Meet Anyuon Liai Mager – Founder of Highfields Disability Service

My name is Anyuon Liai Mager, and I am the Founder & Director of Highfields Disability Service (HDS). My journey in disability, community and multicultural work spans for more than two decades across Queensland— a work that I approach with deep passion, compassion, and a genuine belief that everyone deserves access to quality, equitable and culturally-inclusive care.

For many years I have worked hands-on with individuals, families and communities—particularly among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. I have supported clients in hospitals, clinics, aged-care and social-service settings; assisted older Australians and people with disability to navigate complex health and support systems.

I helped in delivering life changing settlement support services for newly arrived refugees and migrants; and coordinated community education and multicultural outreach programmes. Through this work, I saw firsthand how barriers like language, culture, lack of trust or unfamiliarity with systems can prevent people from getting the help they need. That is what motivates me: to break down those barriers and create a support service that feels safe, respectful, and truly person-centred.

My educational and professional training gives me a strong foundation to serve thoughtfully and effectively. I hold a Graduate Diploma of Development Practice in Community Development (University of Queensland), a Diploma of Community Services Work; a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management; a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training; as well as other qualifications in mediation, community work and multicultural practice.

Together with more than two decades of lived experience working alongside CALD communities, older people and people with disability, these credentials help me lead Highfields DS with both heart and expertise. I am fluent in four languages—Dinka, General Arabic, Sudanese Arabic and English—which allows me to connect deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, understand their needs, and advocate for them with empathy and clarity.

For many clients and families, speaking in their own language offers comfort, trust, and dignity. I carry that into every interaction with care, humility and respect. Starting Highfields DS is the natural next step in my journey.

My vision is to build an organisation that offers reliable, high-quality, culturally safe, and individually tailored NDIS support services—a service where clients feel seen, heard, respected and empowered. I want Highfields Disability Service to be more than a support provider. I want it to be a partner to participants and their families: someone they can trust when navigating complex systems; someone who listens deeply; someone who cares not just about disability support, but about wellbeing, dignity, inclusion, and flourishing