http://www.growyourabilities.com.au/

Grow Your Abilities, West Burleigh (2026)

05/06/2026

NDIS Update – What This Actually Means for You

There has been a lot of talk recently about changes to the NDIS, and understandably, it’s caused a lot of worry, confusion, and questions. You may have seen posts online or heard things through the media about an “NDIS reset.”

We want to take a moment to break this down in a way that actually makes sense, without the fear.

So… what is happening?

The government has spoken about potential changes to improve how the NDIS works. That can sound scary, especially when it’s your supports, your independence, and your future being discussed.

But right now, most of what’s being talked about is still ideas.

There are no immediate major changes to your plan or supports.

What does this mean for you right now?

Honestly, not much changes at the moment.

There are a lot of discussions happening behind the scenes, but:

There are no clear timelines for most changes
Many details are still unknown
Nothing is being rolled out overnight
This actually gives us time to prepare and advocate properly.

Funding changes – what we know so far

One of the biggest things being flagged is around plan rollovers.

Currently, when your plan rolls over, unused funding can carry across. The proposed change suggests that in future, unused funds may not automatically roll over.

This is expected around mid-2026 (not confirmed yet).

What this means:

You may need to be more mindful of how your funding is used
Planning ahead for reviews will become even more important
We will support you to make sure funding is used effectively and not lost
Future assessments

From July 2027, new assessment tools may be introduced.

For now:

You can continue with your usual reports and assessments
Nothing changes in how we currently gather evidence
Plan reassessments

There are no changes right now.

You can still request a review if:

Your situation has changed
Your supports are no longer meeting your needs
Community access funding

From October 2026, there may be some changes to how community access funding works.

What this means:

Funding could become more targeted
There may be more focus on essential supports rather than “nice to have”
Again, this is not happening right now.

SIL (Supported Independent Living)

If you use SIL supports:

By July 2027, providers may need to be NDIS registered
If you don’t:

There is nothing you need to change right now
If anything does change, we will support you through it
Support workers and coordinators

No changes right now.

There may be discussions in the future, but nothing is being implemented at this stage.

Could people leave the NDIS?

There has been talk about reassessments for some people in the future (around 2028), particularly those with lower support needs.

But:

This is not happening now
Community supports are not ready to replace the NDIS
The NDIS remains the right support system for many people
So what should you do?

For now:

Keep going as normal
Keep your reports and evidence up to date
Stay engaged with your supports
And most importantly, keep us in the loop.

If you receive:

A letter
A phone call from the NDIS
Any request for information
Please let us know before responding so we can support you properly.

A quick reminder

Social media and news headlines often focus on worst-case scenarios.

Not everything you see or hear is accurate.

We will always provide you with clear, honest, and up-to-date information that actually applies to you.

Final thoughts

Right now, there are no major changes to your plan or supports.

Some changes may happen in the future, but nothing is immediate, and nothing is happening without time to prepare.

Our role is to:

Support you
Advocate for you
Make sure you feel informed, safe, and confident
If you’re feeling worried or unsure, reach out. We are here to walk through this with you.

03/06/2026

🌈 QLife

Did you know there is a free and anonymous support service specifically for LGBTQIA+ Australians?

QLife provides peer support and counselling for people wanting a safe space to talk about identity, mental health, relationships, isolation, coming out, or simply to connect with someone who understands.

Support is available via:
📞 Phone: 1800 184 527
💻 Webchat through the QLife website
🕒 Available daily from 3pm – midnight

QLife can support:

LGBTQIA+ individuals
Family members and carers
People questioning their identity
Those experiencing isolation, anxiety, or discrimination

https://qlife.org.au

More Resources:
https://www.minus18.org.au
https://www.transhub.org.au
https://interaction.org.au

01/06/2026

🌈 Happy Pride Month 🌈

This month is about celebrating diversity, authenticity, inclusion, and the right for every person to be exactly who they are.

At Grow Your Abilities, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, valued, and supported. We proudly stand alongside the LGBTQIA+ community and recognise the strength, courage, and resilience of those who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality and acceptance.

Pride is a celebration, but it is also a reminder that visibility, advocacy, and inclusion matter every day of the year.

Whether you are out and proud, still finding your path, supporting a loved one, or simply learning how to be a better ally, you are welcome here. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

This Pride Month, let's continue creating communities where everyone can belong, be heard, and thrive.

🏳️‍🌈 Love is love.
🏳️‍⚧️ Trans rights are human rights.
🌈 Diversity makes our communities stronger.

Happy Pride Month from all of us at Grow Your Abilities. 💜

🌈✨

01/06/2026

AEI App (Auslan Emergency Interpreting)

Did you know there is a free emergency Auslan interpreting app available for Deaf and hard of hearing Australians?

The AEI App connects users with qualified Auslan interpreters on demand during emergencies and urgent situations, helping improve communication and safety when it matters most.

This can be especially helpful during:

Medical emergencies
Natural disasters or evacuations
Police or emergency interactions
Urgent health appointments
Crisis situations where communication access is needed quickly
The app is free to download and available across Australia. It can be a great idea to set it up in advance so it’s ready if ever needed.

28/05/2026

🌱 COMMUNITY RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT 🌱
Looking for a low pressure, welcoming way to get out into the community? Community gardens can be such a beautiful option for many people living with disability, mental health challenges, social isolation, or simply wanting more connection 🌿

Community gardens can support:
🌻 Social connection
🌻 Routine and structure
🌻 Sensory regulation
🌻 Confidence building
🌻 Gentle movement and outdoor time
🌻 Learning new skills
🌻 Reducing isolation

Some local options across the Gold Coast include:
🌱 Varsity Vegies Community Garden
🌱 Labrador Community Garden
🌱 Nerang Community Garden
🌱 Ewan Street Community Garden

You do not need to be an expert gardener to join in. Many gardens simply welcome people to come along, connect, learn, and enjoy the space at their own pace 💚
This can also be a lovely activity to explore with a support worker, friend, family member, or independently depending on your goals and supports 🌼

Sometimes the best supports are the simple community spaces that help us feel connected, included, and valued 🌏✨

26/05/2026

💡 NDIS Tip of the Month – April
“Flexible” Funding Doesn’t Mean Anything Goes

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings we see.

Just because your Core funding is labelled “flexible”…
👉 it does NOT mean you can use it for anything.

⚠️ What “Flexible” Actually Means
Flexibility means you can move funding between categories within Core, such as:

Daily activities
Community access
Consumables
But every support still needs to be:

✔️ Related to your disability
✔️ Helping you work toward your goals
✔️ Considered reasonable and necessary

🚫 Where People Get Caught Out
We’re seeing more and more situations where:

Items are purchased without checking first
Providers suggest using “flexible funding” incorrectly
Claims get flagged or rejected later
👉 And unfortunately… participants can be asked to pay that money back.

🧠 A Simple Rule of Thumb
Before using your funding, ask:

👉 “Would I be able to clearly explain how this supports my disability and goals?”

If the answer is unclear…
it’s worth checking first.

✔️ What To Do Instead
Check with your Support Coordinator
Get advice before purchasing
Keep a clear link to your goals

💬 Real Talk
The NDIS is tightening.

What used to slide through…
👉 is now being looked at much more closely.

💛 Final Reminder
Flexible funding is a great tool…
but only when it’s used the right way.

A quick check beforehand can save a lot of stress later.

22/05/2026

Struggling with Bills, Food or Utilities? There Is Support Available 💛
Financial stress can hit anyone.

It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, or how well things were going before… sometimes life throws unexpected challenges, and suddenly things feel really tight.

If you or someone you support is feeling this right now, it’s important to know:
you’re not alone, and there is help available.

🛟 Emergency Financial Support
The Salvation Army offers emergency relief support for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

This can include help with:

Bills
Food
Utilities
Their support is practical and designed to help people through difficult periods, especially when something unexpected has caused financial stress.

📞 How It Works
To access support, you can contact the Salvos Assessment Line, where you’ll speak with a trained and friendly worker who will:

Listen to your situation
Assess your needs
Connect you with a local support service (Salvos Connect site)
📞 Phone: 02 8775 7988
🕘 Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

💡 It’s Not Just a One-Off Fix
For many people, emergency relief is a short-term support to get through a tough situation.

But if needed, The Salvation Army can also:

Provide ongoing support over time
Connect you with other helpful services
Help you work toward longer-term stability

💬 Additional Support Options
Alongside emergency relief, there are also other supports available:

💰 Financial Counselling (Free)
Through Moneycare, you can access:

Confidential financial advice
Support with debt and budgeting
Help understanding your financial situation
This is a non-judgemental space to get clarity and support.

🛍️ No Interest Loans (NILS)
If you need essential items (like household goods), you may be eligible for:

No interest loans
No hidden fees
This can be a much safer option than high-interest lending.

💛 Final Thoughts
Reaching out for help can feel really hard… especially when it comes to finances.

But services like this exist for a reason, and they are there to support people through exactly these kinds of situations.

Whether it’s a one-off bill, food support, or something more ongoing,
there are people ready to listen and help you move forward.

If you’re a support coordinator, support worker, or family member, this is a great resource to keep on hand for when someone needs it most.

Sometimes, just knowing where to go can make all the difference 💛

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/moree/need-help/financial-assistance-bills-food-utilities/

20/05/2026

NDIS Updates – April 2026
What You Actually Need to Know

April has been a BIG month for NDIS changes… and if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, you’re not alone.

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes right now, and while not everything is impacting participants immediately, these changes will shape how the NDIS works moving forward.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening 👇

🛡️ New NDIS Laws Passed (April 2026)
One of the biggest updates this month is that new legislation has officially passed:

The NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Act 2026 was passed and came into effect in April.

What this means:
Stronger powers for the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission
Increased penalties for providers doing the wrong thing
New protections for whistleblowers
More oversight around how providers operate
👉 In simple terms:
This is about cracking down on dodgy providers and protecting participants.

And honestly… this has been a long time coming.

🔍 Increased Focus on Fraud & Misuse
There’s been a LOT of media attention this month around misuse of NDIS funding.

What’s coming:
Tighter provider regulation
Increased audits and compliance checks
More scrutiny on how funding is being used
The government is also trying to slow NDIS growth to around 5–6% per year to make it sustainable.

👉 Translation:
Expect more checks, more questions, and less flexibility without justification.

🧠 Changes to NDIS Planning (Coming Soon)
A major reform is on the way, with rollout expected from mid-2026.

What’s changing:
Introduction of Support Needs Assessments
Less reliance on multiple external reports
More structured and consistent planning decisions
A shift toward “what supports you need” vs just diagnosis

👉 Important:

You don’t need to do anything yet
Your current plan stays the same until you transition

📊 Clearer Rules Around Funding
There’s also movement toward making funding rules more defined.

This includes:
Clearer guidance on what NDIS will and won’t fund
More structured budgets and funding periods
Increased monitoring of spending

👉 Translation:
“Flexible funding” is starting to become less flexible unless it clearly aligns with your disability supports.

⚖️ Big Conversations About Funding Cuts
Behind the scenes, there is serious discussion about reducing NDIS spending.

What’s being looked at:
Changes to psychosocial disability supports
Possible tightening of eligibility or plan budgets
Shifting some supports outside of NDIS

👉 This is still evolving, but:
There is a clear shift toward stricter funding decisions.

🏢 Provider Changes Are Coming
Another important change (not immediate, but confirmed):

From 1 July 2026, certain providers (including SIL and platform providers) will need to be registered to deliver supports.

👉 This will:

Reduce unregulated providers
Increase compliance requirements
Change how some services are delivered

💬 So… What Does This Mean for You?
Here’s the honest, real-world summary:

The NDIS is tightening
There is a strong push for accountability
Funding decisions are becoming more structured and evidence-based
Support Coordinators are going to be more important than ever

💛 Final Thoughts
Right now, we are in a transition phase.

Things are changing, but not everything is immediate.

The key is:
👉 Stay informed
👉 Get the right evidence
👉 Have the right supports around you

Because navigating the NDIS is no longer just about accessing supports…
it’s about knowing how to advocate for them properly.

18/05/2026

Home Assist Secure: Support to Help You Stay Safe in Your Home
Many people want to remain living in their own home for as long as possible. Feeling safe, secure, and able to move around your home independently is an important part of maintaining quality of life.

For eligible Queenslanders, the Home Assist Secure program provides practical help to make this possible.

This is not a NDIS funded support.

What is Home Assist Secure?
Home Assist Secure is a Queensland Government program that provides information, referrals, and subsidised assistance for essential home maintenance and safety modifications. The program is designed to help older people and people with disability continue living safely and independently in their homes.

Rather than covering major renovations, the program focuses on critical repairs and safety improvements that help reduce risks within the home and improve accessibility.

What kinds of support are available?
Depending on your circumstances, Home Assist Secure may help with things like:

Minor home repairs such as fixing locks, leaky taps, or faulty power points
Installing safety features like grab rails or ramps
Improving home security (for example locks, lighting, or key safes)
Smoke alarm installation and other safety devices
Home safety assessments and referrals to qualified tradespeople
These supports are intended to ensure your home remains safe, accessible, and secure, helping prevent accidents and supporting everyday independence.

Who can apply?
You may be eligible for Home Assist Secure if you:

Are 60 years or older, or any age with a disability
Hold a Pensioner Concession Card
Are unable to safely complete the work yourself due to health, safety, or skill limitations
Are not already receiving assistance for the same supports through other government programs
These criteria help ensure the program reaches people who may otherwise struggle to maintain the safety of their home environment.

What the program does not cover
Home Assist Secure is focused on essential safety needs, so it does not fund general home improvements or cosmetic work such as renovations, landscaping, or aesthetic upgrades.

Major structural changes to a home are also outside the scope of the program.

Why programs like this matter
Small changes around the home can make a significant difference to someone’s ability to live independently. Simple modifications such as grab rails, improved lighting, or secure locks can reduce falls, improve safety, and increase confidence within the home environment.

Programs like Home Assist Secure help remove practical barriers so people can continue living in familiar surroundings while maintaining independence and wellbeing.

https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/homeowners-financial-help/home-assist-secure

15/05/2026

A More Affordable Pathway to ADHD Assessment in Australia
If you’ve been exploring an ADHD assessment, you’ve probably already noticed one thing…
it can be expensive, overwhelming, and hard to navigate.

Many private assessments across Australia can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the provider and process.

So when we find a pathway that is more accessible, transparent, and cost-effective, it’s absolutely worth sharing.

💡 A More Affordable Option
One option we’ve come across is through Sage Clinic — a telehealth-based psychiatry service that works with individuals across Australia.

For adults, their ADHD assessment currently sits at around:

~$739 out-of-pocket after Medicare rebates
This is significantly lower than many traditional private pathways, which often exceed $1,000–$2,000.

🧠 How This Pathway Works
The process is relatively straightforward and designed to reduce barriers:

GP Referral Required
You’ll need to speak with your GP and request a referral for an ADHD assessment.
Telehealth Assessment
The assessment is completed via telehealth with a psychiatrist, meaning you can access it from anywhere in Australia.
Diagnosis & Recommendations
If ADHD is diagnosed, a treatment plan is provided.
Ongoing Care Through Your GP
In many cases, ongoing prescribing and monitoring can be transferred back to your GP
(this depends on finding a GP who is comfortable managing ADHD treatment)

✔️ Why This Matters
This pathway can be a game changer because it:

Reduces financial barriers
Avoids long waitlists in some areas
Supports continuity of care through your GP
Makes access possible for people in regional or remote areas

⚠️ A Few Things to Consider
While this is a great option, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

You must have a GP willing to take over ongoing care
It is still a private service (fees are paid upfront)
ADHD assessments should always be comprehensive and thorough, not rushed

💬 Final Thoughts
Accessing an ADHD diagnosis shouldn’t feel impossible, but for many people, it does.

Finding more affordable and flexible pathways like this helps bridge that gap and gives people the opportunity to better understand themselves, access the right supports, and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been considering an assessment but felt stuck due to cost or wait times, this could be a really practical option to explore.

https://sageclinic.com.au

Grow Your Abilities

05/06/2026

03/06/2026

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

26/05/2026

22/05/2026

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

15/05/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category