SDA Services in Darwin
With the SDA Services’ Darwin operations in full swing, Darwin local and SDA Services’ Consultant for the Northern Territory, Seini Pitt and our Principal Consultant and Founder, Greg Barry, have been busy meeting clients, stakeholders and friends in the community at events and workshops in Greater Darwin.
The highlights of our work in Darwin include:
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Information Seminars
August and November 2024
These insightful seminars were facilitated by our Principal and Founder, Greg Barry, with attendees from a variety of backgrounds, including Support Coordinators, Local Area Coordinators, Occupational Therapists, SIL Providers, SDA Providers, Office of the Public Guardian, Hospital Discharge, Young People in Aged Care, NDIS Participants, supports, families and loved ones.
Greg presented on the navigation of the SDA eligibility and funding journey and offered tips and insights on how SDA funding can be achieved for NDIS participants who have an extreme functional impairment and/or very high support needs. Attendees were upskilled and reached new understandings to support clients and loved ones that they previously did not see as a possibility.
All Abilities Expo
May 2024
Back in May, SDA Services Founder Greg Barry attended the All Abilities Expo in Marrara. This expo is renowned for its interactive format and was attended by disability service providers and other key industry stakeholders. This event connects people with disability to businesses and organisations that are committed to creating a more inclusive society.
Greg embraced the opportunity to showcase our services and to enjoy the face-to-face interaction with the local community, and organisations participating in this annual inclusive and accessible event. Stay tuned for SDA Services’ participation in similar events next year!
DiversAbility Collective Fun Day
SDA services are excited to be an active member of the subcommittee for DiversAbility Collective Fun Day, which will be celebrated on 3rd Dec for International Day for People Living with Disability. It is an amazing FREE community day where stakeholders, Darwin City Council and stakeholders come together to celebrate the inclusive community we are all happy to be a part of in Darwin. There will be performances showcasing local talent, school performances, a variety of local cuisine and the announcement of the winners for the Lord Mayor Awards.
Active participants in NDIS supportive and Darwin City Council Access Strategy Information gathering workshops.
October 2024
The City of Darwin is currently reviewing its Access and Inclusion Plan to improve equitable access and inclusion for the community. SDA Services were excited to sit in on the Consult held by Matrix at the Nightcliff Community Centre on Wednesday, the 23rd of October, for Darwin City Council Access Strategy. The plan will be updated in 2024 based on key learnings, co-design activities, and emerging trends. The City of Darwin is committed to creating an inclusive community and consults with community members and advocacy groups to ensure the perspectives of people with disabilities are included in the plan.
NDIS changes have been underway as of October 3rd, 2024. This is still in progress with the NDIS seeking on-the-ground information from key stakeholders to identify key foundational supports that are both present and missing in the community to provide suitable support for individuals. It was great to be able to provide information and see the great turnout from other stakeholders in the community, all taking the time to contribute to the community.
December 2024
NT Support Coordinator Community of Practice
Featuring presentations and advice from experts including SDA Services’ Principal Consultant and Founder, Greg Barry.