Welcome to the latest edition of the Community Care News Digest for 2026. In this edition, you will read about the latest news, information, resources and events to keep you up to date with the aged care, disability and community care sectors across the Western Sydney region.
Western Sydney Community Forum has developed a Community Engagement and Embedding Lived Experience in Governance Tool, which is designed to support the integration of lived experience into the community services sector, featured below. We have also developed a Continuous Improvement Framework which organisations can utilise when planning and engaging in continuous improvement activities. You can read both in this edition.
There will be a number of changes taking effect from 1 July this year. The Fair Work Commission has announced significant changes to pay and classification for the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award. The annual pricing review (APR) for 2026-27 prices and NDIS pricing schedule are also available on the NDIS website, which providers can use to inform their prices after this date.
A few grants are currently open, including Pride Foundation Australia’s grant to support healthy ageing for older LGBTQIA+ people, and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s grants for disability peer support and disability advocacy. More information on these grants can be found in this edition.
In matters relating to aged care reforms, older people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will now be given priority access to their Support at Home funding. Personal care contributions will also move to the clinical supports contribution category from 1 October, which removes contributions from participants for services such as showering, dressing and continence management. Read more about these inside.
Make sure to check out the detailed articles and resources linked throughout and connect with us on social media and LinkedIn for real-time updates and regional news.
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