January, 2026 No 13
From the Director’s Desk
Happy New Year to all Proactive Support Participants and Staff!
I hope you had a refreshing and relaxing Christmas break and are looking forward to 2026.
We have noticed some recent positive differences in NDIS service provision:
- Change of Circumstance applications for our participants processed in less than 3 months after submission by the Support Co-ordinator
- With very robust evidence it is possible to apply for and receive funding for items you might not expect. . . . (more about that in next month’s newsletter!)
- Funding periods (although they are a administrative nightmare) can really help keep the spending on track.
We have collated our survey results from the end of last year which were very positive. I will be sending out the results to you all soon.
We will be conducting an Emergency planning blitz in the near future. NDIS expects registered providers and participants to be prepared, no matter what the scenario. Storm damage on Bribie late last year, with electricity out for days highlighted to us some of the necessary items to have in stock in case disaster comes. There are some really neat things out there that can come in handy like solar powered chargers and fans. So we have pre-pared some test scripts for you to trial covering some of the following: pandemic, flood, fire. . . Even cybersecurity attack or internet outage! There is a lot to prepare for, and simple planning can be really helpful.
All the best in the new year, and we will be in touch!
Beatrice and the PS Team
WHS TIP
When supporting participants on community outings, hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration, heat stress, and sunburn. Make sure both you and the participant wear sun-safe clothing and hats, apply sunscreen, and drink water regularly. Plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day and take breaks in the shade whenever possible to stay safe and comfortable.
Working in heat - Working in heat | Safe Work Australia
Practice Alert – Sun and summer safety
Hot weather risks and staying cool | healthdirect
Travelling
Accessible Travel in Australia just got easier. Tourism Australia has launched a new accessible travel page on its website to support people with disability to plan and navigate travel more easily. The page organises information by disability type, including limited mobility, low vision, hearing loss, cognitive disability, autism and allergies.
Child Safe Organisations
Your right to safety in organisations: children and young people with disability and their caregivers. This video provides children, young people, and care givers with information about their right to safety in an organisation. It helps them learn how to speak up for them-selves and covers topics like accessibility, communication, inclusion, child safe policies, emergency planning, cultural safety, and preventing child abuse, including sexual abuse.
Participant Focus
If your life or support needs have changed, you can request an NDIS plan reassessment any-time. The NDIS will respond within 21 days by updating your plan, replacing it, or deciding not to reassess.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A REASSESSMENT:
- Your disability’s impact on daily life has changed
- You’ve started a new life stage, like school or work
- Your living arrangements or caring supports have changed
- A child under nine has new support needs
GATHER EVIDENCE:
Use reports from allied health professionals, therapists, support workers, schools, workplaces, or medical records to show how your needs have changed.
TIPS FOR A STRONG REQUEST:
- Show how current supports don’t meet your daily needs
- Ask professionals to explain how your needs have changed
- Be specific – give examples of what you can and can’t do
- Use plain language and include dates on documents
- Link supports directly to your NDIS goals
- Label documents clearly for easy review
YOUR PROACTIVE SUPPORT COORDINATOR CAN HELP!
They can guide you through the reassessment process, complete forms on your behalf, and help gather supporting evidence – and if needed, they can handle the entire process for you. Clear, detailed preparation increases your chances of getting the supports you need to achieve your goals.
Healthy Gut
A healthy gut does much more than digest food — it supports your immune system, your energy levels, your mood, and your overall wellbeing. Many people don’t realise that gut im-balance can show up in ways that aren’t obviously digestive. The infographic below highlights simple, practical steps you can take to support a flourishing gut microbiome, from nourishing whole foods and healthy fats to lifestyle habits that help your good bacteria thrive. These ideas, shared by David Coory, aim to guide you toward a more balanced, energised and resilient body.
If you would like a copy of the infographic, please contact info@proactive-support.com.au
Tab’s Talking
December can be such a busy time. Schools are finishing up, there are Christmas parties, bring-a-plate days, goodbye gifts, planning holidays, running here and there… and before you know it, a hailstorm might hit your home too.
Some days it feels like everything comes at once. We’ve recently lost one car due to the hailstorm and also had damage to our roof. I’m sure it will all be repaired one day… but like many things (i.e. with the NDIS), it can take a long time. It’s not always easy to sit back and be patient. Depending on your situation, delays can have a big impact on daily life and the people around you.
I can definitely feel some anxiety coming up for some of my clients at this time of year. The end of the school year brings big changes, and the five-week school holidays can be challenging for families.
Balancing work, family arrangements, and care needs isn’t easy — and finding affordable things to do with children is very real.
The cheaper entry fee at the local pool is definitely a blessing. Bringing your own picnic food or using a public BBQ at the park can be a great option too. You can even put your children or client in charge of the grilling. Try savoury pancakes! Make the mix at home and bring it along in a suitable container. Did I make you hungry? Okay — here’s a recipe for four people:
- 200g white plain flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 eggs
- 200ml water
- 200ml milk
Mix well, then add a big handful of grated cheese. Sliced salami is delicious too. Or try it with adding fresh lemon juice and raw sugar ….. or Nutella ….. or whipped cream and jam.
A silicone grill mat is great — it’s hygienic and you use much less oil. Taking photos is always helpful. As a support worker, I know parents, support coordinators, and those familiar with the NDIS may want evidence of support sessions. And I know you en-joy seeing photos in the newsletter too! On that note — Merry Christmas to you all. Stay safe, look after one another, and let me know how your public BBQ outing went.
Love,
Tabs
JOKE
What do you call Santa when he stops moving?
Santa Pause!
Staff Focus
My name is Tanja, and I’ve been a support worker with Proactive Support for 1.5 years. I love that no two days are the same, as every participant has their own needs and personality. I enjoy adapting my support to suit each person, and being able to make someone’s day better or bring them joy is what I enjoy most about my role. The most rewarding part of my work is building trust with participants over time and seeing breakthroughs that remind me the effort is worthwhile.
I learn best by watching and learning from other support workers, and I’m always looking for ways to improve and grow. I never expected to work in support, but after my husband and I sold our landscaping business, I tried a caring role and quickly realised it was the right fit for me.
I’m proud of stepping outside my comfort zone. In 2020, I started doing 1950s-style pin-up competitions, which helped build my confidence. Another defining moment was moving from Germany to New Zealand at 22, and later to Australia with my husband — a scary but brave decision.
A typical day starts with breakfast, followed by one or two shifts. When I have time, I enjoy walking my dog, cooking, reading, listening to music, baking, crafting hand-stitched cards, swimming, geocaching, and catching up with friends. Reading is especially important to me, as it allows me to escape into other worlds. Some of my favourite sayings are, “Things always happen for a reason,” and “It just wasn’t meant to be.”
JOKE
Why don’t you ever see penguins in the UK?
Because they’re afraid of Wales!
What’s On – January 2026
o Brisbane International Tennis Tournament (4–11 January at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson.)
o South Bank Summer of Wonder (6–27 January - free activities: a maze at the piazza, open-air movie nights, live mu sic, and “Summer Hub” sports or casual play)
o Now You See Me Live — stage show / theatre (8–18 January 2026 at QPAC Queensland Performing Arts Centre - live illusion/ magic-show inspired by a blockbuster film franchise)
o Cards And Conversation (Kilcoy Library every Friday 1pm to 4pm - Join in with cards, games and conversations over a cuppa. Phone 5424 4000 for more information)
NDIS Focus
The NDIS is planning changes to how support plans are made. The goal is to make plans fairer, more consistent, and easier to navigate, with a new planning process expected to start in mid2026. An update on changes to NDIS – New Framework Planning starting mid 2026 | NDIS.
The NDIS says these changes will be gradual, and as the transition to the new planning process approaches, they will provide more information to help participants and providers understand and prepare for the changes. Some participants and advocates have raised concerns that parts of the new system may rely more on digital tools and structured interviews rather than detailed professional reports. They worry this could make plans feel less personal and may not fully reflect individual support needs (‘Nightmare scenario for disabled people’: NDIS overhaul risks lives, advocates say | National disability insurance scheme | The Guardian)
The government has stated it is listening to feedback and working with the disability community to shape these reforms. Participants are encouraged to stay informed and provide feedback during public consultations, which are expected to start in early 2026. More information about the new framework planning rules is available on the New framework planning | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
What this means for you:
- Your support plan may be developed differently in the future.
- Make sure your plan reflects the support you actually need.
- Talk to your NDIS planner or Support Co-ordinator if you have questions.
Stay update with what the NDIS is planning - Update - A new way of planning | NDIS
Sunflower Lanyards: Supporting People with Hidden Disabilities
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a green lanyard with yellow sunflowers that people can wear to quietly show they have a hidden disability, such as autism, anxiety, dementia, hearing or vision loss, epilepsy, chronic pain or sensory difficulties. It signals that someone may need extra time, patience, space, or support, without having to explain their condition. The lanyard is voluntary, doesn’t show the specific disability, and can also come as a pin or card. First used at London’s Gatwick Airport, the sunflower is now recognised in over 40 countries, including across Australia in airports, transport, venues, shops and events.
Organisations that support the sunflower often have trained staff to help. If you see someone wearing one, be patient, respectful, and offer help if needed. This small symbol helps make hidden disabilities visible and encourages understanding and inclusion. You can purchase sunflower lanyards and other related products through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website. -
A symbol for non-visible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities or invisible disabilities.
MHFA Course
Recently, three of our amazing support workers attended a two-day Mental Health First Aid course at Kingaroy Hospital. Donna has generously agreed to share her thoughts and experiences from the course. I completed this course as I wanted a better understanding of Mental Health, Illness or Disorders as this was subject was never discussed when I grew into adult-hood. It had always occurred but was never discussed publicly due to fear of being scrutinised or bullied. I have learnt there are so many different variations of Mental Health disorders or illnesses that are now recognised within our communities and having the awareness that individuals can recover from these with professional help and support. The one thing I have learnt from completing this course is as an Individual and as SW that we could be the one person that somebody feels confident that they can share their feelings and thoughts or just reaching out. We all need to listen, be non-judgemental and provide empathy. We cannot fix the person or the situation, but we could be that ONE person that can get the assistance that is required before the situation spirals out of the individual’s control. The one thing I took from the course is having an: Mental Health First Aid Action Plan - ALGEE
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis.
- Listen and communicate non-judgementally.
- Give support and information.
- Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help.
- Encourage other support. (This form of support can come from support groups, family, or friends).
At the end of the day, many of us—and our family members, friends, or peers—may have, or may have had, mental health conditions that cannot and should not be ignored. While it is essential that we continue to follow company Policies and Procedures at all times, it is just as important to look after one another, remain aware, and offer support where needed.
If any support workers are interested in attending this free course in 2026, please email ad-min@proactive-support.com.au for more information.
