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A bright sun shines through the green leaves of a large tree against a clear blue sky. In the bottom right corner, there is a white semi-circle with a blue border containing the text "January 2025 Newsletter Archive."

Hello and welcome to Inclusion Tree’s first newsletter. We have some great stories about what our participants have been up to, what our employees have been cooking up, and updates on what’s new with the NDIS.

This month, we also have a fun activity on our socials to start the year off with a bang. We want to hear from you: What’s something new you have started for 2025?

Where the team sits

Our service area has spread far and wide, from Melbourne to Brisbane and as far west as New England. We can cover all your needs.

An infographic showing participation statistics of a program or organization. The top left section features a blue circle with an icon of a person held by two hands and the text "663 Total participants." The bottom left section shows a green circle with an icon of three people and the text "37 Support Coordinators." The right section displays a simplified map of Australia with colored dots representing different regions. The title "Our Reach" is written in red at the top. The regions listed are Northern Rivers (Teal), Mid North Coast (Blue), New England (Red), Brisbane (Pink), Sunshine Coast (Orange), Canberra (Yellow), Sydney (Purple), and Melbourne (Green).
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Newsletter Challenge:

As part of our “New Beginnings” campaign on social media this month, we want to see what you have been working on since the start of the year. Most of us set goals for the new year, and we want to know yours.

We want to know whether it’s a new hobby, a resolution to eat better or to get out of the house more often. So please take a photo of whatever you are doing and post it on Facebook. Don’t forget to tag us using @inclusiontree. You can also post in the comments of any of our new beginnings posts, they are the bright yellow ones.

(Note: we might share your photos in future emails or on our socials; if you don’t want this, please let us know).

This months Stories

Harnessing Positive Thoughts: Mervyn’s Inspirational Story

We had the pleasure of speaking with Mervyn, who shared his journey and the inspiration behind his remarkable book, “Thoughts: The Creation of Life.”

Read More
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Employee Spotlight: Rebecca Cain

We’re thrilled to spotlight Rebecca’s latest achievement. She has recently completed her Diploma of Counselling in July 2024.

Read More
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Tip of the month:

Listen to Your Body and Mind: Make it a habit to check in with yourself regularly. Pay attention to how you’re feeling both physically and emotionally. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break. Practising self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

Whether taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, doing a favourite hobby, or reaching out to someone who supports you, taking time for yourself helps you stay grounded and better equipped to handle daily challenges.

Your well-being matters; making slight, consistent efforts can significantly improve your overall health and happiness.

What’s new with the NDIS

Self-Direction Consultation paper:

We are currently working on our response to the Self-Direction Consultation paper.

What is this about?

The Australian Government established the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce (the Taskforce) in February 2024. Its role was to provide expert advice on designing and implementing a new graduated risk-proportionate regulatory model.

The Taskforce released advice on 2 August 2024.

Consultation on the Taskforce recommendations for participants who self-direct their support is now open. The focus is on implementing Category C: Service for One/Self-Directed Support Registration.

The consultation paper asks for feedback on these three areas:

1. Definition of self-directed supports

2. Proposed obligations for registered self-directed participants

3. Support from the NDIS Commission

If you would like more information or would like to review the consultation paper and supporting information, visit the DDS website:

DSS Website

A new Minister for the NDIS has been appointed;

Bill Shorten has been the Minister for the NDIS and Government services since June 1, 2022. On September 5, 2024, he announced his retirement from politics as of the 2025 federal election.

The new Minister for the NDIS and Government services has been appointed. Her name is Amanda Rishworth. The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP was appointed as the new Minister on January 16, 2025.

We will monitor this carefully and always advocate for the people we support and the broader Disability community.

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Fun Fact

Did you know that the original concept of guide dogs for the blind dates back to World War I? The first organized training schools for guide dogs were established in Germany to help veterans who lost their sight in the war. Now, guide dogs and other service animals provide critical support to individuals with disabilities worldwide. It’s incredible how a simple idea can change so many lives!

We acknowledge the connections of First Nations People of Australia to the land, sea and community on which we live and work. As custodians of this sacred land we respect and acknowledge Elders, past, present and emerging.

Our Contacts

  • hello@inclusiontree.com.au
  • 1300 126 123
  • PO Box 126 PLUMPTON NSW 2761