July is Disability Pride Month, a time to raise awareness, celebrate the vibrant community of people with disability, and promote self-acceptance while embracing all forms of disability.

You may have seen the Disability Pride Flag (pictured above) before. It is a powerful symbol with deep meaning. Each colour has its own meaning. These are as follows:

• Green: Invisible and undiagnosed
• Blue: Mental ill-health
• White: Sensory
• Yellow: Neurodiversity and developmental
• Red: Physical
• Diagonal Line: Cutting through barriers faced by people with disability
• Black Background: Honouring those who have died due to ableism, violence, negligence, suicide, illness, or other causes.

So, as a provider, how can you advocate for people with disability today and every day?

You can:

• Listen: Amplify the voices of people with disabilities.
• Stand Up: Confront harassment or bullying when you see it.
• Challenge Assumptions: Don’t prejudge what people with disability can or cannot do.
• Educate: Educate yourself and others. Complete quality training and apply it to your daily life.
• Ask Respectfully: Curious? Ask questions, but always with respect.  Talk to people with disability about their lived and living experiences.

At the NGO Training Centre, we recognise that providing quality education is crucial to breaking down ableism and creating inclusive, accessible spaces for all. By sharing knowledge about disability rights, inclusive practices, and raising awareness, we can help everyone play a part in building a vibrant, fair world where people with disability can truly flourish.

Join us to celebrate diversity, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive world!

At the NGO Training Centre, we’re delighted to highlight Daniel Witthaus 🌈 Founder & CEO of Rural Pride Australia 🏳️‍🌈

Daniel has over 28 years of passionate dedication to breaking down homophobia and promoting LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and shares his valuable expertise with communities over a warm coffee ☕.

From rural Victorian towns to international places like Poland, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, Daniel has worked with Kids Help Line, VicHealth, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, and No to Violence.

For the past 8 years, Daniel has been busy leading Rural Pride Australia alongside the Victorian State Government and LGBTIQ+ Commissioners, bringing programs like the Equality Roadshow, Regional Communities of Practice, and Rainbow Ready Roadmap to 29 rural communities!!!

We’re truly happy to have Daniel as our expert and talented course writer for the Supporting LGBTIQASB+ People course, sharing his knowledge and compassionate spirit.

We sincerely thank Paul for his brilliant work in helping us transform training in the Australian disability sector!

Learn more about all our brilliant Subject Matter Experts on our About Us page.

A strategic approach to reducing turnover costs while building a stronger, more skilled workforce.

I speak to disability support providers all week, every week. As such, I am acutely aware of the challenges they face. One of the primary concerns that our customers share with us is the problem of staff turnover.

If you’re a disability support organisation in Australia, you’re all too familiar with the numbers. According to an NDIS report, staff turnover (for a casual disability support workforce) is around 25% annually. This means that a typical 40-person team faces the departure of 10 workers each year—and the subsequent crushing, often unrecognised, financial burden.

The hidden cost? Somewhere around $18,500 (or more) annually in recruitment costs alone.

What a waste! This is based on a conservative estimate of spending $1,850 to recruit, equip and start each new team member.

The Real Cost of Staff Turnover (It’s More Than You Think)

Let’s break down what replacing each disability support worker actually costs an organisation:

• Recruitment expenses: Job ads, background checks, etc…
• Training and onboarding: The time that you are paying the new staff members to do time-consuming onboarding training and familiarisation, while they are not working yet
• Insurance: Public liability and professional indemnity coverage
• Lost productivity: The time that you and your already stretched team spends on recruitment instead of client care

For hiring managers and CFOs, these aren’t just numbers—they represent strategic resources being drained from your core mission.

The Strategic Solution: Investing in Your People

The most successful disability support providers I’ve worked with understand a fundamental truth: retention is more cost-effective than recruitment.

Here’s how strategic training investment transforms your bottom line:

1. Reduce Turnover by up to 20% Through Professional Development

Professional development programs, such as micro-credentials and leadership training, enhance the confidence and job satisfaction of disability support workers. Research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and HESTA have shown that such initiatives can reduce turnover by 10-20%. For a 40-worker team, this translates to approximately $3,700 in annual recruitment cost savings alone.

2. Reclaim Your Time

Time-poor leaders spend countless hours on recruitment cycles. Based on our own customer feedback, online, self-paced training systems can reduce onboarding time by 50%, freeing up managers to focus on strategic priorities and client outcomes. It also gets your new workers working sooner!

3. Stay Ahead of NDIS Compliance

With 2025’s stricter NDIS reforms, compliance isn’t optional—it’s survival. Comprehensive training aligned with the NDIS Skills Descriptor, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework, and the Code of Conduct reduces audit risks and penalties while maintaining funding eligibility.

4. Attract Top Talent

In today’s competitive market, offering professional development isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s essential for attracting quality candidates who view your organisation as an employer of choice.

The ROI That CFOs Love

Consider this scenario: A disability support provider with 40 staff invests in comprehensive online training, reducing turnover from 25% to 20%. The savings:

• Direct recruitment cost savings: Some of, or all of $1,850+ annually
• Reduced onboarding time: 50% efficiency gain
• Improved NDIS compliance: Reduced audit risks and penalties
• Enhanced client outcomes: Better-trained staff deliver higher quality care

With NDIS pricing increases of 3.95% effective July 1, 2025, investing in retention now ensures you can maximise funding while maintaining workforce stability.

Transform Your Team for Less Than a Cup of Coffee Per Week

Here’s the compelling reality: For just $2.95 (or less) per staff member per week – less than half the cost of a weekly cup of coffee – your entire team can gain unlimited access to comprehensive professional development.

That’s right. The investment that could save your organisation up to, or more than $18,500+ annually in recruitment costs alone works out to less than $3 per week, per employee.

This affordable investment provides:

• 100+ high-quality online training courses specifically designed for disability support professionals
• NDIS compliance training to keep your organisation audit-ready
• Professional development opportunities that boost staff confidence and retention
• Evidence-based best practices that transform the quality of care you provide
• Flexible, accessible learning that fits around your team’s busy schedules

Making It Happen: Your Next Steps

The disability support sector faces unprecedented challenges, but forward-thinking leaders are turning these challenges into competitive advantages. By investing in comprehensive, accessible training that empowers your workforce, you’re not just reducing costs—you’re building a stronger, more skilled team that delivers exceptional client outcomes.

The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in high-quality online training. It’s whether you can afford not to.

Every person living with a disability deserves exceptional care and support to reach their full potential. When you invest in your team’s development, you’re not just improving your bottom line—you’re transforming lives. That’s why we are here!

Ready to transform your workforce strategy? Connect with a training provider who understands the unique challenges of disability support and can deliver NDIS-aligned solutions tailored to your team’s needs.

Written by Matthew Crawford, PGCert(Bus)

Matt has over a decade of experience in B2B sales and business development and with a passion for human services, is deeply committed to driving meaningful solutions within the disability sector. His commitment to improving service quality and his deep understanding of client needs make him a trusted partner in advancing the capabilities of organisations that support people with disability across Australia.

The fundamental role of disability support professionals and support coordinators in Australia shapes the daily reality of people with disability, giving participants the chance to thrive. Without proper training, this vital role falters, and leaves participants without the care and dignity they deserve.

Training isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the heartbeat of high-quality, person-centered support that not only aligns with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but genuinely transforms lives.

Support Professionals

Support professionals are on the front lines, helping with everything from personal care to community connection. Untrained, they’re set up to fail. Imagine facing a participant’s changed behaviour without knowing how to de-escalate or supporting someone non-verbal without communication skills. Proper training provides support professionals with essential tools to deliver care that’s safe, respectful, and empowering. It is often the difference between a participant feeling trapped, or truly supported.

Support Coordinators

Support Coordinators, the navigators of NDIS plans, face equal pressure. They’re the bridge between a participant’s needs and the services that make independence possible. Without deep knowledge of NDIS rules, funding, and person-centred planning, they risk leaving participants stranded, disconnected from therapies, equipment, or community. Training gives support coordinators the confidence to advocate, ensuring every participant’s plan is a lifeline, not a bureaucratic maze.

The Benefits of Quality Training

The disability sector in Australia isn’t static. NDIS guidelines shift, new practices like trauma-informed care emerge, and participants’ diverse cultural, mental, social and physical needs demand adaptability. Ongoing training keeps frontline professionals and coordinators sharp, ready to meet these challenges head-on. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about honouring the rights and humanity of every individual, as demanded by the NDIS Code of Conduct.

Training also often saves support professionals from burnout. The emotional weight of this work is real, but when staff feel skilled and supported, emotions are frequently positive. They build lasting bonds with participants, creating trust that changes lives. Without training, turnover usually spikes, and participants suffer the instability of ever-changing names, faces and care methods.

When it comes to training, the NGO Training Centre’s innovative and competency-based resources are a cornerstone for Australia’s disability workforce. The wide range of over 100 NDIS-compliant courses, compiled and maintained by genuine industry experts, delivers practical, real-life skills. Training is easily implemented, tangible, and transformative. With the flexibility provided by online microlearning-style training, upskilling support professionals and growing careers is equally accessible in bustling cities and the most rural, regional and remote regions.

The NGO Training Centre doesn’t just train – it inspires. Our affordable, accessible programs empower learners to satisfy NDIS standards while also igniting passion for their meaningful work: every lesson learned is a participant empowered and a life uplifted. For disability support professionals and support coordinators, choosing the NGO Training Centre isn’t just about meeting requirements – it’s about becoming the difference-maker that people with disability need.

In this field, training isn’t optional; it’s crucial.

Get Started Today

Whether you’re an individual embarking on a fulfilling new disability support career, an experienced disability sector professional looking to upskill and grow your skills, or a manager, board member or executive at an organisation, we have the ideal solution for you, starting from only $29!

Browse our courses and training packages to find out more, or contact our friendly and knowledgeable team for any assistance needed and we’ll be delighted to help!

As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, marking 50 years of honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resilience, culture, and voices, the NGO Training Centre proudly embraces this year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”

This milestone invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of Indigenous communities while empowering the next generation to lead with courage and vision. Our commitment as a training provider is to amplify the voices of First Nations people, particularly those with disability and Elders.

A Milestone of Resilience and Vision

NAIDOC Week’s 50-year journey began as a grassroots movement for Indigenous rights and recognition, evolving into a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The 2025 theme highlights the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors.

Guided by the wisdom of Elders, this week reinforces a shared vision for an Australia where First Nations voices lead with authority and pride.

For First Nations people with disability and Elders, NAIDOC Week is a powerful platform to celebrate their contributions and address their unique challenges. Our training centre recognises their vital role in shaping the next generation’s legacy, ensuring their stories and perspectives are central to our cultural awareness initiatives.

Our Commitment as a Training Provider

At the NGO Training Centre, we are dedicated to education that uplifts First Nations voices. We believe cultural awareness training is not just an event but a lifelong commitment to learning, listening, and acting with respect.

This NAIDOC Week, we invite organisations and individuals to join us in celebrating 50 years of Indigenous resilience by strengthening your education and learning, and completing Cultural Awareness training, yarning with First Nations Peoples and experiencing their culture firsthand. Together, we can honour the past, empower the present, and build a future where First Nations people with disability and Elders are valued as leaders and visionaries.

Looking Forward: A Legacy for the Next 50 Years

As NAIDOC Week 2025 inspires us to look toward the next generation, the NGO training centre remains committed to fostering cultural awareness that drives lasting change. By focusing on First Nations people with disability and Elders, we contribute to a legacy of strength, vision, and unity.

Let’s walk together this NAIDOC Week, honouring where we’ve come from and boldly supporting the next generation to lead with pride and purpose.

For more resources, take a look at our Cultural Awareness course, or don’t hesitate to contact the NGO Training Centre today.

Together, we can build a future that celebrates and uplifts all First Nations voices.

Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

🌈 Wow, Pride Month 2025 was a blast!

June’s rainbow-filled days celebrated the LGBTIQASB+ community, with a special focus on people with disability and intersectional identities. From accessible parades to virtual meetups, love, resilience, and diversity were honoured.

This year, Pride shone a light on the unique experiences of LGBTIQASB+ folks navigating disability, race, and more. Sign language interpreters, wheelchair-friendly venues, and sensory-safe spaces made events more inclusive, proving that true Pride lifts everyone.

It is a great time to acknowledge that education and awareness are key to empowering allies and communities to understand the diverse needs of LGBTIQASB+ individuals with disability.

The NGO Training Centre’s course, Supporting LGBTIQASB+ People, is a game-changer, educating disability support professionals about gender-affirming care, the Genderbread Unicorn analogy 🦄, and intersectionality to foster inclusive support.

🌈 So, how was your Pride? Did you march, connect online, gain greater insights through education… or face challenges? Share your story with #Pride2025 and tag us on socials @ngotrainingcentre.

We’d love to hear it!

Let’s keep the love and fight going all year long, not just for the month of June.

Happy Pride! 🌈

Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

NDIS Supports: Have Your Say!

A lot is happening with the NDIS, and as a provider, you will want to stay informed. The Federal Government is rolling out reforms to ensure the NDIS remains a sustainable, fair, and robust system for supporting people with disability well into the future.

So, what does this mean for you as a provider?

Last year, the Australian Parliament passed updates to the NDIS Act, laying the groundwork for significant improvements. These changes serve as a blueprint for enhancing the NDIS to work better for everyone, including participants, providers, and the system as a whole.

The focus?  New rules to make the scheme fairer, stronger, and more sustainable.

The government is collaborating with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), state and territory governments, and people with disability to develop these new rules.

They have also been working with disability organisations, and as providers, you’re a key part of this conversation too!

Currently, the government is conducting a public consultation on NDIS Supports, which is open from June 16^th to July 27^th. This is your chance to share your insights.

Whether it’s about service delivery, funding, or how the new rules could impact your work, here is how you can jump in:

• Complete the survey or submit a written response with your thoughts.
• Check out these resources to help you prepare:
  • NDIS Supports Discussion Paper (full version)
  • Easy Read version (great for sharing with clients)
  • Auslan version for accessibility
  • “What We’ve Heard” paper, summarising feedback from disability organisations

If you or your team need support to complete the survey, you can call the DSS Complaints phone line on 1800 634 035.

You can leave a message with:

• Your first name
• Your contact number
• The best time for a callback
• A note that it’s about the NDIS Supports consultation

Join the Webinar

To help you get a clearer picture of the NDIS Supports rules, there’s a public webinar on Tuesday, June 24^th . It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the government, ask questions, and understand how these changes might affect you and your organisation and participants that you support. Register for the webinar here to secure your spot!

What’s the Timeline?

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening and what’s next:

• May: Engagement with the disability sector on NDIS Supports kicked off.
• June 16–July 27: Public consultation on NDIS Supports (happening now!).
• June 24: Public webinar on NDIS Supports.
• July: More discussions with the disability sector to prepare for a new framework consultation in August.

We cannot stress enough that as an NDIS provider, you’re on the front lines delivering essential services. These reforms aim to create a system that’s easier to navigate, more equitable for participants, and sustainable for providers like you. By engaging in the consultation, you can help shape rules that work better for your organisation and, more importantly, those you support.

Whether it’s streamlining processes, clarifying funding, or ensuring fairness, your input can make a real difference.

Do you have ideas on how to improve service delivery or make the system more participant and provider-friendly? Now’s the time to speak up! Join the consultation, attend the webinar, and check out the resources to share your perspective.

If you would like more information, please visit: https://engage.dss.gov.au/ndis-supports-rule/.

Let’s work together to ensure the NDIS continues to empower participants and support providers for years to come!

Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

Let’s Celebrate World Refugee Day together this June 20^th.

This year’s theme is Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community. It is a day where we acknowledge the strength and resilience of refugees and those who have been forcibly displaced.

At the NGO Training Centre, we would like to acknowledge the challenges faced by refugees with disability and the need for improved access to disability support services like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It starts with education and awareness.

Did you know: refugees with disability face unique challenges such as difficulty accessing healthcare, disability services, and navigating or even accessing the NDIS?

While many refugees with disability may be eligible for NDIS support, accessing these services can be difficult due to language barriers, lack of awareness, and the overwhelming and complex application processes.

Organisations like the Refugee Council of Australia are advocating for early intervention, culturally sensitive support, and simpler NDIS access for refugees with disabilities.

This World Refugee Day, let’s reflect on how we, as a community and dedicated providers, can advocate for their right to essential supports while overcoming these unique hurdles.

Our Cultural Awareness course for Disability Support Professionals is here to help you and your organisation get a handle on those hurdles… because, let’s face it, “Change is the end result of all true learning” – Leo Buscaglia.

 

Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills. 

NDIS Pricing Shake-Up:

2025-26 Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) released!

The updated NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) 2025-26 has been published, following the release of the 2024-25 Annual Pricing Review recommendations.

The PAPL has also undergone a name change. You may remember it as the NDIS Price Guide. The new pricing updates come into effect on 1 July 2025. I know…that’s not much notice for providers!

There have been a few changes to wrap your head around.

Firstly, The NDIA has changed the early childhood age limit from 7 to 9 years old. The early childhood approach now covers children up to 9 years old. Providers will find this change in the PAPL.

Next, new text has also been added to explain provider responsibilities and conflicts of interest. This explains a provider’s duty to declare and manage any conflict of interest.

Then, we have the pricing updates. To help you digest these changes, let’s break these down further for you:

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1. Minimum Wage Increase: Fair Work Commission announced a 3.5% minimum wage increase effective 1 July 2025, passed directly to price caps for Disability Support Worker (DSW) Cost Model Supports, including Core supports, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, and Level 1 Support Coordination.

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2. Superannuation Increase: A 0.5% minimum superannuation increase will also be applied to DSW-related price caps.

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3. Psychology: State-based price differences have been eliminated, so there is a new national rate set at $232.99 per hour, good news for QLD, NSW, VIC, with a $10 per hour increase… but not so good news for those in WA, SA, NT, TAS who are copping an $11.23 per hour reduction.

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4. Non-DSW Supports: The Annual Pricing Review recommends price limit increases for nursing and other non-DSW supports (excluding Capital, Plan Management, Therapy, or Support Coordination) based on an 80/20 weighting of Wage Price Index (WPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the 12 months to March 2025.

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5. Support Coordinators and Plan Managers: Another year, another year of no price cap increase, and effectively a reduction due to a 2.4% inflation. Support coordination shows no widespread unmet demand and the upcoming structural reforms such as mandatory registration, and the Navigator role are expected to impact pricing. We look forward to seeing how this pans out.

Plan Managers also face no price cap increase, they have removed of remote loadings, and setup fees, and now have a single national rate for administration. This is not a great outcome for Support Coordinators and Plan managers who are struggling to keep up with costs.

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6. Therapy Pricing: There have been multiple price cap reductions: Physiotherapy was cut by $10/hour and Dietitians and Podiatrist fees were cut by $5/hour.

Jurisdictional loadings have been removed, leading to a total $40.63/hour cut for physiotherapists in WA, SA, NT, TAS. The previous flat rate of $193.99/hour was deemed unnecessary and the NDIA said that they will be reviewing therapy pricing over the next 18 months to look at potential differentiated pricing models.

Differentiated pricing is different ways of pricing supports based on the benefits and costs to participants and providers. It moves beyond the assumption that hourly pricing is always best, and instead introduces a more structured way to assess when different pricing approaches may be beneficial.

Price caps for therapy are now presented in 10-minute increments to allow flexible session lengths and better align claimed time with services. Provider travel claims are also now capped at 50% of the relevant hourly rate.

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Alright, there you have it… the lowdown on the NDIS pricing updates! We hope this breakdown makes things a tad clearer. With the clock ticking to roll these changes out across your organisation, we’re wishing you all the best to surf this wave smoothly.

So, what does the future look like for you as a provider?

The annual pricing review recommends a three-year NDIA work plan to implement reforms from the Independent Pricing Committee’s Final Report.

Due to the very short notice to providers of this year’s Annual Pricing Review, it has been recommended that in the future the NDIA will be adjusting the Annual Pricing review timeline to improve implementation and provide earlier advice to the sector.

So, from 2025-26, future Annual Pricing Reviews will be delivered earlier in the year, with recommendations finalised and published well in advance of the financial year.

This change will take effect from the 2026-27 Annual Pricing Review.

That’s a lot to take in for now, but if you would like more information, please visit the Pricing arrangements page of the NDIS website to download the updated 2025-26 PAPL and support catalogues, and check out the NDIA website’s Annual Pricing Review FAQs page.

Amanda Robinson BA, MMHealthPrac,

As Head of Learning and Development and a seasoned NDIS expert, Amanda drives capability and sustainability in the disability and health sectors. With over 15 years of experience, post-graduate qualifications in Mental Health Leadership and Management, and currently pursuing an MBA, she brings deep expertise and personal insight as someone with lived experience of disability. A devoted carer, Amanda champions Human Rights, working to dismantle stigma and barriers for individuals with disability and mental health challenges. She is passionate about building robust stakeholder relationships, leveraging her advocacy, communication, strategic thinking, and analysis skills.

Meet Paul Larcombe, our exceptional Subject Matter Expert, whose dedication and impact in the disability sector are truly inspiring.

As a qualified NDIS Auditor, Business Growth Executive and a person living with disability, Paul brings a unique and powerful perspective to his work.

His lifelong commitment to advocating for people with disability has driven transformative change, from influencing policy through political involvement to serving on government and peak boards.

Paul’s contributions have been significant, including leading initiatives to improve transport accessibility for people with disability. His expertise combines thorough auditing knowledge with the authenticity of living experience, enabling him to break down barriers and enhance the quality of supports provided to the disability community.

We sincerely thank Paul for his brilliant work in helping us transform training in the Australian disability sector!

Learn more about all our brilliant Subject Matter Experts on our About Us page.