NDIS supporting local jobs and better outcomes for people with disability in Tennant Creek

People with disability, their families, carers and the wider community are benefitting from more supported accommodation in the Barkly region as a result of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial.

National Disability Insurance Agency Deputy CEO Louise Glanville said an additional three houses had recently opened in Tennant Creek as supported accommodation.

“This increase in supported accommodation is not only creating more options for people with disability, it is also providing local job opportunities,” Ms Glanville said.

“In recent months 17 local people have been trained as disability support workers by service providers who have started operating in the region as a result of the NDIS.

“Prior to the NDIS, Tennant Creek had limited supported accommodation for people with disability.

“Now a number of new disability service providers have registered to provide supported accommodation to NDIS participants.

“Jobs for local support workers are being created alongside this increase in accommodation, meaning the wider community is benefitting from the NDIS.”

Ms Glanville has been visiting Alice Springs to talk with disability service providers at a national conference.

“The NDIS trial in the Barkly region is helping us learn how best to make the NDIS work for people living in remote areas and work in the most effective way with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Ms Glanville said.

“The NDIA is working closely with Aboriginal people, service providers and community groups as part of the trial in the Barkly region.

“Our latest report shows that as of June 30, more than 60 people with disability in the Barkly region have an individual plan in place with the NDIS and the number continues to grow.

“Across Australia, more than 17,000 people with disability now have individualised plans, giving them more choice and control over their lives and the supports they receive.”