More First Nations people with disabilities living in remote communities will now receive trusted, local, face-to-face help to access and maximize their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports closer to home.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has announced a major expansion of the Remote Community Connector program, which assists people with disability to apply for NDIS access, connect with local services, and navigate their NDIS plans.
Expanding Local, Culturally Safe Connections
Mainly delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, the Remote Community Connector program funds local workers who understand their communities best. With this latest expansion, Remote Community Connectors will now support over 500 communities across Australia, introducing new and expanded services across key regions:
- Northern Territory (17 communities): Alyangula, Angurugu, Aputula (Finke), Barunga, Beswick, Bulman Weemol, Groote Eylandt, Jilkminggan, Numbulwar, Maningrida, Manyallaluk, Mataranka, Milyakburra, Minyerri, Peppimenarti, Umbakumba, and Urapunga.
- Far North Queensland (8 communities): Aurukun, Ayton, Coen, Cooktown, Degarra, Kowanyama, Shiptons Flat, and Wujal Wujal.
- New South Wales (4 communities): Brewarrina, Goodooga, Walgett, and Wilcannia.
This growth directly responds to community feedback and aligns with the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations for more community-led connectors, ensuring NDIS access is culturally safe, trusted, and straightforward.
Bringing Support Directly to Remote Communities
To complement local connectors, the NDIA is launching 9 additional Remote Access Clinics. These two- to three-day multi-agency events bring NDIA staff, allied health professionals, and local organizations directly to remote townships to assist participants with gathering medical evidence and progressing access requests.
Recent clinics have been delivered in:
- Northern Territory: Belyuen, Gunbalanya, Jabiru, Milingimbi, Papunya, Ramingining, and Yuendumu.
- Western Australia: Carnarvon.
- New South Wales: Wilcannia.
Shaped by First Nations Voices
Remote communities frequently face distinct challenges, including long travel distances, limited local providers, and complex administrative systems. First Nations leadership and community guidance are actively guiding solutions at every level from clinic planning alongside Traditional Owners and local leaders to nationwide consultations.
These initiatives advance the objectives of the NDIA’s First Nations Strategy and directly inform its upcoming First Nations Strategy Implementation Plan. Development of the plan included:
- State and Territory Roundtables: 274 participants shared critical priorities around NDIS access, cultural safety, service coordination, and accountability.
- National Peak Body Roundtable: Key priorities were reviewed alongside First Nations leaders to establish practical, long-term actions for improved outcomes.
Find the Right NDIS Support with Remonta
As local NDIS supports expand across remote communities, Remonta makes it simple to connect with trusted, vetted support workers, allied health professionals, and community services. Take control of your support with a platform built around your goals and lifestyle.