RELEASED: May 10, 2022
The not-for-profit organisation Social Futures is on a multi-stop tour across Western New South Wales to let people with a disability know how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can support them.
Social Futures is the NDIS Partner in the Community (PITC) for Western and Far West NSW. It has offices in Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Broken Hill and provides regular outreach visits across the region. Aboriginal and Outreach Community Engagement Lead Frances Riley said the Social Futures tour would visit Narromine, Gilgandra, Warren and Forbes.
“We are very keen to hear about the needs of people in these communities,” Ms Riley said, “And we also want to let you know how we can help.”
“We want to tell you what Social Futures does and how our Local Area Coordinators work as part of the National Disability Insurance Agency to assist people with a disability to get the supports they need and achieve their goals.”
Ms Riley said she was excited about the visits.
“Our focus will be on identifying any gaps in communities with regard to NDIS, supports and needs,” she said.
“The team and I are hoping to contribute to community knowledge around the NDIS including eligibility and how to apply.”
“We want to link people to supports but we also want to continue building our community connection and enhancing our relationships with the people we work with.”
Ms Riley said some people had to drive for up to two-and-a-half hours to get to Dubbo.
“That’s why Social Futures is going on tour,” she said. “We want to provide
individuals and families with support and information closer to home, and we are also
mindful that the price of petrol has risen and that means many people living in
remote communities are under increased financial pressures.
“The aim of this roadshow is to make it easier for people with a disability, and their
families, get the support they need, such as a comprehensive NDIS plan and access
to great services.”
Ms Riley said two sessions would be delivered in Narromine, Gilgandra, Warren and
Forbes – one in the morning for individuals with a disability including parents and
carers and a second session in the afternoon for providers of disability services,
schools, health and other services.
The dates for the visits are:
* Narromine: Tuesday, May 10 (10am-12.30pm) (1.30pm-2.30pm) at The Keeping
Place, 59 Dandaloo St, Narromine
* Gilgandra: Wednesday May 1 (10am-12.30pm) (1.30pm-2.30pm), Gil Youth
Centre, 4 Hall St, Gilgandra
* Warren: Thursday 12th May (10am-12.30pm) (1.30pm-2.30pm), Warren Youth
Centre, 15 Burton St, Warren
* Forbes: Monday 16th May (10am-12.30pm) (1.30pm-2.30pm), Forbes Youth &
Community Centre, 1 Battye St, Forbes
PHOTO (left to right): Caitlin Bennett, Hannah Kennedy and Ben Williams.