With such a diverse and demanding portfolio, the Minister for Multiculturalism and Disability Services, Ray Williams, has a tight schedule.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However, he made a point of visiting Singleton’s Witmore Enterprises on Friday morning on his way to one of the state’s largest multicultural events – the Fiesta La Peel in Tamworth.
After learning the history of the local disability service provider and discussing how the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is transforming the sector, he toured the facility with general-manger, Steve Wellard, and Board Member, David Williams.
Impressed with the diverse range of services on offer, the minister praised the organisation for how well they have adapted to the new arrangements.
Although Mr Wellard says the transition has not been that difficult for them as they have always had a person-centered philosophy.
“We were well-placed to adjust but it has not been without its challenges and we are pleased the government has been willing to listen and act as the new process has evolved.”
“In a nutshell instead of providers saying ‘we can do this for you’, people with disability and their families can now say ‘we want you to do this for us’.”
Both the minister and Mr Wellard agree this profound change has given the system what it has always needed – flexibility.
The only problem for a smaller organisation like Witmore Enterprises is that they are becoming a victim of their own success as adding more services means they are running out of space.
So Mr Wellard made sure he let the minister know they will be looking for funding in the future to expand their premises.