LAC ECEI E-Newsletter March 2019

General Intereach News

From January 1 this year, the NDIS became available in the Mallee and Goulburn regions. Some participants, families/carers and providers would have started to develop their NDIS plan and started to form linkages to community and other government agency support.

For employment opportunities please visit https://intereach.com.au/about/careers/.

Intereach Staff Profile

Name: Amy Whitten
Job Title: Program Manager – Community Development (ECEI)

What your position involves:
Representing Intereach while supporting the community with questions regarding the NDIS or helping access mainstream and community services. My position also aims to build the capacity of families and the community to be empowered to make decisions and work on their goals. My role has a particular focus on the Early Childhood Early Intervention space which supports children 0-6 years and their families.

Intereach career background:
I started with Intereach in December 2018. Prior to Intereach I worked within the early childhood sector as a key worker and occupational therapist. I have worked across many of Intereach’s regions including Loddon, Goulburn and Mallee giving me knowledge into the gaps these rural areas face. I am highly motivated to support our local communities and look forward to my new role to make positive changes across the Intereach footprint.

Why you love working at Intereach:
Intereach is a very inclusive and supportive environment, inside and out. I have felt invited and included into my teams and look forward to seeing where our collaboration leads.

Fun fact about you:
I love to dance and I spend my hours outside of work program-designing and directing a movement to music program and also teach at numerous dance schools throughout our local communities.

NDIS resources and information

Have you noticed the new NDIS website? The NDIS has made its website easier to use, search and navigate to help find key information. The website is a simpler design to ensure people of all abilities can find the information they need. If you have any feedback or questions about the website email websitefeedback@ndis.gov.au

Last edition we introduced you to the new Participant Booklets and the Guide to self-management that are available to support people with disability and participants throughout their NDIS journey. Follow the links to find out more.

Where will we be during January and February?

A key part of our role is getting out and about in the community to run NDIS information sessions, ‘plan readiness’, ‘plan implementation’ and ‘plan review’ workshops, as well as being present at events, festivals and other key places with our iVan (information van). We have lots of great resources and fantastic staff who are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have or offer support to access the scheme.

This newsletter will always include a schedule of where and when we will be in your community, so feel free to come and say hello. Another great way to keep up-to-date with our movements is by following our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/intereachdeniliquin/

Additional sessions will be scheduled for upcoming months and will be promoted through the Intereach website, Facebook, E-News and flyers in your local community.

Left to right: Ashley Lythgo (Intereach Program Manager – Community Development), Nancy Campbell (Cobram Community House), Renee McCarthy (Community Member), Jenny Godwin (Cobram Community House) and Rita Greco (Community Member).