It takes a diverse group of people to provide the many types of disability and youth supports we offer at MADEC. In this series, we chat with our staff about their roles and spotlight some of the friendly faces in our team! For our eighth instalment, we had a chat with MADEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Jasmine Lowry!
Let’s start at the beginning – can you tell us how you first came to work at MADEC and what your journey through the organisation has looked like?
I first joined MADEC in an administrative role, which gave me a strong grounding in the day-to-day operations of the organisation. From there, I progressed to Operations Manager, where I gained a deeper understanding of service delivery and workforce management. For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as CEO. That journey has given me a well-rounded perspective and a deep appreciation for the work that happens at every level of MADEC.
You’ve seen MADEC evolve over time. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed during your time with the organisation?
When I first started at MADEC, we had just two houses and supported three clients full-time. I was here for the rollout of the NDIS, which fundamentally shifted the way we provide disability supports. Moving from block funding to a person-centred and client-led approach was a big adjustment, but ultimately an incredible benefit for our clients! It gave them more choice, control, and independence. Then in 2021, we commenced our child safety and residential care journey, which was another exciting milestone in MADEC’s growth and commitment to supporting vulnerable young people in our community.
For those who may not know, can you give us a quick overview of what MADEC does and the communities we support?
MADEC provides disability and youth services across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. We support people with disabilities, young people, and families navigating complex challenges. Our focus is always on person-centred care—ensuring that the people we support can live with dignity, independence, and choice.
What do you think sets MADEC apart from other community service providers in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions?
It’s our people! We’re deeply connected to our community and genuinely invested in making a difference. Our size means we’re close enough to know our clients well, but we’re also strong enough as an organisation to deliver high-quality services. That balance between personal connection and professional standards is what sets us apart.
As CEO, what are your main priorities when it comes to leading the organisation?
I see my ultimate responsibility as making sure MADEC is safe, sustainable, and future-focused. Safety and quality services are the foundation, but I also believe it’s vital that we lead with innovation. The needs of our clients and our sector are always changing, and I want MADEC to be known as an organisation that embraces new ideas, technologies, and approaches that truly improve people’s lives. My priority is to balance stability with adaptability—making sure we’re here for the long term, but also that we’re bold enough to keep evolving in ways that give our clients more choice, dignity, and opportunity.
You’ve worked your way up through various roles. How has that shaped your leadership style and understanding of the organisation?
I have a strong operational background and I’ve worked in just about every function of the organisation over the years. That’s both a strength and a challenge. On the one hand, I understand how things work on the ground and can bring that knowledge into strategic decisions. On the other hand, as CEO, I need to step back and entrust those responsibilities to our very talented team.
This journey has shaped my leadership style to be collaborative and grounded. I lead with a practical perspective—I know the pressures frontline staff face, the complexities of service delivery, and the importance of systems that actually work in practice. But I’ve also learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about empowering others, building trust, and creating the conditions where people can thrive in their roles. My role now is less about “how” things are done and more about ensuring our people have the support, tools, and vision to succeed.
What does strong, values-driven leadership mean to you, especially in the community services sector?
For me, strong leadership always starts with integrity. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, and making decisions that reflect our values. In the community services sector, our values—trust, empowerment, excellence, person-centred and community—aren’t just words on a page, they guide how we show up every day for our clients, staff, and community.
I believe leadership is about modelling those values consistently. People watch what you do more than what you say, so if I expect respect, accountability, and compassion from our team, then I need to demonstrate those qualities myself. Values-driven leadership also means keeping clients at the centre of every decision. We’re here to serve people, and if our leadership doesn’t reflect that, we’ve lost our way.
Can you share a moment during your time at MADEC that has stayed with you or reaffirmed your commitment to this work?
Early in my career, I witnessed a team work alongside a client to achieve his long-term goals, which included travel and camping. Over an extended period, the team helped him build the skills and overcome the barriers that stood in his way. I’ll never forget the smile on his face when he finally achieved that dream—it was a moment of pure joy and independence for him.
Even though my role at the time was in the background, it reminded me that the work I did had a real impact. That experience lit a spark for me, and it’s something I continue to carry with me as a leader today. Moments like that remind me why we do what we do, and I feel privileged to see them happen again and again across MADEC.
What are some key challenges or opportunities you see in the disability services sector right now?
One of the biggest challenges is sector reform. There’s still a lot of uncertainty about what the changes will look like, but we know they’re coming, and we know we’ll need to be adaptable. Balancing compliance requirements with person-centred practice will remain a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen how we deliver support.
I see enormous opportunity in innovation and in building stronger partnerships with our community. There are always new ways we can support clients to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life, and often that comes from working collaboratively with others. If we remain open to new ideas and committed to working alongside our clients and community, we can turn sector challenges into opportunities for growth and better outcomes.
How does MADEC ensure our disability support services are person-centred and responsive to each participant’s goals?
For me, it always starts with listening. Every client has their own story, their own goals, and their own idea of what a good life looks like. At MADEC, we make sure those voices guide the way we provide support.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when staff really tune in to what a client wants, not just ticking boxes on a plan, but walking alongside them, celebrating wins, and adjusting when things change. That’s what person-centred practice looks like in real life. What makes me proud is that our team takes this seriously. They know they’re not just providing a service; they’re helping people achieve independence, dignity, and quality of life. My role as CEO is to make sure our systems, training, and culture all back that up, so every client can see their goals reflected in the way we work with them.
How is MADEC preparing to meet changes in the sector, such as updates to the NDIS or emerging needs in youth services?
MADEC is preparing by focusing on adaptability. We know sector reform is coming, and while some of the detail is still unclear, our priority is to stay ahead of the curve rather than react after the fact. That means strengthening our systems so they’re robust but flexible, investing in staff training so our workforce is ready for change, and keeping close to the conversations happening at both community and government levels.
We’re also paying close attention to emerging needs in youth services, where demand continues to grow. By building strong partnerships and trialling new approaches, we can make sure our supports remain relevant and effective.
Where do you see MADEC in the next five years? How can staff, clients, and the broader community play a role in supporting that future?
In five years, MADEC will continue to be a trusted leader in youth and disability services, recognised for stronger partnerships and innovative programs that respond to emerging needs.
Future leaders who have grown within the organisation will be guiding MADEC forward, carrying its vision with confidence and passion.
MADEC will be recognised as both a provider of choice for clients and an employer of choice for staff—delivering high-quality services, investing in people, and nurturing a culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and opportunity.
MADEC will also be supporting other regions across Queensland, extending the impact of the work already delivered so well in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
By sharing ideas, speaking up about needs, and continuing to walk alongside us in shaping services that truly make a difference our staff, clients and the broader community will make that a reality.
What continues to motivate and inspire you in your work?
It’s the people—our clients, staff, and community. Every time I see progress in someone’s life or passion in a staff member’s work, it reminds me why I’m here. The impact we make collectively keeps me motivated.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in community services who hopes to build a meaningful career, like you have?
Be patient, stay curious, and always keep people at the centre of your work. Community services can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Take every opportunity to learn, build relationships, and never lose sight of why you started on this journey!
Interested in a career at MADEC?
Check out the available positions below or head to SEEK.com.au to join a passionate, dedicated, and capable team. We encourage people of all ages and abilities to apply, as we are interested in creating more career opportunities for persons with a disability.
