Illawarra Advocacy

22/08/2025

Parents of children with developmental delay or autism are facing more uncertainty than ever.

The government’s latest changes may have the appearance of an NDIS cost-saving measure, but at what price?

✅ Early intervention isn’t a luxury – it’s an investment in children’s futures.
✅ Cutting supports now risks bigger challenges – such as increasing costs to health, education, justice and social services over the longer term.
✅ Carers are already exhausted - these changes will only increase carer fatigue if not addressed.

And the impacts will be even greater in regional, rural and remote areas like the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast, where autism rates are above the state average and access to services is already limited.

Families deserve stability, not short-term fixes. Read why this decision is sparking serious concern:

Angelique May-Bennett says the NDIS has been a game-changer for her two daughters. She wonders whether the proposed changes will produce the same benefits.

14/08/2025

You're Invited to our Community Connect Night! 🤝

Hear the latest Flagstaff news bites, learn more about Access2Work and connect with others whilst you enjoy yummy bites and beverages!

Important information:
✅ FREE EVENT
📅 Wednesday 20th August
📍 Wests Illawarra
🕙 5:30pm - 7:00pm

🔗 To RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/4lkEEKg

11/08/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce that our Tea for Change fundraiser will be hosted by none other than Jade Aroha Tonta — formerly of Wave FM Breakfast Show and proud advocate for inclusion!

Join us in making a real impact:

🗓 Sunday 28 Sept | 🕥 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 The Woolshed, Yallah | 💲$120 pp (+$5 dietary option)
🎁 Amazing raffle + auction prizes to be won!

Every ticket supports people with disabilities across the Illawarra and South Coast. Tag your crew, dress up for a good cause, and let’s create change — one cuppa at a time. ☕🍓💬

04/08/2025

🎉 Our New Website is Live! 🌐

We're excited to share that Illawarra Advocacy has officially launched our brand new website! 💻✨

It’s now easier than ever to learn about our services, get support, and find helpful information about your rights and how we can help. Whether you're looking for information, advocacy resources, or just want to know more about who we are — it’s all just a click away.

👉 Check it out here: https://illawarraadvocacy.org.au/

A huge thank you to all those who helped bring this to life. We can’t wait for you to explore it!

01/08/2025

Join us for Tea for Change! ☕💜
Our first-ever fundraiser is a beautiful Spring High Tea supporting people with disabilities across the Illawarra and South Coast.

🎟 Tickets are tax deductible!!!!!
🎁 Great raffle and auction prizes to be won
🗓 Sunday 28 Sept | 🕥 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 The Woolshed, Yallah | $120 pp (+ $5 for dietary)

Every ticket helps us amplify voices and create real change. Tag your friends and grab your tickets today! 💬🍓

31/07/2025

Independent Disability Advocacy
🛑 NDIS Providers Are Not Advocates 🛑

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has made it clear: NDIS providers cannot act
as your advocate. Advocacy must be independent, with no real or perceived conflicts of
interest.

This means that providers who deliver your NDIS supports cannot:
✘ Act on your behalf in a representative role
✘ Offer advocacy services if they already deliver NDIS supports to you
✘ Direct you to their preferred or affiliated services

⚖️ That’s where we come in.
At [Illawarra Advocacy], we are a free, independent, community-based disability advocacy
service. We stand beside people with disability — not providers or government — to make
sure your rights, choices, and voices are heard.

✅ We are here to help when things go wrong
✅ We support you to navigate systems, lodge complaints, and have your say
✅ We work only for you — with no ties to service providers

🟢 Know your rights. Demand independence.
🟣 Contact us if you need real advocacy — not conflicted advice.

📞 (02) 4229 4999
🌐 www.illawarraadvocacy.org.au

Your NDIS provider can support you in many ways, but they can’t be your advocate.

That’s because under the NDIS Act, advocacy must be fully independent, with no real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Learn the difference, and how to access independent advocacy if you need it, here: https://bit.ly/443xPGA

29/07/2025

🌸 Join Us for Our First Ever Fundraiser – Tea for Change! ☕✨

We’re thrilled to invite you to Tea for Change, a special Spring High Tea to raise funds for Illawarra Advocacy and support our mission of standing up for the rights and voices of people with disabilities across the Illawarra and South Coast.

Enjoy a beautiful morning filled with delicious treats, good company, a silent auction, and exciting raffle prizes — all while helping make real change happen in our community. 💜

🗓 Sunday 28 September 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 The Woolshed, 601 Princes Hwy, Yallah
🎟 $120 per person (+$5 for dietary requirements)

Every ticket supports our advocacy work — ensuring that people with disabilities are heard, respected, and empowered.

💬 Tag your friends, scan the QR code, grab your tickets, and join us for a heartwarming and inspiring day. Let’s raise our teacups to change! 🍰🍓

25/07/2025

🌸 Save the Date! 🌸
Tea for Change – Our First Fundraiser!

📍 The Woolshed, 601 Princes Hwy, Yallah
📅 Sunday 28 September
🕥 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

You're warmly invited to a beautiful Spring High Tea in support of Illawarra Advocacy and our work championing the rights of people with disabilities across the Illawarra and South Coast.

🎟️ $120 per person | +$5 for dietary options
🎁 Raffle Prizes | 🤫 Silent Auction | 💛 A Cause That Matters

Delicious treats, sparkling company, and real impact.
Mark your calendars – we can't wait to see you there!

24/07/2025

As a carer, it's so important to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it's a hospital visit or something more urgent, having a plan in place brings peace of mind.
Sharing in case it helps someone else too!

At Carer Gateway, we understand that emergencies are unexpected and can happen at any time.

That’s why Carer Gateway has an emergency care plan that you can fill out and use as a resource to help you in your caring role.

An emergency care plan has all the information about the person you care for in one place, making it easier for someone else to help out if needed.

For more information and to download an emergency care plan visit: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/your-life-carer/preparing-future/preparing-emergencies/emergency-care-plan

17/07/2025

Have your say! 🗣️

Council is developing its next Disability Inclusion Action Plan and wants to hear from people with disability, their families, and carers.

What helps—or hinders—your daily life? Whether it’s getting around, feeling included, accessing services, or finding work, your voice matters.

Share your experiences and ideas to help shape a more inclusive community.

📢 Get involved and help drive local change!

We’re making our next Disability Inclusion Action Plan and want to hear from people with disability, their families, carers, and support workers. Tell us your ideas about how Council can make our community a better place for you. These ideas will help us make our Plan.

08/07/2025

Advocacy can’t be ignored in NDIS reform.

The NDIS was built on a promise of choice and control, but right now that promise is slipping away.

As reforms roll out, people with disability are facing plan cuts, confusing eligibility changes, and reduced flexibility, leaving many in distress. Without clear explanations, they’re losing vital supports, and with them, their independence.

This isn’t just about individual cases—it’s about systemic change. When advocacy is sidelined, people are left behind.

📢 Read more on our blog: https://dana.org.au/the-missing-piece-in-ndis-reform/

29/05/2025

Words matter. 💬 Let's talk about disability with respect and awareness. Check out this helpful guide on using inclusive, empowering language when talking about disability. It's a small step that makes a big difference.

UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia has a helpful language guide. It explains what words to use, and not use, when talking about disability.

You can access the guide at: https://bit.ly/43dxKiY