Coordinating Independence Services

10/09/2025

Too many people lost, too many people struggle. If you are not sure, ASK, RUOK is not a day, it’s a commitment to being there for each other when things aren’t as good as it could be. Today we paused to think about this, just for a moment. We hope you will too.

Today, on World Su***de Prevention Day, we pause to remember, reflect and remind each other that every single life matters. A simple check-in, a kind word, or a genuine conversation can make all the difference.

Let’s break the silence, spread hope, and stand together to prevent su***de. 💛✨

***dePreventionDay

07/09/2025

22/08/2025

We Stand With Participants — Fix the System, Not the People

At Coordinating Independence, our team has over 100 years of experience in disability and mental health (which sounds impressive, but really just means we’re not getting any younger!). That experience has taught us one thing above all: the strength and determination of the people we support.

This week, the Prime Minister claimed “40% of Australians” are on the NDIS. As Heidi La Paglia from Every Australian Counts has rightly called out [1], that’s simply not true. The real figure is less than 2.5% of Australians, including around 8–9% of children under 15 [2]. A far cry from 40%.

Yet this myth feeds a damaging narrative — one that blames Autistic children and families for budget pressures. At CIS, we cannot sit back and let participants be scapegoated. The people we support are not the problem.

The Real Cost Drivers

What’s really draining the scheme?

Endless reviews and admin churn

Billions wasted on consultants and bureaucracy

Ballooning legal costs as families are dragged through tribunals [3]

That’s where reform is needed — not in cutting kids’ supports.

Our Approach at CIS

We hire experienced coordinators, pay above award, and still deliver more than the NDIS price limits allow — because outcomes matter more than billable hours. And we know the vast majority of providers we work with are doing the same: going above and beyond for participants every day.

Why “Thriving Kids” Concerns Us

The government’s new Thriving Kids program [4] risks pushing children into block-funded programs like Inklings [5], which focus on “reducing” autistic traits rather than supporting neurodivergence. As Heidi La Paglia and Every Australian Counts have shown, this approach is not evidence-based, not co-designed, and not safe.

What Needs to Change

If the NDIS is to thrive, government must:
- Address the real cost drivers in its own systems
- Protect individualised supports for children with permanent disability (as required by the NDIS Act 2013)
- Commit to genuine co-design with participants and families

At CIS, our focus remains the same: supporting people in their communities to live the lives they choose, with dignity and independence.

Because sustainability won’t come from cutting children’s supports. It will come from fixing the system that too often fails them.

References

[1] La Paglia, H. (2025, Aug 21). NDIS Truth Matters: Autistic Children Aren’t Breaking the Scheme. Every Australian Counts.
[2] NDIA. (2025). Quarterly Report Q4 2024–25.
[3] NDIA (2025). FOI 24/25-1557; National Legal Aid. (2024). 2025–2026 Pre-Budget Submission.
[4] Australian Government. (2025, Aug 20). Speech from Minister Butler, National Press Club.
[5] Hippocratic Post. (2024, Feb 22). ANPA warn of ‘Inklings’ Program’s Risks to Babies.

21/08/2025

We couldn’t agree more, the system needs work. If it’s not working it’s clearly NOT a reflection on the people it’s supposed to support. Look inward and repair the damage IN the system.

New Opinion Piece on the EAC website: Autistic children don’t break the budget. Broken systems do.
This week, the government announced the new “Thriving Kids” program, alongside plans to change how children with disability access the NDIS.
In this opinion piece, Heidi La Paglia challenges the myths and highlights what’s really putting pressure on the system.
📖 Read the full opinion piece: https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/opinion/autistic-children-dont-break-the-budget/

[Image description: A graphic with a red textured background features a white paper-like overlay. At the top is the "Every Australian Counts" logo. The text reads: “Opinion: Autistic Children Don’t Break the Budget. Broken Systems Do.” by Heidi La Paglia. At the bottom right is a circular photo of Heidi La Paglia smiling.]

15/07/2025

Congratulations Dylan and ALL of those involved in this amazing team. You’ve worked hard and deserve the admiration of the people for your efforts.

Locals Carly Young and Dylan Braan both shone at the recent national championships.

10/07/2025

“He Did Everything Right – and Still almost lost his care”: Wollongong Man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophyalmost left Without Support Due to NDIA Delay
Wollongong, 9 July 2025 – Jack Wason is not a story of tragedy — he is, in every sense, a local success story.
The 23-year-old, who lives with the progressive and life-limiting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), graduated with honours in 2024 with a Bachelor of Information Technology and shortly after secured permanent employment.
With the right supports in place, Jack was able to move into his own Specialist Disability Accommodation unit in Wollongong, and live independently with 24/7 support. He became an Ambassador for the national charity Save Our Sons, and under their banner launched 'The Wheely Good Guys' — a live podcast and peer support network for other young Australians diagnosed with DMD.
Yet despite his achievements, Jack has now run out of NDIS funding — and was facing imminent relinquishment of care to NSW Health, simply because of an administrative delay in reassessing his support plan.

10/07/2025

“He Did Everything Right – and Still almost lost his care”: Wollongong Man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophyalmost left Without Support Due to NDIA Delay
Wollongong, 9 July 2025 – Jack Wason is not a story of tragedy — he is, in every sense, a local success story.

The 23-year-old, who lives with the progressive and life-limiting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), graduated with honours in 2024 with a Bachelor of Information Technology and shortly after secured permanent employment.

With the right supports in place, Jack was able to move into his own Specialist Disability Accommodation unit in Wollongong, and live independently with 24/7 support. He became an Ambassador for the national charity Save Our Sons, and under their banner launched 'The Wheely Good Guys' — a live podcast and peer support network for other young Australians diagnosed with DMD.

Yet despite his achievements, Jack has now run out of NDIS funding — and was facing imminent relinquishment of care to NSW Health, simply because of an administrative delay in reassessing his support plan.

10/07/2025

“He Did Everything Right – and Still almost lost his care”: Wollongong Man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophyalmost left Without Support Due to NDIA Delay
Wollongong, 9 July 2025 – Jack Wason is not a story of tragedy — he is, in every sense, a local success story.
The 23-year-old, who lives with the progressive and life-limiting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), graduated with honours in 2024 with a Bachelor of Information Technology and shortly after secured permanent employment.
With the right supports in place, Jack was able to move into his own Specialist Disability Accommodation unit in Wollongong, and live independently with 24/7 support. He became an Ambassador for the national charity Save Our Sons, and under their banner launched 'The Wheely Good Guys' — a live podcast and peer support network for other young Australians diagnosed with DMD.
Yet despite his achievements, Jack has now run out of NDIS funding — and was facing imminent relinquishment of care to NSW Health, simply because of an administrative delay in reassessing his support plan.

07/07/2025

Thank you DIA and The Sydney Mornjng Herald for bringing this to light. While it hurts not to be able to respond to wage increases the people we support are the ones who are truly affected. Devalued, further disadvantaged while demanding registrations and increasing responsibility for Support Coordination and Plan Management alike. What were they thinking?

A single mum of two boys with autism faces an uphill battle following the NDIS’ latest move, with many other anguished parents also having similar fears. See what services are affected.

09/04/2025

🎉 We’re Hiring: Support Coordinator Wanted! 🎉
Join a passionate, growing team that’s all about making a real difference in people’s lives.

🚀 One of our incredible team members is heading off on an exciting prac consignment, and we’re looking for YOU to step in and shine as our next Support Coordinator!

What’s In It For You?
✨ Start Part-Time, Grow to Full-Time – We’re planning for you to transition into a full-time role within the first 3 months!
✨ Flexibility That Fits Your Life – We get it. Life’s busy. That’s why we offer flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle.
✨ Be Rewarded for What You Bring – A competitive salary awaits the right person who brings experience, passion, and dedication to the role.

Are You:
✅ Experienced in support coordination?
✅ Qualified and ready to make an impact?
✅ Passionate about helping others live independently and thrive?

We want to hear from you!

📧 Send us your expression of interest and resume to:
mark@coordinatingindependence.com.au
📞 Or give us a call directly on 0478 705 045

Know someone perfect for the role? Share this with your network!

Let’s create positive change — together. 🌟