Message from the CEO
As I write this month's update, I want to acknowledge the significant change and uncertainty currently being experienced across the disability sector. Many of our clients, members, families and partners have shared their concerns about the pace and scale of the reforms underway, particularly those relating to the NDIS and the future commissioning of Supported Independent Living (SIL) services. We recognise that this is a confusing and, at times, unsettling period for many people as they try to understand what these changes may mean for their future.
Importantly, we also recognise that these reforms present challenges for providers and organisations such as Estara. While many aspects of the changes are still being developed and clarified, we remain steadfast in our focus on delivering safe, high-quality and person-centred support. At the same time, we are actively reviewing and adapting our service models, systems and approaches to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our clients and members in a rapidly evolving environment.
The steady stream of information, consultation papers, announcements and proposed reforms can be difficult to navigate, particularly when the implications are not always clear. Please know that we understand these concerns. More importantly, please know that you do not have to navigate them alone.
At Estara, we remain committed to walking alongside our community through this period of change. Behind the scenes, our team continues to closely monitor developments, engage with sector leaders and government representatives, and work diligently to translate complex policy discussions into meaningful information and context for our clients and members.
Over recent months, we have been gathering feedback from across our community and have consolidated this into formal submissions and responses on proposed reforms. I was also pleased to participate in a consultation facilitated by EY on behalf of the Government, providing an opportunity to elevate the voices and experiences of both participants and providers. Encouragingly, the discussion focused strongly on what quality service provision looks like and the conditions necessary to deliver safe, effective and person-centred support.
While there is still much to be worked through, we will continue advocating for outcomes that support choice, quality, independence and long-term sustainability. And we will continue listening. If you are concerned about any aspect of the proposed reforms, I encourage you to reach out. Your experiences and perspectives matter, and we remain committed to ensuring your voice is heard.
Amid this uncertainty, one of the highlights of the past month was Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, which provided a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and achievements of the spinal cord injury community.
For more than 60 years, Estara has proudly supported people living with spinal cord injury. Awareness Week offered an opportunity to celebrate the experiences, achievements and aspirations of our community while highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, research, peer support, recreation and meaningful community connection.
I am incredibly proud of our team, who delivered an outstanding program of events and activities, from media engagements and educational initiatives to our spinal nursing team sharing their expertise with staff in the Spinal Injuries Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Each activity contributed to building greater awareness, understanding and connection.
A particular highlight was our Recreation and Wellbeing Conference, expertly facilitated by Charles Brice. We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr Rod Bunten, long-standing Patrons of Estara, who joined Scott Crowley in launching our new Wheelchair Community Sports SA Program.
This exciting initiative will expand opportunities for wheelchair users to participate in sport, recreation and community life, recognising the significant impact these opportunities can have on health, wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
The launch was especially meaningful as Her Excellency's term as Governor draws to a close. On behalf of everyone at Estara, I extend our sincere gratitude to both Her Excellency and Mr Bunten for their warmth, encouragement and steadfast support of our organisation and the spinal cord injury community. Their patronage has been deeply valued, and we wish them every success and happiness in the next chapter of their lives.
The conference also featured an exceptional group of presenters and panellists, including Paralympians and para-athletes Libby Kosmala, Grace Bowman, Matt Brumby and Richard Davis, alongside Yvie Eglinton, Dr Ryan Dorrian, Dr Ryan Doig and Associate Professor Diana Dorstyn. Their insights reinforced the transformative role that sport, accessibility, health, research and employment opportunities play in building inclusive communities.
What matters most, the week celebrated the remarkable people at the heart of everything we do. Thank you to every person living with spinal cord injury who continues to share their experiences, advocate for change and inspire others through their resilience and leadership.
Finally, thank you to the entire Estara team whose passion, professionalism and commitment made the week such a success. If you were unable to attend the Recreation and Wellbeing Conference, I encourage you to watch the recording, particularly the panel discussion, which provides a powerful and uplifting reflection on the importance of connection, opportunity and living well.
As always, thank you for your ongoing trust, engagement and support.
Kind regards
Nicole Sykes
CEO, Estara