Alice Williams: creating spaces to heal and thrive

With more than 30 years’ experience across community services, Alice Williams has dedicated her career to helping people rebuild their confidence, independence, and sense of belonging. Since becoming a member of Community Work Australia in 2020, Alice has continued to embody the sector’s values of compassion, inclusion, and professionalism. 

Alice is the founder of AWE Training & Support, where she develops and delivers training programs — including Trauma-Informed Support workshops — and provides reflective supervision to workers and direct support to people accessing the NDIS. She is also the driving force behind InHerAWE retreats, creating spaces for women to pause, reflect, and reconnect. 

“My work strengthens workers, participants and communities alike because when people feel supported and equipped, they’re better able to thrive and create lasting positive change.” 

Over her three-decade career, Alice has worked across a range of sectors including disability, out-of-home care, family violence, and adult education. Earlier in her career, Alice managed and opened childcare centres and developed programs to support families — an experience that revealed her passion for walking alongside people as they build confidence and independence. 

“What drives me most is supporting women and children who are experiencing or have experienced adversity, helping them feel safe, respected and given a chance to thrive”. 

Alice’s days are rarely the same. “One day I’m developing and planning training for future workers, the next I’m in a rural town delivering workshops, providing reflective supervision, or supporting NDIS participants to build skills and independence.” 

“What I love most is seeing people grow in confidence and watching the ripple effects reach their families and communities.” 

While her work is deeply rewarding, Alice is frank about the challenges. “One of the toughest challenges is balancing the complex needs of people with the limits of funding, systems and policies.”  

“Another challenge is caring for the workforce itself - burnout and vicarious trauma are very real. A big part of my role is helping both workers and participants feel valued, supported and less alone.” 

Looking ahead, Alice hopes to see trauma-informed practice embedded as everyday practice across the sector. She’s also developing The Village, a semi-rural space where vulnerable families can live for up to a year with wraparound support. 

“My focus is on creating spaces where people can feel safe, rebuild and thrive.” 

For Alice, community work is more than a profession - it’s a lifelong commitment to healing, growth, and hope.