A Cut Above: The Heart and Dedication Behind Afford’s People
At Afford, the difference our organisation makes every day comes down to one simple thing: our people.
Across our services, staff show up with warmth, compassion and a genuine commitment to seeing the people we support succeed in life – whatever success looks like to them. Whether it’s building independence, finding meaningful work, forming friendships or simply gaining the confidence to try something new, our teams are right there, cheering every achievement.
It’s this belief in people’s potential that shapes everything we do. Our staff don’t just provide support; they help create opportunities, build confidence and celebrate every milestone along the way.
Michael McEvoy (third from left) was on hand to celebrate at a graduation of ADE assisted employees and his joy and deep pride were both evident.
When the work is personal
What makes this care so powerful is that for many of our staff, this work is deeply personal.
Many team members have family members or close friends with disability and bring with them a lifelong understanding of what it means to navigate a world that isn’t always designed to be inclusive. They understand the challenges, the small victories, the frustrations and the incredible resilience that exists within the disability community.
This lived experience, combined with professional skill and unwavering dedication, creates something truly special: support that is not only capable and skilled, but deeply heartfelt.
It’s one of the reasons why the culture at Afford is so strong – our people believe in what they do and they believe in the people they support.
Celebrating the people who make the difference
This week we’re celebrating one of those exceptional team members – Michael McEvoy, Operations Manager for Inclusive Employment (ADE).
Known for keeping everyone happy and operations running smoothly, Michael has earned a reputation as a firm favourite among both staff and employees. Calm under pressure and charming to boot, he brings a reassuring sense of balance to even the busiest days.
While Michael is all business when it comes to delivering great outcomes for the people we support, there’s also a softer side to him. A self-confessed animal lover, his warmth and approachable nature make him someone people naturally gravitate toward.
But for Michael, the work is also deeply personal. His sister has a disability, and that connection has shaped his lifelong dedication to supporting the disability community.
For him, the work has never been just a job – it’s something he considers a privilege.
“I love seeing our assisted employees achieve their goals and the impact they have on everyone they come into contact with,” Michael says.
“Working with them is a privilege and they brighten my day every day.”
A group of ADE employees who work under Michael McEvoy’s leadership at our Ingleburn ADE. Their smiles say it all. Michael is a cut above the rest.
Proud of our people
Stories like Michael’s are a powerful reminder of what makes Afford special.
Our staff bring professional expertise, compassion and lived understanding to their roles every single day. They go above and beyond not because they have to – but because they truly care about the people they support and the difference they can make in their lives.
We are incredibly proud of our staff – the kindness they show, the respect they uphold and the belief they hold in every person’s potential.
At Afford, our people truly are a cut above the rest.
