The roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria took a significant step forward today with the announcement of the three partner organisations that will deliver Local Area Coordination (LAC) services as the Scheme starts to roll out locally from July 2016.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence, Latrobe Community Health Service, and Intereach have successfully secured the tender to partner with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to provide LAC services for participants in the first year locations of the Scheme.
This initial investment of almost $65 million by the Commonwealth commences delivery of the Scheme in Victoria which will empower and support, by 2019, 105 324 Victorians.
NDIA CEO, David Bowen said the LAC partners will form a critical component of delivering the Scheme for people with disability in Victoria.
“Local Area Coordination services are an important part of the NDIS, as they will work with participants on the ground to help enter, and make the most of the NDIS - while supporting individuals to build strong, inclusive relationships in their communities.
“LAC partners in Victoria have been chosen because of their skills and experience in working with their local communities and their capacity and commitment to facilitate positive change.
“They will connect with participants on the front-line, moving away from the traditional centralised model of program delivery by bringing support to participants on the ground, in their own communities,” Mr Bowen said.
Brotherhood of St Laurence, Executive Director Tony Nicholson said "The NDIS is Australia's most significant social policy reform in the last forty years, and the Brotherhood of St Laurence is pleased to be able to contribute to implementing it.”
Latrobe Community Health Service, CEO Ben Leigh said they are excited to partner with the NDIA in providing Local Area Coordination services within the Central Highlands.
“Being a Local Area Coordinator will enable us to work with participants in building their independence and opportunities,” Mr Leigh said.
Intereach CEO Sue Mathieson said “Intereach has a long history of working with rural and regional communities we live in. We are excited about the opportunity to be working with the NDIA to deliver LAC services to people with a disability, their families, carers and communities in Northern Victoria, and to bring our experience in effective service delivery in rural areas to other partners.”
The LAC Partner services will commence in North East Melbourne Area from 1 July 2016 with pre-phasing services commencing in Central Highlands from July 2016 and in Loddon from November 2016.
This is the announcement of the first community LAC services, the NDIA will continue to invest in LAC services around Australia during 2016.
More information about the roll out of the NDIS in Victoria and the LAC Partner arrangements is available on the NDIS website.
NDIA Media contact: 0477 703 960 or [email protected]