LATEST NEWS
Child Safe Statements of Compliance Due
As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to child safety, and in line with their Commonwealth Child Safe Framework, annual statements of compliance are required for every grantee of a Commonwealth funding agreement with the relevant G8A or CB9 child safety clauses. The statement confirms that, in delivering the grant activity, grantees are compliant with the child safe clauses. This statement must be submitted by 31 March 2026.
Pilot of Quality Therapy Supports Launched
Several registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers have begun a pilot program for therapy supports, working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) over the next 12 months. The findings of this pilot program will help to identify features of quality service provision and the costs associated with delivery of these services, as part of the NDIA’s broader pricing reviews aligning with its Three-Year Pricing Workplan (2025–28).
Have Your Say: NSW Community Sector Survey
NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) and University of NSW have partnered to develop a survey to gather feedback from community service organisations about the state of the community sector. Feedback will enable NCOSS to advocate more effectively for better funding and resources, as well as strengthening sector support ahead of the 2027 NSW State Election. The survey closes on 7 April 2026 and participants will be given the option to go into a prize draw to win one of 4 x $200 online shopping vouchers.
Have Your Say: Ageing Well in NSW Strategy Mid-Point Review
Urbis has been engaged by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to undertake a mid-point review of the NSW Ageing Well Strategy (AWS) via a short survey. This survey will seek to understand the experiences of older people in NSW, which will in turn inform how the Government implements the strategy moving forward. The survey closes on 13 April 2026.
Have Your Say: NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee Consultation
Public consultation is currently open, inviting input on a range of disability supports to ensure they are safe, effective and high-quality. Participation is sought from people with disability and their families and carers, as well as service providers and other interested people. Feedback from the consultation will inform the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee’s (EAC) response to the Australian Government. Submissions close at 11.59pm AEDT on 29 March 2026.
CYDA Key Statistics Snapshot Report
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) has released a snapshot report with key statistics on the diverse experiences, needs, and circumstances of children and young people with disability in Australia. Topics covered include demographics, education, health and wellbeing, housing and transport, NDIS supports, and social and community understanding.
Final Evaluation Report: Younger People in Residential Aged Care Initiatives
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety inquired into the issue of younger people with disability residing in residential aged care (RAC), resulting in this final evaluation report. The findings of the evaluation indicated that RAC was not an appropriate place for many younger people, and led to experiences of isolation, desperation and loneliness. The findings also highlight gaps and challenges, as well as factors contributing to the reduction of younger people in RAC. This evaluation gathered valuable insight into the appropriateness, effectiveness and sustainability of Australian Government-funded initiatives introduced since 2019 to reduce the number of younger people in RAC, and will inform policy moving forward.
Changes to Interest Rates for Residential Care
The maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR) is set to increase to 7.96% for 1 April to 30 June 2026 for calculating residential care accommodation costs and interest on refunds of accommodation lump sum balances. The base interest rate (BIR) will also increase to 3.25% from 1 April 2026 for calculating interest on refunds of accommodation lump sum balances.
Save the Date: Regional Aged Care Symposium on 12 May
Western Sydney Community Forum, Inner Sydney Voice, Central Coast Community Council, and Community Industry Group extend a formal invitation to In‑Home Aged Care and Community Organisations to participate in the Aged Care Regional Symposium on 12 May 2026. This event will bring providers from across the four NSW regions for a one‑day symposium dedicated to exploring the practical realities of aged care reform, examine shared regional challenges, exchange evidence‑informed approaches, and identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration in delivering in‑home aged care services. Further details and the full program will be shared soon.
Nurturing Communities from the Ground Up Publication
Western Sydney Community Forum has partnered with several integrated and place-based organisations in Western Sydney to develop the Nurturing Communities from the Ground Up publication. This publication, launched on 26 February at the recent Leadership Forum with Minister Tanya Plibersek, conveys the critical role and impact of local place-based organisations across our region by sharing the lived experiences of service users and the perspectives of the organisations that provide these services.
ZEST Nominations Closing Soon
Help us tell the stories of greater Western Sydney’s community sector by nominating an inspiring individual or project that has made a difference in the community. You have until 5.00pm on 31 March 2026 to submit your nomination. No project or organisation is too big or too small to be nominated.
