Ability and Ambition

13/08/2026

Our new home finally has a name with a pretty special story behind it.

Takiwātanga is the Māori word used for autism that carries the meaning “in their own space and time.”

That idea really resonated with us:
A place where people are given the space and time to be themselves.
To grow. To connect. To learn. To belong.
And to do it on their own terms.

Before moving forward with our chosen name, we sought guidance and permission from a Māori person, who also consulted with their Kaumātua — a respected elder.
We are incredibly grateful that both gave their permission for us to respectfully create and use "Watanga" as a derivative of Takiwātanga.

We acknowledge and deeply respect the Māori culture and language from which this name has been inspired, and we’re grateful for the trust that has been placed in us to carry it forward.

Watanga Place will be more than an office.
It will be a place for people.
A place for connection.
A place for opportunity.
A place where people can move through life in their own space and time.
And we reckon that feels pretty A&A.

11/08/2026

Who would've thought homework could be this much fun? 📚🌿

While we've been busy renovating our new property, supports have looked a little different than usual and sometimes, those unexpected changes create the best opportunities.

Recently, Byron and his support worker, Oliver, took homework down by the river. For Byron, a young man with a strong connection to Country, learning in a place where he feels calm, connected, and comfortable made all the difference.

By adapting to each person's strengths, interests, and culture, we can create meaningful experiences that make everyday tasks like homework more enjoyable and engaging.

Sometimes, the best classroom is the great outdoors. 💙🌱

04/08/2026

We're covered in paint and caulk, we have plaster dust in places we didn't think possible and we are on a first name basis with the Bunnings crew- We've been putting in the HOURS to turn our new home into something really special.

It's a labour of love, and while it's been incredibly exciting, it's also meant our phones, inboxes and messages haven't always been getting our usual lightning-fast attention.

Thank you for hanging in there with us while we pour our hearts (and probably a few tears) into this project. Your patience, support and encouragement mean the world.

We promise it'll all be worth it... and we absolutely can't wait to welcome you through the doors soon! 💙

24/07/2026

We've officially closed the doors to Ohana House.
It's a little bittersweet saying goodbye, but we're excited for what's next.

We're getting everything ready to welcome our incredible community to our new home and can't wait to share it with you!

To everyone who has walked through the doors over the years - Participants, families, staff and supporters - thank you for being part of this chapter and making Ohana everything that it was.

Here's to new beginnings, bigger opportunities and all that is to come. Watch this space 👀

17/07/2026

We've signed the lease 📝
We've bought the moving boxes 📦
We're ready to say "Goodbye" to Ohana and "HELLO!" to our new place 🔑
... but we still haven't picked a name 🙈

We've decided to keep the competition open until the 24th - Comment your best name suggestion for our new space and be in the draw to win a $100 Swan Hill Inc gift card PLUS an A&A Merch pack worth over $100.

We've found a new home, we've got big plans.
There's just one problem... it doesn't have a name yet.

We're handing the responsibility over to the people we trust most (and definitely won't regret giving creative control to...) YOU 😅

😎 Drop your suggestions in the comments
😎 Tell us why you chose it
😎 Our favourite entry scores a $100 voucher AND a fully sick A&A Merch pack

The new space will be a place for connection, learning, growth, community, coffee, questionable decorating decisions, and whatever else we accidentally agree to along the way- we want the name to reflect that!

Let's hear your best ideas 👇

24/06/2026

We've found a new home, we've got big plans.
There's just one problem... it doesn't have a name yet.

We're handing the responsibility over to the people we trust most (and definitely won't regret giving creative control to...) YOU 😅

😎 Drop your suggestions in the comments
😎 Tell us why you chose it
😎 Our favourite entry scores a $100 voucher AND a fully sick A&A Merch pack

The new space will be a place for connection, learning, growth, community, coffee, questionable decorating decisions, and whatever else we accidentally agree to along the way- we want the name to reflect that!

Let's hear your best ideas 👇

19/06/2026

Today we stepped away from the day-to-day and into a room full of ideas, innovation and conversations that challenge the way we think.

The Admin Team attended the Level Up Your NDIS Business conference in Melbourne, connecting with industry leaders, learning from lived experience, and exploring new ways to strengthen the services we provide to our community.

We're not interested in standing still. The sector is constantly evolving, and we think the best thing we can do for our Participants is to evolve right alongside it.

13/06/2026

⚠️ New crew member alert ⚠️

Have a look at the "Meet the Team" page on our website to read more about Maddi 👇

https://abilityandambition.com/team/

12/06/2026

Nikelah currently has immediate capacity available for new participants across Swan Hill, Kerang, Mildura, Echuca/Moama and surrounding regions.

At Ability&Ambition, Support Coordination is more than just ticking boxes and sending emails. We work collaboratively with participants, families and providers to build genuine supports that actually fit your life, goals and needs.

Whether you’re new to the NDIS, feeling overwhelmed, or looking for a Support Coordinator who genuinely “gets it”, we’re here to help.

💛Person-centred support
🧡Trauma-informed approach
🩷Neuroaffirming practice
💜Responsive, real-world support
💙Capacity building focused

Referrals can be submitted via our website (https://abilityandambition.com/referral-form/) or you can reach out to our team to chat about how we can support you on 0475 970 387.

10/06/2026

As part of our sponsorship of this year’s Swan Hill NAIDOC Week events, we’ve been lucky enough to receive several entry tickets to pass on to our community!

We want to create space for conversation, reflection and connection so in the comments tell us:

🖤What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?
💛How will you be celebrating NAIDOC Week?
❤️Which event are you most excited to attend?

Whether it’s about culture, community, learning, connection to Country, celebration, allyship or something else, we’d love to hear about it.

We’ll be choosing some of the most thoughtful responses to receive a free ticket to Koorie-oke 🎤

Winners will be contacted directly via DM.