Welcome to Our Autumn-Winter Edition
I would like to welcome to our community two new Participants: Madeline and Edward.
The transition from autumn to winter is a dynamic period were decreasing daylight and dropping solar energy transform our environment. Depending on the context, this shift can be viewed as a meteorological change, a biological adaptation, or an emotional and cultural transition.
In Australia, this shift officially takes place during themonths of April, May, and June. Meteorological autumn spans from March to May, making May the primary transitional month before winter officially begins in June. Australia's seasons are defined by calendar months rather than astronomical dates, meaning they are completely reversed from the Northern Hemisphere.
NDIS updates: changes that might affect you
Health Minister Mark Butler announced a package of NDIS reforms on April 22. The proposed changes passed both houses of parliament in June 2026, meaning some updates may take effect shortly.
• Accessing the NDIS: Standardised assessments offunctional capacity will eventually replace diagnosis lists, and the boundary between the NDIS and mainstream services will be more clearly defined. These changes will be introduced progressively from early 2027.
• Current Participants: If you are currently on the NDIS, your plan will continue under the current arrangements for now.
• Budget Changes:
a) Unspent funds will no longer automatically roll over between plans.
b) Participant budgets for social, civic, and community participation, as well as capacity-building daily activities, will be progressively adjusted from 1 October 2026.
c) Note: The government has stated these changes will not affect supports essential to critical care and daily living needs.
• Plan Reassessments: The criteria for requesting an unscheduled plan reassessment will tighten. However, participants who experience a significant change in their support needs will still be able to request a plan variation.
Just for your information the new NDIS Pricing Schedule has changed and will get affect from 1/07/2026.
Our Day Programs, Supports, and Services
We are excited to continue our Thursday and Friday Day Programs! We warmly invite you to contact us for details regarding our after-program activities. We always strive to match each participant's individual choices, goals, and preferences.
Weekend Support: If you would like to book additional community access supports on Saturdays or Sundays, please reach outto our team to secure a spot.
I would like to extend a special thanks to our wonderful staff and group activity workers, whose ongoing support and care continue to inspire us all. Their commitment truly enriches the lives of our Group Program participants and provides invaluable individual support at home. I would also like to warmly welcome two new staff members to our Day Program team!
Our cooking classes continue to be a huge success! Participants work together to create shopping lists, shop for ingredients, and prepare delicious lunches – building confidence and independence along the way. Additionally, our participants love taking part in regular excursions to parks across Melbourne, practicing using their Myki cards, traveling by trains and trams, and actively exploring our beautiful community and town.
Katherine Mistarz
NDIS Program Coordinator
Read the full newsletter issue.
