From a living room in Echuca to three service regions.
After 17 years in the disability sector, Managing Director Amanda Simmonds saw a gap in access to quality, diverse support in the Echuca–Moama region. In 2021, U-Choose was born — starting from her own home, with ten clients and a simple promise: the participant decides.
Today we support people right across Echuca–Moama, Shepparton and Deniliquin, from our head office and our Program Centre in Echuca.
The mark we wear
A Yarning circle, not just a logo.
Our logo is a Yarning circle — a traditional First Nations conversational process built around storytelling: a safe space where everyone can speak freely, without judgement. That's the promise we build every support around.
“I'm flabbergasted at how quick it's grown — it's crazy, but it's great.”
Amanda Simmonds, Managing Director — Riverine Herald, March 2025
Our mission
At U-Choose Independent Support Services, we are committed to empowering participants by prioritising their choice and control. We believe that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the right to make decisions about their own life. Our role is to provide the best possible support to enable participants to live as independently as possible, while respecting their preferences and goals. Whether it's helping with daily tasks, accessing community services, or navigating personal growth, we focus on delivering individualised support tailored to each participant's unique needs. At U-Choose, it's all about creating an environment where participants feel valued, heard, and in control of their own journey.
What we stand for
Six values, lived daily.
Choice & Control
Every participant has the power to make decisions about their own life — we guide the journey.
Respect & Dignity
We value each person's individuality and make sure they feel heard and understood.
Empowerment
We build the skills, resources and confidence people need to live independently.
Collaboration
We work closely with participants, families and professionals as one supportive team.
Compassion & Care
We approach every situation with empathy — wellbeing always comes first.
Integrity
We operate with honesty and transparency, building trust through reliable support.
Meet the team
The people behind the promise.
Tap or hover a card for their story. Our support workers go by first names here — you'll get to know them properly in person.
Amanda SimmondsManaging Director
Managing DirectorAmanda Simmonds
With 17 years in the disability sector, Amanda saw a gap in access to quality, diverse support in the Echuca–Moama region — and in 2021, U-Choose was born.
Molly RussellSenior Manager
Senior ManagerMolly Russell
Joined in 2022 through a finance role and quickly rose through the ranks. Eleven years of leadership experience, with fairness and a team-first mentality at her core.
Jack PowellDevelopment Manager
Development ManagerJack Powell
In disability support since 2017 with a Cert IV in Youth, Child & Family Interventions. Leads compliance, mentorship and organisational development.
Our Coordinators
Kym PackerAged Care Coordinator
Aged Care CoordinatorKym Packer
Nearly 40 years in aged care, with a deep passion for supporting older clients to keep their independence in the comfort of their own homes.
Suleyman MubarizWellbeing Counsellor
Wellbeing CounsellorSuleyman Mubariz
From support worker to team leader to staff wellbeing. Created our Poker Night, offers CALM suicide-prevention training, and champions men's health.
Julieanne SmolenaarsRostering Coordinator & Social Circle Leader
Rostering Coordinator & Social Circle LeaderJulieanne Smolenaars
Fifteen years across disability and aged care — from support worker to team leader to rostering. Believes everyone deserves the right support, with the right people.
Administration
Evie NathanReception
ReceptionEvie Nathan
A warm welcome and a smooth front desk for everyone who walks through our doors.
Our Support Workers
★ Program Leader
SophiaDSW & Film/Photography Program Leader
DSW & Film/Photography Program LeaderSophia
Leads our Film & Photography program, helping participants tell their own stories on camera.
★ Program Leader
ZacDSW & Holistic Fitness Program Leader
DSW & Holistic Fitness Program LeaderZac
Runs our Holistic Fitness program — movement, energy and a whole lot of encouragement.
LiamDSW & After School / Plan & Connect Leader
DSW & After School / Plan & Connect LeaderLiam
Leads the After School and Plan & Connect programs, building skills and friendships for young people.
★ Program Leader
TroyDSW & Holistic Fitness Program Leader
DSW & Holistic Fitness Program LeaderTroy
Brings energy and patience to our Holistic Fitness program and everyday supports.
JulieDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerJulie
A friendly face across daily supports, focused on comfort, dignity and independence.
PeterDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerPeter
Supports participants day to day with patience, humour and genuine care.
SusanDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerSusan
Warm, dependable support for everyday living and getting out in the community.
MelindaDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerMelinda
Helps participants get the most out of every day with tailored, hands-on support.
FritzieDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerFritzie
Caring and attentive support across daily living and community activities.
BevanDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerBevan
A steady, friendly presence supporting independence and connection.
ChelseaDisability Support Worker
Disability Support WorkerChelsea
An enthusiastic support worker helping participants thrive in the community.
Culture & Country
On Yorta Yorta Country.
We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria & New South Wales, their ongoing connection to this land and we pay our respects to their culture and their Elders past, present and future.
Our Cultural Coordinator leads Smoking Ceremonies, NAIDOC Week celebrations and cultural events year-round — connection to culture is a support in itself.
★ Program Leader
★ Program Leader
★ Program Leader
