The Wondering Wattle

23/07/2025

We don’t all move at the same pace, and that’s ok. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is pause. Rest is part of the process, not a step back.

You’re doing better than you think. 🌿

17/07/2025

It’s been a little while since our last team post — and yes, we’ve grown. What started as a tiny team of one or two has gently expanded into this beautiful crew you see here, with a couple of others working quietly in the background.

Teamwork really does make the dream work — especially when it’s built on kindness, shared values, and a deep commitment to walking alongside people in a way that’s respectful and real. Together, we bring a mix of professional knowledge, lived experience, and personal insight — and that blend is our strength.

To the participants and families who invite us into your lives — thank you. You are the reason we do what we do. Your strength, your stories, and your trust inspire every step we take.

💛 Meryl

10/07/2025

When people with power harm the less powerful it’s sad.

When the people with the power are tasked with PROTECTING those less powerful….and they still CHOOSE to harm?! That’s unconscionable.

At The Wondering Wattle we advocate fiercely for the freedom of choice and voice. Not because it should be a privilege but because it is a fundamental human right.

We stand alongside People with Disability Australia and their partner organisations to demand the truth, through an enquiry if necessary, from the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme in order to protect the rights of all to activate their freedoms, their choice and their voice. Without fear of reprisal.

Joint Statement from DROs calling for NDIA accountability.

Disability Representative Organisations are calling out the NDIA’s actions to remove a person with disability from the NDIS—triggered, in part, by what they posted on social media.

This crosses a line.

People with disability must be free to speak up without fear of losing essential supports. We’re calling for:
⚠️ An urgent, independent inquiry
⚠️ Release of legal advice
⚠️ A roundtable with Minister McAllister and the NDIA

Read full statement: https://buff.ly/96xgEmX

[ID: Maroon and blue tile with megaphone icon and text reading ‘Joint statement: Disability representatives organisations call for accountability after NDIA conduct targeting person with disability’. Below text, composite of logos of endorsing organisations: Australian Autism Alliance, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Community Mental Health Australia, Disability Advocacy Network Australia, Down Syndrome Australia, First Peoples Disability Network Australia, Inclusion Australia, National Ethnic Disability Alliance, People with Disability Australia, Physical Disability Australia, Women With Disabilities Australia]

08/07/2025

My littlest lad is an NDIS participant although I'm pretty certain the thought reflection below applies to all people with disabilities, especially those who access NDIS.

The photo below is him re-engaging with his supports after an almost 18th hiatus from any in-home, social, and/or therapeutic supports and I mean *any*; like zero, none.

Why the long hiatus from accessing supports? My team and I call it "The Revolving Door" experience:

Participant onboards with new provider -> connections are made -> rapport is built -> stories and hardships are shared -> achievements are celebrated -> provider announces I'm changing *____________* (insert job, role, career, location) -> provider offboards -> participant is left to start all over again.

It hurts.
It's hard.
It stings.
And the recurring trauma carries lifelong impacts.

Whilst we can't forecast or control life's trajectories, we as providers must ensure that, as best as possible, we intentionally create scaffolding which minimises and supports this 'revolving door' trauma for people who entrust us with their care.

It's one of the reasons why, at The Wondering Wattle, as part of our commitment to trauma-informed practice, we have developed a sector-first "Pod Model" of Support Coordination where each participant has a:

1) Support Coordinator
2) Relationship Coordinator

For PARTICIPANTS, it means that if there's an unforseen departure or SC absence, there's a second person who is 'across' their plan, supports, wins, hardships and stories, and can be confident that supports will continue 'seamlessly'.

For us as the PROVIDER, it means that, we can 'share and soundboard' together to reduce stress and burnout AND, during staff absence, we can know that participants are in great hands, being supported by a colleague who is 'well across the participant' until their return.

We can't stop the revolving door - that's life - and our unique "Pod Model" isn't always perfect, but it is a deeply considered offering to ensure participants who entrust us as their Support Coordinators will be as well scaffolded by any 'revolving door' impact as possible. And, feedback across participants and my team is they're loving it. That matters most to me.

Brave is kind
Meryl
💛

PS: my littlest lad had a great first session. He did announce "I'm social batteried out now, mum." It's gonna take a while, but it’s a good step through the revolving door....again.

15/06/2025

15 June 2025

Dear Members, Ministers, Senators, the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission,

The Wondering Wattle are writing to you with empassioned and equally exhausted hearts.

For the seventh year in a row, Support Coordination pricing has been left untouched in the NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review. That’s seven years of rising costs, increasing compliance, and greater expectations, without any recognition in the funding. No wage increase coverage. No superannuation adjustment. No margin to sustain the work that quite literally holds people’s lives together.

We’re a small, values-driven organisation. We walk beside people navigating some of the most complex challenges life can throw at a person. We meaningfully and deliberately match deserving participants with high-calibre providers. We don’t do this work for profit, or take it lightly. We do it for people with disabilities. For their choice. For their inclusion. For their dignity.

But the truth is, this funding freeze is pushing us, and many like us, to the brink. We can't continue to 'run at a loss' behind inflation for another 12mths. Especially given the extra load we are carrying with rapid legislation changes and little rollout time to process and guide participants.

This year, the cost of delivering services has gone up again:
* A 3.5% Fair Work wage increase
* A 0.5% increase in superannuation
* New compliance costs linked to the upcoming NDIS Commission reforms, including mandatory registration for all Support Coordination providers (that's another huge cost for a tiny organisation like us).

And yet the price for Support Coordination has stayed exactly the same. For seven years in a row you've demanded that "we work more for less". We just can't any longer.

We ask you to consider what this means, not just for organisations like ours, but for the wonderful people we support:

+ Participants who rely on their Support Coordinator to find housing, engage with therapy, attend appointments, stay safe, or simply be heard.

+ Parents and carers who are stretched to breaking point, depending on Coordinators to manage crisis after crisis.

+ Employees who want to stay in the sector but can’t afford to, as wages stagnate and burnout rises.

Freezing prices while increasing expectations is not sustainable.

It’s not ethical. And it’s not what the NDIS was designed to be.

So we are standing up, with urgency, to ask, beg and even plead for you to, on our behalf:

+ Act now on our concerns to ensure the NDIA passes on the minimum wage and superannuation increases to Support Coordination pricing

+ Support an independent, transparent pricing model that reflects the true cost of service delivery, including wages, compliance, and the real value of our work

+ Engage meaningfully with Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA) and similar peak bodies across the country who are calling out for fairness

We are proud to deliver support that’s generous, human rights–driven, and grounded in relationship. But we cannot do it alone and we cannot do it without fair funding.

To recipients of this open letter, we invite you to walk a day in our shoes. To see what it takes to hold complex lives with care. And to help us to continue to build a system that values not just service delivery, but the people delivering it.

Brave is kind
Meryl
💛
Founder, Specialist and Support Coordinator

11/06/2025

"The NDIA is asking providers to keep the lights on while cutting off the power. It’s reckless, gutless, and downright damaging." - Disability Intermediaries Australia

If you've followed our page for a hot minute, you'll know we're generally not interested in politics and argy bargys about rules and stuff. We're too focused on delivering meaingful Support Coordination - it's what we love (we feel this) and it's what we're really good at (you tell us).

Tonight, though, I'm all about politics. And I am linking arms with fellow Support Coordinators across Australia in an argy bargy with the NDIS / NDIA.

For the 7th year in a row, the NDIA has refused to increase the rates for Support Coordination. Not even to just keep up with inflation. In this same period, the downward pressure from NDIA for us to keep up with changing rules, compliance demands and onerous administration has increased exponentially. We are tired and we are angry and we are burning out rapidly.

For MY TEAM, thank you for your stoic resolve to continue delivering exceptional, meaningful, quality service despite all the obstacles and stinging barbs being thrown right now.

For FELLOW SCs, you are valued and respected and your wellbeing matters. The rates don't mirror your value. Go gently with your heart and be kind to your mind. Get onboard the calls to action - we are more powerful than the sum of our parts.

For PARTICIPANTS who entrust us, we’re continuing to doing what we do best - supporting you with your NDIS plan understanding and implementation in ways that are meaningful to you, because your best everyday life matters most of all to you and that matters to us.

Finally, if you happen to know of, engage with, or employ a Support Coordinator, consider sharing a little extra love and care with them over the next few weeks. Kindness matters (if only it also showed up in an NDIA price increase…….please?!)

Brave is kind
Meryl
💛

Media Release: NDIA Abandons Disability Providers Yet Again — Sector in Outrage Over Frozen Prices and Funding Cuts....

29/05/2025

At The Wondering Wattle, we see every day how powerful it is when the right people come together - families, support coordinators, mentors, health professionals - all working towards the same thing: what matters most to the person at the centre.

Each week, we walk alongside teams navigating complex, emotional, and often challenging moments. Each person brings a different lens, a fresh insight, a vital piece of the puzzle. And when we take the time to really listen, share openly, and lean on each other’s strengths - that’s when the path forward becomes clearer.

This is why together matters. Because when we collaborate with care, advocate with integrity, and build a support team that genuinely sees the person, we don’t just put services in place - we create space for growth, confidence, and dignity. And that’s where lasting change begins.

Brave is kind,
Meryl 💛

21/05/2025

🌿 It's OK to change.

In fact - it's human.

As an NDIS participant, you’re allowed:
To shift your goals.
To explore new interests.
To update your boundaries.
To discover what brings you joy - and change your mind about that, too.

You might outgrow a support, decide something no longer feels right, or realise that what once worked doesn’t anymore.

That doesn’t mean you’re being unclear or uncertain.
It simply means you’re evolving.

The NDIS is designed to be flexible because people are.
So if you're feeling like something needs to change - that's valid.

💛 It's OK to pivot.
💛 It's OK to ask for more.
💛 It's OK to say, “this isn’t working anymore.”
💛 It’s OK to want a life that actually fits you.

YOU deserve that. 💛

14/05/2025

Be part of the implementation of the National Autism Strategy 2025 – 2031 (Strategy) and the First Action Plan 2025 – 2026 (Action Plan).

The Strategy and Action Plan will assist in breaking down barriers to inclusion in Australia by improving the evidence, understanding and acceptance around autism. It will also improve opportunity in areas of the Australian Government’s responsibility.

The Department of Social Services (the department) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from members of the Autistic and autism communities.

You can now apply to participate in:
a) a Reference Group, or
b) a time limited Working Group to support the Reference Group.

Here is the link to Express your Interest.
https://www.tfaforms.com/5178139

There is a separate link to Express your Interest if you are a Researcher or Professional.
https://lnkd.in/giHPQJXt

These links will also take you to more detailed Background Information, the Frequently Asked Questions document, and the Expression of Interest options. Easy Read information is also available. Take the time to read the Background Information and Frequently Asked Questions document as it will assist with your submission.

Please share this information amongst your networks.



Amanda Rishworth MP Autism CRC AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism Australasian Society for Autism Research The Autistic Self Advocacy Network Amaze Autism Queensland Aspect - Autism Spectrum Australia Autism SA Autism Association of Western Australia I CAN Network Ltd A4

10/05/2025

Today, on Mother’s Day, we’re holding space for everyone. 💛

To those celebrating with your mum — we hope your day is full of connection and love.
To the mums in our community — we see the strength, care and courage you carry every day.
To those who are missing their mum — we’re thinking of you and sending warmth your way.
And to those for whom this day is complicated — we honour your feelings, whatever they may be.

No matter your story, know you are not alone. You are seen, and you are held.

From all of us at The Wondering Wattle, with love. 💛

07/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HJZweacW8/

Check out this inspiring story that crossed our Facebook feed 🤩