Challenge Community Services

We all have dreams. Whether it’s to land a good job, live independently or be part of a secure, loving family, we all want to belong.

That’s why Challenge Community Services has created one inclusive community. We’ll help raise you up to meet your goals. We’ll be there to support you when life gets tough.

Take a look around our site and see for yourself the multitude of activities and services we offer. You’ll find a Challenge community in 68 locations across New South Wales.

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What's on

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Wed May 22 Gold Coast Fresh Futures Market

Challenge Community Services is excited to be attending the 2019 Gold Coast Fresh Futures Market.The Gold Coast Fresh Futures Market provides a wide range of information for school leavers about life ...

11:00am – 6:00pm Surfers Paradise more info

Sat Jun 1 Ben Lomond Winter Fair

Challenge Community Services are excited to be attending the Ben Lomond Winter Fair. This is a wonderful family event that brings the community together with market stalls, food, entertainment, a car...

10:00am – 6:00pm Ben Lomond NSW more info

Fri Jun 7 Gold Coast Disability Expo June 7th & 8th

Challenge Community Services is excited to be attending the Gold Coast Disability Expo. The Gold Coast Disability Expo provides a wide range of information about the latest products and services av...

9:00am – 3:00pm Bundall more info

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Thu Jun 20 Central Coast Future Choices Expo for Students with Disability

Challenge Community Services are excited to be attending the Central Coast Future Choices Expo for Students with Disability. This is a fantastic event providing everything students, families, ca...

9:00am – 1:00pm Tumbi Umbi more info

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Thu Jul 25 Hunter Future Choices Expo for Students with Disability

Challenge Community Services are excited to be attending the Hunter Future Choices Expo for Students with Disability. This is a fantastic event providing everything students, families, carers, s...

9:00am – 1:00pm Broadmeadow more info

News & Stories

14 May 2019 Start Up: Paving the path to self-employment Start Up: Paving the path to self-employment

Start Up works with young adults living with an intellectual disability as they explore the possibility of self-employment through developing their own microbusiness.Beth Innes, Grants Coordinator at Challenge Community Services, designed and secured government funding for the 18-month program, whic...

7 May 2019 Max's journey to finding a stable family Max's journey to finding a stable family

When he found his mother lying on the floor not moving, 5-year-old Max’s destiny was changed in an instant.Max* phoned 000 and suddenly the house was filled with emergency workers – police, paramedics, social services. He watched his mother, who had overdosed, be taken away in an ambulance. Then...

1 May 2019 How Supervised Contact Workers support children and young people in foster care How Supervised Contact Workers support children and young people in foster care

When it comes to working with children and young people in out-of-home or foster care, as well as their families and significant others, creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount. For Supervised Contact Workers, their role is to develop meaningful contact with those young people while ...

1 May 2019 Entrepreneurs with intellectual disabilities pitch their startup Entrepreneurs with intellectual disabilities pitch their startup

Annette Kearney, 29, is working hard to turn her passion into a business. "I've been doing it for a long time now," she said. "I just like to be able to show people that someone with a disability can do photography as well." The Maitland resident was joined by six other entrepreneurs with in...

29 April 2019 Helping people learn life skills Helping people learn life skills

Getting his "Ls" and securing a job were Bayden Parker's top NDIS goals and he has already smashed them. Greater independence and being able to get around without having to rely on others gave Bayden the motivation he needed. This, and the help of his Challenge Community Services support worker, And...

14 May 2019 Start Up: Paving the path to self-employment Start Up: Paving the path to self-employment

16 April 2019 Young people living with a disability empowered through Challenge programs Young people living with a disability empowered through Challenge programs

Becoming independent is an important step for every young person. The Challenge Community Services ‘Connexions’ program helps young people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 35 learn important life skills such as how to cook, how to apply for a job or how to budget. Additionally, Chall...

12 April 2019 Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

If you are looking for accommodation assistance, there are a number of different housing solutions and supports available to consider for your unique situation. Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation are two options that are often incorporated into NDIS plans. If your p...

3 April 2019 Kenny finds his focus through art Kenny finds his focus through art

A connection to country and deep love of Australian wildlife are recurring themes in Kenny Thurbon’s paintings. From Trangie in north-west NSW, Kenny works at his paintings for many hours each week at Challenge Disability Services. Challenge Community Services supports people living with a disabil...

27 February 2019 Changing lives for the better Changing lives for the better

Working at Challenge Recycling, Narrabri has been a positively life-changing experience for Marie Hatch.The expression ‘life-changing’ is often overused but Ms Hatch’s job really has changed her life, and for the better.“I have more choice in my life and my standard of living is higher becau...

7 May 2019 Max's journey to finding a stable family Max's journey to finding a stable family

1 May 2019 How Supervised Contact Workers support children and young people in foster care How Supervised Contact Workers support children and young people in foster care

3 April 2019 What support will I receive as a foster carer? What support will I receive as a foster carer?

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer? The experience of helping a child in need and supporting their development at a crucial time in their lives can be hugely rewarding. Our community of foster carers are some of the most selfless, generous and caring people who have opened their hea...

21 February 2019 A sense of fulfilment money can’t buy A sense of fulfilment money can’t buy

When Ella arrived at her foster home, she was stressed, pushed boundaries and frequently acted out. No wonder really - her parents were separated and struggling with alcohol issues. Ella’s carer, Merrin, admits it was “tough going” at first. “But each small breakthrough made it all worthwhi...

12 December 2018 A home for life: more than one way to make a family A home for life: more than one way to make a family

After discovering that pregnancy was not going to be possible, Sarah and Adam tried to convince themselves they would be happy building a different life together – one without children. But the couple found it impossible to lay their maternal and paternal instincts to rest.After months of thinking...

19 October 2018 Earning their trust: how to help a child in care feel secure Earning their trust: how to help a child in care feel secure

When you’ve opened your home and your heart to a child or young person in need, it may be hard to understand why they might have trouble trusting you at first. They may shrink back or push you away when you try to comfort them. They may withdraw and not want to talk to you. They may be defiant or ...

22 June 2018 Daniel takes control with the NDIS Daniel takes control with the NDIS

When Daniel decided he needed to improve his mental health and behavioural issues, he enlisted the support of Challenge Therapeutic Services. Together, they have navigated financial hurdles and put in place strategies to improve Daniel's life.Tackling the financial hurdleDaniel first attended Challe...

18 May 2018 Planning to enjoy life Planning to enjoy life

A little planning and support can go a long way, especially if you have behaviours that keep you from achieving your goals.Challenge’s Therapeutic Services team help people living with a disability further develop their social skills and relationship skills, as well as help you to manage your emot...

23 March 2018 New service to provide psychological support for local NDIS clients New service to provide psychological support for local NDIS clients

If you or a loved one receives NDIS funding and has trouble with anxiety or behaviour management, a new service on the Central Coast could be the answer.Challenge Community Services recently opened a Therapeutic Services office in Tuggerah employing four psychologists. Two of the on-site psychologis...

6 February 2018 Building brighter futures together Building brighter futures together

Providing foster carers with a helping handFostering is hugely rewarding. Helping a child to grow and learn, seeing them smile, and playing a part in the development of their self-confidence are the greatest gifts of foster caring.In fact, as a foster carer, you will possibly form the closest relati...

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A world where everyone belongs and everyone grows

Curious about fostering for permanency?

Resources to Help Navigate Life After School

Challenge Community Services

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About Challenge Community Services