Garrett Walsh is a passionate and resourceful Support Worker who combines personal experience, academic knowledge, and professional skills to provide exceptional care and advocacy. Currently studying Law and Business at the University of Newcastle, Garrett is committed to empowering individuals and making a meaningful impact on their lives.

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Garrett’s dedication to support work is deeply personal. Over the past year, he has provided hands-on care for his father, a stroke survivor, assisting with daily activities, transportation, and tailored rehabilitation plans. Collaborating with occupational therapists, Garrett has helped implement strategies to improve his father’s mobility and quality of life. This experience has shaped his empathetic approach and deepened his understanding of personalised care.

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Garrett’s advocacy experience extends beyond his personal life. At the University of Newcastle Legal Clinic, he has helped clients navigate essential services such as legal aid and social support systems, equipping them with the knowledge to understand and exercise their rights. His ability to connect individuals with the resources they need underscores his commitment to holistic client support.

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In his professional role as care provider for children at a local Newcastle OOSH, Garrett has developed critical interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills. He excels in building rapport amongst many age groups, handling challenging situations with empathy, and fostering teamwork to achieve shared goals.

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With experience under his belt, Garrett is ready to meet the needs of clients with professionalism and care. He is dedicated to bridging gaps in support systems, ensuring every individual feels valued, and providing practical assistance to improve lives.

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Social Justice Interest

Garrett’s commitment to his work is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Rather than focusing on a singular area of interest, he embraces a broad and adaptable approach to advocacy. Garrett’s motivation stems from a deep-seated passion for helping others, regardless of the specific circumstances or challenges they may face. 

Maeve McCarthy is an exceptional Disability Support Worker whose commitment to advocacy and client-centred care makes her an invaluable part of the Hillebrand Shaw & Co team. With a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience, Maeve approaches her work with professionalism, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to empowering individuals.

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Currently pursuing a double degree in Psychological Science and Law (Honours) at the University of Newcastle, Maeve is deeply committed to promoting autonomy and equitable outcomes for her clients. Her academic focus enhances her ability to understand complex frameworks, allowing her to deliver informed and tailored support.

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Maeve’s experience as a community access DSW has equipped her with a thorough understanding of the NDIS system and the diverse challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. She excels in implementing behaviour support plans, maintaining detailed documentation, and fostering relationships built on trust and respect. 

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A passionate advocate, Maeve has honed her skills at the University of Newcastle’s Legal Clinic, where she supported vulnerable individuals in understanding and exercising their rights. This, combined with her extensive volunteer work with St Vincent de Paul Society, highlights her commitment to social justice and community engagement.

Maeve’s strong interpersonal skills, organisation, and attention to detail are complemented by her leadership experience gained in previous professional roles.

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Social Justice Interest

Maeve is deeply passionate about climate advocacy, recognising the critical importance of environmental sustainability for current and future generations. Her interest stems from a desire to create meaningful change by addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Maeve views climate advocacy as an opportunity to raise awareness, influence policy, and encourage individual and collective action towards a more sustainable future.

At Hillebrand Shaw & Co, we are proud to introduce Breanah (Bree) Thorley, an experienced and dedicated Advocate & Disability Support Worker. Bree combines practical expertise with a caring and professional approach to deliver exceptional care to individuals living with disabilities.

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With over three years of hands-on experience in the industry, Bree specialises in personal and medical advocacy, emotional first aid, and de-escalation of challenging behaviours. She works closely with clients, their families, and care networks to develop tailored support plans that foster growth, independence, and wellbeing. From assisting with daily activities and personal care to implementing emergency care plans, Bree goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel safe, respected, and empowered.

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Bree’s qualifications include a Certificate IV in Mental Health and current certifications in First Aid, Working with Children Check, and a National Police Check. She is also pursuing a double degree in Criminology and Psychological Science at the University of Newcastle, enhancing her understanding of behavioural patterns and legal frameworks.

Known for her meticulous documentation, effective communication, and collaborative mindset, Bree is a trusted partner to clients and their families. She prioritises building meaningful relationships, listening to individual needs, and providing tailored support.​

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Social Justice Interest:

Bree is deeply passionate about supporting young people transitioning from juvenile correctional facilities back into the community. She recognises the significant gap in resources and support available to assist these individuals in reintegrating successfully. Bree is committed to bridging this divide by fostering pathways that promote meaningful rehabilitation and community engagement. Her goal is to empower young people to build fulfilling lives, thereby reducing the risk of recidivism and contributing to stronger, more inclusive communities.

Max Jones is an aspiring legal professional with a strong commitment to social justice and a keen interest in criminal law. Max is pursuing a combined Law and Criminology degree at the University of Newcastle. Driven by a desire to apply his skills to achieve fair and just outcomes, Max is eager to gain practical experience in legal and community-focused roles.

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With a hardworking and reliable nature, Max thrives in team environments where collaboration leads to positive results. His experience in retail operations at has honed his problem-solving abilities, work ethic, and customer engagement skills. Additionally, his background in competitive sports and coaching demonstrates his leadership, discipline, and ability to build strong relationships.

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Max’s social and caring disposition enables him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, making him well-suited for roles that require empathy, advocacy, and teamwork. With a proactive mindset and a passion for contributing to the legal sector, he is seeking opportunities to develop his skills and make a meaningful impact.

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Social Justice Interest

Max is dedicated to developing his understanding of advocacy and support through education and hands-on experience. Through his studies in Law and Criminology, he is eager to gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals navigating complex systems, particularly within the disability sector. With a strong focus on communication, problem-solving, and empathy, Max is committed to building meaningful connections and ensuring those he supports feel heard and valued. Through ongoing learning and practical experience, he aims to develop the skills necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of others.