THE ASCENT GROUP | What we believe

ABOUT ASCENT

Illustration - Man with outstretched hand to help another man climb to the top of the pile

What we believe

ABOUT ASCENT

Ascent has a proud 60 year history of providing disability services across New England. We specialise in individual, ethical and effective support for people with disability and their families and carers.

We strive to offer choice, create opportunities and develop lifelong skills for adults and young people with disability in our community. Our comprehensive range of services is underpinned by research and compassion, within the defined quality framework that comes with being a registered NDIS provider.

Our Mission

We dare to be different through innovative supports that re-imagine possibilities and unlock creative potential.

Our Values

Integrity

We act with honesty, fairness and accountability in everything we do. People can trust that our decisions are guided by respect for human rights, transparency, and doing what is right - even when it's difficult.

Joy

We celebrate people, and bring warmth and positivity into our work. Joy is about creating uplifting experiences, recognising the uniqueness of every individual, and the importance of please and contentment in every life.

Bold

We are courageous and forward-thinking, willing to challenge barriers and create new opportunities. Being bold means speaking up for justice, innovating with purpose, and striving for change that makes a real difference in people's lives.

Togetherness

We believe that true progress is made when we work in partnership. Togetherness means collaboration, inclusion, and belonging - walking alongside participants, families, staff and community so that everyone has a voice and a place.

Our History

In June 1955 several Armidale families who had children with developmental disabilities, established a school for their children known as the Armidale Handicapped Children’s Centre. The Organisation later became the Armidale branch of the Sub Normal Children’s Welfare Association which was renamed the Challenge Foundation in 1983.

The Ascent Group Australia Limited was established in 2007 and remains the official entity of the Organisation today.

Our services have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of people with disability in our community and embrace shifts in the way they are supported.

Today our services include adult activity support, employment, housing and supported living.

We maintain a strong focus on empowering people to develop skills that will help them take control of their lives and pursue their goals and aspirations.

We provide quality support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and are a registered provider.

Our Board

Will Warrick

Will Warrick joined the Board in 2013 and has held the position of Chair since 2022.

Will was a Qualified Chartered Accountant (1985 – 2011) and holds a Bachelor degree in Financial Administration. Will has a strong community interest through membership with Rotary and the Rural Fire Service.

Huntly Gordon

Huntly Gordon has been a member of the Board since 1995 and served as Chair from 2006 to 2022. Huntly has a background in Law and for many years, with his wife Cath, owned and ran the family grazing property at Ben Lomond. In recent years they have retired to live in Armidale. Their son Alisdair is supported by the Ascent Group.

Jenny Bailey

Jenny Bailey Joined the Board in 2016. Jenny has long been involved in supporting local community activities and has worked in the service of many community organisations in the region. Jenny was a elected the Armidale Dumaresq Council in 2012 to 2016, where she served in the roles of Councillor and Deputy Mayor.

Anthony Fox

Anthony Fox joined the Board in 2020. Anthony is the Principal of Fox Legal, the Armidale based firm specialising in commercial, corporate, family and social matters, with a successful career, as a legal professional, spanning over 40 years. Anthony has a active interest in local community activities being President of the Armidale Chamber of Commerce/Business New England from 2018 - 2021 and is a member of the Committee of Management of New England North West Legal Services.

Our Leadership Team

Penny Lamaro

Chief Executive Officer

Penny Lamaro is a proven leader and passionate advocate for community impact, with more than 20 years' experience across government and the community sector. Before joining The Ascent Group, Penny was the CEO of the Women's Shelter Armidale, where she transformed the service into a nationally recognised model of innovation and collaboration. Her leadership saw the shelter double its capacity, establish the region's first on-site health clinic, and reduce homelessness re-entry rates from 32% to just 8%.

Recognised as Northern Tablelands Women of the Year and a finalist for NSW Regional Woman of the Year, Penny is committed to creating safe, inclusive and sustainable communities. She also serves as Chair of Youth Action, the peak body for young people in NSW, extending her influence to statewide advocacy.

At The Ascent Group, Penny brings vision, courage and a collaborative spirt to lead growth across disability, employment and social enterprise services - ensuring people and communities have the opportunity to thrive.

Chris O'Neill

Chief Operating Officer

Christopher O'Neill started with The Ascent group in 2022.

He is a senior manager with over a decade of leadership experience spanning logistics, transport and disability services.

With proven track record in operational excellence, financial management, and staff development, Christopher brings a well-rounded background in managing complex organisations and delivering positive outcomes for both clients and stakeholders.

Russell Jackson

WHS & Quality Manager

As the WHS & Quality Manager at The Ascent Group, Russell is proud to contribute to an organisation making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Russell relocated to Armidale in January 2025 to take on this rewarding opportunity, brining with him over 13 years of Management experience in Administration, Qualifications in Workplace Health & Safety and Operational Management, after working his way up through the ranks during his previous career of 27 years in the Transport Industry.

Throughout his career, he's built a reputation for creating safe, efficient, and high-performing workplaces. His strengths lie in leading cross-functional teams, implementing WHS frameworks, driving continuous improvement, and aligning operations with compliance and quality standards, and was the recipient in 2023 of the Nationwide "Regional Franchise Employee of the Year" at Aramex Australia.

Transitioning into the disability care sector has been a meaningful step, allowing him to apply his operational expertise in a purpose-driven environment. He’s passionate about safety, people, and performance, and is committed to ensuring that every process we manage puts The Ascent Group’s Participants care, dignity, and quality first.

Trish Parker

HR Manager

Trish Parker joined The Ascent Group as HR Manager in December 2024, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources and over seven years in the Community Services sector. With a career spanning both nonprofit and corporate environments, Trish has developed a strong reputation for building positive workplace cultures, strengthening teams, and leading people focused strategies that deliver real impact.

In her role at The Ascent Group, Trish oversees HR operations across the regulated disability services sector, ensuring that people strategies align with business objectives while meeting compliance with Fair Work legislation and NDIS Quality & Safeguarding Standards. She is responsible for leading a broad range of HR functions including organisational and culture development, employee training and development programs, succession planning, employee services, performance management, and employee relations.

Trish provides clear leadership and strategic support to managers and staff, ensuring HR services are delivered effectively and continuously improved. Her role also extends to organisational structuring, job design and evaluation, industrial relations, change management, and coordinating performance management systems based on continuous improvement. She takes pride in developing practical HR solutions that not only meet compliance requirements but also enhance employee wellbeing, engagement, and success.

What drives Trish most is her passion for people. She thrives on supporting staff and leaders through every stage of the employment cycle, recruitment, induction, probation, training, and performance, always with the goal of creating a workplace where individuals feel valued, empowered, and inspired to achieve their best.

Known for her approachable and solutions focused style, Trish is committed to shaping a positive workplace culture that reflects the values and vision of The Ascent Group.

Johanna Watson

Operations Manager

Johanna is a compassionate and experienced leader in the disability and out-of-home care sectors, with a strong background in trauma-informed practice, behaviour support, and team leadership. With over a decade of experience supporting individuals with complex needs, Johanna is passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments where people can thrive and achieve their personal goals.

Currently serving as Operations Manager at Ascent Group, Johanna oversees multiple supported accommodation homes, leading a large team of staff and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered care. With a hands-on approach, she is actively involved in staff training, developing individualised support plans, and working collaboratively with families, clinicians, and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for participants.

Currently serving as Operations Manager at Ascent Group, Johanna oversees multiple supported accommodation homes, leading a large team of staff and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. With a hands-on approach, she is actively involved in staff training, developing individualised support plans, and working collaboratively with families, clinicians, and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for participants.

Throughout her career, Johanna has worked across foster care, residential support, and management roles, always bringing empathy, accountability, and solutions-focused thinking to the forefront of her work. She holds qualifications and certifications in Social Science, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, and Trauma-Informed Practice, among others.

Whether it’s supporting a team member’s development or advocating for someone with complex behavioural or medical needs, Johanna is driven by a clear purpose: to help people live full, meaningful lives with dignity and independence.

Kerrie Sauer

Service Manager - Business Services

With over three decades of experience in the disability employment services sector, Kerrie is a highly respected and deeply committed Business Manager at The Ascent Group.

Throughout her extensive career, Kerrie has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities by fostering inclusive workplaces and promoting meaningful employment opportunities.

Her passion lies in creating real, lasting change - ensuring that people with disabilities are not only included in the workforce but are empowered to thrive within it.

Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly and experienced staff. Whether you are a long time resident of New England or have recently arrived, we are here to help guide you through your next steps.

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