About Us

Our story

Thoughts Australia is a registered NDIS service provider based in Melbourne covering all Victoria.

The company was established with the sole aim of offering support that always puts participants first.

At Thoughts Australia we provide a range of disability services to make a difference in the lives of those living with a disability. The goal is to make each of our participants’ lives easier, fairer, and more involved.

Vision / Mission

Vision

Fostering a world where diverse abilities are celebrated, and every individual's potential is realized. Transforming thoughts into inclusive actions for a diverse and empowered community. To excel as a community disability service provider.

Mission

Empowering through advocacy, support, and resources, our organization, Thoughts, strives for an inclusive society where thoughts know no boundaries to provide high quality and effective disability services, where every person we care for matters.

Our core values

Our values are centred around our staff, participants and their families or guardians.
Integrity

Uphold honesty and transparency in all actions, building trust within the community.

Inclusivity

Embrace diversity and ensure that every voice is heard and respected.

Empowerment

Foster a sense of strength and autonomy among individuals with disabilities.

Advocacy

Champion for the rights and well-being of those facing disabilities.

Collaboration

Work together with communities and stakeholders to create lasting impact.

Compassion

Approach challenges with empathy and understanding, promoting a supportive environment.

Innovation

Strive for creative solutions to enhance accessibility and inclusiveness.

Passion

We have a passion to our work ethics. Every member of staff is passionate about their work and takes the participant as part of the family.

Meet our Board

Our esteemed Board of Directors.
Sanuja Waduthanthri
Co – Founder / Director

Sanuja stands as an indispensable figure in Thoughts Australia's leadership, boasting a robust background across various leadership roles. His expertise spans critical areas, including child well-being, family violence, and the disability sector. Sanuja's diverse experience, including a significant role in the Victorian government's family violence program, showcases his proficiency in mental health counseling, disability services, and child well-being.

What sets Sanuja apart is his unwavering commitment to social justice. Actively involved in initiatives against child abuse and corruption, he goes beyond professional duties to champion vulnerable families. His qualifications, a Master of Social Work, LL.B (Hons.), and Attorney-At Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, highlight the intersection of legal acumen and social work proficiency.

As a co-founder and Director, Sanuja's leadership at Thoughts Australia adopts a holistic approach. Integrating legal insights with social work principles, he fosters a supportive and empowering environment. Sanuja's rich background and dedication to social justice position him as a dynamic force steering Thoughts Australia towards excellence in delivering disability services

John Colins
Co – Founder / Director

John's leadership at Thoughts Australia is characterized by a profound amalgamation of experience and expertise. With a rich history of diverse leadership roles in both government and non-government sectors, he brings a nuanced understanding of Disability and Mental Health to the forefront. John's commitment to the field is evident in his multifaceted skill set, complemented by a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and a Bachelor's of Social Work.

His exceptional qualifications include specialized certifications in Understanding Mental Illness, Arts-Based Therapy, Forensic Disability, Hypnosis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and ADHD. These credentials, acquired from esteemed institutions like The State University of New York and the University of California, underscore his dedication to continuous professional development.

As a co-founder and Director, John plays a pivotal role in steering Thoughts Australia toward a mission of empowerment, advocacy, and the delivery of high-quality disability services. His leadership, marked by a passion for inclusive care, stands as a cornerstone in shaping the organization's impactful service to the disability sector.

S. James
Co – Founder / Director

James is an invaluable asset to Thoughts Australia’s leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in disability services, NDIS, mental health, and counseling. His academic prowess, highlighted by a Master of Social Work and a foundational Bachelor of Social Work, underscores his deep understanding of the Australian social system.

As a Co-Founder and Director, James’s leadership skills shine, enhancing the very fabric of Thoughts Australia’s mission. His unwavering commitment to societal impact is evident in his proactive approach, providing substantial support to both the organization and its participants. James’s unique fusion of academic excellence, practical experience, and a passionate dedication to community welfare positions him as a driving force. In the ever-evolving landscape of disability and mental health services, James contributes significantly to Thoughts Australia’s commitment to excellence, ensuring high-quality services that cater to the diverse needs of the community.

Meet our Leaders

Get to know the faces who contribute to the exceptional quality of your experience with us.
Fradeena Colins
Speech pathologist

Fradeena graduated from the University of Sydney with a Masters of Speech Language Pathology. She has worked with a range of pediatric clients from 2-16 years of age. She has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Delays (DD), Intellectual Disability (ID), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Fradeena has continued to develop her skills by completing a range of pediatric specific courses:

  • SPELD NSW Sounds-Write Practitioner Training

  • Emerging Minds Learning: Understanding Child Mental Health

  • Astronaut Training A Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol (Sheila Frick)

  • Learning Links’ “Dyslexia Decoded”

  • AFIRM Module: Picture Exchange Communication System

  • Childhood Apraxia Treatment: Diagnosis and Treatment of CAS Using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC)

  • Bright Ideas Media: Please, Just Tell Me What Therapy Approach I Should Choose.

Melanie Kolembus
Psychosocial Recovery Coach

Melanie, our esteemed psycho-social recovery coach at Thoughts Australia, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our community. With a comprehensive background in psycho-social disability, mental health, and family support work, she's a versatile professional.

As a senior family violence practitioner in outreach crisis response, Melanie demonstrates a profound understanding, ensuring robust support. Her dedication is evident through a Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work, ongoing Bachelor of Social Work studies, and specialized training in responding to sexual violence.

Melanie's commitment extends to yoga, where she's a certified teacher, offering participants holistic well-being. Her diverse skills make her an invaluable member, poised to significantly enhance the support network at Thoughts.

Sachinthana Ethmadalage
Registered Nurse

Sachi is the registered nurse in-charge at Thoughts Australia and has excellent experience in working in sector for many years.  She has earned her Bachelor of Nursing from Holmes glen TAFE Moorabbin in 2021 and has dedicated the last three years to working as an aged care nurse. Presently, Sachi actively participates in ongoing education and skill enhancement through various annual training programs.

She has completed specialized training in personality disorders and is currently pursuing certificate IV in Dementia practice with Dementia Australia. Her expertise also includes wound management, aromatherapy education, Palliative care, recognizing and responding to clinical deterioration, urology (with experience in female catheter insertion), and safe talk-suicide training. Sachi is a well-qualified and specialized registered nurse in the field of aged care and NDIS.

Soundarya Chandrasekar
Counsellor

Soundarya, a dedicated and compassionate individual, is a professional in the field of mental health with a Master’s Degree in Counselling from Monash University. Her academic journey equipped her with a deep understanding of various counselling theories and the practical skills to integrate them effectively in a therapeutic setting.

With a client-centered approach, Soundarya is committed to providing empathetic and ethical counselling services. Her experience as a Recovery Worker at Clayton Prevention and Recovery Care has honed her ability to conduct evidence-based psychosocial assessments and interventions for individuals and families facing mental health challenges.
Soundarya is known for her exceptional rapport-building skills, empowering clients to advocate for themselves and take control of their mental health recovery.

Her proficiency in utilizing diverse mediums, such as art and storytelling, showcases her innovative approach to counselling. She has successfully de-escalated acute client presentations, managed the risk of suicidality, and contributed to developing comprehensive discharge plans for smooth community reintegration.
A dependable and resilient professional, Soundarya is eager to leverage her academic knowledge and hands-on experience in a counselling role at Thoughts Australia.

Vindhy Pathmasiri
HR and Admin Manager

Vindhy, as the HR and Admin Manager at Thoughts Australia, adds immense value to the leadership team through her extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of employment law. A lawyer who graduated from the University of London, she leverages her legal knowledge to ensure compliance with evolving regulations while fostering a positive workplace culture.

Her insights into HR practices enhance the organization’s ability to navigate complex employment issues effectively. She is well-equipped to address workplace safety and compliance concerns. vindhy’s strategic approach and proactive mindset not only strengthen team dynamics but also support organizational growth, making her an invaluable asset in promoting employee well-being and a productive work environment.

Let us assist you

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, and our dedicated team will respond promptly to provide the support and information you need.

Call us

1300 845 252

Find us

1 Marjoram St, Mickleham VIC,
3064 Australia
7 Stanley Drive Officer VIC,
3809 Australia
53 presentation blvd winter valley Ballarat VIC,
3358 Australia