A picture of a frozen landscape with a prominent frozen tree on the right of the image. On the left of the image is a white circle with an orange and dark blue boarder. Text inside the circle reads "June 2025 Newsletter Archive". Around the outside of the image are icons of leafs, butterflies and a heart.

As the weather gets colder, it can feel like things are slowing down, but not for us. We are still working hard to bring you quality service.

This month, we want to introduce you to Ade, a disability advocate who has created his own training course for the Australian film industry. We are also spotlighting the Good Life Builders and their Service-for-One model.

In addition to our monthly update about the NDIS, we have a link to our participant survey, a fun Sudoku challenge, tips for staying warm, and a fun fact about footpaths.

Newsletter Challenge:

Sudoku

This month, we want to give you something more a bit fun, a bit more of a brain teaser, and a bit more leisurely.

So what better than a game of Sudoku that you can do at any time right on the computer? If you prefer, we also made a version that can be printed if you want to get a bit more hands-on.

Highlighting Disability Justice Lens

Meet Ade Djajamihardja one of our amazing participants that has made great strides in educating the Australian film industry with his initiative Disability Justice Lens.

What is Disability Justice Lens (DJL)? DJL bills itself as ‘the ultimate personal trainer’ who aims to equip you with the tools and resources you need to become the ultimate change-maker and ‘make sure you stay that way’

Building a Good Life

At Inclusion Tree, we believe everyone deserves a good life filled with friendships, security, purpose, and belonging. For many of us, these things develop naturally through everyday experiences. But for individuals with disabilities, accessing a genuinely inclusive, fulfilling life often requires intentional effort, especially when traditional disability services fall short.

Black icons of a wood fire, snowflake and jacket on a blue circle. With black icons of butterflies and a heart floating around the outside of the circle

Tip of the month: Winter-Proof Your Home for Less

Aussie winters can be chilly, particularly this year. Here’s how to stay toasty without torching your wallet:

Block the Sneaky Draughts
  • Door snakes (or rolled-up towels) = instant gap-stoppers.
  • Bubble wrap on windows = cheapo double-glazing (sprits water to stick!).
  • Curtains closed at night. Open for sunshine
Heat Smarter, Not Harder
  • Reverse-cycle AC = cheapest heater (if you’ve got it).
  • 18–20°C is the magic temp – cranking it higher can be costly
  • Zone heating = Only heat the room you’re in (sorry, empty hallway!).
Cozy Hacks
  • Socks + uggs > bare feet (science says so).
  • Oven on? Bake dinner and free heat – crack the door after.
  • A hot water bottle in bed = is almost as good as an electric blanket.
Steal Free Heat!
  • Sun shining? North-facing windows = your BFF.
  • Rugs on tiles = instant floor hugs.

Stay warm, stay savvy!

What’s new with the NDIS

NDIS & S33 – Funding Periods Changes

Big NDIS changes took effect on 19 May 2025—impacting how funding works. Want to understand how this affects service delivery? Click the link bellow for DSC’s breakdown.

NDIS Impairment Notices: What You Need to Know

Impairment Notices are now part of NDIS plans—and they could drastically impact funding, flexibility, and provider payments. Each participant is assigned at least one “Impairment Category,” dictating what supports are deemed “reasonable and necessary.”

Why does this matter?

  • Supports must directly link to the participant’s listed impairment.
  • Providers risk non-payment if services don’t align.
  • New compliance hurdles mean documentation is key.

Stay ahead—read more on how to adapt.

Price guide changes – The NDIA has released the price guide for 1st July 25 – 30th June 2026

  • This has caused a lot of controversy as the funding for some therapists has either not increased (some for numerous years now) or reduced. Provider travel allowances have also reduced.
  • This will impact the way that therapists charge, and some are already sending out emails advising of reduced session times, and enforcing non-face to face sessions in remote areas.
  • More information will be circulated once this has been formalised, and disputes resolved. We will advise if we hear anything further from these groups.

Fun Fact

The world’s first official curb cut popped up in 1970s Berkeley, California, thanks to disability activists who fought for wheelchair access. But guess who else loves them? Parents with strollers, cyclists, delivery workers, and even skateboarders.

Why it’s cool: Disability innovations often benefit everyone—a concept called the “Curb-Cut Effect.” From voice assistants (originally for vision impairments) to closed captions (for the deaf community), inclusive design makes life easier for all