For support coordinators
Referring a participant to Sunshine Life Skills
The short version: who we work with, what we do and don't do, and how to refer — so you can decide quickly whether we're a fit.
Much of what follows is in the words we use with participants, so 'you' means the person you're referring.
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Who we support
- One-to-one, practical support for adults 18 and over on the Sunshine Coast — building everyday skills, confidence and independence at a pace that suits you.
- For self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. We are an unregistered provider, so we're not able to take NDIA-managed funding.
- We support adults in Maroochydore, Cotton Tree and surrounding Sunshine Coast suburbs. Meeting locations and travel arrangements are flexible and agreed individually. Not sure whether we cover your suburb? Get in touch and we'll talk it through.
Support is available seven days a week.
We usually reply within 2–3 business days.
What we do
Practical, one-to-one support for adults who want to do more for themselves in everyday life — real tasks, in real places, at a pace that feels manageable.
- At home: Cook a simple meal, plan the week, or get on top of a household routine.
- Out and about: Shop from a list, use public transport, or find your way to somewhere new.
- Everyday routines and organisation: Everyday routines such as planning meals, organising your week, getting things done and keeping track of what's coming up.
- Confidence and connection: Practise a conversation, join something local, or take the next step you've been putting off.
These are examples, not a fixed menu — and it's practice, not therapy. What we work on comes from your goals and your plan.
What we don't do
We don't provide personal care, medication support or clinical therapy. If you need one of those supports while you're with us, an appropriate support person can come along too. We'll talk through who does what before the session, so everyone is clear and comfortable.
Who delivers the support
We're Deb and Ian. Our shared work supporting people began in 1980, with experience across wellbeing, community and practical everyday settings. Sunshine Life Skills is the two of us, working with you directly — no roster, no handover.
Both of us will know every participant we work with. There'll be nobody you haven't met.
Completed training
- NDIS Commission Worker Orientation ("Quality, Safety and You") — July 2026
- New Worker NDIS Induction — July 2026
- Supporting Effective Communication — July 2026
- Supporting Safe and Enjoyable Meals — July 2026
- Sentrient Infection Prevention and Control — July 2026
How we work
- At your pace: Some weeks move quickly and some do not. We follow the pace that is actually working, not a schedule.
- Your choices: You decide what we work on and what we leave alone. You can change your mind at any point.
- Alongside, not instead: The aim is that you can do more of it yourself over time, so we do things with you rather than for you.
As things become steadier, our part gets smaller. That is the point.
Funding and pricing
Our support rates are based on the current NDIS pricing schedule. We confirm your rate in writing and agree it with you before support begins.
Sundeck Gardens
Participants can choose to start their program with a short stay at Sundeck Gardens in Cotton Tree where it suits their goals and circumstances. It is optional, a separate business with a separate agreement and invoice, and Deb and Ian are involved in running both — we say so plainly.
Safeguards
- The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to us and to the supports we provide.
- Whether something went well, something could be better, or something went wrong — we want to hear it. You can stay anonymous. It takes a couple of minutes.
- You don't have to raise it with us first if you'd rather not, or if you don't feel comfortable doing so. You can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission directly on 1800 035 544 or at ndiscommission.gov.au.
How we handle personal information is set out on our privacy page.
How to refer
Use the enquiry form and choose 'As a support coordinator' when it asks who is enquiring, or call, text or email us directly. It helps to include the participant's first name, how their funding is managed, what they'd like help with, and the best way to reach you.
Questions from support coordinators
Is Sunshine Life Skills a registered NDIS provider?
For self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. We are an unregistered provider, so we're not able to take NDIA-managed funding.
Can self-managed and plan-managed participants use Sunshine Life Skills?
For self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. We are an unregistered provider, so we're not able to take NDIA-managed funding.
If you're not sure how your funding is managed, or whether it can be used for this kind of support, tell us what you know and we'll work it out together.
How much does life-skills support cost?
Our support rates are based on the current NDIS pricing schedule. We confirm your rate in writing and agree it with you before support begins.