Whittlesea’s planning for NDIS MAV Forum 11 November 2015 Kathy Pompetti

Snapshot of Whittlesea  Population growth  Large geographical area  Contains urban, growth and rural areas

We identified the need to plan and prepare for NDIS NDIS Prepare Project Assist community, service providers and Council (in its three roles as advocate, facilitator and provider) to plan and prepare for the NDIS rollout Develop a plan for roll out timeframe and beyond – Project Officer is a Council funded role 0.6 eft for 16 months, started mid July 15 – Overseen by internal Project Steering Group  Links to community and service providers  Oversee implementation of Plan beyond the life of the Project Officer

NDIS Prepare Project Work undertaken so far... Community  Engaged with community through existing groups and service providers  Facilitated info sessions Identified there is a huge need for info about the NDIS from the community

NDIS Prepare Project Work undertaken so far... Service Providers  Strong history of partnership in Whittlesea Whittlesea Community Futures  Engaged existing networks  Visited disability service providers to scope where they were at with their planning and best way to assist them  Work with NDS

NDIS Prepare Project Work undertaken so far... Council Provider Working with our Aged and Disability Department to plan and prepare for NDIS Informing staff of NDIS Advocate/Facilitator Local issues register Raise issues with DHHS and NDIA as they emerge Engaged with other funded agencies to support transition ILC Co-Design feedback

NDIS Prepare Project Comments Positive note that Central Highland and Loddon LAC Tender includes a pre-phasing component Real collegiate approach amongst Councils across 5 launch site Councils – Across various levels-Directors, Managers and Officers Note strong existing networks e.g. Vic Govt. Disability Planners Network Flag idea of cascading support for and by Councils across the state as NDIS rolls out – Councils undertake to support next launch site from their own Great collaboration with NDS

NDIS Prepare Project Lessons learned (Still early days-only 4 months into project)  There is significant value for community in Councils’ having a central NDIS role Can capture local issues and facilitate opportunities Strengthen local info sharing central point invaluable –people know where to go resource to keep up with ‘dynamic’ environment Councils know our community and have established networks and connections- can assist other funded bodies to maximize impact  Collaborate Start now- you know your roll out times and areas-get together  The need for information is very significant for community, SPs and Council  Important to remember that despite challenges, this is a great and important social change that will change lives