About Connect & Explore
Connect & Explore provides person-centred NDIS Short Term Respite (STR) and tailored supports for children, young people and adults across Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Our approach combines meaningful experiences, community participation, outdoor recreation and individualised support to create opportunities for participants to build confidence, independence, connection and everyday skills.
Supports are tailored around each participant's individual needs, interests, strengths, preferences and goals.
Our Approach
Person-Centred – supports tailored to individual needs, preferences, interests and goals.
Trauma-Informed – support delivered with consideration of safety, trust, choice and individual experiences.
Strengths-Based – focusing on capabilities and opportunities rather than limitations.
Choice & Control – participants actively involved in decisions about their supports and experiences.
Connection & Community – creating meaningful opportunities for social connection and community participation.
Adventure & Nature – using appropriate outdoor and community experiences as engaging environments for participation and development.
Our Mission
To provide safe, person-centred and meaningful experiences that support participants to build confidence, independence, connection and capability while working towards their individual goals.
Our Vision
Creating a space for authentic connections and exploration of nature and self.
Our Values
C – Connection
Creating opportunities for genuine connection, belonging and meaningful relationships.
A – Appreciation
Recognising and celebrating each person's individual strengths, abilities and contribution.
R – Respect
Respecting individual rights, dignity, preferences, choices and identity.
I – Inspiration
Encouraging participants to explore their interests, build confidence and discover what is possible.
N – Nature
Creating opportunities to connect with and experience the natural environment.
G – Growth
Supporting individual development, independence, resilience and personal goals.
Connect and Explore
DOC24/841109
Connect & Explore is committed to providing an excellent standard of care for the young people participating in the service. If anyone should be concerned that a child safety or human rights standard has been breached whilst your involvement with the service, you're encouraged to contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission via the link below.
Our Commitment to Quality & Safeguarding
Connect & Explore is committed to providing safe, respectful and person-centred supports in accordance with the NDIS Code of Conduct and applicable NDIS Practice Standards.
We are committed to upholding participant rights, dignity, privacy, choice and control and to providing supports in a safe and competent manner.
For services involving children and young people, we are also committed to the NSW Child Safe Standards and applicable child safeguarding requirements.
Registrations, Memberships & Safeguarding
See our Company Policies here:
Meet the Founder
Dominique's connection with outdoor adventure began as a teenager while kayaking Tasmania's Franklin River. The experience sparked a lifelong appreciation for the confidence, connection and personal growth that can come from meaningful experiences in nature.
After completing a Bachelor of Health at Macquarie University and working in the community services sector, Dominique went on to complete a Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation and further training across trauma-informed practice, mental health, meditation, motivational interviewing and outdoor safety.
Connect & Explore brings these areas together to provide individualised experiences that are engaging, meaningful and centred around each participant's interests, abilities, support needs and goals.
Dominique remains actively involved in outdoor recreation and ongoing professional development and is passionate about creating opportunities for participants to explore their interests, build confidence and experience meaningful connection.
Qualifications & Training
Bachelor of Health – Macquarie University
Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation
Meditation Facilitator
Trauma-Informed Training
Motivational Interviewing Training
Mental Health First Aid
Wilderness First Aid including First Aid/CPR
Swift Water Rescue
Medication Assist – National Disability Training
Worker Screening & Safeguarding
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Working With Children Check
National Police Check
Support Coordinators & Referrals
We welcome enquiries from Support Coordinators seeking individualised Short Term Respite and community-based experiences for participants.
Contact us to discuss the participant's needs, interests, goals, location and support requirements and determine whether Connect & Explore is an appropriate fit.