From isolation to community champion and business owner  

We’re very proud to share that one of our incredible CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community champions has officially opened the doors to his very own barbershop – Mussa’s Barbershop – in Davoren Park.

This ribbon-cutting moment was a wonderful celebration of hard work, resilience, and community spirit where leaders from the Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Togolese communities all came together to support and celebrate Sengo’s incredible achievement.

For Feros Care, it was also an opportunity to continue strengthening connections with CALD communities, advocating for NDIS access, disability support, and inclusive business opportunities.

From isolation to community leader

Rewind to 2019, when Sengo first arrived in Australia from Congo in East Africa. With a disability and limited English, life was challenging. He felt alone, disconnected, and isolated, unable to access the community due to physical barriers, language differences, and a lack of transport options.

Public transport was too difficult to navigate, and without mobility aids or local knowledge, Sengo felt trapped at home.

Everything changed six months later when he was introduced to NDIS supports through Relationships Australia. He secured transport assistance, which became a lifeline, allowing him to explore his local area, meet new people, and start building connections.

With his warm and welcoming nature, Sengo quickly built friendships, learning more about his new home beyond the basics. Within 12 months, he had settled into the Adelaide community, feeling a true sense of belonging.

A business built on heart, hustle, and support

Sengo’s journey to business ownership has been one of hard work, determination, and the right support.

Starting out with Mussa’s Mobile Barber, he was committed to bringing accessible barber services to people with disability. Now, he’s taken things to the next level, creating a permanent space where everyone is welcome.

At the opening event, Sengo spoke with pride about his journey, sharing how Feros Care has been there from the start, helping him grow into the business owner and community leader he is today.

The power of the right support

Through his NDIS plan, Sengo gained access to daily living assistance, therapeutic services and assistive technologies.

His Feros Care Local Area Coordinators (LACs), Andrew and Sandy, played a key role in guiding him through the NDIS, ensuring his supports were tailored to his needs and long-term goals.

“I feel valued,” says Sengo. “Feros Care has not only made me feel respected in my community as a person with disability but has also empowered me to become a ‘Disability Champion’ in my community.”

With growing confidence, Sengo stepped up as a leader, becoming a Community Connector. He now educates others about disability and NDIS support, hosts information sessions to help people access the right services, and advocates for inclusion within his community.

His dedication also led him to join Feros Care’s co-design working group, where he helped create an Employer Tip Sheet for the retail industry, guiding businesses on how to create more inclusive workplaces.

But he had another dream to chase.

A business with purpose

While building his community leadership, Sengo also pursued his entrepreneurial dream. With NDIS support, he launched Mussa’s Mobile Barber, a service designed for adults and children with disability.

Understanding his clients’ unique needs, he quickly built a reputation for providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming experience.

“When I arrived in Australia, my main goal was to do something people can respect me for—and now I’ve achieved that!” – Sengo

But he wasn’t done yet.

With growing demand for his services, he took the next big step – opening a permanent barbershop in Davoren Park, where he can continue serving his community in a welcoming, inclusive space.

A community celebration

Mussa’s Barbershop opening wasn’t just about his business. It was about bringing a community together.

Feros Care staff joined the celebrations, connecting with community leaders, local stakeholders, and families, sparking conversations about NDIS access, disability advocacy, and employment opportunities.

During the event, our team shared Sengo’s incredible journey, highlighting his leadership in employment co-design projects, his role in Talk Out Loud, and his dedication to the CALD Advocacy Project.

This is just the beginning

We’ve always known Sengo was going places. And now he’s got his own place to prove it!

From refugee to entrepreneur, from client to community leader, his story is a wonderful example of what’s possible when people believe in you. And when you believe in yourself.

We’re so proud of you Sengo and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Read other NDIS participant stories here to get a feel for how Feros Care could support you.