New STARS NDIS Pathway Project Officer strikes the right note

Although the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides much needed funding for people with a disability to improve their quality of life, navigating the scheme can be a challenge.

Social worker Liam Kelly has recently taken on the role of STARS NDIS Pathway Project Officer to improve staff and patient’s engagement with the NDIS. A role he juggles alongside his five–nine, in metalcore band Citadel.

In 2024, approximately 100 patients at STARS were either new NDIS applicants or required substantial changes to their existing NDIS plans. Applying for funding, creating a NDIS plan and finding a suitable NDIS provider is a time-consuming process for patients and their families.

Liam’s new role is designed to support staff to better assist patients with their NDIS needs.

“Rehabilitation patients at STARS have often had a significant medical event and so it is a very traumatic and worrying time for them and their families,” said Liam.

“Our staff currently provide patients with a great deal of assistance around the NDIS but the Project Officer role is aimed at supporting staff long-term in a sustainable way.

“The aim is to upskill and educate staff about the NDIS, map a consistent NDIS pathway at STARS and recruit NDIS Champions to be advocates within their discipline.

“It will be particularly helpful for new allied health staff or staff who haven’t had as much experience dealing with the NDIS in their workplace previously.”

Liam has been working at STARS as a social worker since 2021 and enjoys the multidisciplinary nature of the work he does.

“In other places I’ve worked there was a separate social work department, whereas at STARS it is a very collaborative approach.

“We work with patients during one of the most critical points in their journey, and the work we do has a huge impact on the lives of patients we see.”

When Liam isn’t working at STARS in the social work and NDIS space, he is the guitarist in a metalcore band, Citadel which was formed during COVID-19 lockdown.

Citadel have played at music venues in the Valley, including Brightside and the iconic but now defunct The Zoo. Citadel have recently been named as a finalist in the ‘Heavy’ category of the 2025 Qld Music Awards for their track ‘Bonestorm’.

“Brisbane has a vibrant live music scene, and I love being a part of that and getting to share my creative output with like-minded people.”