Hello everyone,
The past month has been a significant one for both Melba and the broader disability sector.
Across the sector, the conversation about NDIS reforms has continued to evolve. The proposed Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 has been delayed. This follows extensive feedback through the Senate inquiry process. While this means uncertainty continues for many people, it hopefully also provides more time for governments to listen to the disability community and carefully consider the impacts of reform.
Melba is deeply disappointed by elements of the proposed reforms and holds grave concerns about the impact on people.
The sweeping reforms propose a 50% reduction to budgets for Social, Civic and Community Participation. Aimed at reining in scheme costs, this reduction has sparked major backlash, with advocates warning it will heavily restrict access to vital community programs, social inclusion and daily independence. Things other Australians take for granted. Melba’s position remains clear: we support reforms that strengthen the sustainability, safety and integrity of the NDIS, but they must be implemented in a way that protects the rights, choice and continuity of support for people with disability.
We are particularly concerned that the proposed implementation approach is callous and puts the safety, choice and dignity of people with disability at risk. We continue to advocate strongly on behalf of people we support, families and employees. We are launching our new NDIS reforms information hub and expressions of interest are now open for our NDIS Reforms Advisory Group (more on this below). We have contributed to the Senate inquiry process, we hosted community conversations and have established new ways for people to stay informed and have their voices heard.
Within Melba, our focus remains on organisational sustainability and ensuring we continue to provide high quality, person-led support well into the future. Across the organisation, teams have been working through change, strengthening how we operate and making decisions that support long-term viability in an increasingly challenging environment. While change is not always easy, our approach remains unchanged: people supported by Melba come first.
We are seeing some great outcomes from our Meaningful Homes approach (more about this next month!), an important pathway to ensuring people have choice and control over where and how they live, who they live with and that they have access to the right supports.
Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to our community, supporting one another and advocating for a better future for people with disability. Despite the uncertainty around us, I remain confident in the strength of our people, the quality of our work and the important role Melba will continue to play in shaping the future of our sector.
Warm regards,
Hayley Dean
The NDIS is changing, and we know many people in the Melba community have questions about what those changes might mean.
To help make sense of an evolving and often complex reform environment, we have launched a new NDIS Reforms Information Hub on the Melba website. The hub brings together clear information, updates, helpful resources and Melba’s perspective on the reforms in one easy to find location.
The hub has been developed to support people with disability, families, supporters and employees by providing information in plain English and helping separate fact from speculation. It includes updates on key reform areas, answers to common questions, links to trusted sources and information about how Melba is advocating throughout the reform process.
Information about our NDIS Reforms Advisory Group can be found here including how to express your interest to be involved.
We encourage everyone to visit the hub, explore the resources and check back regularly for updates as the reform journey continues.
At Melba, inclusion is just one way that we demonstrate our commitment to our value of human rights – it’s part of who we are. Every person should feel safe, respected, welcomed and able to be themselves. Whether we’re supporting people with disability, working alongside colleagues or engaging with our communities, inclusion helps create a sense of belonging for everyone.
Over the past month, we have recognised both National Reconciliation Week and Pride Month – two important opportunities to listen, learn and reflect. During National Reconciliation Week, we officially launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and celebrated the work being done across Melba to strengthen relationships, understanding and respect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities. Reconciliation is not something that happens for one week each year. It is an ongoing commitment that belongs in our everyday actions, decisions and conversations.
Pride Month also reminded us of the importance of creating environments where LGBTQIA+ people feel valued, accepted and able to bring their full selves to work and community life. Through events, conversations and shared stories, we celebrated diversity and reinforced our commitment to safety, dignity and belonging for all people.
By continuing to listen, learn and celebrate our differences, we help create a stronger Melba – one where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
At Melba, National Reconciliation Week was an opportunity to pause, learn and reflect together. It also reinforced that reconciliation is not a one week event, but an ongoing commitment that belongs in our everyday actions, relationships and decisions. During the week, Tim White, Aboriginal Connections, Liaison & Awareness Officer, travelled across Victoria to share the positive messages behind raising awareness for National Reconciliation Week, helping bring conversations about respect, understanding and reconciliation to communities across the state. We also officially launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, marking an important step in Melba’s reconciliation journey. We encourage everyone to read the plan and discover the small ways you can champion reconciliation every week. As an organisation, we continue to listen, learn and look for meaningful ways to support truth telling, respect and inclusion across our community.
We’re excited to launch our new Supported Independent Living (SIL) brochures.
Designed in plain English and grounded in The Melba Voice, the brochures help explain SIL, SDA and Individualised Support Arrangements in a clear and practical way. They break down complex NDIS information, answer common questions and provide guidance for people exploring their home and support options.
At the heart of the new brochures is a simple message: everyone should have a home that feels right for them. Whether someone is just starting their housing journey or looking at new options for the future, the brochures reflect Melba’s commitment to choice, independence and person led support.
Take a look and share these resources with people, families and supporters who may benefit from understanding their options and finding the support that is right for them.
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