NDIS set to deliver outcomes for people with disability in Cairns

Published Tuesday, 17 July, 2018 at 10:00 AM

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

With the rollout of the NDIS locally from 1 July, Cairns region residents with disability are being encouraged by the Palaszczuk Government to check their eligibility and take up the opportunity to sign up to the scheme.

Speaking about the rollout of the NDIS while attending a sod-turning for the Endeavour Foundation’s new disability housing project in Cairns today (17 July), Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said many local people with disability could now start benefitting from the scheme.

“I am delighted the NDIS is now starting to progressively roll out across the Cairns region,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This scheme will benefit local people with disability and their families and will also assist disability service providers and local businesses.

“We know that as more and more Queenslanders with disability join the NDIS, the need for more support services will continue to grow.”

When the scheme is fully implemented, around 4,700 people with disability living in the Far North are predicted to access the support they need so they can pursue their personal goals and aspirations.

It is also expected to create up to an estimated 1,150 additional jobs.

Mrs O’Rourke encouraged people with disability, their families and carers to sign up to the scheme, and advised that there is support available to help Queenslanders with disability through the process.

“The NDIS is achieving real benefits and participants and carers are reporting better outcomes from the NDIS overall,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to provide support, along with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), to assist people access the scheme.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy congratulated the Endeavour Foundation on delivering a new disability accommodation option for the far north.

“This project is more than just bricks and mortar, it is about supporting local people with disability to live independently and inclusively in their own communities,” Mr Healy said.

“This four-bedroom home will be built to the Platinum level of the Liveable Housing Australia Guidelines, and incorporate state-of-the-art assistive technologies to ensure that residents have the best opportunity to live independently but with help at hand when needed.

“This project really will provide a greater sense of security and sense of home for residents.

“I am proud that the Endeavour Foundation has been a partner of government for more than 30 years here in Far North Queensland in providing a range of supports to people with disability and their families.”

Endeavour Foundation’s North Queensland General Manager Catherine Fairlie said the more than half of the 4000 people with disability supported by the foundation in Australia have transitioned to the NDIS.

“The NDIS will give people more choice and independence in their lives about the support they receive,” Ms Fairlie said.

“This is why Endeavour Foundation is constructing facilities like this state-of-the-art new home.

“The rollout of the NDIS represents the biggest social reform Australia has seen since the introduction of Medicare and while it is not without its challenges, it is fantastic news that is has now reached Cairns and Far North Queensland.

“We’d urge anyone who thinks they might be qualify for the scheme, even if they have not received support for their disability in the past, to check their eligibility and we are happy to support them through that process.”

Last month, the NDIA announced their NDIS Partners in Community for far north Queensland.

NDIS Partners in Community provide Local Area Coordination (LAC) services which can assist people access the scheme and Early Childhood Early Intervention services.

In more remote areas, the NDIA have local onsite LACs and Community Connectors. Community Connectors will be assisting people with disability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to connect with the NDIS.

For information about the NDIS Partners in Community visit www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/our-sites/QLD.html

For more information on the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au The NDIS Hotline is 1800 800 110 and for people with hearing or speech loss, phone TTY 1800 555 677.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389