About - The Collective Initiative

We Saw the Gaps. We Showed Up.

It all started with a simple decision, to show up for the people who were being left behind.

The founding team behind TCI witnessed firsthand how grassroots support could transform lives, but also saw how many people were being left behind, unable to access services, find safety, or rebuild with dignity.

So we built something different. A space where people are genuinely seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

reach out

The Collective Initiative plays a critical role in reaching individuals who fall through the gaps in government systems.

1 in 5 Australians

1 in 5 Australians live with disability, yet many still face barriers accessing the NDIS.

300 Youth

300 young people in the Macarthur
region don't have access to a permanent bed.

1 in 4

1 in 4 people experiencing homelessness
in Australia is under the age of 25.

Our Vision & Mission

Our vision is for a society where no one is left behind, where people from marginalised communities can access the support, skills, and care they need to live fulfilling, independent lives.

Opening Doors to the NDIS

We guide people through the NDIS process, making access easier, clearer, and more inclusive.

Helping Young People at Risk

We offer a safe hand to young people facing instability, homelessness, or limited opportunities.

Youth in the Community

Our free programs support young people to build life skills, explore career pathways, & stay connected
to their community.

Everyday Hardship

We provide essential hampers and sleep comfort packs for people doing it tough, no referral needed, no questions asked.

Our Team

Hashim Ahmed

Chair

Hashim brings over eight years of leadership experience across the NDIS and youth support sectors.

As the founder of Dream Maker Community Services, he's helped hundreds of participants and built teams that put people first. Hashim leads with vision, humility and a deep commitment to the community.

Bilal Tariq

Treasurer

Bilal’s career began in auto body repair, but his passion for helping others led him to the disability sector.

He co-established Dream Maker Community Services and later founded Dream Maker Administration, supporting organisations with financial management, payroll, and sustainability planning.

Kelly Fulmer

Director of Youth Services

Kelly has over 10 years of experience in Child Services and the NDIS, specialising in youth and disability support. She has led high-impact programs across NDIS, DCJ, and Youth Justice frameworks, with strong results in Family Preservation and Restoration.

Her leadership focuses on therapeutic, trauma-informed care and creating supportive environments where staff are empowered to grow and deliver tailored support for individuals with complex needs.

Rachel Campbell

Youth Services Manager

Rachael brings over 7 years of experience across youth and family services, disability, mental health, and youth justice in Sydney.

She is passionate about family preservation and takes a strength-based, trauma-informed approach to her work, supporting young people and families through some of their most challenging moments.

Working in partnership with Dream Maker Community Services and DISE Services.

Through our partnerships with trusted NDIS service providers, we are able to offer Supported Independent Living (SIL) group homes and facilitate meaningful community participation. These collaborations are essential to maintaining a holistic support model, one that empowers individuals through integrated care, consistent services, and tailored support on their journey toward independence and inclusion.

The Principles That Shape Our Work

At our core, we believe change happens when people are treated with respect, care and trust. Our work is shaped by three core pillars:

Access & Equity

We work to break down barriers so everyone, regardless of income, background or circumstance so can access the support they need.

Community Empowerment

We believe in walking alongside people, not ahead of them. We nurture strengths and build capacity through every program we run.

Practical Support for Lasting Change

We focus on real-world impact. Our support is always hands-on, direct, and responsive to what people actually need.

Where We’re Headed And Why It Matters

We’re building a future where lasting support isn’t a privilege, it’s a promise. As we grow, we’re committed to expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships, and empowering those we serve to lead the way forward.

Our goals are shaped by real community needs and lived experience, balancing urgent action with long-term vision. From helping 100 people access the NDIS to opening safe housing for youth, every milestone is a step toward greater equity and stronger communities.