Our team

Justin Macdonald, Managing Director

Justin has supported the disability sector since he was 11, first as a volunteer, then mentor, trainer, ambassador and now board director. He has worked directly in the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector since 2020 when the SDA market was starting to mature and gain traction in Queensland.

His experience in the sector and his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) studies at QUT, brings a unique blend of work and academic experience. Justin centred his Master’s Thesis work on ‘Creating pathways to home ownership for people living with complex disabilities’, and seeks this to be the legacy he leaves in the sector.

Justin has also been involved in the Social Impact and Social Enterprise sector since 2018, with a focus on building, creating and leading businesses creating and empowering individual, social or environmental change for those experiencing disadvantage or barriers to mainstream support or employment.

His work as a Sessional Academic has helped shape and inform Just SDA Management to be a proud employer of people with lived experience of disability, with the goal to have a blended and diverse workforce.

Justin has also helped form working industry partnerships with other organisations such as ‘Your Town’ that also deliver positive social outcomes through employment for individuals living with disability, refugees and long-term unemployed individuals.

He currently serves on the board for ENACTUS Australia, a social enterprise initiative for university students, and the Research for Development Impact (RDI) Network. Just also is an adjunct industry fellow at Griffith University and serves on the Advisory Board for Griffith University: Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability.

Natalie Wotherspoon, Property & Client Manager
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Nat worked in administrative roles for more than a decade before realising that she wanted to do something more meaningful. Feeling inspired, she enrolled to study a Diploma of Community Work, during which time she went on placement as a disability support worker.

This sparked the start of an 8 year career in the disability sector on the Sunshine Coast and in Adelaide, where her focus was entirely on teaching independent living skills. After a career break to begin a family, she returned to work in the same field, this time in Townsville. Over time, she added even more to her diverse skill set, through facilitating participant transitions from group housing to more appropriate accommodation.

Nat progressed to become the Manager of a Supported Independent Living home, after which she then honed her property management skills for 4 years in student and community accommodation, before joining Just SDA. Nat’s width and breadth of experience and knowledge is vital to our team’s mission of creating tailored living environments that prioritise affordability, quality and compassionate care.

Georgia Paton, Marketing, Client & Admin Support

‍Georgia is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Public Relations and Marketing at Queensland University of Technology. She is a vital asset to the business, skilfully utilising her array of social media, email marketing and digital expertise to amplify our messages and engage our community.

Georgia is passionate about developing innovative marketing solutions that not only capture attention but also drive impactful results. Additionally, she supports the team with essential administrative tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and allowing for a streamlined workflow.

Her passion for community empowerment drives her commitment to creating meaningful change, as she believes in the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in fostering inclusive, supportive environments for all.

Heath Bartels-Waller, Property Support Team
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‍Heath joined Just SDA in late 2023 and supports the team with a range of tasks from property maintenance, marketing and graphic design. He is instrumental in ensuring that our properties meet the highest standards of accessibility and comfort for residents, and our online processes run as smoothly as possible.

As someone who uses a wheelchair, Heath brings a unique perspective that enriches his work. This lived experience informs his approach to problem-solving and helps create spaces that truly cater to the needs of all individuals.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Heath is dedicated to his young family and has a passion for all things film & TV. He enjoys promoting inclusivity and support for those with disabilities, and his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for others is a driving force in everything he does.

Graeme Baxter, Operations Manager

‍Graeme has worked across the community sector since 2001, starting as a care worker within the disability sector before Restrictive Practices, stronger reforms and the NDIS all came into play. He is well-credentialed, having studied a Diploma of Disability and a Diploma in Community Service Coordination, both fueling his passion for the sector.

Graeme’s rise through the ranks from a care worker in disability, mental health and aged care through to being an executive has helped create a sense of being grounded and remaining in touch with the community he seeks to serve. He has built up a strong track record of volunteering for many charities and partners in his career; he currently sits on the governance board for Angels in Aprons and was previously involved with care management platform, Conpago.

As our Operations Manager, Graeme is passionate about seeing people thrive within their own communities and their own homes, and he has a keen interest in seeking out new and innovative technologies that greatly enhance people’s lives. During his career, he has seen a lot of positive change within Community and Health, however hopes to see a lot more in the future.

Ashlee Gillies, Accounts and Administrative Support Officer
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Ashlee is an inspiring advocate for the disability community and a powerful voice in the community. As a mother of three, she draws from her personal experiences of living with her youngest daughter, who has a T4 spinal cord injury. Her journey is further enriched by her role as a caregiver for her mother, who suffered a stroke in 2014, giving her firsthand insight into the importance of accessibility.

Having faced her own injuries and the challenges of prolonged hospital stays and extensive physiotherapy, Ashlee is therefore deeply immersed and committed to advocating for those in need.

With two years of experience in the NDIS industry, combined with a background in customer service within hospitality and the holder of a real estate license, Ashlee has a unique blend of skills and knowledge that position her well to navigate the complexities of disability support and housing. Furthermore, she is passionate about ensuring that families like hers receive the care and resources they deserve.

Hanna Carpenter, Relationship Manager
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Hanna is a dedicated Human Services support professional with over many years of experience in disability services, specialising in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Her knowledge and experience across various aspects of SDA have helped support countless individuals and families transition safely into their new homes.

Hanna’s experience in successfully managing and supporting stakeholders, projects and clients throughout their journeys comes from building clear lines of communication, setting clear and transparent expectations and strong skills in operational management and customer experience.

Hanna has a deep and comprehensive knowledge of blended housing models, assistive technology, legislation and compliance. She has considerable expertise in trauma informed care, resident suitability assessments and implementing successful housing and accommodation solutions with residents and our development partners.