the power of human connections.

Business Workshop Facilitator

Amy Springhall

The Visibility Project

Amy Springhall is a business and visibility mentor, speaker, MC and host, dedicated to increasing the visibility of female leaders and experts. After a career spanning politics, public relations and strategic communications, she founded The Visibility Project, a platform designed to increase the visibility of female leaders. Through her advisory and mentoring work, she has personally supported more than 1,000 women in business in South Australia. Alongside her work at The Visibility Project, Amy is a speaker, MC and communication trainer. She has appeared on major stages, interviewing former Premiers, Olympians, senior government leaders and high-profile entrepreneurs, and has hosted events attended by thousands. Amy is also the creator of Visible Leaders, a keynote and workshop helping women build visibility, influence and confidence, and practise it right there in the room. Her sessions are practical, highly interactive and, importantly, fun, giving women the tools and opportunity to use their voice, step into leadership and make a greater impact in their careers and communities.

Visibility Workshop Facilitator

Laura Schutz

Laura Jade

Consultant

Laura Schutz is an industry leader, trainer, and consultant with 21 years of experience driving positive change in the disability sector. Since the NDIS launched in her hometown of Geelong, Laura has worked tirelessly to build capacity, confidence, and spark within the sector.

Starting her career in frontline disability support, Laura gained deep insight into the challenges participants face. Today, she’s a trusted expert in demystifying NDIS legislation, support coordination, funding flexibility, and hospital discharge planning for complex needs.

Beyond the training room, Laura is a connector and social media dynamo. As the moderator of a vibrant Support Coordination/Plan Management group with over 12,000 members, she’s created a thriving community for sharing knowledge and ideas. Her relatable content and dynamic sessions turn complex policies into actionable advice, empowering participants and professionals alike.

From co-authoring the Good Practice Guide for Support Coordinators to delivering impactful talks at sector conferences, Laura’s empathetic, human-centered approach has made her a respected voice in the industry.

NDIS in Practice Workshop Facilitator

👉SECURE YOUR TICKETSINGLE TICKETS $399 pp OR Tables of 8 for $2,950

THE AGENDA!

State of the Nation Keynote Address
Sam Paior, Founder & CEO of The Growing Space and Make it Easy

Leveraging AI to enhance Business Sustainability, Growth & Impact
Presented by Michaela Banks of B-Hart and Daniel Climent of Effica

'Let them Lead' - Lived Experience Perspectives of Leadership

Presented by the young people that are supported by Puddle Jumpers

🍰 Morning Tea

Quality and Safeguarding

Sharon Floyd, Director Engles Floyd Quality Consulting

Failures, F@ck-ups and Leadership Lessons

Interactive 'In Conversation' with Nicole Doherty and Cassie Day

Founder & CEO Empowered Livability

Lived Experience Showcase: Innovation and Independence in Practice

Presented by Zac Colton and Benjamin Paior-Smith

🥗 Lunch

3 X Concurrent 60 minute Interactive Workshops

1. Business Growth - The Truths - Sasha Dragovelic

2. Beyond the Headlines: NDIS Reform in Practice - Laura Schutz

3. Visibility and Standing out from the Crowd - Amy Springhall

🍰 Afternoon Tea

Panel Session: Business Adaptivity, Innovation & Agility

The facts, hidden truths, how to get there and what it costs.

Discussing innovation, diversification, partnerships, collaboration and future proofing.

with Tim Lavis, Pouya Farbod and Cath Durney

Keynote Address by Madhavi Nawana Parker
Founder of Positive Minds Australia, Author & Global Keynote Speaker

PLUS an Interactive 'In Conversation' with Cassie Day

Wellbeing, mental wealth, mindset, navigating change, leadership and professional practice

👋5:00 pm Event Close

**Please note the agenda is in draft and is subject to change.

feature workshops in detail

Business Growth - The Truths

Business Fundamentals

Purpose of business.

The role of customers in your business.

Preparing now for sale/exit.

Purpose & Profit – Perfect Partners

Profit

Budget

Revenue

Diversify & Thrive

Eggs in one basket & risk.

What is diversification and why do it?

How to diversify & tools you can use.

The Marketing/Sales Dance

What is the role of marketing and sales.

Diversity of marketing activities.

The Networking Secret.

Facilitated by Sasha Dragovelic

Visibility & Standing Out from the Crowd

In 2026, being brilliant at what you do isn’t enough if the people you could help, and the opportunities that could amplify your impact, can’t find you.

This highly interactive workshop shows leaders and organisations how to become more visible, memorable and better known for what they do best.

Amy will bust some of the myths that keep good people and good businesses hidden, help participants sharpen what they want to be known for, and challenge them to practice communicating their expertise and value in real time.

Rather than simply talking about visibility, participants will experience it, with opportunities throughout the session to use their voice, share their expertise, connect with others and think differently about how they and their organisation show up.