Who we are
Specialist dementia and cognitive support, grounded in connection and care.
HeyDay Supports (formerly Byron Shire Respite Service) is a not-for-profit organisation providing dementia care and cognitive support across the Northern Rivers.
We’ve recently changed our name to better reflect who we are today and how we’ve grown. Over time, our services have expanded beyond the Byron Shire to support a broader range of aged care needs across the region. Our new name reflects the care, connection, and support we provide to clients and carers every day.
From centre-based respite to carer support and community connection, we bring professional expertise wrapped in warmth, compassion, and genuine human connection.
We deliver high-quality, evidence-based services tailored to each person and their family. Working alongside clients and carers, we develop practical, non-therapeutic strategies that remain flexible and adapt as needs change.
Our name
What does our new name represent?
By definition, a heyday is a time of flourishing — a peak of vitality, joy, or meaning. It’s often thought of as something in the past, remembered in stories and nostalgia. We chose the name HeyDay to honour those stories, while also reframing what a heyday can mean. We believe life’s heyday doesn’t have to stay in the past — it can live behind you, ahead of you, and most importantly, in the present moment.
Supports speaks to what we do. We support clients and carers through centre-based programs, in-home services, one-to-one companionship, and the meaningful relationships we build along the way.
Our Mission
We enrich the living and ageing experience through human-centred care, grounded in respect, compassion, and connection.
Our Purpose
To be a trusted space of care for older people and those living with dementia or other cognitive changes, their carers and families.
Our Vision
A community where older people and people living with disability or cognitive change are seen, supported and thriving, and carers never feel alone in their role.
Our values
Guided by our values, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the people we support.
Celebrating Life
Creativity
Integrity
We uphold Integrity through professionalism, building trust, respect and a strong commitment to privacy, accountability, and ethical care.
Connection
Being Present
We live Being Present through attentive observation, active listening, and genuine care, tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Our people
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to genuine professional care in every interaction. We take an approach that goes beyond typical sector practice, ensuring all Support Staff hold a minimum Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).
Our team also receives ongoing training in dementia-specific supports, trauma-informed care, and a broad range of aged care and community development practices.
Our leadership
HeyDay’s leadership team is a dedicated, professional, and highly experienced group of individuals. This diverse team implements the organisation’s strategic plan and guides our operations and client care, continually innovating and evolving our strategies and capabilities to meet the growing demands for client care across the region.
Peter Devine
Emma White
Courtney Will
Jemima Janda
Rakhshi Momtazian
Sonya Will
Leigh Shackell
Peta Lahiff
Our board
HeyDay’s Board helps to guide the strategic direction of the organisation, oversees key decisions on planning and resource allocation, ensures sound financial management, and upholds our legal and governance responsibilities.
Our Directors, bring a broad mix of expertise across executive leadership, health and wellbeing, NDIS, academic research, communications, marketing, IT, governance, finance, legal, property development, insurance, human resources, working with First Nations People, and LGBTIQA+ advocacy.
We deeply value the commitment of our Directors and warmly welcome expressions of interest from people who would like to contribute their skills to help strengthen and grow our organisation.
