Mackay disability services budget boost as region prepares for NDIS

Mackay disability services provider Engedi will benefit from more than $2.6 million in Palaszczuk Government funding to support local people with disability.

Disability Services Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the funding was part of a $1.7 billion allocation for disability services in this year’s State Budget, which reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of people with disability.

“Our Government is proud to fund organisations like Engedi, to continue to deliver in-home accommodation support, respite and vacation care supports to local people with disability,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Engedi operates from a collaborative, individualised and flexible framework, understanding each individual is unique and has different requirements.

“Together with clients and their families, the organisation develops individualised support plans that help them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

“Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) these tailored and individualised plans will mean that participants will have more choice and control over supports they receive.

“It’s great to see organisations like Engedi already on board.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Engedi was also granted $50,000 in 2015 to deliver workshops and training to staff and clients to assist in their preparation for the NDIS.

“Around 3160 people with disability in the greater Mackay-Whitsunday region will be among the first Queenslanders to benefit from the NDIS, which will start rolling out locally from November,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Once fully operational, the scheme will generate up to 19,400 new jobs in our state’s disability sector, and up to 550 of these jobs could be created in the Mackay-Whitsunday region.”

Engedi Manager Debbie King said Engedi had provided respite services to people with disabilities and their families in the Mackay community since 1987 and that they had recently moved into a new purpose-built facility.

“This wonderful new building has offices upstairs for our management team and a downstairs area for innovative and engaging new programs for our service users,” Ms King said.

“Everyone at Engedi is excited about the NDIS and being able to offer our families new opportunities in service provision.”

For further information on the NDIS visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA Hotline on 1800 800 110.

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170