Message from the CEO
Recent changes to the NDIS and the ongoing reform agenda continue to shape the disability services sector, creating both opportunities and uncertainty for our clients, families, carers and providers more broadly. The recent announcement regarding proposed changes to NDIS legislation is another significant step in this reform journey. While many details are still emerging, we understand that these developments may raise questions about funding, supports and future planning for many people in our community.
At Estara, we are closely monitoring these developments and actively engaging with government, sector leaders and advocacy bodies to better understand the impacts and ensure the voices of the people we support are heard. While we do not yet have all the answers, we remain committed to supporting our clients through this period of change. If you have concerns about how reforms may affect you, we encourage you to speak with your Estara Support Coordinator or Client Services Coordinator.
We also welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your experiences with us so we can better understand the impacts these changes are having on individuals, families and carers. Your feedback helps strengthen our advocacy efforts and can be escalated on your behalf through your Client Services Coordinator, Support Coordinator, or via the feedback link here. By sharing your experiences, you help ensure the issues affecting our community are heard by government and sector decision-makers.
This feedback is particularly important as governments continue to consult with the sector on key reforms. One current opportunity is the consultation on Supported Independent Living (SIL) commission, being led by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The Department is seeking feedback from people with disability, families, carers, providers and advocates to help inform future approaches to SIL services. Email your feedback to estara@estara.com.au by 10 September so that we can add to our submission. This will help inform our submission and support our ongoing advocacy to ensure the perspectives and experiences of our community are represented in discussions about the future of SIL supports. You may choose to provide individual direct feedback via the link here.
The evolving NDIS landscape is also prompting organisations across the sector to review how they operate and prepare for the future. At Estara, we have been undertaking significant work to strengthen our organisation and position ourselves to operate successfully in this rapidly changing environment. Over recent months, we have focused on streamlining administrative processes, improving efficiency and ensuring our long-term sustainability. Like many organisations, this has required some difficult decisions, but these changes are being made with a clear focus on building a stronger, more resilient Estara that can continue delivering high-quality services and supports well into the future.
As I approach my first year as CEO, I have valued the opportunity to engage extensively with fellow CEOs, service providers and government representatives while continuing to lead important organisational improvements within Estara. These conversations have been both insightful and reassuring. Many of the challenges facing Estara and our clients are being experienced across the sector, reinforcing that we are not navigating these changes alone.
While we continue addressing the challenges facing our sector, there are also some encouraging developments underway at Estara. Our Recreation & Wellbeing Conference has now reached capacity, which is a wonderful reflection of the enthusiasm and engagement within our community. For those unable to attend, a livestream option will be available.
We are also excited to be preparing for the launch of a new initiative in September, the Wheelchair Community Sports SA Program. While I will leave the details for the official launch, I can say it represents another important step in creating opportunities for participation, connection and wellbeing. We are honoured that our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, will officially launch the program at our conference.
Thank you for your continued support, feedback and commitment to Estara. While the environment around us continues to evolve, our purpose remains unchanged. By working together, ensuring our voices are heard, and continuing to focus on what matters most, we can help shape a stronger future for our community.
Kind regards
Nicole
Nicole Sykes
CEO, Estara