The program gives job seekers the opportunity to gain skills, real work experience, and take steps toward future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Michelle is completing her placement within Rise Training: Kirinari’s social enterprise providing employment training to people with disability. At Rise Training, Michelle helps trainees develop their skills and supports the team in day-to-day tasks.

“I have enjoyed meeting new people and getting out more,” she says.

Connecting with colleagues and trainees has been a highlight of her placement.

“Talking with everyone and supporting the trainees has made me feel happy and part of the team,” she says.

Learning new skills has also given her a sense of purpose and direction.

“It makes me excited to learn more about how I can support people,” Michelle says.

The experience has helped her think about the work she wants to do in the future.

“Seeing the customers happy makes me happy too and has confirmed that support work is the path I want to follow,” she says.

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, helping job seekers like Michelle build confidence, learn practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.

The post Michelle’s story: Finding purpose through WorkFoundations appeared first on Kirinari.

• The Federal Government has announced some changes to Support at Home.
• From October 2026, the Government will fully subsidise the cost of personal care services like showering and grooming.
• This change will benefit older people and their families by making essential home care services more affordable.
• The Government has also announced, a delay in price caps on services, stronger consumer protections, and greater price transparency.

Summary

The Commonwealth Government has announced changes to the Support at Home program. We’ve taken a closer look at what’s changing and how it might make things easier for you and your family member.

Outline

• Introduction
• Personal care to be fully funded
• Who will benefit?
• What happens until October 2026?
• Other important Budget announcements
• Why these changes matter

Introduction

The Commonwealth Government recently announced changes to the Support at Home program. These changes, confirmed when the Federal budget was handed down in May, will ensure vital home care services are more affordable for older Australians.

Personal care to be fully funded

From October 2026 the Commonwealth Government will fully subsidise the cost of personal care services. This mean you won’t be asked to contribute to the cost of essential supports like:

• Showering and bathing
• Dressing and grooming
• Mobility assistance
• Non-clinical continence care

Who will benefit?

The decision to fully fund personal care will make a meaningful difference to Support at Home participants who, from October, will not be required to contribute to the cost of their personal care.

What happens until October 2026?

The changes are expected to be introduced in October 2026.

Until then:

• The current co-contribution model for personal care services remains in place
• Older Australians entering the program before this date will still need to contribute to personal care costs
• Providers and families can begin planning ahead, knowing costs for personal care services will be fully subsidised from October.

Other important Budget announcements

The Government has also announced further adjustments aimed at strengthening the Support at Home program.

• Delay to price caps

Following feedback from providers, consumers and advocacy groups, plans to introduce price caps on services from 1 July 2026 have been deferred, meaning that for now, providers will continue to set their own fees.

As yet, no new date has been announced, and the Government continues to monitor the market and gather further evidence before making any final decisions.

• Stronger consumer protections

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be given greater powers to ensure providers are transparent and accountable, and will be able to:

1. Order refunds where providers have overcharged aged care consumers
2. Take action against providers who fail to issue monthly statements
3. Publicly report on investigations and enforcement outcomes

• Greater price transparency

A new National Summary of Support at Home Prices will also be introduced and published quarterly. This report will show:

1. Median service prices
2. Pricing ranges across providers

This will make it easier for older Australians and their families to compare the pricing across different providers and make more informed decisions about their care.

Why these changes matter

These changes mark an important step toward making Support at Home more affordable and accessible for older Australians.

Stronger consumer protections mean older people can raise concerns with confidence, knowing that they will be addressed, while greater price transparency will help families make informed decisions about their care.

And, perhaps most importantly, the removal of co-contributions for personal care means older people will be able to access these vital supports more easily, acknowledging that these supports are not optional – they are fundamental to the dignity, safety and independence of older people who wish to age well and safely at home.

You can learn more about in-home aged care services at Kirinari here.

Or get in touch with our team to discuss your options.

The post Changes to Support at Home: what it means for you appeared first on Kirinari.

• Support at Home covers meal preparation and meal delivery
• You may be able to choose your own provider depending on your location
• Meal delivery costs vary, while preparation may require a contribution
• Contributions for meal preparation can be up to 17.5% based on your income and assessment
• Meals support helps you stay independent and well-nourished

Summary:

Support at Home meal services help you prepare food at home or access delivered meals. These services support your health and independence while living at home. This guide explains what’s included, how costs work, and what to expect.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What are meals under Support at Home?
3. How does meal support work?
4. Can I choose my own meal provider?
5. How do co-contributions work for meals?
6. What is not included in meal support?
7. Costs and considerations
8. When meal support can help most
9. Pros and considerations
10. Is meal support right for you?
11. Talk to Kirinari about your options

Support at Home meals help you stay well-nourished while living independently. This can include help with cooking at home or meals delivered to your door. If you are exploring aged care at home, meal support is one of the most common services.

What are meals under Support at Home?

Meals under the Support at Home program can include two types of support:

• Meal preparation at home: someone helps you cook meals in your home
• Meal delivery services: ready-made meals delivered to your door

The type of support you receive depends on your care plan and what suits your situation.
You can learn more about in-home aged care services at Kirinari here.

How does meal support work?

Meal support is arranged through your provider as part of your care plan.
At Kirinari, your care partner will help you:

• understand your needs
• choose the right support
• organise services that fit your routine

Your plan can change over time as your needs change.

Can I choose my own meal provider?

In many cases, yes.
This depends on what providers are available in your area.

Common options include:

• Lite n’ Easy
• Meals on Wheels

Your provider will make sure the service meets program requirements.

How do co-contributions work for meals?

You may need to contribute to the cost of meals.

• Meal delivery: costs are set by the provider
• Meal preparation: based on your assessment

For meal preparation, the maximum contribution is up to 17.5%, but your actual rate may be lower depending on your situation.
Your Support at Home provider will explain this clearly before services begin.

What is not included in meal support?

It’s just as important to understand what is not covered.
Support at Home meals do not include:

• the cost of groceries or ingredients
• takeaway or restaurant food
• meals for other members of your household

This keeps the support focused on your needs.

Costs and considerations

Costs can vary depending on:

• the service you choose
• your personal contribution rate
• your care plan

Your provider will explain all costs before you begin. If you’d like help understanding your options, you can speak with our team here.

When meal support can help most

Meal support can make a big difference if you:

• find cooking difficult
• have specific dietary needs
• want to save time and energy
• need support to stay healthy at home

It can also reduce stress for family members.

Pros and considerations

Benefits

• supports healthy eating
• saves time and effort
• flexible options to suit your needs
• helps you stay independent

Things to consider

• some costs may apply
• meal provider availability varies
• availability depends on your care plan

Meal support may suit you if you:

• want help preparing meals
• prefer ready-made options
• need support to maintain a balanced diet

You can explore Kirinari’s full range of home care services here.

Understanding your options is the first step to getting the right support.

At Kirinari, we can help you:

• choose the right meal support
• set up services that suit your lifestyle
• adjust your plan over time

Get in touch today with our team or call 1300 547 462

The post Support at Home meals explained: what’s included and how it works appeared first on Kirinari.

These changes include a Statement of Rights for older people receiving aged care services. They include the right to make your own decisions, to be respected, and to feel safe.

At Kirinari, it is our responsibility to ensure that these rights are upheld and that you are placed at the centre of your aged care experience.

We encourage you to talk to us if you have any concerns or questions about your care or services. It is an obligation for us to provide a complaints process that is easy to understand and access.

We’re committed to providing you with safe, quality care that meets your needs and preferences. Raising your concerns with us is often the most effective way to resolve things. It is always safe to speak up.

You can provide feedback, raise a concern or make a complaint by visiting: https://kirinari.com.au/feedback/

You can also choose to have a family member or supporter raise a concern on your behalf. If you need help making a complaint or finding information, contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for free, independent, and confidential support. Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the national regulator of government funded aged care services. You can contact the Commission if you’d like independent advice or support in raising a concern.

To contact the Commission:

• Call 1800 951 822 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
• Write to Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, GPO Box 9819, in your capital city
• Email info@agedcarequality.gov.au

The post Choice, dignity, respect – your rights in aged care appeared first on Kirinari.

WorkFoundations is a paid employment program that gives job seekers the chance to build skills, gain real work experience and work towards future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Matt is completing his placement with EnviroCulture, where he’s working in landscaping and taking on a wide range of hands-on tasks including mowing, whipper-snippering, mulching, fencing, planting, sanding and irrigation.

Before joining WorkFoundations, Matt had never had a job. He says not having work experience made it hard to get started.

“I didn’t get a job when I was a kid, so I didn’t have any experience.”

Since starting his placement, Matt says he’s proud of the way he’s committed to showing up.

“I haven’t skipped a day. I’ve tried to push myself outside of my comfort zone.”

That effort has helped build his confidence too, especially when it comes to talking to new people.

“I’m more confident talking to people I don’t know.”

The routine of work has also brought change to Matt’s day-to-day life, and the experience is helping him learn more about the kind of path he wants to take.

“It’s given me a little bit more clarity about what I do or don’t want to do in my career.”

And when asked what he’s most excited about for the next few months, Matt’s answer is refreshingly honest.

“To see how much is in my bank account.”

For Matt, the opportunity has been about more than just learning practical skills, it’s also been a chance to get real experience.

“The program is great because there are friendly, understanding people and I’ve got my foot in the door with some real experience.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Matt as they build skills, confidence and experience for the future.

The post Matt’s story: Building confidence and gaining real experience appeared first on Kirinari.

We now know at least 160,000 participants are set to be removed by the end of the decade. Reform was necessary, but the scale and speed of these changes deserve scrutiny, particularly for regional Australia, where the consequences will be felt most acutely. What is also sometimes lost in the NDIS debate is how the scheme contributes to economic growth, through engagement, employment and service demand.

Regional providers see firsthand where the scheme works and where it falls short, often stepping in as the ‘provider of last resort’ to ensure no one in our communities is left without support. As the Government’s savings plan is rolled out, regional realities must not be forgotten. Notably in his speech announcing sweeping reforms, Minister Mark Butler made no mention of regional areas, or the thin markets that define service delivery outside our cities.

Australia would be worse off without the NDIS – especially in the regions

Socially and economically, Australia would be worse off without an insurance framework to include and support people with permanent or significant disability. Before the NDIS was introduced in July 2013, care was fragmented, and costs were spread across other areas. Today, the care economy the NDIS helps sustain, is increasingly replacing traditional employment opportunities in many regional areas, providing stable, local jobs in communities that have lost manufacturing, agriculture or resource‑sector employment.

The Productivity Commission found the old system was failing vulnerable Australians; it was generating enormous uncompensated costs that fell on families and on the health, justice and public housing systems. Before the NDIS, people who needed trauma-informed care were even more likely to end up in emergency departments or police cells.

In 2011, the Productivity Commission also found that the lack of workforce participation by carers was a major economic cost. Increased employment for people with disability and their families benefits the wider economy, boosting tax revenue and GDP. If Australia achieves the OECD average for employment for people with disability, by 2030 around $12 billion would be added to GDP, an increase of around 0.5 per cent.

Negative headlines aren’t the full story

The Federal Government now plans to slow the growth of the scheme to an average of 2 per cent per year, returning to 5 per cent from 2030. Minister Mark Butler announced plans to reduce the cost of the average plans from $31,000 to the 2023 average of $26,000. That involves significant cuts to social and community participation. People living in isolated regional areas rely on these programs for quality of life, decision-makers must remember regional settings are different to life in urban areas, where there are fewer barriers to community inclusion. Funding redirected to an Inclusive Communities Fund will only be a fraction of what was available.

It should also be remembered there is temporary cost pain that will pay off later. The NDIS is shifting to a market with stricter compliance and oversight, which Kirinari also supports. From 1 July this year, organisations that provide Supported Independent Living accommodation must be registered, a positive change that will create better industry-wide standards. Mandatory registration will be expanded to providers in high-risk activities, such as personal care, a move that is also welcome.

However, these reforms will also drive-up administrative costs that must be passed on, keeping prices at the ceiling of NDIS limits.  

Supported Disability Accommodation policy is another source of cost friction. Pricing was updated to incentivise developers to build housing with high physical supports for residents with complex needs. However, while communities wait for this housing supply, we still must fund older stock and high-cost placements in hospitals or aged care. We have to pay for future supply while still funding the current crisis.

The case for regional loading 

Providers of human services in regional Australia are more than the title ‘providers’ suggests. NDIS participants rely on us for more than a single service they are funded for. For many, support workers are the antidote to loneliness and the workers who pick up on essential needs that may otherwise be missed.

Delivery of services in the regions is vastly different to that in the cities. In Sydney or Melbourne, for example, a support worker may be able to see 5 clients for one hour each in a day, with the other 3 hours spent travelling between locations and a lunch break. In the regions, it can take one hour just to drive between two clients.

Even before the fuel crisis, providers in the country were not adequately funded for travel. That’s why we continue to call for the introduction of regional loading – a small top up payment on funding, that recognises the increased cost burden.

Regional loading doesn’t mean more funding for the scheme, but a more equitable spread that recognises the increased cost of delivering quality care to the 239,769 people living in regional and remote Australia, who represent 31 per cent of NDIS participants.

Loading currently exists for remote and very remote locations (applicable to approximately 1.4 per cent of NDIS participants), but not for regional areas that face the same cost pressures and limited availability of services.

Smaller economies of scale give regional providers a front row seat to observe what needs to be strengthened, to ensure all Australians have the chance to lead a good life, no matter where they live.

About the author:

Born and raised in regional Australia, Paul Vaccaro is the Chief Strategy Officer at Kirinari, the country’s largest regional provider of human services. He draws on experience across finance, marketing, corporate development and strategy to lead new approaches to service delivery and sector reform. Paul is an advocate for regional communities and is dedicated to improving the lives of people living outside our major cities.

The post Opinion: How regional providers set the bar for a stronger NDIS model appeared first on Kirinari.

• Self-management can look different for different people depending on what aspects of your support you want to manage.
• You choose the provider you want to work with and then work with them to plan how you will self-manage.
• Your provider must still provide care management support to you, including regular check in’s.
• If you are receiving ongoing services, 10% of your budget is set aside for care management under the Support at Home program.
• Self-management suits people who want a more active role in organising services.

Summary:

Support at Home self-management gives you more choice and control over how your care is delivered. You can decide who supports you, when services happen, and how your care is organised. This guide explains how self-management works and whether it’s the right option for you.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What is self-management?
3. How does self-management work?
4. What can you manage yourself?
5. What about care management?
6. Can you use your own workers?
7. Costs and considerations
8. Pros and cons
9. Is it right for you?
10. Talk to Kirinari

Support at Home self-management means you take a more active role in organising your aged care services.

You can choose your workers, set your schedule, and have more control over your care. Your provider is responsible for ensuring the services provided meet the safety and quality standards set out by the aged care quality and safety commission.

Self-management is one of the biggest changes in the new aged care program.

What is Support at Home self-management?

Self-management gives you more control over your care.

You can:

• choose your support workers
• decide when services happen
• manage how your budget is used

Your provider still supports you and makes sure your care is safe and high quality.

How does self-management work?

Self-management is set up with your provider as part of your care plan.
Your provider will help you decide:

• what you want to manage
• what you want support with

This is agreed at the start and reviewed over time.
Even if you self-manage:

• your provider checks in at least once a month
• your care must meet quality standards
• your plan stays active and supported

What can you manage yourself?

Self-management looks different for everyone.
You might choose to manage:

• your support workers
• your service schedule
• how tasks are done
• communication with your care team
• your appointments

Everything is written into your care plan so everyone is clear.

What about care management?

Care management is still paid to your provider, even if you self-manage.
This covers the work your provider does to:

• keep your care safe
• update your plan
• meet regulations

Under the Support at Home program, 10% of your budget is set aside for care management, and your provider must check in with you regularly. This includes maintaining safety, quality, and compliance.

Can you use your own support workers?

Self-management can allow you to work with people you already know, such as:

• a cleaner
• a gardener
• a personal care worker

Your provider is responsible for the safety and quality of the services provided by the worker, so they must approve the workers you request. If you have specific workers you want to deliver your services it’s best to talk about this early so everything is set up properly.

Costs and considerations

Self-management does not remove provider involvement.
Care management is still included in your plan, and provider fees may apply depending on your setup.

Pros and considerations

Benefits

• increased control and flexibility of your services
• increased choice of your own support workers
• possible lower service fees

Things to consider

• your responsibility and time to manage your services, including budget management
• your responsibility for coordination of services, including managing worker absences
• your provider can only use support workers who meet all safety and quality requirements

Self-management may suit you if you:

• feel confident coordinating your own services
• want a high degree of flexibility
• have time to take on administrative tasks

If not, your provider can manage your package and services for you.
There is no right or wrong choice. It depends on what works best for you.

Understanding your options is the first step.

While Kirinari doesn’t currently offer self-management for Support at Home participants, we can help you understand which management option is right for you.  

Kirinari provides full management for Support at Home participants via our dedicated team of Care Partners.

If you choose to partner with Kirinari, you will be matched with a dedicated care team who will:

• oversee all aspects of your support; while ensuring you maintain choice and control
• take care of the paperwork, budgeting and compliance.

You can find out more about Kirinari’s home care services here.

To find out more about Support at Home with Kirinari, get in touch today with our team or call 1300 547 462

The post Support at Home self-management explained: how it works and who it’s for appeared first on Kirinari.

For Angel, that opportunity has already made a real difference.

Three months into his placement, Angel says he’s feeling more confident than ever before.

“It’s incredible. I feel more confident than I’ve ever been before, in both a social and work environment.”

Angel is completing his placement with Albury Business Connect, where he’s supporting the team with a range of marketing tasks including administration, research, copywriting, and writing and sending EDMs.

Before starting WorkFoundations, Angel had never had a job.

He says a lack of experience and confidence made it difficult to get started.

“Lack of experience and lack of confidence was probably what ruined all of those interviews.”

Since beginning his placement, Angel says a lot has changed.

“Lots has changed. I’m more confident and have more friends.”

He’s proud of the positive feedback he’s received so far, and of how much he’s stepped outside his comfort zone.

“It’s provided lots of opportunities for me to step up.”

That shift has also changed the way Angel feels about what comes next.

“I’m a lot more optimistic. When I first started, I was unsure, and prior to the program, very pessimistic.”

With three months still to go, Angel is looking forward to continuing to learn and build on what he’s already achieved.

“I’m excited for more opportunities to build my skills.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Angel as they work towards their goals and take positive steps in their career journey.

The post Angel’s story: Growing confidence through WorkFoundations appeared first on Kirinari.

Since 2024, Rise Training has been transforming lives in Albury, providing participants with real workplace experience, skill development, and the confidence to move into meaningful, paid employment.

According to 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, only 56 % of people with disability who are of working age are employed, compared to 82.3 per cent of people without disability. This is the reality programs like Rise Training are designed to address.

The program is built around a simple belief: the best way to get job-ready is through real work. For Rise participant, Erica Bartlett, the Rise program has provided the opportunity to get computer literate.

“Rise has helped me to access and use computers, which is probably my most valuable work skill,” said Ms Bartlett.

“I’m legally blind, and Rise gave me the support I needed. Now I’m managing to complete more complex processes like scanning documents and quality control.”

Sitting alongside Rise Training is Rise Business Solutions, which provides high-quality digital and information management services to local organisations – transforming businesses while giving trainees the real work opportunities they need.

Albury City Council’s Corporate Information Supervisor, Maryanne Wiffen, says partnering with Rise Business Solutions to support their digitisation and information management needs improved efficiency across the organisation.

“Digitising has freed up physical storage space, allowing us to remove physical files from offsite storage. This means a cost reduction for the organisation,” said Ms Wiffen.

The launch of Rise Training in Orange will create meaningful opportunities for people with disability to build the skills, experience, and confidence they need to thrive in mainstream employment – while also giving local businesses access to professional business solutions. It’s a program that transforms business operations while transforming lives.

If you’d like to know more, we’ll be hosting two information sessions where you can meet the team from Rise, and learn more about this unique program, and how it might benefit you.

Rise Orange Information Sessions

Training & Employment and Business Solutions

Where: LiveBetter Theatre, 107 Prince St, Orange

When: 6pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026 and 11am, Wednesday 22 April 2026

Everyone welcome!

Download the Rise Training Information Sessions Flyer

You can let us know you’re interested in participating in the Rise Training program by completing the Rise Training Expression of Interest form

For business solution enquiries or further information, call Hannah Louwrier on 0439 649 073 or email Hannah.Louwrier@kirinari.com.au

The post Rise Training is coming to Orange appeared first on Kirinari.

WorkFoundations is a paid employment program that gives job seekers the chance to build skills, gain real work experience and work towards future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Kayliah is completing her placement at Rise Espresso, where she works as an all-rounder on the café floor. Her days include delivering coffees, running food, taking orders, doing dishes and helping out behind the scenes.

Three months in, she says she’s feeling right at home.

“I feel happy. I love going into the café.”

Kayliah says one of the biggest changes since starting has been the independence she’s gained.

“It’s given me a bit of confidence because I’ve gained independence and feel more comfortable in that.”

While Kayliah had worked before, this experience has still helped shift the way she approaches her work.

“I feel more motivated to go in and make something out of my day.”

Looking ahead, she’s excited about the possibility of gaining more hours and continuing to build connections with the people around her.

“I’m excited about gaining more hours and getting to know the team and customers a bit more.”

For Kayliah, the placement has been about more than learning café skills. It’s also been about feeling part of something.

“I just love how it’s a really friendly environment, the customers are friendly, the co-workers are friendly, and it helps that we’ve all got the same sense of humour.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Kayliah as they build confidence, grow their independence and work towards their goals.

The post Kayliah’s story: Finding routine, confidence and independence appeared first on Kirinari.