Collective Abilities

06/09/2025

Wishing all the Dad’s, Stepdads, Grandfather’s, Uncles and other special people who stepped up to be a Dad figure in a child’s life a very Happy Father’s Day! We hope you manage to get out for a walk, kick the footy, play a game of back yard cricket, have a phone conversation, play a game of cards or sit around having a catch up natter…it doesn’t have to cost $. The gift of giving on a day like today is really just about your time, not the $ because one day we will all cherish these precious moments spent together!

And to those of us who find today difficult for whatever reason, that’s ok! Sending you vibes of love and healing for your hurt or grief. Do something for you…something that helps you to get through today…a long sleep, a chat with someone you trust, a bath, read a book, binge watch a show…whatever helps you to get through difficult days like today. Please know you can always reach out to someone should you need it!

18/05/2025

From Monday, 19 May 2025, the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme will implement a change in how funding is released for all new and reassessed plans.

Participants will now receive funds distributed in scheduled instalments known as “funding periods,” rather than accessing all the funds at the beginning of their plan.

All NEW and REASSESSED NDIS plans will include funding periods.

This means your total plan budget will be split into smaller portions, released at set intervals, rather than giving you access to the entire amount upfront.

For most participants, funding will be released in 3-month periods. For Home and Living supports, it may be released monthly.

Existing plans are not affected until you have a plan reassessment or review. If your plan is simply extended (rolled over), these changes won’t apply until your next review.

How Do Funding Periods Work?

- You can only spend the funds allocated for the current funding period. For example, if you have a 2-year plan, you might only be able to access 3 months’ worth of funding at a time.

- Unspent funds from a period will generally roll over to the next period within the same plan.

- This staged release is designed to help with budget management and prevent running out of funds early.

Why the Change?

- The new structure aims to provide more transparency, encourage regular plan reviews, and ensure funding is used consistently over the plan’s duration.

- It also allows for more timely interventions if there are issues with spending or support delivery.

Other Important Updates

- Plans will show a total budget amount (not individual line items), making it clearer how much funding you have and how long it needs to last.

- The NDIS will only add extra funding in specific situations, like emergencies.

- All new participants from January 2025 will receive an impairment notice, which will link directly to funding decisions.

What Should You Do?

- Be aware of your funding period dates and budget accordingly.

- Attend NDIA information sessions if you need more guidance.

- If you have a review or new plan after 19 May 2025, check how your funds are split and plan your supports to match the new release schedule.

Below we have included a list of links to help you understand the change including the Operational Guideline, DSS Section 33 factsheets and NDIS FAQs.

You can access the Operational Guideline here - https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/your-plan-menu/your-plan

You can access DSS Section 33 factsheet here - https://www.dss.gov.au/national-disability-insurance-scheme-review-and-reforms/changes-ndis-legislation

You can access the FAQs page here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation

Bookmark the events page here - https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/events

19/04/2025

Happy Easter! 🐣

17/02/2025

Are you an experienced and dedicated Disability Support Worker with a passion for making a difference?

We are seeking committed individuals to join our growing team, providing high-quality care and support to NDIS participants across various settings, Supported Independent Living (SIL), Short Term Accommodation (STA), Supported Residential Services (SRS) and Home and Community-Based Services.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide active support to NDIS participants in all areas of daily living, ensuring their individual goals and needs are met.
- Assist with personal care, meal preparation, medication administration, and community participation.
- Facilitate and engage in activities that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being.
- Support participants in maintaining and developing life skills in home, community, and recreational settings.
- Work collaboratively with participants, their families, and our team to promote independence and achieve positive outcomes.
- Maintain accurate documentation and communication in line with NDIS requirements.

Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in Disability Support.
- Certificate IV or higher in Disability (essential).
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and flexibility with availability across a 7-day rotational roster, including weekends and public holidays.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Current First Aid and CPR certificates (or willingness to obtain).
- National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and NDIS Worker Screening (or willingness to obtain).

What We Offer:
- A supportive, family-oriented workplace with a commitment to professional growth and development.
- Flexible working arrangements to suit your availability and lifestyle.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities.

If you are passionate about providing active and person-centred support and have the qualifications and experience to excel in this role, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role to collectiveabilities@outlook.com

Please NO applications via DM; email ONLY.

Join us and be part of a team that’s making a difference!

10/10/2024

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Each year on October 10 we all have the chance to put mental health in the spotlight to raise awareness and break down stigma.

This year we have focussed on the meaningful connections in our lives, and why they are so important for good mental health.

Mental health is an issue that touches each and every one of us in different ways, and World Mental Health Day reminds us that we should be connecting with loved ones, connecting with our community and colleagues, connecting with services and supports if needed - and most importantly - connecting back with ourselves for good mental health.

29/09/2024

Anxiety is a natural response to threat.

We need it to stay safe.

However, the perception of "threat" is often subjective; a byproduct of our conditioning as to what makes us acceptable to others. As such, anxiety can sometimes be unhelpful, debilitating and unsafe.

20/09/2024

What's growing in your mind-garden? 🌺

10/09/2024

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Today we are reminded It's okay, not to be okay and to Speak & Share for our wellbeing.

Reach out, you matter.

Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline Official 1800 55 1800
headspace 1800 650 890
13 Yarn 13 92 76 (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support)
Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277

03/09/2024

01/09/2024

Wishing the fathers in our community a very happy Father’s Day. We hope you enjoy your day with your families.

We are also thinking of those for whom today is difficult — those who are grieving, those experiencing perinatal mental illness or those whose journey to fatherhood has been challenging.

Days like today can be full of joy and celebration, but they can also be a painful reminder of past trauma, loss, or pain.

28/08/2024

Tomorrow is a new day! ☀️