The NDIS has been busy — from saving music therapy 🎶 to big changes for kids on the scheme. Don’t stress, we’ve pulled it together in plain English so you know exactly what’s going on.
Hey Swifty crew,
This week was full of NDIS headlines: talk of some kids moving off the scheme, new planning rules pushed back, therapies saved, and states pushing back at Canberra.
But first — a quick personal note. Thursday was R U OK? Day. I ate one too many sweets 🍬 and became that kid at the birthday party sitting on the couch, questioning life choices. 😂 Here’s the point: R U OK? should be every day — asking the people around us, the people we serve, and even our managers and support workers, “How are you?”
It takes less than two minutes, and the ripple effect is huge.
Happy support workers = fantastic support workers. 💚
Now, the news 👇
🌏 National Updates
1. Thriving Kids Program (for young children)
Government wants to move some kids with autism/developmental delay out of NDIS into a new program called Thriving Kids.
Parents + states are worried this will mean less support.
Federal Gov says: no child will miss out. States say: show us the proof.
2. Planning Changes Delayed
New NDIS planning system pushed back until mid-2026.
This gives more time to prepare and avoids sudden changes.
3. 🎶 Art & Music Therapy Saved
Therapy stays funded after review.
Price capped at $156.16/hr. Must be delivered by qualified therapists.
A win for participants who rely on these supports.
4. Fraud + Safety Updates
From Oct 3rd: claims must be made within 2 years of support.
New ID checks and myGov linking are rolling out to keep accounts safe.
5. Dodgy Providers Out 🚫
A Sydney provider was banned permanently for unsafe and dishonest practices.
NDIA says they’ll keep cracking down to protect participants.
🏙 State by State
VIC → Minister says kids’ supports can’t be “traded away.” Catherine McAlpine joins the reform committee.
NSW → Premier won’t “sign a blank cheque” for Thriving Kids. Two Sydney providers jailed for ~$1.2m NDIS fraud.
QLD → Minister calls Thriving Kids “cruel.” Nigel Webb joins the national reform group.
WA → Parents feel blindsided; one mum says it felt like “the rug pulled from under us.” Carrie Clark on the reform committee.
SA → Watching closely. Katharine Annear represents SA in reforms.
TAS → 111 people stuck in hospital waiting for NDIS/aged care support. Clare Waiss on reform group.
NT → Big question: how will Thriving Kids work in remote areas? Annie Rily represents NT.
ACT → Families waiting for clarity. Renee Heaton + co-chair Dougie Herd representing ACT nationally.
✨ What This Means for You
🎶 Art & Music Therapy stays → no cuts; clearer rules + fair pricing.
👶 Families with young kids → keep an eye on Thriving Kids updates.
📑 Providers & workers → remember the new 2-year claim rule.
🏥 Hospital discharges → delays under the spotlight (esp. TAS & SA).
The NDIS is changing, but you don’t need to panic. Clear info helps you plan ahead, whether you’re a participant, a family member, or a support worker. And don’t forget — checking in on each other is just as important as checking in on policy changes. 💬
👉 Join SwiftyMatchy (multiple ways to say “yes”)
Ready right now?
💚 Join the SwiftyMatchy waitlist — be first in line for early access and updates:
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Still in a food coma but curious?
Tap this when your brain returns: Save the Waitlist Link
Met too many supports this week?
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Type “JOIN” and we’ll send the link straight to you.
🧠 Why join?
Smarter matching for participants & support workers
Less admin, more outcomes
Real choice (because vibe + skill both matter)
Two taps. Big upgrade.
👉 Join SwiftyMatchy ➜
📝 PS: Bonus goodies
Support Worker Store just got a glow-up: resources, templates, and tools that actually help → supportworkerstore.com
Podcast guests (SWS brand): got a story? I’ve got the mic. Apply here →
https://my.flowlance.com/support-worker-store/got-a-story-i-ve-got-the-mic-apply-to-be-a-guest-on-sarah-knows-support-workers
💌 Email Sarah: the Swifty you didn’t know you needed for unfiltered NDIS truth bombs → [email protected]
🫶 Final word
This sector? Still messy. Still loud. Still full of big changes and bigger feelings.
If you’re recovering from a sugar hangover (same 🍬), feeling networking-overwhelmed, or you’ve met one support too many this week — breathe. You’re doing great. We’re building the future of care together, one honest convo and one clever match at a time.
We’ll slide back into your inbox soon with more tea, app updates, and the stuff no one else says out loud.
Keep your boots high, your standards higher 👢✨
Stay bratty, stay bold 💋
— Team SwiftyMatchy
💌 Email Sarah – the Swifty you didn’t know you needed for your unfiltered NDIS truth bombs → [email protected]