Empowering guys through genuine connection and meaningful support.

Two young men outdoors, one in wheelchair showing peace sign, the other giving thumbs up.

Created for people traditional support doesn’t always reach.

Headstart was built to offer support that feels relatable, practical, and genuinely human. We create a safe, welcoming environment where participants feel understood, supported, and encouraged to take meaningful steps forward, without feeling judged or treated like a number.

Registered NDIS Provider

Flexible, tailored support available across Australia.

Australia-wide

AVAILABLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA

NDIS & Private

SUPPORT PATHWAYS

Tailored

MENTORING, PROGRAMS & COUNSELLING

My Story

Hi, I’m Nick, Founder of Headstart Australia.

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My journey to creating this service stems from my own lived experience navigating complex mental health challenges during my teenage years. Following the loss of family members and experiencing profound personal hurdles, I learned just how difficult it can be to find your way without the right guidance. Those early experiences deeply shaped my compassion and fueled a lifelong passion for supporting others facing similar obstacles.

I started Headstart Australia because I saw a clear need for support that felt more genuine, consistent, and person-centred. Headstart didn’t just go through the motions, but showed up properly for people and their families. Headstart was created to offer the kind of care I wish more people had access to: reliable, relatable, and focused on helping each person build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of direction.

Our Team

Smiling young man with curly hair and mustache wearing a white shirt, standing before purple flowers.

Nick

Founder

Two young men giving thumbs up; one in a wheelchair, the other standing beside him in a park.

Mitch

Head of Operation

Man and boy sitting at skate park holding skateboards under a clear blue sky.

Oli

Support Lead

We are always looking for passionate, compassionate mentors to help foster growth in our community.

Apply Now

Three people in gym ring flexing arms; middle child winks and sticks out tongue.

Three people flexing arms; middle person winks and sticks out tongue, two on sides wear white shirts.

Our values we proud to be standing with

Compassion

Guiding our care and creating safe spaces.

Growth

Empowering participants to achieve personal goals.

Community

Fostering belonging and positive peer relationships.

Independence

Building meaningful life skills for everyday success.

Participant Journeys

What Families Say

Meaningful Outcomes

"All his other supports were female: his paediatrician, his GP, his play therapist. We were struggling to find a mentor who was male. What Headstart actually does is create a care team around all the different parts of their life. Our son has gone from not going to school to going four days a week, and we are just so proud of him."

— David, Parent of a Headstart Participant

"We have been lucky enough to engage my son with Headstart and I could not talk highly enough of them. They have both been amazing with my son, have been extremely professional and have been an incredible support. He was very down and out before seeing but engaging with Headstart has been life changing."

— Claire, Parent of a Headstart Participant

"Engaging with headstart has had a profound impact. My son has been able to re-engage with life, school and family. He is now able to build friendships and trust in people. The process of getting involved was fantastic, they came round and it has felt like we have gotten a really personalised service for my son."

— Julia, Parent of a Headstart Participant

"Austyn has been working with Headstart for a while now and has been enjoying his time immeasurably. I have 2 sons both with Headstart and they have been so supporting in all areas. They go above and beyond, collaborate with our other services and care-teams so I feel extremely comfortable leaving my sons with them."

— Brooke

We're proud to welcome Connor Macdonald as an ambassador for Headstart. Connor's keen to get involved, meet the participant and be part of what we're building! We're looking forward to everything this partnership brings for our participants and the wider community.

— Connor, Hawthorn FC

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This is where you get your start.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to discover how Headstart’s mentoring, counselling, and tailored support can help you or your family build confidence, connection, and greater independence.

Make a Referral Contact Our Team