Award Category: Most Outstanding CEO / Director
One of our most popular categories, the Most Outstanding CEO/Director Award recognises excellence in leadership. We're looking for those leaders who showcase integrity, compassion and determination and also deliver outstanding results. They're a thought-leader within the community or the industry (or both!) and they’re held in high esteem by their peers.
Finalist Details
Rachel Carey is the Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) of Allara Support Services. With over 20 years of experience in the disability sector, Rachel's journey began as a support worker, driven by a passion for helping people live their best lives. She founded Allara to address a gap she saw in the industry - creating an agency that prioritised personalised support and empowered individuals with disability.
Under her leadership, Allara has grown from eight to 24 Supported Independent Living (SIL) sites, now employing over 240 staff. Her innovative approach includes the introduction of a concierge support model, providing participants with 24/7 onsite care while fostering independence and community involvement. This model has significantly improved the lives of participants like John, who transitioned from a group home to independent living, where he found renewed confidence and autonomy.
Rachel's commitment to excellence extends beyond Allara. Through her coaching business, The Powerhouse Woman, she mentors NDIS providers and champions better industry practices. Her values-driven leadership and strategic vision have positioned Allara as a leading provider in the disability sector, known for its compassionate, participant-focused care and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
