EmpowerAbility FNQ

18/05/2026

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

This National Volunteer Week, EmpowerAbility FNQ extends our heartfelt thanks to all incredible volunteers within our community.

Your kindness, dedication, and generosity make a lasting difference in the lives of others every day. Thank you for the time, care, and support you so selflessly give.

We appreciate you more than words can say.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 “𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿”

This year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer”, honours the contributions of volunteers who already generously give their time, while also inviting others to discover how volunteering can create connection, purpose, and lasting positive change in ways that work for them.

We are proud to have staff who volunteered at The Children’s Christmas Party in 2025 and are committed to making this a yearly contribution to our community.

If this is something that resonates with you, we encourage you to click the link below and consider how you too could create lasting positive change through volunteering.

𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿: https://www.sccpau.com.au/volunteercns

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nationalvolunteerweek/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

06/05/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 – 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

NDIS is providing a free online webinar for Participants and Plan Nominees navigating the NDIS without a NDIS Support Coordinator, and who are looking for more confidence, clarity, and control when working with NDIS providers.

The webinar will explore how Participants and Plan Nominees can work effectively with NDIS providers, from selecting the right supports, to communicating expectations, and managing changes to ensure supports are delivered as intended.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀:
🟣 how to identify and choose NDIS providers that are the right fit for you
🟣 what a Service Agreement is and why it's important
🟣 Participants' rights and responsibilities when working with providers
🟣 what steps you can take if concerns or issues arise

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Thursday, 21st May 2026 at 1:00pm AEST
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱: Online via Microsoft Teams
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://click.email.ndis.gov.au/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ4NjZ9AZIAAAAAAAADAmxJZVKqpylMrBemTc0EosjgFLOumW5iiAJ-TwO7n2wlCXmFz09F4V3HtH-Wb1eigAGbQSp85OJ0V2WRm0AAArstQMNvxipa

14/04/2026

𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 & 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖 ‘𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐏’ 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) releases FOUR periodic newsletters, delivering the latest news and updates about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) straight to your inbox.

You can subscribe to these newsletters using the link at the bottom of this post.

AND / OR

You can read our new 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩 summaries of newsletters, which highlight key information, we believe once reading these ourselves, our clients and all participants should be aware of.

🟣 𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Sent fortnightly, this newsletter shares important updates, news, and resources for NDIS participants and their support networks.

🟣 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Sent fortnightly, this newsletter provides opportunities for feedback from Participant First members, along with updates and insights on how participant input is shaping the Scheme.

🟣 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Sent monthly, this newsletter includes updates, news, events, and stories relevant to NDIS providers.

🟣 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Released quarterly, this newsletter provides the latest NDIS Quarterly Report and key insights into Scheme performance over the previous quarter.

👉 Subscribe to NDIA newsletters here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/newsletters

24/03/2026

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 – 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀

Many of our clients are supported by their mothers or other female carers who have chosen, or at times been forced, to step away from the workforce to focus on their children and family. Over time, many reach a stage where they feel ready to return to work.

The Women’s Career Grants program supports Queensland women with the costs associated with transitioning back into employment. Grants of up to $4,999 are available to assist with expenses such as workwear, childcare, training, technology, and more.

In Round 1, over 1,000 women were supported, with 93% of successful applicants receiving assistance across three or more categories - most commonly technology, recertification, and training.

If you, or someone you know, are looking to return to the workforce and meet the eligibility criteria, this is a valuable opportunity worth exploring.

👉 Find out more and apply here:
www.womenscareergrants.com.au

03/02/2026

Support Coordinators and Disability Advocacy

A support coordinator is not an independent advocate. In line with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), an independent advocate cannot be:
* A staff member of the NDIA
* A staff member of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
* A registered or unregistered NDIS provider, including support coordinators.

The Disability Advocacy Fact Sheet outlines what disability advocacy is, why it is important and why independence matters.
https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-legal-rights/resource/disability-advocacy-fact-sheet

https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/support-coordinators/support-coordinators-and-disability-advocacy

Support coordinators should help participants engage with community and other government services.

29/01/2026

Do you understand the role and existence of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (also known as the NDIS Commission) is an independent Australian Government regulator.

What they do:
* Improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. ​
* Make sure NDIS providers and workers are doing a good job and let you know when they are not.
* Regulate and register NDIS providers.
* Take complaints when NDIS providers or workers do the wrong thing.
* Respond to concerns, complaints and reportable incidents, including abuse and neglect of participants in NDIS supports and services.

They are not the NDIA!
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is a separate government agency that manages:
* plans
* payments
* access to the NDIS
* allegations of fraud.
NDIA contact is Phone 1800 800 110, Email [email protected]

The Participant Information Pack is available on the website in a range of accessible formats and languages: bit.ly/3CRQyss

This Participant Pack is an introduction to the NDIS Commission and how we support the rights of NDIS participants. The pack is for people with disability as well as anyone who supports them or acts on their behalf, such as family members, guardians, support workers or advocates.

29/01/2026

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦?

The NDIA recognises the system doesn’t always meet the needs of First Nations communities. They’re inviting First Nations families, carers, young people, and community representatives to share their experiences through paid opportunities to help improve how the NDIS supports children and young people.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱?
🟣 First Nations parents, carers, family members, and community representatives supporting children and young people up to 17 years old
🟣 Young people aged 18–25 who were NDIS participants before turning 18

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱!
As a member, you may be invited to provide input on multiple projects over time and can choose how and when to take part in yarns that suit you:
🟣 Group yarns: Share ideas and experiences together
🟣 One-on-one yarns: Private conversations to share stories
🟣 Working group yarns: Regular meetings to shape specific parts of the pathway
🟣 User testing: Trial draft tools and provide feedback

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿
Use the link below to view full details and register as a member of the Participant First Engagement Initiative:

https://myform.ndis.gov.au/?src=https://forms.ndis.gov.au/external/participantfirstinformationform&utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PFEI+Newsletter+Jan+27+%23207&utm_content=Participant_First_information_form

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲!

25/01/2026

Cairns Disability Support Directory

The only directory dedicated to our region — and it’s a game-changer 💙

Whether you’re a participant, family member, carer, or provider, this is a must-have resource for finding local supports, services, and connections in one place.

Save it to your shortcut favourites!

Supporting our community, locally Cairns Disability Network

23/01/2026

NDIS Code of Conduct

The NDIS Code of Conduct requires people who deliver NDIS supports and services to:

* Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions.
* Respect the privacy of people with disability.
* Provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill.
* Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
* Promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that might have an impact on the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disability.
* Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, exploitation, neglect, and abuse of people with disability.
*Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.
*Not charge or represent higher prices for the supply of goods for NDIS participants without a reasonable justification.

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-code-conduct?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPfHN5jbGNrA98c02V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHgIRQQogmQLB1NNMmTgR7aBXp1h_m6hjhGVWmR9LHLWeTTOC25dSnhT26Boa_aem_JvhbnpmC4rI2vqy09IFDsg

All NDIS participants have the right to access safe and ethical supports and services. The NDIS Code of Conduct helps providers, key personnel and workers respect and uphold those rights by defining expected conduct, behaviour and culture. As a provider or worker you can access information about how...

21/01/2026

🟣 𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟?

Do you have a child who is neurodivergent or living with a disability and starting high school?

There are some wonderful free resources available to support both you and your child during this transition, and we’d love to share two with you:

🟣 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦' 𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟
Neurodivergent mentors from the I CAN team have shared tips they wish they had known before Year 7. These insights are presented in a graphic novel to help students feel more confident before the big start.

Resource:https://icannetwork.education/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ICAN-School-Guide_Final_v1.1_Digital.pdf

🟣 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟: 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪
This parental booklet offers practical guidance for supporting your child through the transition to high school. It includes tips on finding support, communicating with teachers and health professionals and supporting your child’s confidence and pride.

Resource:https://cyda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Transitioning_to_High_School.pdf

🟣 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧:
We thank Remarkable OT for bringing these valuable resources to our attention and for their continued advocacy, expertise, and dedication to inclusive practice.