When a staff issue, conflict or serious workplace event arises and you’re not sure what to do, Responder Care gives you one trusted place to start.
We help business owners and leaders navigate the challenges of looking after themselves and their people, with access to trusted HR, counselling, mediation and critical incident support. Through Business Care, we also bring owners together to learn, connect and support one another.
30+
years of frontline experience
4
trusted support services
1
trusted relationship
The right support when you need it
You don’t have to work it out alone
Official Wellbeing Partner
4
trusted communities
The right support when you need it
You don’t have to work it out alone
Workplace and people challenges don't always fit neatly into one category. Whether you're running a business on your own or leading a team, Responder Care gives you one trusted place to start, helping you work out what support is needed and connecting you with the right people from our professional network.
Not sure which service you need?
A local community where business owners connect, learn and grow together.
Business Care brings together business owners who believe looking after people matters - including themselves.
It's a place to build trusted relationships, share experiences, learn from one another and support each other through the challenges of running a business.
Whether you're working on your own or leading a team, Business Care provides a community that understands, alongside access to trusted professional advice and specialist support when needed.
Membership is $99 per month, including GST.
Trusted community: Connect with like minded business owners, build meaningful relationships and support one another.
Leadership development: Learn from experienced leaders and fellow business owners through practical monthly community conversations.
Trusted guidance: Access guidance when you're facing workplace challenges or need help finding the right professional support.
Practical resources: Access useful tools, insights and resources to help you look after yourself, your people and your business.
Preferred member rates: Access our network of HR, counselling, mediation and critical incident specialists at preferred rates.
Our Community locations are growing...
Run a health practice?
Practice Care brings the same Business Care model to a community of health practice owners.
Connect with local practice owners who understand the challenges of leading a healthcare team, share experience and build trusted professional relationships that can lead to collaboration and client referrals.
Interested in joining the Practice Care Community?
Step 1
Join Business Care
Complete a short membership form and tell us about yourself, your business and what you're hoping to gain from the community. Once confirmed, your Business Care membership begins.
Connect with other business owners, take part in monthly community conversations and access practical resources. You'll also have a trusted place to turn when you need professional advice or support.
We'll get to know you and your business, explore what you'd value from the community and identify any immediate support needs. We'll also explain how to make the most of your membership.
Getting started with Business Care is simple
Step 2
Welcome Conversation
Step 3
Enjoy the Community
We believe good leadership starts with trusted relationships, practical wisdom and knowing you don't have to face every challenge alone.
Responder Care connects leaders of small organisations with practical support across people, wellbeing and crisis situations. Instead of starting from scratch each time, you have one relationship that understands your organisation and helps coordinate the right response.
We believe good support starts with trusted relationships - with the right advisers around you and a community of people who understand the challenges of leading a business.
Human First
Clear next steps for real workplace situations — affordable and jargon-free
Speak with someone who listens before recommending a pathway
Practical
Connected
I’ve walked alongside first responders through some of Australia’s toughest events. I bring that same care and insight to help you support your people.
Paul McFarlane
Founder, Responder Care
A calm first call when the situation isn’t simple.
A trusted network coordinated around the support you need
"Paul's support was extraordinary. He brought empathy, wisdom and practical guidance when our family needed it most. More than a practitioner, he became a trusted ally."
Franchise Owner, City Cave Float & Wellness Centre, Richmond NSW
Bridget Thomas
"Paul took the time to understand the work our members do, the environments they work in, and the specific psychosocial risks they face. His collaborative approach ensured the content was relevant, meaningful and directly applicable to their work."
Profession and Services Manager,
Health Information Management Association Australia (HIMAA)
Kathleen Rogers
Frequently asked questions
Who is Business Care designed for?
Business Care is designed for solo business owners, small businesses, churches, community organisations and growing teams.
Whether you're working on your own or managing employees, Business Care brings together owners and leaders who believe looking after people matters - including themselves.
Members benefit from trusted relationships, leadership development, peer learning and mutual support, alongside access to professional advice and specialist services when needed.
Who from our organisation can access Business Care?
Membership is held by the business or organisation, with the owner or nominated representative as the primary contact.
Nominated contacts can participate in Business Care Community conversations, access member resources and contact Responder Care for guidance and coordination.
For businesses with larger teams, we can discuss appropriate arrangements for additional participants.
What does Business Care membership cost and include?
Business Care Community membership costs $99 per month, including GST, per business.
It includes:
Access to a trusted community of business owners and leaders.
Monthly facilitated community conversations focused on leadership, learning and mutual support.
A welcome conversation to understand your business and what you'd value from membership.
Practical resources, leadership insights and member updates.
A trusted first point of contact for guidance and coordination when workplace or wellbeing challenges arise.
Preferred member rates for additional professional services, including HR, counselling, mediation and critical incident support.
Specialist professional services are charged separately, with costs discussed before any work begins.
How do specialist services work?
Tell us what is happening - you do not need to diagnose the issue or choose a provider yourself.
We will help clarify the need, explain the available options and connect you with an appropriate trusted specialist. Depending on the service, the specialist may deliver support directly while Responder Care coordinates the organisational relationship and billing.
Clinical, counselling and mediation matters remain confidential and are managed under the relevant provider’s professional obligations.
Are specialist services included in the monthly fee?
No. The membership provides the ongoing relationship, learning opportunities, initial guidance and coordination.
Specialist services - such as HR consulting, counselling, mediation and critical incident support - are arranged when needed and charged separately. Business Care members receive preferred rates where member pricing is available.
We will explain the likely costs before activating a service.
What happens after we apply?
After receiving your membership form, we will contact you to confirm your organisation’s details and nominated contacts.
We will then arrange a welcome conversation to understand your workplace, identify likely support needs and create a simple plan showing what support is available and who to contact. You will also receive information about upcoming workshops, Q&A sessions and member resources.
What does “priority response and coordination” mean?
Business Care enquiries are prioritised ahead of general one-off enquiries during normal business hours.
We aim to acknowledge member enquiries within one business day, clarify what is happening and help identify the appropriate next step. Where specialist help is needed, we coordinate access to a suitable provider.
Business Care is not an emergency or continuously monitored crisis service. Immediate threats to safety should always be directed to emergency services.
Is there a minimum membership period, and can we cancel?
Business Care begins with an initial three-month membership period. This allows us to complete the welcome process, understand your organisation and establish a useful support relationship.
After the initial period, membership continues month to month and can be cancelled before the next billing date. Specialist services already approved or delivered remain payable separately.
Start a Conversation
Whether you're dealing with a workplace issue now or looking for the right support and community for your business, we'd be happy to talk.
© 2026 Responder Group Pty Ltd. All rights reserved
Responder Care is proudly Australian owned and based in the Newcastle region of NSW
Phone: 02 4072 2273
ABN: 34 669 273 429