Liss Ernst is back in Cooktown to lead the local Pharaoh Care team.
PHAROAH Care is expanding to Cooktown to provide support to southern Cape York residents trying to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Director Sam Mahdi said there was a big need in the area for more active NDIS support.
“I have a friend there whose two nieces need disability support, and she can’t access it because she has no one to help her through that process,” Mr Mahdi said.
“It’s such a shame when you have the support available, but there is no one to reach out to and help, so now we’re there to help.”
Mr Mahdi has already recruited former Cooktown local Liss Ernst to manage the Cooktown office at 5 Helen Street.
“Hopefully this week or the week after we will be up and running. We will be taking on clients in a few weeks and we are recruiting for support workers in Cooktown, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal,” he said.
Ms Ernst, who grew up at Cape Flattery and went to high school in Cooktown, said she was looking forward to giving back to her former community.
“I started with Pharaoh Care as an accountant but moved into hands-on roles as I wanted to be able to give back,” she said.
Pharaoh Care provides NDIS support for people with disabilities, their families and carers, operating in-home health and personal care services to help clients remain independent in their own homes.
“Our future plans are also for a small hub where we can provide activities to get people engaging with each other,” Mr Mahdi said.
“But we’re taking it one step at a time.”
