Message from the CEO
As we begin the new financial year, we are reminded that the environment in which we operate continues to evolve rapidly. In response to ongoing NDIS reforms, workforce pressures and broader sector changes, it is more important than ever that we make sound financial decisions while maintaining our focus on continuous improvement. By embracing change and evolving how we work, estara can strengthen its sustainability and continue delivering meaningful outcomes for the people and communities we support.
As part of Estara's commitment to continuously improving the quality, responsiveness and impact of our services, we recently invited clients and referrers to share their experiences and feedback through a series of surveys. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate. Your feedback has provided valuable insights into what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve. The willingness of our clients and referrers to share their perspectives helps ensure that our services remain person-centred, responsive to changing needs, and aligned with our strategic objectives. I greatly appreciate the time, thought and honesty invested in these responses, and look forward to sharing how these insights will help shape our ongoing service improvements.
Our Recreation & Wellbeing Conference
Our commitment to improving outcomes extends beyond our core services and includes creating opportunities for connection, learning and community participation. With Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week 2026 approaching, I am pleased to share details of our Recreation and Wellbeing Conference, taking place in Adelaide during the first week of September.
Hosted by ABC Journalist and Presenter Charles Brice, this complimentary half-day event will bring together some of South Australia's leading voices in spinal cord injury. The program will feature lived experience perspectives, peer support insights and the latest research, alongside discussions on employment and creating more inclusive parks and public spaces.
We are also excited to welcome a panel of Paralympians and Para Athletes who will share their inspiring sporting journeys, and the role recreation and wellbeing have played in their lives. In addition, we will be launching an exciting new program at the conference, with attendees among the first to hear about this important initiative.
Whether you are living with spinal cord injury, supporting someone who is, or passionate about creating more inclusive communities, I warmly encourage you to join us. Places are limited, so be sure to register early.
Joining a Steering Committee
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of contributing to the Aus-InSCI Translation Project Steering Committee with The Hopkins Centre. It has been a rewarding experience, and I have been impressed by the expertise, collaboration and commitment of those involved in advancing outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury. I am pleased to share this important work with our members.
Managed by The Hopkins Centre, the Aus-InSCI Translation Project translates insights from the Aus-InSCI Community Survey into practical initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury. Guided by both a Steering Committee and Consumer Committee, the project brings together clinical, research and lived experience expertise from across Australia to drive meaningful and lasting change.
Regional Service Delivery Update
Finally, I am pleased to report the successful closure of our Port Lincoln and Port Pirie offices, the downsizing of our Berri office, and the transition to remote administration services, while maintaining continuity of support through our client facing teams across the regions.
Our Mt Gambier retail shop has also now closed; however, our Mt Gambier office remains open and continues to provide services to the local community. These changes help estara streamline operations, adapt to evolving service needs, and maintain sustainable services across South Australia. See more information here about the changes.
I would like to sincerely thank our staff, clients and stakeholders in regional South Australia for their flexibility, patience and support throughout this transition.
Thank you for your ongoing support, trust and commitment to our community.
Kind regards
Nicole
Nicole Sykes
CEO, estara