Different Journeys staff completed two days of Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Training with proud Darug man, Baydon Widdicombe as our facilitator. Baydon’s personal insights and expertise provided us with a deeper understanding of how to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Different Journeys would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the different lands on which we work. We respect all Aboriginal Elders, past and present. We aim to collaborate with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends in the autistic community to connect, empower and support each other and exchange isolation, prejudice and ignorance with connections, hope and community. We acknowledge that the connection to autism and lived experience is our common ground. We acknowledge, respect and maintain that our custodians have cultivated these lands and we continue to learn together.
Dr Ru Ying Cai
“Mel was the first person who helped me realise I was a young carer for my non-English speaking immigrant parents. Today, I’m still a carer for my ageing parents. She always encourages me to seek support – and to ensure our carer workforce does too. Mel truly lives and breathes what she believes.”
Our journey, Our impact 2024–2025
Different Journeys has come a long way since Mel Spencer OAM and Merrin Ayton first came together in 2015 to start this grassroots organisation, with the support of Fred Brumhead from Interchange Outer East (see Our Journey, page 14). What an incredible ten years it has been!
Having lived the challenges firsthand, Mel and Merrin deeply understand the isolation and burnout that so many carers experience. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring no carer is ever turned away continues to inspire me. I’m in awe of their dedication and proud to be part of our journey.
This has been another year of tremendous work by Different Journeys staff, volunteers, partners and collaborators to support our autistic and carer communities through connecting, peer mentoring, advocating and funding!
This year, we’re proud to share that we delivered:
16,245 3,500 930 62,084 hours of peer support unique carers, advised volunteer hours, logged webpage views
These numbers reflect just a fraction of the impact we’ve had.
Please see Our Impact on page 16 for more.
Over the past year, the board has continued to support Mel in making strategic decisions to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation. Thanks to our volunteer, Des Galgut, we have a long-awaited budget that has helped us make financial decisions and will continue to do so in the future. This has come at a most critical time. Like many not-for-profits navigating today’s uncertain economic climate, we’ve had our share of financial ups and downs. But we’ve never lost sight of our mission: to connect and support autistic individuals, their families and carers. To ensure we deliver our mission with governance oversight, the board has regularly tracked our organisational risks to mitigate them.
We’re especially proud to have launched CARE@WORK, our new social enterprise. The board played an initial active role in forming the strategic direction of this new arm of the organisation, which Mel and the executive team have now run with. The board is committed to continuing to support CARE@WORK to grow this exciting initiative in the coming year.
Finally (and most importantly), I want to thank our management team, staff, volunteers, supporters and donors. I know it’s been an incredibly challenging year. Thank you for believing in Mel and Merrin’s dream and for helping us continue to stand alongside our community.
I invite you to take your time exploring this annual report as we reflect on where we’ve been, where we are and the journey ahead, together.
Dr Ru Ying Cai Chairperson of Different Journeys
Mel Spencer OAM CEO and Co-founder
“It all started because we didn’t want to walk this journey alone. That sense of connection is our foundation and what drives us to this day.”
Reflecting on the past 12 months, I am once again humbled by the Different Journeys community which remains nimble and responsive in an ever-changing and often challenging landscape. I’m incredibly proud of the innovative ways we’ve continued to diversify our services for autistic people and carers, and deeply grateful to everyone whose passion and hard work made this another meaningful and impactful year.
Following extensive research, planning and development, Different Journeys launched its social enterprise, CARE@WORK, a program that works at individual, organisational and systemic levels to support employers in recognising, retaining and empowering staff who also have caring responsibilities.
My thanks to the State Library Victoria for joining us on this journey to make caring visible, and ensure no one has to choose between their job and caregiving responsibilities.
Our family, teen and carer events remain at the heart of our impactful work. In the past year, we held 280 community events, which attracted over 3,534 participants from 59 metropolitan and regional local government areas.
We expanded the reach of our peer support sessions, continued the growth of our Adults Events in Bendigo, and launched new Ladies Events in Bendigo and Ringwood. Autistic youth were given the opportunity to connect, express themselves and build confidence through a creative art program delivered in partnership with headspace Greensborough.
We were proud to partner with the Victorian Government’s Department of Education Diverse Learners Hub and collaborate with three schools in Bendigo to strengthen parent and carer confidence. As part of this initiative, members of the Different Journeys team presented to 80 school staff at Bendigo East Secondary College, sharing insights on carer experiences and practical strategies for supporting carers within the school community.
Cultural inclusion – strengthening bonds
Through our partnership with BDAC (Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative), we exchanged knowhow and deepened our collective understanding of First Nations communities and carers. We attended a range of events including Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid training and Aboriginal cultural awareness sessions and delivered carer education workshops. In Casey, we collaborated with the Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) and Casey Council to deliver Carers Cuppas, creating safe spaces for carers from diverse backgrounds to connect, share experiences and learn together.
Advocacy – amplifying lived experience
We continue to be a voice for those with lived experience through speaking engagements, local advocacy and active participation in government roundtables. This included presenting to services such as Monash Health, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) and Brimbank Council. We contributed to the Victorian Government Carer Strategy Refresh through consultation roundtables and key advisory groups, including the Autism in Education working group and the Victorian Autism Advisory Board. We also represented community voices on several key committees, including the Nillumbik Disability Advisory Committee.
“For me, it is a privilege to be able to take the challenges and wins of the stories we hear every day and raise them with decision-makers.”
Our impact is driven by our people
I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who inspire, support and guide our journey – our dedicated staff and the Different Journeys Board, tireless volunteers and generous donors. Your efforts make a meaningful difference every single day.
A special thank you to our Chairperson, Dr Ru Ying Cai, for her unwavering support and deep commitment to our vision – a future where autistic people are fully included in public life through greater community awareness and understanding.
I’m grateful every day for the incredible support of my Executive Assistant, Annette White. A master organiser, multitasker and all-round amazing human, Annette keeps everything running smoothly – always with good humour and grace. Thank you, Annette.
To our community – thank you for your continued trust and belief in us. Your faith fuels our purpose, and we remain committed to walking alongside you. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable support of our partner organisations, whose collaboration strengthens every aspect of our work.
The journey ahead – strengthening for the future
As we plan for 2025–26, Different Journeys is committed to maintaining the strength and impact of our current programs, while remaining open to growth where it aligns with community needs and is supported by the right funding.
Our focus remains on sustaining and strengthening our social enterprise, CARE@WORK, with a new website and increased promotion planned in the year ahead. Reflecting our broader direction, we have updated our constitution to formally recognise and include carers of all types, not just those supporting autistic individuals.
“I’m incredibly proud that our support has reached over 10,000 families across Victoria.” Mel
overview
Like many in the community sector, we navigated funding challenges this year. While demand for our services continued to rise, cost-of-living pressures impacted income and our unique approach remains under-resourced within traditional philanthropic models. Despite this, careful planning and resourceful partnerships enabled us to deliver more with less. We are committed to financial sustainability as we grow.
We will also continue to prioritise peer workforce development, regional outreach and digital inclusion, alongside strengthening our research and impact evaluation to ensure our work remains relevant, effective and responsive to community needs. We are closely monitoring sector trends and risks, including recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission, ongoing NDIS reforms and growing mental health needs. Challenges such as workforce burnout, inflation and changes to carer entitlements require us to remain adaptive and proactive.
Mel Spencer OAM CEO and Co-founder of Different
Journeys
1 in 40 Australians are autistic.
12% of Australians are unpaid carers.
Carers save the Federal Government
$77.9 billion a year.
1/3 of carers has been forced to retire, leave their paid job or stop looking for work to fulfil caregiving duties.
Both autistic people and unpaid carers –who look after someone due to disability, illness or frailty – often face gaps in support.
Different Journeys exists to support those who are missing out on the social connection and financial assistance they need to live empowered, fulfilling lives.
We support under-served, at-risk autistic individuals and their families, especially those who fall outside the NDIS system. Many autistic people are excluded from accessing NDIS supports due to barriers such as language, the cost of assessments or difficulty navigating the system.
Some autistic people and carers remain unaware of the support available to them, while others are overwhelmed by the complexity of the social service system. With a peer-led, lived-experience approach, we help families navigate services, reduce isolation and find respite. Unlike most services that focus only on the individual with a disability, we support the whole family, filling a unique and vital gap in the support system.
We are working toward a future where autistic people and their families and all unpaid carers can fully participate in public life, supported by true community understanding and connection.
To achieve this, we:
Create, fund and host safe events for autistic people and their families to connect and support each other in meaningful ways
Walk alongside carers, using our lived experience to offer guidance, encouragement and connection
Provide advice and resources that build resilience and capacity
Raise concerns with decisionmakers, ensuring the voices of autistic people and carers are heard
When we first met the *Chambers family, they were suffering in silence. With no extended family support and limited knowledge of available services, they had only ever accessed the most basic forms of help. Life felt overwhelming and isolating.
Through building a trusting relationship with Different Journeys, everything began to change. We connected them with tailored supports and services, starting with advocating on their behalf to Carer Gateway. This led to them receiving practical assistance – including a phone and meals – that immediately eased their daily burden.
We also introduced the family to the Mental Health Carer Hub, where they were supported to access vital financial assistance. Navigating Centrelink had always been a daunting task, so we sat alongside them to untangle the complexities of the Disability Support Pension and Carer Allowance application process.
Understanding that longer-term stability required more than one service, we connected the family with an NDIS advocate who enabled them to dramatically broaden the scope of their NDIS plan and access multiple supports.
*Name has been changed.
Their words say it all:
“Without Different Journeys, we don’t know where we would be.”
Different Journeys
Different Journeys was established in 2016, by Melbourne mums, Mel Spencer and Merrin Ayton, to address the loneliness and isolation experienced by their autistic children. Since then, Different Journeys has provided support to more than 10,000 Victorian families and continues to evolve.
Merrin Ayton and Mel Spencer developed the idea for Different Journeys.
Twenty young autistic people attended the first Maroondah Teens Event.
Impact: Friendships formed that still exist today. 2016
Impact: Support from Fred Brumhead from Interchange Outer East (IOE) turned the idea into reality.
First Maroondah Adults Event.
Impact: This remains our most successful event, meeting a critical gap in autistic adult peer connection.
Different Journeys received its first Victorian Government grant through the inquiry into services for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Impact: This funding validated the importance of lived experience advocacy and supported our growth.
First autistic Family Swim Event held in partnership with IOE and Belgravia Leisure.
Impact: We have since expanded to seven locations, offering safe, welcoming recreational experiences for hundreds of autistic families.
Greensborough Adults and Teens Events launched at Greensborough RSL.
Impact: Marked a significant point of growth and reach beyond our original autistic community.
– Mel Spencer OAM, CEO and Co-Founder
“No one hands you a rule book when you receive an autism diagnosis. You’re left to figure out complicated systems on your own, trying to secure the best support for your young person wh also coming to terms with the fact that you need support too.”
Different Journeys became an incorporated body.
Impact: Enabled us to operate, grow and access funding with greater credibility and structure.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic we transitioned to online social programs in partnership with IOE and The Misfit Project.
Impact: Created virtual connection, employment for autistic facilitators and long-term digital inclusion.
Received funding to support carers access education/employment in Bendigo and Outer East Melbourne.
Impact: We met Leah Thomas from Bendigo Autism Aspergers Group (BAAG) and united to amplify our shared voice.
Autism-friendly Bowls Event launched at Chirnside Park with the support of the Heart Foundation and Chirnside Park Bowls Club.
Impact: Promoted inclusion, trained club members and created safe sporting spaces –earning the Audika Community Service Award.
Received funding through the Victorian Department of Education Diverse Learners Hub to work with families of autistic students.
Impact: Worked with three schools in Bendigo and created resources to better inform families about supports available to them.
Successfully piloted a carer support program with State Library Victoria leading to the launch of CARE@WORK, to support unpaid carers through employer partnerships and systemic change.
Impact: A bold step into social enterprise, making carer inclusion visible and driving structural change across workplaces. 2024
280 events
3,500 carers we supported
Local Government Areas where those we support live
6,258
Victorians we connected with
16,245 hours of peer support
58
59 presentations delivered by Different Journeys staff/volunteers
40
701
expos and festivals we participated in hours of staff training
930 hours worked by volunteers
62,084
website page views
4,181
website resource downloads
26%
36,959
website sessions
58%
increase in website visits over 12 months
192,254
social media reach
1,006
individual carer peer support hours new followers
Our journey, Our impact 2024–2025
- NEW AND EXPANDED INITIATIVES -
• Ringwood Ladies Event
• Bendigo Ladies Event
• Glen Eira Autism Swim
• Point Cook Carers Event
• CARE@WORK
• Youth art program in partnership with headspace Greensborough
- STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT -
• Overnight retreat
• First Nations Cultural Awareness
• First Nations Mental Health
• NDIS/Centrelink navigation
• Allied Health Systems
• Critical reflective practice sessions to improve what we do
• Peer development forums to learn from each other
• Service system design forums to refine what we do
STRATEGIC GOAL
WHAT WE DID
Hosted 280 peer-led, sensory-friendly events attended by 6,258 autistic teens, adults and families, and carers:
• Autistic Teens events
• Autistic Adults events
• Carers Cuppas
• Carer Education Events
• Blokes Events
• Ladies Events
• Autism Family Camps
• Autism Swim Events
STRATEGIC GOAL
WHAT CHANGED
• 100% of young people agreed that the Different Journeys events improved their mental health and wellbeing*
• 94% of young people agreed that Different Journeys events made them feel less isolated*
• 94% of young people were satisfied with Different Journeys events*
• 97% of carers agreed that Different Journeys events made them feel less isolated**
• 99% of carers agreed that Different Journeys events made them feel more connected with other carers**
WHAT WE DID WHAT CHANGED
Supported 3,500 carers and hosted 200 co-designed carer events:
• Carers Cuppas
• Carer Education Events
• 1:1 Peer Mentoring
• Blokes Events
• Ladies Events
STRATEGIC GOAL
• 95% of carers agreed that Different Journeys events improved their mental health and wellbeing**
• Over 98% of carers would recommend Different Journeys to another carer**
• Over 97 % of carers trusted Different Journeys**
• We received 53 referrals from organisations and 55 carer self referrals via our website.
WHAT WE DID WHAT CHANGED
Supported under-served groups from 59 Local Government Areas through:
• Autistic Teens Events
• Autistic Adults Events
• Autism Family Camps
• Autism Swim Events
• LGBTQIA+ Events
• First Nations Carers Cuppas
• CALD Events
• In the past 12 months, we have increased our reach by 38%, now providing support to people from 59 of Victoria’s 79 Local Government Areas.
• Increase in attendance in the past 12 months:
• Greensborough Adults – 37%
• Greensborough Teens – 23%
• Maroondah Adults – 27%
• Maroondah Teens - 20%
• Delivered 16,245 hours of peer support
• Offered education resources that were downloaded 2,282 times
• Funded by the Department of Education to deliver the Connecting Parents and Neurodiverse Students to Supports to Strengthen School Participation program in Bendigo schools
• Partnered with Box Hill TAFE to deliver information at Chirnside Park Carers Cuppa sessions
• Provided education, employment and volunteering opportunities
• 90% of carers agreed Different Journeys improved their understanding of how services or schools work**
• Over 98% of carers agreed that Different Journeys helped them access supports of services for themselves or their family**
• Positive feedback about the Connecting Parents and Neurodiverse Students to Supports to Strengthen School Participation program “All the teachers gained a lot from your talk, and it was a fantastic opportunity for our staff to hear from an expert and highly experienced educator like you.”
Learning Specialist, Knox Park Primary School
• Different Journeys demographics:
• 35% of staff and Board members are neurodivergent
• 72% of staff and Board members are carers
• 35% of volunteers are neurodivergent
STRATEGIC GOAL
WHAT WE DID WHAT CHANGED
Participated in advisory groups, including:
• Bendigo Carer Employment Steering Group
• Ministerial Roundtable Victorian Government’s Carer Strategy refresh
• Victorian Autism Education Strategy (AES) Advisory Group
• Victorian Autism Plan Advisory Group
• Victorian Carer Advisory Group
• Victoria Police Disability Portfolio Reference Group
STRATEGIC GOAL
• Collaborated with other autism organisations such as Amaze, I CAN, Yellow Ladybugs, Aspergers Victoria to bring stronger awareness to submissions, including:
• NDIS
• Education
• Mental health
• Influenced policy changes to benefit autistic people and carers, including Victorian Government’s Carer Strategy.
WHAT WE DID
• Partnered with organisations to deliver tailored events to support intersectionality, including:
• LGBTQIA+ Events
• First Nations Carers Cuppas
• CALD Events
• Ladies Events
• Trained our staff in cultural safety and intersectional supports
• Participated in advisory groups, including:
• Mental A-Z Network (Greater Bendigo and Loddon)
• Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC)
• International Women’s Day (Brimbank)
• Loddan Mallee Public Health Unit
• Mindful Autism Assessment Fundamentals & Co-Occurring Conditions training sessions
• NAB neurodiversity panel event
• Women’s Agenda Understanding and Supporting Carers in Australia webinar
• Yellow Ladybugs Conference panel
• Spoke with funders, policymakers and employers about how intersectionality impacts access, inclusion and support
• Promoted intersectionality through social media channels, with a total following of 8,300
WHAT CHANGED
• Different Journeys and BDAC consortium received a significant grant to deliver carer respite services with a focus on Aboriginal community members
• Recent recruitment attracted applicants from a range of lived experiences and identities:
• 40% were culturally or linguistically diverse
• 15% identified as LGBTIQA+
• 7% were multicultural, LGBTIQA+ and autistic
• Brought the voices of autistic people and carers to the forefront through our representation at events, including:
• Aspect’s a different brilliant® podcast
• Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC)
• International Women’s Day (Brimbank)
• Mindful Autism Assessment Fundamentals & Co-Occurring Conditions training sessions
• NAB neurodiversity panel event
• State Library Victoria
• Women’s Agenda
• Different Journeys social media and website content amassed 797,000 views
WHAT
• 58% increase in website visits in the past 12 months
• 26% increase in social media reach in the past 12 months
• Through our partnership with BDAC, Different Journeys received a significant grant to deliver carer respite services with a focus on Aboriginal community members
2025 Different Journeys survey of event participants **2024–25 Different Journeys carer survey results
STRATEGIC GOAL
STRATEGIC GOAL
100% of Different Journeys leadership roles are held by people with lived experience, ensuring our decisions are informed by the realities of the communities we support.
• understanding them and their needs** WHAT WE DID
Over 97% of carers agreed that we earned their trust by:
• showing empathy and concern
• actively listening
• communicating in ways that worked for them
• creating a safe welcoming place to meet
• 7% were multicultural, LGBTIQA+ and autistic WHAT
• Partnered with organisations, including:
• Australian Multicultural Community Services
• BDAC
• Offered supportive employment pathways for LGBTQIA+ staff and volunteers
• Built a diverse workforce:
• 35% of staff and Board members are neurodivergent
• 26% of staff are LGBTQIA+
• 10% of staff and Board members are culturally or linguistically diverse
• 35% of volunteers are neurodivergent
Recent recruitment attracted applicants from a range of lived experiences and identities:
• 40% were culturally or linguistically diverse
• 15% identified as LGBTIQA+
Throughout his 30-year career, Seane Cumming has supported more than 10,000 individuals and families through crisis, recovery and beyond, bringing compassion, clinical expertise and calm leadership to every interaction.
While his professional commitment is remarkable, it is Seane’s lived experience that brings an extra layer of insight to his work. In 2011, Seane’s son was diagnosed at age four with autism and severe dyspraxia. Despite decades working in mental health, Seane found himself overwhelmed, trying to understand what this meant for his son’s future and for his family.
Seane turned to Different Journeys and found not only practical support for his son and family, but also genuine care and a deeply understanding community that walked alongside them. One of his proudest achievements has been making the transition from being supported by Different Journeys to becoming a Carer Peer Support Officer himself in 2022.
Today, whether he’s connecting with carers oneon-one, running a Carers Cuppa, facilitating a council meeting, attending an expo or hosting an event such as a men’s dinner, Seane uses honesty, a well-timed sprinkle of humour and his innate sensitivity to meet carers where they are.
Behind every great organisation are strong systems and processes, and skilled professionals who make them work. At Different Journeys, we’re fortunate to be supported by a team of professional volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to strengthen how we operate.
One of those volunteers is Les McFarland, who brings his deep knowledge of IT systems to improve the way we manage events. Over the past year, Les has worked behind the scenes to coordinate and automate key workflows, significantly improving how we manage event logistics and reporting. By reducing inefficiencies, his efforts are saving us time and enabling us to focus more on what matters most – creating inclusive, meaningful experiences for our community.
Les is now leading the rollout of a new, streamlined booking system that will make it easier for our community to register for events, while also enhancing our ability to meet mandatory reporting requirements. This upgrade will create a smoother, more accessible experience for everyone who books events with Different Journeys.
For Les, volunteering is personal. It’s his way of saying “thank you” to Different Journeys for the support we have given him and his autistic son, Luke. Our team enabled Luke to access a range of services as a young adult, which gave him the skills and confidence to transition from tertiary studies to the workforce. Luke is now 24 years old and living his dream – working in computer special effects at a major animation studio.
As active members of key community committees and networks, we champion the voices of autistic individuals and carers.
Through our participation, we influence policy, shape inclusive practices and drive collaboration that directly improves community wellbeing. We are proud to contribute to he following groups and networks:
• Bendigo Carer Employment Steering Group
• Heathcote Early Years Network
• Mental A-Z Network (Greater Bendigo and Loddon)
• Ministerial Roundtable Victorian Government’s Carer Strategy refresh
• Nillumbik Disability Advisory Group
• Victorian Autism Education Strategy (AES) Advisory Group
• Victorian Autism Plan Advisory Group
• Victorian Carer Advisory Group
• Victoria Police Disability Portfolio Reference Group
Increasingly, organisations are seeking out our expertise and wisdom through invitations to speak at events, participate in podcasts and webinars and conduct training. Our lived experience leadership allows us to bring the voices of autistic individuals and carers to the forefront, raising awareness and understanding and promoting inclusion. This year, we were invited to:
• Aspect’s a different brilliant® podcast
• Aspect Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub launch
• Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC)
• Bendigo South East Secondary College
• Greensborough RSL staff training sessions
• International Women’s Day (Brimbank)
• Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
• Mindful Autism Assessment Fundamentals & Co-Occurring Conditions training sessions
• NAB
• NAB neurodiversity panel event
• Navigating Disability podcast
• Positive Partnership carer education events
• Pressroom Philanthropy podcast
• Rotary Highett
• State Library Victoria
• Wingate
• Women’s Agenda Understanding and Supporting Carers in Australia webinar
• Yellow Ladybugs Conference panel
“We keep it real and bring real stories to the table representing our community and enabling us to give them voices.”
– Mel Spencer OAM, CEO and Co-founder
Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers reveals that one in eight Australians provides unpaid care for a family member or friend who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.
Yet without the right workplace support, many carers struggle to manage the dual pressures of work and caring.
As carers themselves, Different Journeys co-founders Mel Spencer and Merrin Ayton recognised a critical gap: most unpaid carers in the workforce lacked the support needed to balance their responsibilities, and many did not even realise they were carers. As a result, carers are often forced to reduce their work hours, pass up on work opportunities or quit work altogether. Carers lose income and professional engagement and organisations lose talent and experience.
Drawing on their lived experience, Mel and Merrin created CARE@WORK, Australia’s only lived-experience-led social enterprise dedicated to helping employers retain their valuable staff with caregiving responsibilities.
With the support of CARE@WORK, State Library Victoria is writing a new chapter in workplace culture. Over the past 12 months, we have conducted detailed research which revealed carers in the workplace are deeply committed to their roles and have a unique skillset shaped by their lived experience. By balancing work and care, unpaid carers have proven to be resilient, flexible and adaptable problem solvers.
Through CARE@WORK, we have helped State Library Victoria identify staff with caring responsibilities and implement practical solutions to better support them, ranging from role redesign and increased flexibility to improved communication and awareness across teams.
These changes have led to measurable outcomes including greater staff retention, reduced absenteeism and a stronger, more inclusive work culture.
By embedding CARE@WORK into its organisational framework, State Library Victoria is supporting its staff, meeting social procurement goals and positioning itself as an employer of choice. The Library is leading by example, demonstrating how compassionate, flexible and inclusive workplaces do not just benefit individuals, they strengthen entire organisations.
75
Bendigo events
811
Attendees
8
Staff and volunteers, 100% lived experience
Our regional flagship events
Rural communities often face challenges including limited access to healthcare, education, employment and support services. That is why we are especially proud of the continued growth of our Bendigo Adults Events. These gatherings have become a vital space for building strong community connections. Many attendees first came to us feeling isolated, but over time, they have developed lasting friendships and support networks that extend well beyond the events themselves.
We are particularly grateful to Heathcote Health for their ongoing support of our Carers Cuppas. Thanks to their backing, we have been able to create a welcoming space where carers feel seen, heard and valued. It has been truly inspiring to witness people who previously had little or no support find a genuine sense of belonging, connection and hope.
We are always exploring new ways to increase our positive impact on the autistic and carer communities. As with any innovation, we believe in testing new ideas on a small scale before expanding them across the organisation.
Thanks to the passion and dedication of our Bendigo team, we have successfully launched two pilot initiatives in the Bendigo region and are trying new activities at our regular events, including barefoot bowls and “show and tell” sessions which allow guests to share their strengths and interests. These local trials are giving us a valuable platform to explore what works, refine our approach and build stronger supports for our wider community.
We are grateful for the financial support that Bendigo Autism Aspergers Group (BAAG) continues to give us in helping their community.
“My family and I love coming. It’s a great place to feel included, welcomed and it’s convenient and we always have a good time.”
- Guest, Bendigo
participation through school and carer connections
From November 2024 to June 2025, Different Journeys partnered with three Bendigo schools – Spring Gully Primary School, Strathfieldsaye Primary School and Bendigo South East College – to deliver the Connecting Parents and Neurodiverse Students to Supports to Strengthen School Participation program, funded by the Department of Education’s Inclusive Education Division.
Through co-designed Carers Cuppa events, families accessed peer support and practical resources to better navigate education and disability systems. Staff who were also carers received tailored, confidential support, enhancing their wellbeing and their capacity to connect other families with services.
We also presented to 80 staff at Bendigo East Secondary College on carer needs and support strategies. The session was highly valued by attendees, and school staff subsequently facilitated connections between our peer support officer and several families needing further assistance.
One of the highlights of the year has been working more closely with BDAC (Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative). Through shared events and collaborative training, our relationship has grown stronger and we are excited to continue building on this partnership in the year ahead.
In a key step toward deepening our cultural understanding and commitment to cultural safety, staff from both our Bendigo and Melbourne teams came together to complete two days of Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Training. We were privileged to learn from proud Darug man, Baydon Widdicombe from BPW consulting, whose lived experience and expertise provided us with tools to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and gave us the opportunity to reflect, connect and grow together.
Thanks to our Bendigo event supporters
“The staff session was powerful. Lots of great feedback from staff about the students they work with but also their own personal situation where this information was very valid and reassuring for them.”
- Staff member from Bendigo East Secondary
At Different Journeys, we know that while no two journeys are the same, our common shared experiences can lead to true belonging. Over the past year, we have continued to create spaces where connection thrives, where lived experience is valued and where every individual feels seen, heard and supported.
While many of us are still searching for our dream job well into middle age, Luke McFarland has achieved his at just 23 years of age.
Luke is working as a computer special effects artist, completing an internship with a major animation studio, a role that combines his creativity and technical skills. But this success was not always a certainty.
As an autistic teenager, Luke had limited access to the supports he needed. After completing tertiary studies, he hit a major roadblock – entering the workforce. His parents, Les and Kerry, grew increasingly concerned. Luke was spending most of his time in his bedroom, disconnected and unsure of his future. They wondered if he would ever be able to find and maintain employment.
Then came a turning point – a conversation with Different Journeys Carer Peer Support Manager, Megan Spencer that introduced the family to a community and network of support they did not know existed. With guidance from Different Journeys, Luke quickly moved from receiving low level support to accessing a full range of services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychology. Within just one year, he went from being socially withdrawn to job ready.
Now, Luke spends his days doing what he loves in the animation studio. Keep an eye out for his name in the end credits in the 2025 release of the movie, How to Train Your Dragon. We are sure this will be the first of many exciting projects in Luke’s bright future.
A screenshot from one of Luke’s special effects. He created all of the people in this shot.
If you have ever attended a Different Journeys Teen or Adult Event in Bendigo, chances are you have seen Kelsey Macdonald in action. He is usually at the “party table”, sparking conversations, sharing laughs, and helping people connect in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Kelsey is Different Journeys’ LGBTQIA+ Mentor in Bendigo and his role is all about making sure everyone feels included, respected and safe to be themselves. He is there to offer support, answer questions and facilitate open, stigma-free conversations.
Although research shows that autistic people are more likely than non-autistic people to identify as LGBTQIA+, some event attendees have never met another queer or autistic person before. Kelsey understands this intersection at a personal level and connects with attendees of all ages – supporting teens who are exploring their identities, adults reflecting on their experiences and family members navigating this journey alongside their loved ones.
For many, meeting Kelsey is a turning point. He believes that exploring gender, sexuality and selfexpression in a supportive environment is not just healthy, it is empowering. Through his presence and empathy, Kelsey helps create a space where everyone feels seen, heard and free to be their authentic selves.
Natasha and Kumar Gupta are devoted parents to two boys, aged 7 and 14. Originally from India, they moved to Australia in 2012 with their eldest son, Udi, who was just a toddler at the time. During a routine check-up, a child health nurse noticed some developmental differences. By the time he was two and a half, Udi was diagnosed with autism – something neither Natasha nor Kumar had ever heard of before.
Determined to give their son the best possible start, Natasha and Kumar committed to 40 hours of therapy per week for Udi. They downsized to a small inner-city apartment to be closer to therapy providers and Natasha’s work. Both parents juggled work, parenting and therapy schedules – often with Natasha racing home on lunch breaks to prepare meals and running on little to no sleep. Over time, the emotional, physical and financial strain began to take a toll on the family’s wellbeing.
Although Udi received some support through the NDIS, navigating the system was complex and exhausting. Every year brought new assessments, mountains of paperwork and escalating stress. As Udi got older, finding the right school became another challenge. The local special education high school was at capacity, forcing Udi to attend a school 30 kilometres away – another strain on an already stretched family.
Then, one day, Natasha came across a Different Journeys post on Facebook that connected her with Career Peer Support Officer, Anil Suril. Over coffee, Anil gently guided Natasha through the complexities of the NDIS, taking time to explain things in a way that felt manageable and empowering.
Thanks to Anil’s support, Natasha and Kumar have accessed additional support for Udi and now feel more confident navigating the NDIS and advocating for their son. Life still brings challenges including long school commutes and the day-to-day demands of caring, but the load feels a little lighter.
Our volunteer board plays a vital role in shaping the impact of Different Journeys. With deep expertise across advocacy, research, education, business leadership and community services, each board member brings valuable insight to the table.
Dr Ru Ying Cai – Chairperson
Ru chairs the Different Journeys Board. She is a Research Fellow at Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) where she leads a pioneering program of work that explores the self-compassion experiences of autistic adults and parents of autistic children. She is interested in understanding the relationship between self-compassion and mental health and well-being.
Daniel Munter – Deputy Chairperson
Daniel is a passionate autistic person who adopts a ‘person-first’ approach to the development of autistic youth. Daniel is involved in advocacy across multiple levels, including individual, systemic, and internationally as a delegate to the United Nations. He is currently involved in a mixture of strategic work, and working as a disability support worker.
Mel Spencer OAM – Co-founder/CEO of Different Journeys
Mel is a fierce autistic advocate, carer and co-founder of Different Journeys. In 2020, she was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour roll that supports outstanding achievements by women. In the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List she was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) medal recognising her work in autism support and advocacy.
Merrin Ayton – Co-founder/Carer Peer Support and Event Manager
Merrin Ayton, co-founder of Different Journeys, has been a passionate advocate for the autistic community since her eldest son’s diagnosis in 2001. She works alongside service agencies and the government to improve pathways for connection and empowerment, ensuring that autistic people can achieve success, build meaningful connections and lead fulfilling lives. Different Journeys
Rachel is a passionate people leader with over 20 years’ business experience in retail and technology. As a mother and carer, she has a lived experience with autism through her children and wanted to make an impact through inclusion, connection and supportive opportunities for individuals, families and carers.
Jesse is a dedicated community services professional who has a passion for creating tailored opportunities for young people in the community. In his role as People and Culture Data & Technology Manager at Anglicare Victoria, Jesse combines his expertise in system implementation with a strong focus on mentoring, volunteer development and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Fred has devoted his career to supporting people with disabilities and their families. For over 30 years, he has been the CEO of Interchange Outer East, where he has focussed on steering and shaping the organisation to ensure its success and the effective delivery of services for families of children and young people with disability.
Stacey is a clinician-researcher who works at Monash Health as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Monash University as a Lecturer and Researcher. During her career, she has worked across not-for-profit, education, disability, government, and private sectors all with a mindset of optimising wellbeing through strengths-based and compassionate care.
James is a passionate advocate for social causes, committed to providing people with the support they need to become the best versions of themselves. He brings a wealth of experience in grassroots campaigns and advocacy across various levels of government, along with a broad network of community organisations.
We are neurodiverse and carer affirming in all we do and say. We always live our values centred around building communities, striving for social justice, embracing diversity and working towards our vision where autistic people fully participate in public life.
37 staff and board members
27
(72%) staff and board members are carers
4
(10%) staff and board members are culturally or linguistically diverse
100% of staff and board have lived experience as carers and/or neurodivergent people
9
(24%) staff are LGBTQIA+
13 (35%) staff and board members are neurodivergent
3
(8%) staff are under 25 years old
31 volunteers
13 (35%) volunteers are autistic
We know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate complex systems like the NDIS, Centrelink, education and mental health services.
That’s why we prioritise ongoing training, modelling the proactive approach to personal growth that we encourage in the communities we support.
This year, we invested heavily in staff training and development, amassing 701 hours of professional development across the organisation. This has allowed us to stay up to date across the rapidly changing disability, education, mental health and social support sectors.
We held 18 staff development sessions, including our first overnight retreat, an organisational milestone focused on connection, growth and reflection. Staff participated in training on First Nations cultural awareness, First Nations mental health, NDIS and Centrelink navigation, education and allied health systems, and multicultural and intersectional cultural competency. We also facilitated critical reflective practice, peer-led learning forums, and service system design workshops, all designed to help our team refine their approach and elevate the way we work.
By upskilling our team, we ensure our advice is accurate, relevant and giving those we support the best chance to navigate complex systems with confidence. Training also strengthens our capacity, boosts staff confidence, and inspires fresh, more effective ways of working. Our team tells us that when we invest in their professional growth, they feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay and go the extra mile. This collective growth lifts the entire organisation and leads to stronger outcomes for the communities we support.
Special thanks to those who provided training opportunities free of charge:
• Services Australia
• Kim Henderson, NDIS Transition Co-ordinator Maroondah Council
• BDAC (Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative)
• Yasmin Abdel, Monash University
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
• Eastern Legal Centre
• David Murfet, Transformation Consultant
Anil Suri is a carer of an autistic individual and embraces people for who they are. Anil enjoys working for Different Journeys because they can be themself, without needing to put on any kind of mask. They are respected by all their colleagues, who embrace them for their individuality and the diversity they bring. Anil finds the carer support work to be very rewarding, as they use their lived experiences to walk alongside carers on their journeys. They prefer a strengths-based approach in an environment that promotes mutuality, which improves the quality of life for both the carers and themself.
The 2025 financial year has been a challenging one for Different Journeys, reflecting both the conclusion of major projects and the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting autistic individuals and their families.
Total income decreased by 9.4% to $1.26 million (from $1.39 million in 2024), largely due to a $214,000 reduction in grant income as several funded projects reached completion. Despite this, donations and sponsorships grew, demonstrating the community’s confidence in our mission and helping to partially offset the shortfall.
Our revenue continues to be drawn from a combination of government grants, sponsorship, donations, and community support. The year highlighted the need to diversify funding streams further, ensuring long-term stability.
Expenditure increased by 5.4% (around $76,000), rising to $1.48 million. Key drivers included higher advertising and promotion costs as Different Journeys invested in raising awareness and expanding its reach, as well as wage increases of $57,000 to strengthen service delivery capacity. Expenditure was primarily allocated to employee expenses, program delivery, and organisational growth, directly supporting our strategy of reaching more autistic individuals and carers with quality, tailored support.
Although the organisation recorded a deficit of $224,527, Different Journeys retains strong net assets and cash reserves, which provide a sound foundation for managing operations and pursuing future opportunities. These reserves are a vital safeguard as we transition into new funding streams.
We remain committed to prudent financial management and aligning resources to our goals of sustainability, growth, and impact. On behalf of the Board, we sincerely thank our dedicated staff, volunteers and generous supporters. Your contributions ensure Different Journeys can continue to provide life-changing programs while working toward long-term financial stability.
Rachel
Rachel Power Treasurer of Different Journeys
75.67% Grants/funding agreements
Amount: $954,086
4.22% Donations
Amount: $53,224
1.33% Interest
Amount: $16,751
18.78% Other
Amount: $236,727
Statement of Income for the period ended 30 June 2025
Total Income: $1,260,788
5.80% Advertising and promotion
Amount: $86,201
11.17% Cost of sales
Amount: $165,859
0.80% Professional fees
Amount: $11,840
73.32% Employee expenses
Amount: $1,089,001
8.91% Other expenses
Amount: $132,414
Statement of Expenditure for the period ended 30 June 2025
Total Expenditure: $1,485,315
This year has brought significant challenges, with funding cuts and the ongoing pressure to find innovative ways to sustain our events.
Despite these hurdles, the unwavering support of our partners and supporters has made it possible for us to continue delivering meaningful programs.
Thank you to all of our partners and supporters. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.
• Access Workwear
• Amaze
• Australian Multicultural Community Services
• BAAG
• BDAC
• Bendigo Club
• Bendigo Health
• Bendigo Library
• BlueFit
• Boronia Rotary
• Box Hill Tafe
• Brimbank Council
• Brimbank Leisure Centre
• Carer Gateway
• Casey Council
• Chirnside Park Country Club
• Club Kilsyth
• Complete IP
• Consulting by Design
• Croydon Library
• Department of Education
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
• Eastern Volunteers
• Gaffney’s Bakery
• Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre
• Glen Park Community Centre
• Greensborough RSL
• Headspace Greensborough
• Heathcote Community House
• Heathcote Health
• Holestep Health
• Interchange Outer East
• Investor Relations Strategy
• Kincrome
• Life Saving Victoria
• Lower Plenty Hotel
• Maroondah Council
• Moonee Valley Council
• MSAC
• Mullum Road Clinic
• Multi Marketing Solutions
• MyAbility
• Nillumbik Council
• Pressroom Partners
• Raymond Burnett, Consulting by Design
• Redwell Café
• Sandringham Leisure Centre
• Services Australia
• SodaStream
• State Library Victoria
• Stephanie Crawford & Associates
• Swinburne TAFE
• The Bendigo Club
• The Brook
• The Coach
• The happy hairbrush
• The National Hotel Complex Bendigo
• The Suburban
• Uniting
• Urban Grooves
• VMCH
• Windy Hill Fitness Centre
• Wingate
• Workforce Australia
– North Eastern Melbourne
We extend our thanks to Club Kilsyth, who supported us from the very beginning of our journey in 2016. Their generosity and commitment helped us build a strong, thriving community through our Maroondah Adults and Teens events.
In 2024, we moved our Maroondah events to The Coach, operated by Pegasus Leisure Group (PLG).
Thank you to PLG for providing significant financial support in the past financial year, along with hosting local Carers Cuppas and other family events.
Meanwhile, Greensborough RSL underwent renovations this year, putting our events on hold for several months. Thank you to our Greensborough community for your patience during the renovations and for re-joining us with the same warmth and enthusiasm that makes our community so special.
Our peer support and social connection events in both Maroondah and Greensborough are thriving. Maroondah Adult Events consistently book out with more than 85 participants each month, and our Greensborough events are growing rapidly – nearly matching Maroondah in attendance. We’re grateful for the ongoing involvement of services like My Ability and Mullum Road Clinic, whose staff regularly attend and support our community.
“PLG partnering with Different Journeys has allowed us to reach whole new communities of people where we can offer a safe, regular, and comfortable environment where they can relax, relate and support one another. The personal and professional education that has come of this relationship to our staff from both the team at Different Journeys and the families we have met, has shown us how we can do better and do more to support local families living with autism. We have found that people are now more inclined to speak openly about their experiences and challenges of living and being connected with someone that has autism which shows vulnerability and genuine care for one another. We have learnt more about our own team members, the customers we serve daily, and the communities which we operate.”
Katherine Jackson, General Manager,
PLG
BE A PART OF OUR JOURNEY, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Every day, autistic individuals and their families face barriers to connection, inclusion and support. At Different Journeys, we exist to change that. As a lived experience-led not-for-profit, we walk alongside autistic teens, adults and their carers, offering safe social spaces, peer-led support, and pathways into education, employment and wellbeing.
But we can’t do it alone.
Your support – whether as a donor, partner, volunteer or advocate – helps us provide the practical, emotional and social support that transforms lives. From someone’s first social event to navigating complex systems like the NDIS or Carer Gateway, your contribution empowers families who might otherwise go without.
We are also a registered social enterprise, meaning partnering with us can help your business meet social procurement targets while making a tangible difference.
By supporting Different Journeys, you’re not just helping people survive – you’re helping them thrive in a world that often overlooks their potential.
Let’s build a future where every autistic person and their family feels seen, valued and supported.
Take the next step.
Donate, partner or reach out today.
Visit: www.differentjourneysautism.com
Email: mel@differentjourneysautism.com
Together, we can walk this journey – differently.
/differentjourneysautism /company/differentjourneys /differentjourneysautism
Different Journeys is a registered charity under ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) and has DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and a receipt from Different Journeys will be provided.
