People with disability will benefit from a new fund creating more opportunities to take part in social, recreational, arts, sporting and cultural activities.
Consultation for the Inclusive Communities Fund is now open.
The Australian Government is investing $200 million over three years to deliver the fund.
It will benefit NDIS participants and other Australians with disability by helping community organisations make their activities more inclusive.
Types of community organisations that may be eligible to apply include:
- sports and recreation organisations
- arts and cultural organisations
- multicultural organisations
- First Nations community organisations
- not-for-profit or volunteering groups, e.g. environmental conservation
- local councils, including libraries and community centres.
Funding could be for:
- advice on how to make services more inclusive
- staff training on disability inclusion
- building partnerships between community and disability organisations
- small purchases to make activities easier for people with disability to access.
The fund will not be able to be used for the delivery of community activities.
The disability community will help shape how the fund works, with the first round of funding expected to begin by June 2027.
Consultation opened on 3 August and closes on 31 August. To make a submission, visit: consultations.health.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Australian Government wants to create more inclusive communities where everyone can participate; feel a sense of belonging; build confidence, skills and relationships; and feel safe.
“The Inclusive Communities Fund will help community organisations become more inclusive and accessible.
“It’s about making sure people with disability have greater choice and opportunity to take part in community activities.”
Quotes attributable to NDIS Minister, Senator Jenny McAllister:
“This is about putting the community back into community participation.
“People with a disability deserve far more than a hollow promise. They have the right to genuine and meaningful participation in their communities alongside their families, friends and neighbours.
“The Inclusive Communities Fund is about building back that real, meaningful community participation in partnership with sports clubs, arts organisations, libraries, community centres and volunteering groups.
“The consultation phase is now running. I encourage community organisations and groups to engage in this process. Your feedback is invaluable.”
