Liz O'Connell
Chief Executive Officer
This year has been a story of transformation and achievement, powered by the dedication of our members and the strength of our shared purpose. I have been inspired by the passion and professionalism of our team. Together, we have navigated change, embraced innovation, and delivered outcomes that matter...
Rebecca Wilson
Chair of the Board
This year has been a defining one for Kudos, marked by growth, innovation, and a deepened commitment to our social purpose. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary work of the organisation and the collective effort that has strengthened our position as a trusted provider of early childhood and lifespan services across South Australia...
✨ Engagement is up!
- Pride in working for Kudos rose 4 points (now 79%)
- Staff recommending Kudos as a great place to work jumped 12 points (69%)
- Motivation to go above and beyond increased 6 points
- Intent to stay for 2+ years surged 14 points
💬 What our people love most
- Flexible working and trust in how we work
- Supportive, values-driven team culture
- Real purpose and impact in helping children and families
- Autonomy, growth, and meaningful professional development
- Seeing client progress and feeling part of it
💡Building Mental Resilience Together
- 6 team members completed Mental Health First Aid training, building confidence to recognise and support colleagues who might be struggling.
- 22 team members completed Resilience First Aid, gaining practical tools to strengthen personal wellbeing and help others stay positive and resourceful in challenging moments.
Lysa
Partnerships & Sector Development Lead
“From day one I have been so supported by the whole team. The feedback, kindness, and belief in me have made me proud to be part of Kudos.”
Veranica
Early Childhood Coordinator
“We come from different backgrounds, but we all want the same thing the best for our clients.”
Devayani
Early Childhood Practitioner
“I was facing a tight deadline on a high-priority project, and everyone jumped in to help. It reminded me that teamwork at Kudos is genuine, not just a word.”
Kosta
Specialist Support Coordinator
“Our team has been supporting a brilliant young person for a long time seeing their confidence grow and their progress has been incredibly rewarding.”
Lisa
Allied Health Assistant
“Seeing my clients achieve their goals after months of hard work that’s the best feeling.”
100%
of our workforce now on permanent contracts every employee, new and existing.
9
internal moves and promotions across the year.
4
acting leadership appointments, giving employees hands-on leadership experience for 3–6 months
481
job applications
✅ Passed NDIS Audit
Kudos successfully completed its scheduled NDIS audit, meeting all requirements. The audit examined our governance, risk management, service delivery, record-keeping, and alignment with NDIS quality and safeguarding standards.
Passing this audit confirms that our systems and practices are robust, consistent, and focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. It reinforces the trust families, partners, and the community place in Kudos as a provider and partner committed to delivering high-quality support.
Completed Reconciliation Action Plan
Kudos has successfully completed its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, achieving key goals and building a strong foundation for ongoing reconciliation. We recognise this is a continuous journey and remain committed to meaningful action and improvement.
A RAP Working Group was established with senior executive representation to ensure leadership, accountability, and informed decision-making. The Board is regularly updated and remains fully supportive. Staff volunteers from across the organisation have also contributed, and a priority for our next RAP is to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within the group.
View our Reconciliation Action Plan
Throughout the Reflect RAP, Kudos promoted reconciliation through acknowledgement, learning, and community engagement. We marked National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week with inclusive activities, including morning teas, film screenings, and participation in community events. We have strengthened relationships with Aboriginal-led organisations, especially in early childhood services, and continue to support equitable access to therapy.
Kudos shows respect through Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome to Country ceremonies at major events, and the commissioning of Aboriginal artwork at our RAP launch. Staff have undertaken cultural awareness training, and we are exploring more culturally responsive ways to support children and families.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to growing our partnerships, strengthening cultural practices, and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in our workforce and RAP activities.
🚌 A Milestone in Independent Mobility
For the very first time, Tahani navigated her way home from Kindy on a bus in her power wheelchair all by herself (with Mum in tow)! She skillfully maneuvered on and off the bus, drove from the bus stop to her home, and made it through the door—all without any help with the controls! Mum was there to accompany her there but didn’t need to assist at all. 
Her family is over the moon, and she received applause from everyone at the bus stop! We’re so proud of Tahani for achieving a major milestone in independent mobility! Her Kindy has been instrumental in her progress, supported by her family, our OT Jess and, our physiotherapist Paula. Her determination is truly inspiring!
Sonder
Sonder is a South Australian not-for-profit organisation delivering integrated health and wellbeing services—including mental health, primary care, Aboriginal health, and more—through centres located across SA. They also serve as the lead agency for several Headspace centres.
KWY
KWY Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal-led organisation dedicated to cultural safety, family wellbeing, and breaking cycles of disadvantage. KWY’s programs address family violence, child protection, and social and emotional wellbeing. The organisation is formally recognised by the SA Government for its expertise in child protection and family support.
Multicultural Communities Council of SA
MCCSA (Multicultural Communities Council of SA) plays a key role in supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities, focusing on advocacy, community engagement, and access to services. MCCSA’s work helps foster inclusion, strengthen community connections, and ensure culturally safe pathways for people from diverse backgrounds
Unlocking the Value of Our Work with Social Ventures Australia
Kudos made significant progress this year in measuring and demonstrating our social impact. We partnered with Jonathan Finighan from Social Ventures Australia (SVA) to begin quantifying the value of our contributions and building a robust impact framework.
The project brought together representatives across our delivery and development teams, combining over 150 years of experience in social and children’s services—a remarkable achievement for a six-year-old organisation.
Understanding and articulating the positive change we create is a vital step in Kudos’ evolution. We thank Australian Unity for their leadership in valuing social impact and acknowledge Adam Vise and Siobhan Henderson for their guidance in this foundational work.
Limestone Coast: Showing Up for Regional Communities
In June 2025, we brought a cooperative model conversation to Mount Gambier, connecting with allied health professionals, families, and early childhood practitioners. With an estimated 54% of NDIS funds in the Limestone Coast going unused, the need for better access and support is clear.
Our Co-op Community Engagement events offered valuable insights into what’s working, what’s not, and where solutions are most needed. We’re committed to listening first, then working alongside local leaders and families to co-design practical, community-driven models that unlock potential and support better outcomes across regional South Australia.
AFL Max Partnership
Kudos continued its partnership with AFL Max to deliver our popular eight-week inclusive skills program, designed to help children build confidence, coordination, and social connection through play. Led by AFL Max coaches alongside our therapists, the program blends fun, movement, and therapeutic principles in a supportive environment where every child can participate at their own pace. Across the term, children work on motor skills, emotional regulation, teamwork, and problem-solving, while families receive guidance they can use at home. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to accessible community programs that empower children to grow, thrive, and have fun.
Preschool Boost: we’re in—and ready
Kudos achieved a major win with eight programs approved on the Office for Early Childhood Development’s (OECD) Preschool Boost Menu
Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Bright Beginnings, Tiny Movers, Mealtime Support, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), and Understanding Neurodivergence.
The Preschool Boost initiative enables partner early childhood education services across South Australia to purchase evidence-informed supports that directly reduce developmental vulnerability. It is designed to upskill educators and families, embed group-based supports for children, and translate allied health practice into everyday preschool routines.
As a delivery stream within the SA Government’s Flying Start reform led by the Office for Early Childhood Development, Preschool Boost helps operationalise the rollout of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, lift quality by targeting Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) outcomes, and build local workforce capability through practical, AEDC-aligned programs and implementation support for educators and families across the state.
ENVISAGE Families
Kudos is proud to deliver the Envisage Families program across South Australia, supporting parents and carers of children with disability or developmental concerns to build knowledge, confidence, and connection. Developed by leading researchers, clinicians, and families, Envisage combines evidence-based content with lived experience to empower caregivers to navigate early childhood supports and advocate for their child’s needs. Our facilitators deliver the program in accessible, community-based settings and online, creating safe spaces for reflection, learning, and peer support. Through Envisage, families are equipped with practical strategies, stronger networks, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their child’s development.
“This program has given me the confidence to advocate for my kids and for myself, to value my own contributions to their education moving forward … It made me realise how much I’m doing RIGHT”
Kudos acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.