New funding to boost Aboriginal disability services

SYDNEY, 23 May 2018 /PRNewswire Policy/ -- Aboriginal businesses operating in the disability services sector have a chance to apply for their share in a new $4.5 million NSW Government program which aims to help those businesses get involved in delivering the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Deputy Secretary Skills & Economic Development Zoe de Saram said free briefing sessions on the Making It Our Business program, and the funding opportunities it provides, would be held around NSW at the end of May and early June.

“I encourage local Aboriginal businesses operating in the disability services sector, which are already involved in the NDIS, or those who want to make the most of the NDIS, to attend the information session and find out more about how the NSW Government can help,” Ms de Saram said.

“We're offering grants of between $5,000 and $30,000 for sole traders and between $10,000 up to $1 million for employers who want to gear up or expand their business to be ready for the opportunities stemming from the NDIS.

“Aside from dramatically improving the lives of people living with disability, the NDIS has the potential to create many new jobs, particularly in country areas and in places with a strong Aboriginal business presence.

“It's important that Aboriginal businesses participate in the NDIS as they're best placed to deliver culturally appropriate services,” she said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW and Small Business John Barilaro said the NDIS had the potential to double the size of the disability support sector in NSW from around $3.4 billion to $6.8 billion over the coming years.

“We want to help more Aboriginal businesses and organisations succeed in the disability services sector and that's why we're providing funding and mentoring support through this program,” he said.

SOURCE NSW Department of Industry