Meet the BelleJoy Team

Our team isn't just a group of professionals; they're a vibrant mix of personalities, each bringing their own flair and expertise to the table. From the dedicated office staff, our wonderful team leaders and how could we forget, our INCREDIBLE SUPPORT WORKERS, we're united by a common goal: to make your BelleJoy experience as joyful and enriching as possible.

Get ready to meet the wonderful individuals who are the backbone of BelleJoy, where every member is a star in their own right, shining bright to light up your journey with us.

Kara, Founder

Kara Andrews - BelleJoy Founder

Hey there, I'm Kara Andrews, the founder and heart behind BelleJoy Support. Novocastrian born & raised, middle child extraordinaire, and all-around enthusiast for turning life's challenges into a joyous adventure.

I grew up in a loving household where my parents ran an electrical business. They instilled in me the importance of being a good boss, provider, and role model—oh, and never forgetting to give back to the community. No pressure, right?.

After school, I dove headfirst into working in the family business, wearing many hats over 15 years—figuratively, not literally. Accounts and finance became my jam, and during that time, I also managed to squeeze in a wedding and pop out two mini-me's, aka my daughters.

  • In 2017, the universe handed me a golden ticket—to step out of the office and dive into the world of the Disability Sector as a Support Worker. Talk about a career change! Witnessing how some people were living pulled on my heartstrings. Cue the light bulb moment—why not create homes and supports where I'd joyfully drop off my loved ones? Genius, right?

    Enter BelleJoy Support, named after my dynamic duo of daughters. Our teal branding isn't just a trendy colour; it's our nod to Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Inspired by my beautiful mum. She'd probably roll her eyes at all this attention, but hey, it's for a good cause.

    At BelleJoy, we're not just creating support services; we're crafting havens of happiness, sprinkled with a dash of uniqueness and a whole lot of heart. Join me on this wild ride, where we turn challenges into joy and prove that laughter really is the best medicine.

Cindy Short - HR Manager

Hi, my name is Cindy, and I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the BelleJoy team! 

When I made the decision to apply a position here, I was seeking a change from my long career in the Corporate Construction and Mining sectors. From the moment I walked into my interview, I was struck by the supportive and positive environment that BelleJoy provides both staff and clients. It truly felt like a breath of fresh air, and I am so happy to be part of such a caring and vibrant workplace.

With over 20 years of experience as a Human Resources Manager, I’ve worked across all aspects of HR, including Employment Law, Industrial Relations, Employee Lifecycle, and Injury Management. My passion lies in working with people—helping them understand expectations, improve workplace culture, and enhance their overall quality of life. I believe in the power of continuous learning, and I am always eager to take on new challenges that help me grow both personally and professionally.

  • I have a deep passion for supporting individuals through life's difficult moments, which is why I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my career to advancing in Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and am currently working toward a diploma in Counselling. This allows me to better understand behaviors and assist others in meaningful ways.

    Outside of work, you’ll find me embracing the great outdoors. I’m a fan of camping (or rather, glamping in my caravan!), underwater diving, and all things water sports, especially hitting the lake on my Jetski. I’ve passed on my love for the outdoors to my three wonderful adult children, who share my joy of spending family time by the water. I’m also blessed with two adorable grandchildren—my 3-month-old grandson and my 18-month-old granddaughter, who has me wrapped around her little finger. She even dances to my tone-deaf singing!

    I’m excited to continue my journey with BelleJoy, learning and growing while making a positive impact on the people I work with.

James Robards - Operations Manager

Ahoy! My name’s James Robards and I’ve been a part of the BelleJoy family since September, 2025. I’ve been working in the disability sector just shy of 10 years now, and I’ve genuinely loved every minute of it!

I started out as a support worker and, over the years, have stepped into roles such as Team Leader, Housing Manager and now Operations Manager. The team at BelleJoy is made up of some of the most supportive and compassionate people in the industry, which makes it an absolute pleasure to be part of.

When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me outside, soaking up the sunrays any chance I can get, preferably while doing something active and fun! I’m also a bit of a gamer and recently built my own PC, so when the weather’s not so great, you’ll find me parked up in the ‘home office’ probably spending more time there than I should.

  • I also enjoy travelling whenever I get the chance, whether it’s a weekend getaway or exploring somewhere completely new.

    From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to help those in need. I’m grateful to be in a position where I can continue doing just that, aiming to inspire others to follow a similar path.

Troy Andrews

Hey, I’m Troy! After 17 years at Ausgrid, I’ve traded in powerlines for garden beds and joined the BelleJoy team. You’ll usually find me outside mowing lawns, tending to the gardens, or generally trying to look busy. I also do my best to support my wife wherever I can—which usually means nodding along, moving heavy things, rearranging rooms, and hanging pictures (sometimes more than once if she changes her mind).

I’ve got two daughters who have somehow grown up way too fast, and with that has come an increase in both my grey hairs and hair loss. Teenagers, huh? If they keep this up, I might be completely bald by next year.

  • When I’m not keeping BelleJoy’s yards looking top-notch, I’m at home trying to convince my wife that a proper basketball court in the backyard is a necessity (jury’s still out on that one).I’m a die-hard sports fan, cheering on the Newcastle Knights, New York Giants, and Golden State Warriors. Being a Knights fan in recent years has been character-building to say the least, but that hasn’t stopped me from attending every home game—because apparently, I enjoy emotional suffering.

    Outside of work, I love traveling and exploring new places with my family—whether it’s a big overseas adventure or just a weekend away, I’m always up for making new memories (and trying to redeem myself after forgetting the family visas once, which, you know, was kind of the one job I had).

    If you ever need a chat about anything even slightly sports related, or the best way to keep a lawn looking fresh, I’m your guy!