About Ikigai Community Care

Learn about who we are

Ikigai Community Care is all about real support for real lives. We focus on people first; what makes them feel comfortable, understood and supported to live life their way.

The meaning of ikigai

"ee-kee-guy"

Ikigai is a beautiful Japanese word that means “a reason for being”. It’s your why; the thing that gives your life meaning, joy, and direction. For some, it’s a big dream or goal. For others, it’s found in the little things: a chat over coffee, time in nature, or doing something you love. 

At Ikigai Community Care, this idea is at the heart of everything we do. We’re here to support people in finding their own version of ikigai — and to walk beside them as they live a life that feels right, whatever that looks like.

Ikigai is more than just a name

It’s our reason for doing what we do

Ikigai is not just a concept we believe in. It’s something we actively build into the way we work. We start by listening, not just to someone’s goals, but to what makes them feel safe, comfortable and understood. 

That could mean small routines, familiar faces, or simply being given time and space to grow. We shape each support plan with care and flexibility, knowing that what works for one person might not suit another. There is no template. 

Every person’s life is different, and so is the support they receive with us. What stays the same is our commitment to showing up with empathy, clarity and a genuine interest in helping people feel more in control of their own story.

Get in touch with us

Support that feels genuine from the start

We focus on people

Our approach is simple. We ask thoughtful questions. We listen. We take the time to get to know someone properly. This is how we make sure the support feels natural and respectful. 

We do not assume. We do not rush. We look at what someone needs now, what they hope for in the future, and how we can support them in a way that feels steady and kind. 

Ikigai is more than a word for us. It is our guide. Every decision we make, every support plan we build, is shaped by the idea that each person has something meaningful to work towards. We are here to walk alongside them, wherever that leads.

How we can help

Our core values

What guides our every day

At Ikigai Community Care, our values are guided by purpose, presence, and the belief that every person deserves to live with meaning and connection. These values shape everything we do — for our participants, our team, and the way we walk through the world.

Courage

We honour the strength it takes to grow, change, and keep showing up — even when things are hard. Courage is the foundation of independence, resilience, and living with purpose.

Trust

Trust is the thread that holds everything together — between us, our participants, families, and the community. We build it through honesty, reliability, and care that feels safe and consistent.

Kindness & Nurturing

We lead with empathy. Every interaction is a chance to make someone feel seen, heard, and valued. Our support is gentle, human, and grounded in genuine care.

Making a Difference

We’re here to create meaningful change — in everyday moments and in big-picture goals. We believe in impact that lasts, guided by what matters most to each person.

Calm & Zen

Inspired by the spirit of ikigai, we value stillness, reflection, and calm environments. We believe support doesn’t have to be rushed or clinical — it can be soft, mindful, and present.

The person behind Ikigai Community Care

Meet Leanne

Leanne began supporting people with disabilities back in high school, helping classmates get to class, setting up worksheets and assisting at school camps. That early experience stayed with her. After school, she studied residential community services and gained her first role in disability support. 

Over time, she supervised residential homes and became an outreach coordinator. After raising her children and exploring studies in life coaching and education support, Leanne returned to the sector in a leadership role. 

Managing a small NDIS business gave her the insight and confidence to build something of her own. Ikigai Community Care is the result. It brings together years of experience, compassion and a deep belief that support should feel real, personal and full of possibility.

Real stories from individuals and families we've supported

What people are saying

Rose and Butch Gleeson
"The team at Ikigai Community Care is nothing short of amazing. Every staff member is warm, caring, and genuinely committed to supporting individuals in a way that’s both respectful and empowering. Their dedication to helping participants live their best lives shines through in everything they do. We’re so lucky to have such a compassionate and values-driven service right here in our local community."
Elaine and Bert Fiddelears
"Ikigai has supported our sons since its inception in 2023, and we couldn’t be happier. As a family, we truly value the open communication, the high standard of care, and the way Ikigai consistently upholds NDIS protocols. The support staff are exceptional — they engage with our sons respectfully and enthusiastically, participating in the activities they choose and supporting them to explore new experiences out in the wider community. It’s reassuring to know they are in such caring and capable hands."
Debi, Steve and Erin Glasson
"Leanne and her team at Ikigai Care are truly wonderful. Ikigai has become such a meaningful part of our daughter’s life, thanks to the caring, committed, and supportive staff who go above and beyond. They’ve created a warm, welcoming, and inclusive community where she feels valued, connected, and genuinely at home."
Julie and Brendan Morgan
"Our family has been with Ikigai since the very beginning, and the support has been nothing short of life-changing. After COVID, our son had spent over three years isolated in his home, with a combination of life barriers that made it difficult for him to engage socially or participate in everyday activities. Leanne and staff spent months meeting him where he was gently, consistently, and with deep understanding helping him build the confidence to express who he truly is. Today, he is thriving: socially active, connected, and living a life filled with purpose and joy. Leanne also guided us through the NDIS, helping us understand the system and connecting us with allied health professionals, support coordinators, and OTs. Without Ikigai, we truly don’t know where we’d be today."

Find your ikigai

Ready to explore what a good life looks like for you? Let’s talk about what matters most.

Refer someone

Know someone who could benefit from support that actually fits? Send us a referral today.

What we do

Learn more about the supports we offer and how we tailor them to fit each individual.