The Knoll Studio

15/07/2026

One of the great things about the NDIS is that it's built around goals.

The thing is, those goals can sometimes be pretty broad. Things like building confidence, improving communication or becoming more independent. They're all great goals, but sometimes it's hard to know what that actually looks like from week to week.

That's what we've spent the last 20 years figuring out.

At The Knoll Studio, we don't start with the goal. We start with the person.

What are they interested in? What lights them up? What have they always wanted to have a go at?

From there, we build real projects around those interests.

That might be making a documentary, recording an album, producing a podcast, learning photography, interviewing people, performing on stage, or even starting a small business.

Now those big goals suddenly become real.

Instead of just saying we're working on confidence, we're working towards releasing a song. Instead of saying we're building communication skills, we're preparing to interview someone on camera. Instead of talking about independence, we're building something that belongs to them and that they're genuinely proud of.

Every week there's another step. Another milestone. Another win.

For us, support isn't about filling in time. It's about helping people discover a sense of purpose and giving them something meaningful to work towards.

Because when people have purpose, everything else starts to grow from there.

Now for the shameless engagement bit... 😄

Apparently Facebook likes it when people comment, so I'm going to play the game...

If you had six months to learn or create absolutely anything, what would it be?

It doesn't have to be artistic. It could be starting a business, making a film, writing a book, restoring an old car, travelling, or finally having a crack at something you've always wanted to do.

I'd genuinely love to hear your answer.

The Knoll Studio.
The Art of Support.

14/07/2026

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.

When someone walks through the doors of The Knoll Studio, I'm actually not thinking about their diagnosis.

I'm wondering...

What excites this person?

What are they naturally curious about?

What could they become if someone gave that curiosity room to grow?

Because I've learnt that confidence doesn't usually come first.

Purpose does.

When someone discovers something they genuinely care about, everything else starts to move.

Communication has a reason.

Planning has a purpose.

Relationships happen naturally.

Confidence grows because it's attached to something that matters.

That's why I don't spend my time looking for limitations.

I spend my time looking for the spark.

The thing that makes someone lean forward instead of pull away.

Because I honestly believe every person has something unique to offer.

Sometimes they just need the right environment to discover it.

That's what The Art of Support means to me.

Not seeing disability first.

Seeing possibility first.

— Ryan

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

What happens when someone is given the opportunity to create?

For many people, creativity isn't just about making a film, recording a song or performing a magic trick.

It's about finding a voice.

It's about discovering confidence.

It's about being seen.

The Great Northern is so much more than a magician. Behind every disappearing coin, every alien from the Galactic Space Federation, every dancing Brazilian polar bear and every wonderfully ridiculous adventure is a person with an incredible imagination and a desire to share it with the world.

Our role at The Knoll Studio isn't to create those ideas for him.

Our role is to make sure his ideas have the opportunity to exist.

Project-based supports are incredibly powerful because they create something real. They provide purpose, challenge, problem-solving, teamwork, communication and the chance to contribute something meaningful to the community. Every completed project becomes tangible evidence of what someone is capable of achieving.

When people are given the right support, they don't just build skills.

They build identity.

They begin to see themselves differently.

"I made that."

"People enjoyed that."

"My ideas matter."

Thats the Art Of Support

Those moments ripple far beyond the studio. They build confidence at home, in relationships, in community and in employment. They create conversations. They create connection. They create possibility.

Watching The Great Northern grow as a filmmaker, storyteller and entertainer has been one of those reminders that creativity has the power to unlock potential in ways that are difficult to measure but impossible to ignore.

This video isn't just about magic.

It's about imagination.

It's about purpose.

It's about what becomes possible when someone is given the opportunity to express who they are.

And we feel incredibly privileged to be part of that journey.

Welcome to the wonderfully unpredictable world of The Great Northern (and Schooey)

06/07/2026

Keegan Interviews | A Story of Growth

This week's episode of **Keegan Interviews** is a special one, featuring the founder of Mountain Mates Janis Bailey—a community that has played an important role in Keegan's journey.

While the interview itself is fantastic, what it really represents is something much bigger.

When we first met Keegan, he had very limited experience using a computer. He didn't have editing skills, struggled with writing, and spent much of his time isolated at home watching TV. Today, he's planning interviews, developing questions, filming, editing, and creating content that connects him with his community.

None of this happened overnight.

Every episode involves thoughtful planning, coaching, and support. Behind the scenes, there is plenty of scaffolding to help Keegan build new skills while ensuring the work remains his own. With each project, that support gradually evolves as his confidence and independence grow.

This interview is a wonderful example of what can happen when NDIS supports are truly individualised and centred around a person's interests and goals. By combining project-based supports with the opportunities provided through Mountain Mates, Keegan has been able to develop practical skills, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to his community in a way that reflects who he is.

The outcomes extend far beyond creating a great interview. They are felt by Keegan, his family, and the wider community that now gets to hear his voice and see his talents shine.

We're incredibly proud of everything Keegan has achieved and grateful to be part of his journey. This is what person-centred support looks like—creating opportunities that build confidence, foster connection, and lead to meaningful, lasting outcomes.

We can't wait for you to watch this latest episode of Keegan Interview's

30/06/2026

There are moments in this job that remind us exactly why we do what we do.

Today is one of those days.

We're so incredibly proud of Damon for representing Australia at the Australian Open. What an amazing achievement, and one that reflects the hard work, determination and commitment he's put in over so many years.

But today isn't just about celebrating what Damon achieved on the court.

It's also about celebrating his journey off the court.
Here at The Knoll Studio Damon has been learning to use cameras, edit videos and tell his own story through film. Watching him grow in confidence, take pride in creating something himself, and then share those moments with family, friends and the wider community has been just as rewarding as seeing his sporting success.

Too often, people's achievements pass by without being seen. Learning how to capture and share those moments gives Damon another way to connect with his community, celebrate what he's worked so hard for, and inspire others along the way.

For us, that's what The Knoll Studio is all about. It's not just about learning creative skills. It's about building confidence, finding your voice, creating genuine connections and making sure every achievement—big or small—has the chance to be celebrated.

16/09/2025

This is all that's physically left of The Knoll Studio now.

It's been a really hard time pulling everything down, as what we had built and were building was something really beautiful.

I don't know where we are going from here, but the moments and memories we created here will last a lifetime.

There were so many hands that made this place what it was. I'm so grateful.

One door closes, and another one opens they say, we will keep our eyes open.

Thank you everyone