CheckUP Connect eNews

Hi there,

Welcome to the May edition of CheckUP Connect. This month the team is out and about across Queensland for Small Business Month, with events in Mackay, Cairns, Redlands, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Inside you will find updates on the federal government's proposed NDIS changes, the Thriving Kids Advisory Group final report, a new free leadership qualification through TAFE, and a roundup of resources to support your business and your team. As always, please don't hesitate to get in touch if there is anything we can assist with.

We're also pleased to welcome CheckUP's new Chief Executive Officer, Tony de Ambrosis, and look forward to the road ahead with him at the helm.

Vicky Meyer
General Manager, Workforce, CheckUP

Building business confidence through disability inclusion

The Disability Friendly Business Basics microcredentials are continuing to receive great feedback from businesses — especially for how simple, practical and easy they are to complete. They have been designed to fit into busy schedules to help businesses get inclusion right, with confidence. The micro-credentials respond directly to what businesses have told us: they want to be inclusive, but aren't sure where to start, or worry about getting it wrong. On completion of all three microcredentials, businesses can download a digital badge to proudly promote themselves as disability friendly.

Queensland Small Business Month

May is Queensland Small Business Month when we celebrate the wonderful small businesses that are the backbone of our industry. CheckUP's team will be out and about all month talking business and support solutions. Meet the team!

Keep an eye on our socials for further information.

Community and NDIS businesses

Let's talk Mackay, 14 May

Join the CheckUP team on Thursday 14 May for a free morning of practical business support, including collaborative problem-solving and business support solutions. Particularly relevant to NDIS providers, though all community service providers are welcome.

This program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Professional development

TAFE Centre of Excellence: free leadership qualification

The TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support will deliver a free and culturally safe Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015) to support existing workers to achieve their leadership and management goals. The course starts in July, with webinars on 7 and 19 May to help you learn more.

Delivered from July 2026 to December 2027, online with face-to-face training at TAFE Queensland Cairns campus. Existing health care and support workers in Far North Queensland, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, are encouraged to participate.

Webinar series

What do I need to know? Understanding Queensland's Reportable Conduct Scheme

CheckUP is continuing the highly successful What do I need to know... webinar series, again partnering with the Queensland Family and Child Commission. From 1 July 2026, organisations delivering services to children with disability must comply with Queensland's new Reportable Conduct Scheme. This webinar will walk you through what it means for your organisation.

Cairns event

Got staffing challenges? Cairns, 28 May

Are you an owner, manager or senior staff member in the health, allied services, community or social service sector? Join us for a free, practical information session. Hear from industry experts including Dr Alina Khalid (Industry Workforce Advisor, Health) and Carissa McCallister (First Nations Health IWA), alongside key government and partners. Enjoy complimentary catering, refreshments and networking.

A collaboration between CheckUP Australia, Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (funded and supported by the Queensland Government) and Workforce Australia Cairns.

Changes to the NDIS

The federal government has flagged major changes to the NDIS and a shifting of responsibility for some participants to the states and territories. The changes will be wide-ranging and result in significant shifts in the market. Read DSC's analysis to find out how this will impact your business.

We would love to hear how these changes and other challenges are impacting your business and service delivery.

Thriving Kids

The final report of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group has been released. While the proposed model is yet to be ratified by state and federal governments, the co-chairing by the Minister suggests this is the likely direction. Several aspects will impact both providers and participants.

How will this impact your organisation? Email NDISConnect@checkup.org.au and anything you share will be treated in confidence.

NDIA's pricing workplan

The National Disability Insurance Agency has released a three-year workplan to improve NDIS pricing arrangements, helping ensure providers can deliver high-quality, sustainable supports for participants.

Opportunity to have input into training packages

HumanAbility is seeking feedback on proposed changes to health administration and practice management, dental and sterilisation services qualifications. Share your insights via consultations and surveys on the HumanAbility website.

Smart tech, smarter choices

Privacy Awareness Week runs 4 to 10 May 2026, but protecting your clients' personal information doesn't stop at the end of the week. As a health or community services business, your clients trust you with sensitive information every day. This year's Queensland theme is Smart tech, smarter choices: Protecting your privacy in the age of AI and it's a good prompt to review your privacy practices and make sure your team understands their obligations. CheckUP is proud to be a PAW supporter this year.

Stuart Coward, Community Services IWA

Stuart has been busy attending the QCOSS Town Halls held throughout the state, a great opportunity to profile the Community Service IWA program to Queensland's community services sector. Stuart also attended the Jobs Fraser Coast event in Hervey Bay to support local businesses with planning and access to free resources including training, templates, and more.

Alina Khalid, Health IWA

In Townsville, Alina joined fellow speakers and regional providers at the inaugural NQ Aged Care Forum to talk about business support solutions. Thank you to Lolla Ingadottir and Scott Cameron from the Department of Trade, Employment and Training for bringing this to life, and to Sally Vico from Murroona Gardens for sharing what retention looks like on the ground and Mandy Elliott from the Queensland Department of Education for unpacking the importance of school-based traineeships.

The takeaway from the room? Build the pipeline early, plan strategically, and invest in keeping your people.

In March, Alina and Jane Newton (NDIS Business Connect) attended two DDWMPHN Meet and Greet events in Goondiwindi and Ipswich. It was a privilege to meet in person with stakeholders and hear about the challenges and opportunities that exist for health and NDIS providers in these regions.