Learn more about the NDIS and the role you can play at upcoming forum

Published on 26 November 2018

Service providers, community groups and businesses keen to ensure people with disabilities in our region are well supported under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are encouraged to attend an information forum in Mildura early next month.

The NDIS will be rolled out in the Mallee during the first six months of next year, ushering in a new era in the way support is provided to people with permanent and significant disabilities.

Next month’s forum, on Thursday 13 December at the Aero Ovals Pavilion, will be split into two sessions.

Session 1: 4pm – 5pm

Session 2: 5.30pm – 6.30pm

The first session will target registered or prospective service providers, allowing them to discuss the services they could offer under the NDIS.

The second session will be for community agencies, businesses and sporting groups and explain how they can play a vital role in providing opportunities and support for people with disabilities.

Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Min Poole said the forum was designed to ensure the community was informed about the NDIS and how it will operate, as well as making sure there was capacity locally to support people with disabilities in the years ahead.

“This is very much about capacity building,” Cr Poole said.

“It’s about ensuring we as a community have the capacity to support people with disabilities, whether it be service providers registered under the NDIS, or community groups, sporting groups and businesses, who could offer a raft of opportunities and support.”

As part of the forum, the Mallee’s Local Area Coordinator (LAC), charged with helping the region prepare for the transition to the NDIS, will be in attendance.

Cr Poole said the forum would provide a chance for the LAC to become aware of services and service providers that operate in the region, ensuring there were no ‘gaps’ in future service provision.

She said the session for businesses, community groups and sporting groups meanwhile would open peoples’ eyes to the opportunities they could provide.

“We already see the amazing role our businesses, sporting and community groups play in our region, providing employment or work experience, or volunteer roles, such as with football, netball or cricket clubs,” Cr Poole said.

“By providing responsibilities and experiences, it’s offering a valuable opportunity for people with physical or mental disabilities to learn new skills, gain confidence and play a more active role in our community.”

For more information about next month’s forum contact Council’s Community Support Team Leader Cindy Howard on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au