Respite Now

13/08/2026

🌟 Your Voice Can Help Shape More Inclusive Communities

What would make it easier for people with disability to join in, connect and belong in their local community?

The Australian Government’s Inclusive Communities Fund will provide $200 million over 3 years to help community organisations create more inclusive opportunities in areas such as:

🎨 Arts & creative activities
⚽ Sports & recreation
🤝 Social groups & local clubs
🌱 Community gardens & volunteering
💙 Other activities that bring people together

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is asking NDIS participants and disability and community organisations to share their experiences and ideas.

🗣️ This is your opportunity to speak up. Your feedback can help identify barriers and shape activities that are easier for everyone to access and enjoy.

📅 Consultation closes 31 August 2026 at 11:59 pm AEST.

👉 Have your say:
https://consultations.health.gov.au/disability-and-carers-group/inclusive-communities-fund/

💬 Let’s start the conversation!
If you could make one change to improve inclusion in your local community, what would it be? Share your thoughts below. 👇

📲 Tag someone who should have their say and share this post to help spread the word!

— Respite Now 💙
Supporting connection, participation and inclusion in our communities.

Resource: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11622-have-your-say-inclusive-communities-fund

24/07/2026

💙 Making the Most of Your NDIS Plan

Your NDIS plan is designed to help you achieve your goals and live the life you choose. With a little planning, you can get the most value from your supports and make every dollar count.

✨ Simple tips to maximise your plan:
✅ Know your goals and choose supports that help you achieve them.
✅ Keep track of your funding throughout your plan period.
✅ Book services early to avoid missing out on appointments.
✅ Review your progress regularly and celebrate your achievements.
✅ If your needs change, speak with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager, or the NDIA about your options.

Remember, your NDIS plan isn't just about funding—it's about creating opportunities, building independence, and improving your quality of life.

💙 How Respite Now Can Help
Whether you need community access, respite, personal care, or help understanding your supports, our team is here to help you make the most of your NDIS plan every step of the way.

📣 Let's Chat!
What's one goal you'd like to achieve with your NDIS plan this year? Share it in the comments—we'd love to hear from you and celebrate your journey! 🌟

📞 Contact Respite Now today to find out how we can support you to achieve your goals and get the most from your NDIS funding.

📚 Helpful Resources

🔹 NDIS – Making the most of your plan: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-plan/creating-your-first-plan
🔹 NDIS Contact Centre: 1800 800 110

Together, let's build confidence, independence, and meaningful opportunities for everyone.

23/07/2026

🍃 Thoughtful Thursday 💙

Kindness doesn't have to be a grand gesture—sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

A smile. 😊
A kind word. 💬
A helping hand. 🤝
Taking the time to listen. ❤️

These simple acts can brighten someone's day and help create a more inclusive, supportive community where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

At Respite Now, we believe that every act of kindness helps build stronger connections and empowers people of all abilities to live fulfilling lives.

💙 Challenge for today: Perform one random act of kindness for someone in your community—it could be as simple as checking in on a friend, holding the door open, or sharing a compliment.

💬 We'd love to hear from you! Tell us in the comments:
What's one small act of kindness that has made a big difference in your life? Or share how you'll spread kindness today.

👍 If this message resonates with you, like this post, share it with your friends and family, and follow Respite Now for more tips, community stories, and disability inclusion content.

Together, we can build a kinder, more inclusive community for everyone. 💙

17/07/2026

🌈 Celebrate Disability Pride Month 💙

This Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the diversity, resilience, talents, and achievements of people living with disability.

Disability is a natural part of human diversity, and every person deserves to be valued, respected, and empowered to live life on their own terms. Together, we can build communities where everyone feels included, heard, and supported.

At Respite Now, we're proud to stand alongside people with disability, their families, and carers by promoting choice, independence, and meaningful participation every day.

Let's continue breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive Australia—where every ability is celebrated.

💙 This month, take a moment to:
✨ Listen to lived experiences
✨ Promote accessibility and inclusion
✨ Celebrate the strengths and achievements of people with disability
✨ Be an ally who advocates for equal opportunities

💬 We'd love to hear from you!
What does Disability Pride mean to you? Share your thoughts, experiences, or words of encouragement in the comments below and help inspire a more inclusive community.

📢 Help spread the message! Like, share, and tag someone who champions inclusion. Together, we can celebrate diversity and create a future where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

16/07/2026

📞 A New Dedicated NDIS Phone Service for First Nations People

The NDIA has launched First Nations Connect – a dedicated phone service designed to provide culturally respectful and tailored support for First Nations people with disability.

Created in response to community feedback, this service connects callers with specially trained staff who understand First Nations identity, culture, and community values, making it easier to access clear and respectful NDIS support.

📞 First Nations Connect: 1800 411 640

✨ Why this matters:
🤝 Culturally respectful and inclusive support
💬 Specially trained staff, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members
🌿 A step towards stronger trust, better connections, and improved outcomes for First Nations people with disability

At Respite Now, we believe everyone deserves support that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible.

💙 Help spread the word! If you know a First Nations person, family member, carer, or community organisation who may benefit from this service, share this post so they know where to find the right support.

💬 What does culturally safe support mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

📌 Save this post so you have the number handy if you or someone you know needs it.

Resource : https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11604-phone-service-established-first-nations-people-disability

10/07/2026

🎉 The third edition of The RITCHLY Connection is here!

Our latest newsletter is packed with inspiring stories, community highlights, important updates, and memorable moments from across the Respite Now community. 💛

Take a moment to catch up on the latest news, celebrate recent achievements, and see what's been happening across the Respite Now community. We hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

📖 Read the 3rd Edition here:
https://mailchi.mp/respitenow.com.au/the-ritchly-connection-3rd-edition

09/07/2026

See the Person, Not the Disability 💙

What if the thing that surprised you most about someone wasn't their disability—but their taste in music, favourite pizza topping, or love for motorsports?

South Australia's "See Me for Me" campaign uses humour to challenge stereotypes and remind us that people with disability are so much more than what others may assume.

At Respite Now, we believe true inclusion begins when we look beyond labels and take the time to know the person. Whether it's sharing a laugh, exploring hobbies, building friendships, or achieving personal goals, every individual deserves to be seen for who they are.

Let's replace assumptions with conversations and stereotypes with understanding. Because disability is just one part of a person's story—not the whole story. 💙

How can you make a difference today? Start a conversation, get to know someone's interests, challenge stereotypes when you see them, and help create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

📩 Looking for personalised, person-centred disability support? Contact Respite Now today to learn how we can support you or your loved one on their journey. Together, let's build a more inclusive community.

Resource: https://premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-archive/humor-at-the-heart-of-new-disability-campaign

09/07/2026

New Support Pathway for Young Children – Thriving Kids

The Australian Government has announced Thriving Kids, a new initiative that will provide earlier support for children aged 8 years and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs.

Starting 1 October 2026, eligible children and their families will begin accessing support through Thriving Kids, with the program expected to be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028.

💙 Key things to know:
• $4 billion will be invested over 5 years by the Australian, state and territory governments.
• Thriving Kids will provide supports outside the NDIS for children with low to moderate support needs.
• Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS under the usual arrangements.
• The new program aims to ensure children and families receive the right support as early as possible.

At Respite Now, we're committed to keeping our community informed about important changes that may affect participants and their families. Understanding these updates can help you prepare for future support options.

📞 If you have questions about how these changes may impact your family or would like to learn more about the supports available, our team is here to help.

Contact Respite Now today or speak with your Support Coordinator to discuss your options.

Resource: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11085-thriving-kids

02/06/2026

17/05/2026

We are all glad to hear that Claire's favoutite cat in the whole, wide world, Whiskey, is finally coming good after a gruelling 2 months of recovery after being attacked by a nasty, neighbours cat. With 3 hrs further surgery last Friday, Whiskey is now starting to have good prospects for a full recovery. Good luck for the next stage of her recovery Claire and Whiskey. Thoughts and prayers with the both of you.