Author: Samaritans CEO, Brad Webb In short: (this summary should help our time-poor readers) Popular culture has an important role to play in showcasing diverse stories and representing all people. When the stories that are told on our TV shows, at the…
A word from our CEO, Brad Webb: This Sunday marks one of the final #StandByMe rallies before the NSW Election. With the introduction of the federally funded NDIS, state-based advocacy organisations have been under threat as the NSW Government has…
A word from our CEO, Brad Webb: Last week I was sent the link to a short film called Ian. The film has won international acclaim and it’s easy to see why. In just over 7 minutes, it shows the power of…
A core value at Samaritans is the belief that all people should have an equal opportunity to contribute to their communities and benefit socially and emotionally from that engagement. Yet a recent government study has shown that over one third…
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) prides itself on giving individuals with a disability voice and control to choose their own supports. However, this is not the case for all Australians with a disability. Individuals with a disability are grossly…
This week I look forward to celebrating International Day of People with a Disability on December 3. On this day, sanctioned by the United Nations, we come together to honour the achievements of people with a disability and recognise their…
Did you know over 4 million people in Australia have some form of disability? That is 1 in 5 people. Yet Australia has one of the lowest rates of employment for people with a disability in the developed world. Nor…
This week we celebrate the United Nations sanctioned International Day of People with Disability. It’s a time when around the world people come together to honour the achievements of people with a disability and their contribution to community life. We…
Samaritans remains committed to the ideals and principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) despite recent protests in Newcastle about projected job losses, particularly in relation to the opposed closure of the Stockton Centre. It’s unfortunate that the Stockton…
Contrary to the recent Federal Government, the NSW Government has tried to think of everyone whilst framing its budget. Whilst most new initiatives are in Sydney, we will all benefit from the increased spending on disability services. These are in…
I am opposed to most of the recommendations which involve cutting services or reducing income of people in receipt of Centrelink benefits. I am totally opposed to proposed slowdown in roll out of NDIS. I’m also totally opposed to compulsory…
There’s been media comment recently about difficulties with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The National Disability Insurance Agency which has been set up to implement the NDIS has had difficulties reaching its targets. Particular problems have been: Establishing a…
Today was the launch of DisabilityCare Australia in the Hunter. We welcomed Prime Minster Kevin Rudd, Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin and NSW Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance to our region to celebrate this great event. Perhaps it…
Published 28 June 2013 in the Newcastle Herald. PEOPLE with disability, their families and disability support agencies are delighted Newcastle and the Lower Hunter have been chosen as the NSW launch site for the new National Disability Insurance Scheme, to…