Meet your local representative for NDIS Plan Management
About the NDIS in Ballina & Byron Bay NSW
The NDIS was rolled out in the region in July 2017.
BALLINA
Ballina is a town located in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, just south of Byron Bay, and east of Lismore. Ballina is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and is home to the Big Prawn. The Ballina Shire has a population of approximately 41,790 and includes the towns of Alstonville, Lennox Head, Wollongbar, Tintenbar, Wardell, Newrybar (shared with Byron Bay), and many more. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 3.1% of the population, which is higher than the national and state averages of 2.5%.
During the period July 2018 – June 2019 there were around 760 NDIS participants. That number is expected to grow to 1,240 by 2023. The largest groups accessing the scheme in the Ballina region are those with Autism or Intellectual Disability.
To ensure everyone has access to enjoy the beaches, Ballina has two beach wheelchairs available for hire.
Some of the recent projects implemented by Ballina Council to support the needs of people with a disability are:
• constructed the first fully Accredited Changing Place toilet facility in NSW
• altered the design templates for the construction of footpaths to improve accessibility
• redevelopment of the public swimming pools in Ballina and Alstonville incorporating accessible pool entry ramps and change facilities
BYRON BAY
Byron Bay is a Far North Coast town just an hour south of the Queensland border. It is the easternmost point of Australia. Byron is well known as a popular tourist destination bordered by stunning beaches on one side, mountains and rainforest on the other. The Byron Bay Shire has a population of approximately 31,556 encompasses the towns of Bangalow, Newrybar (shared with Ballina), Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Federal, Booyong (shared with Lismore), and many other small towns.
During the period July 2018 – June 2019 there were around 310 NDIS participants. That number is expected to grow to 740 by 2023. People with autism make up the largest group accessing the scheme in the Byron Shire.
LISMORE
Lismore is a city in the Northern Rivers region of the Far North Coast of NSW. It is located on the banks of the Wilsons River and Leycester Creek. It is known to flood in heavy rains and suffered badly in 2017 in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie. It is known for its farming, arts & culture. Lismore is the commercial centre of the Northern Rivers region. The Lismore Shire has a population of approximately 43,135 and includes the towns of Nimbin, Clunes, Eltham, Bexhill, Booyong (shared with Byron Bay), and many other regional towns.
During the period July 2018 – June 2019 there were around 970 NDIS participants. That number is expected to grow to 1400 by 2023. People with autism make up the largest group accessing the scheme in the Lismore Shire.
One of the big issues in the regions of Ballina, Byron Bay & Lismore is that of social isolation and there are several groups currently working on social groups for NDIS participants to meet this growing need.
More information around demographics can be found on the NDIS Demand Map
The shires of Ballina, Byron Bay, & Lismore (as well as others in the region) have worked collaboratively to develop Disability Inclusion Access Plans for each council.
Local Contacts For NDIS Plan Management
LOCAL AREA COORDINATOR (LAC)
Local Area Coordination is provided by Social Futures and there are 3 offices in the region:
• 44 Tamar Street, Ballina 2478 NSW
• 256 Molesworth Street, Lismore 2480 NSW
• 3 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads 2483 NSW
Phone: 1800 522 679
Email: LAC@socialfutures.org.au
EARLY CHILDHOOD EARLY INTERVENTION (ECEI) COORDINATOR
ECEI for the region is provided by Nortcott
Phone: 1800 818 286
Email: ecei@northcott.com.au
NDIS – LOCAL OFFICE
Level 1 / 214 Molesworth St, Lismore 2480 NSW
Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4.30pm
OTHER RECOMMENDED LOCAL CONTACTS
Ability Incorporated is a disability advocacy service and they have an office in Alstonville.
They can be contacted on 02 6628 3409
Aruma (formerly House with No Steps) has offices in Lynwood, Ballina & Lismore and offer many services, including Supported Independent Living, Children’s Services, Support Co-ordination, and Supported Employment. They are a large employer of people with disabilities in the region. They can be contacted on 1300 538 746.
Daisi is a local service offering supports with pre-planning, Support Co-ordination and many other things. Their office is in Ballina and they can be contacted on 1800 800 340.
CPL – Choice, Passion, Life is a large provider of integrated support for people living with a disability in Northern New South Wales, and their families. Their office is located in Ballina and they can be contacted on 1800 275 753.
Biala Support Services is an organisation located in Ballina. They offer both “in home” and “out of home” supports, including a school offering independent Special Education for children aged 4 – 18 years. Biala’s day program includes offerings in Music and dancing programs, yoga and exercise, arts and crafts, BBQs and picnics, disco morning, funky fitness or tennis. They can be contacted on 6686 4763.
What Katie’s Clients Have To Say
Katie from Capital Guardians is an important asset as my NDIS Plan Manager. My favourite thing about working with Katie is that she is so quick in her responses to my (often numerous) queries! Katie has proven that she cares for me as a client, not just for the management of my fiends. Katie is bright and confident, ensuring that while I am making the most out of my funds, I also feel a sense of security that I will not be taken advantage of by providers. I feel safe having Katie as my NDIS Plan Manager.
KAREN SMITH, BALLINA
Katie has been our local plan management rep for over a year now, & I would highly recommend. We have always felt supported, all questions promptly answered and sorted with ease. A must when managing an ndis plan which can be overwhelming and tricky at times. Thank you Katie! JAYE, BALLINA!
CAPITAL GUARDIANS
