A B O U T U S
We are Brett and Nell, the founders of Freedom Adventures & Respite Services, which came to fruition when we decided to take what we love doing every day and share it with others. . .
Our story goes back to 2004 when we both interviewed for the same position, for the same company, in different towns. Brett lived in Wagga and had his interview in Cootamundra and Nell lived in Cootamundra and had her interview in Wagga. Our paths were not to cross until we both attended a Fire Training Day in Wagga in 2006. By this time, Nell now lived and worked in Wagga at another Group Home run by ADHC. We continued to cross paths until eventually a friendship was formed and as the story goes. . . .the rest is history!!!!
We both had a love for the coast so we filled out paperwork with ADHC and our sea change saw us transfer, to beautiful Port Macquarie in 2008. We fell in love with the area and the welcoming nature of the people here - Brett continued working at a Group Home and Nell slotted into Respite and In-Home Support.
Nell spread her wings further and worked casually for Hastings Headway & House with No Steps until 2014, when she decided to become a Trainer and Assessor in Aged Care & Disability. Meanwhile Brett maintained his status quo at the Group Home. 2015 saw the inception of Port Macquarie Respite Services and in 2016, the evolution of Freedom Adventures and Respite Services.
We both have family and friends with disabilities or require support needs so deciding to venture into our own business offering these services was second nature for us. We are passionate about what we do and believe we are so lucky that our passion and our work have come together to make each day an amazing adventure. To support people to have choice and control over their lives, to encourage and advocate for their own independence and social role valorisation is all part of who we are at Freedom Adventures.
We look forward to supporting you to have the most awesome adventure no matter whether it be respite, a holiday, for a day, a week or a month. We are here to help make it happen. . . with Freedom comes Adventures
Hi, I'm Nell :-) I'm a bright, bubbly person who loves life. I love meeting new people, travelling, cruising, music, going out to dinner, concerts, theatre, however I am just as at home reading a book, doing a puzzle or walking on the beach. I adore my pets Sassy (a toy poodle), Montana (a rag doll cat) and Ernie (our talking African Grey), . . .
Family is important to me and between us, Brett and I have 5 children, 3 grandchildren and one on the way. . . woohoo!!!
I have been involved in aged care and disabilities since 1986 when I began caring for a family member. This led me to a career path that I am so passionate about, as I realised there is such a need for great support workers out there and I had what it took to be one of those. As the years have passed and my training and life experiences have evolved, it has made me a better worker, hence why we have decided to bring to you...
Freedom Adventures :-)
Nell Hawe
Brett Hawe
G'day, I'm Brett and I like doing blokey things. I enjoy all sports and in my younger days played for Canberra. I'm a bit of a handyman - 'Mr. Fix It' Nell says. I love attending V8 supercars and am a bit partial to HRT, camping and travelling is heaps of fun. I recently enjoyed some amazing snorkelling in the Maldives on our honeymoon.
I enjoy going for walks, whether they be bush or beach - I don't mind.
Family plays an important part in both our lives, especially our grandchildren... as does our menagerie.
My introduction to community services came along by accident and I am so glad I took up the opportunity because I have never looked back some 20 years on. As the years have passed and I have worn a variety of 'hats' within the Department of Family and Community Services, I have come to see the gaps that are missing. One I feel we have identified, is a holiday, where the client has choice and control. My wish is that Freedom Adventures will help to fill the void in the market that is missing. . .
Cheers Brett