Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who want to become an NDIS service provider are encouraged to “Dream it up, Grow it up” and sign up for a state-wide seminar series this month.
Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the seminars provide information about how to enter the NDIS market.
“The First Nations NDIS Business Development Seminar Series consists of about 40 in-person and online seminars,” Mr Crawford said.
“The series, open to potential or existing Indigenous sole traders, businesses and organisations, will roll out across the state until the end of June.”
More than 102,000 Queenslanders receive NDIS supports totalling more than $7 billion per year – this includes almost 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
“If you can Dream it up, Grow it Up,” Mr Crawford said.
“An extra 40,000 Queenslanders are expected to enter the NDIS by 2025. This will provide even more opportunities for First Nations owned businesses to grow through delivering disability supports to NDIS participants.
“Follow up support and mentoring will be offered to businesses as part of the seminar package.”
Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA), has partnered with a range of community and First Nations businesses, including PWC Indigenous Consulting, Ambrose Solutions, Iscariot Media, Stapleton Indigenous Solutions and Outpost Consulting, to deliver the seminar series.
CSIA CEO Belinda Drew welcomed the opportunity to leverage experience in NDIS with the voice and expertise of First Nations peoples.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to help businesses be part of the delivery of NDIS supports among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” she said.
Iscariot Media Managing Director Leesa Watego said: “It takes time to build a business that is designed to last. Business training is such a big part of that journey. We’re looking forward to working with First Nations peoples from across Queensland.”
Key topics included in the First Nations NDIS Business Development Seminar series will include:
- understanding the NDIS, with a focus on First Nations perspectives and experiences
- understanding the needs and goals of local NDIS participants
- NDIS business opportunities, market growth and how to become a registered NDIS provider
- raising awareness of processes and supports for starting a business, including small business incentives and supports for NDIS and business and vocational training
- understanding NDIS Worker Screening and quality and safeguards requirements.
