Casey McNeil's journey is one of resilience, courage, and finding joy in the little things - born in the Royal Adelaide Hospital and placed in foster care at five and a half, her early years were a blur of challenges.
Casey’s biological mother wasn’t around, and she and her siblings were left with their grandparents, a situation that turned out to be less than ideal. Her sister, Jade, was just three months old when she too was placed in care - yet, out of this tumultuous start, Casey’s story begins to blossom.
Casey learning valuable career skills in hospitality while enjoying herself every Friday in GSSA’s Ability Café.
Her time in foster care transformed her life, especially after being placed with her second foster family—Leonie and Malcolm of Andrews Farm. For Casey, it wasn’t just a home; it was the foundation of a loving, supportive environment that helped her heal from the traumas of her past. “Leonie and Malcolm really made up for everything,” she reflects.
At 14, the family moved to the Riverland and settled in Nildottie, a small, quiet town where life felt peaceful and safe for Casey. Even now, years later, she talks fondly about the quiet life in Nildottie. "There's just no hooligans around," she says with a laugh, appreciating the stillness of the place where her foster sister Monique and her family continue to live.
Though small and quiet, Nildottie remains close to Casey’s heart—a place where she found stability. Despite the scars of her childhood, Casey radiates positivity.
Her love for tattoos and piercings is a testament to how she’s found ways to express herself. “I feel like my tattoos are part of my story,” she says. Her first tattoo was a delicate design she got while on holiday in Queensland, where she and her family stayed in a holiday home on the Gold Coast. She fondly remembers the bustling streets as the sun set, and the fun energy of the place still brings a smile to her face.
Though life wasn’t always easy for Casey, things started to shift for the better when she connected with Genuine Support Services Australia (GSSA) a year ago. Before then, she had no support outside of her family.
Now, with the help of people like Holly from GSSA, Casey enjoys spending her days involved in activities that allow her to socialise and develop new skills.
She cherishes the independence it gives her, from moments of respite over Easter to time spent in GSSA’s Plate to Seed Program or the Ability Café. For Casey, the support has been transformative. “It’s been really great. I finally get some of my own time,” she shares.
Diagnosed with an intellectual disability by the NDIS and suspecting she has traits of autism; Casey is open about the challenges she faces. “My brain works differently,” she says, explaining how she can memorise lyrics after hearing a song just twice, but struggles with tasks like math and believes she has much more to give. She hopes to one day perform with the Murray Bridge Players or even learn to act, as she’s confident her talent for memorisation could help her excel in theatre.
Casey often takes the opportunity to slip next door on a Friday morning and into GSSA’s Recreative Music Therapy class to sing one of her favourite country songs – she is gifted with a beautiful voice.
Music has always been an outlet for Casey—especially country music. From Alan Jackson to Keith Urban, it’s a soundtrack that’s followed her through life, from family boat trips over Australia Day and Christmas to the GSSA discos she loves attending.
She’s eagerly anticipating Keith Urban’s concert, particularly the opening act, Case Matthews, and would love to go to more country music festivals. “Country music just gets to my soul,” she says.
Although Casey acknowledges the challenges of living with a disability, she remains determined. “It’s not easy, but I don’t want to be waiting anymore,” she reflects. She hopes to explore her love for rap music and maybe volunteer at The Sation in Murray Bridge to write her own songs—another way to share her story, express her experiences, and connect with others.
Casey’s journey is far from over - with her fierce love of life, her bright humour, and her unstoppable drive to keep moving forward, she looks to the future with hope. From tattoos that tell a story to her dream of writing and singing, Casey is determined to express herself fully and live her life with no regrets. In her words, “I’m just getting started.” And for Casey, the future holds endless possibilities.