Hello ,

Welcome to the second edition of ConneXtions Community News, which aims to keep you up-to-date with news and information about our services and community.

In this edition we bring you some exciting results from our mid-term audit, details of new initiatives to support young people with disabilities to build a good life, and a sneak peak of our new Shepparton office.

We hope you enjoy reading the Spring edition of our ConneXtions Community News, and also welcome any feedback or ideas you might for future editions.

Kind regards,

The ConneXtions Team

Service shines in mid-term audit

ConneXtions successfully passed its mid-term NDIS certification audit with outstanding results across all areas of the organisation.

Conducted by independent certifier Global-Mark, the audit found that ConneXtions offers “high-quality, inclusive, person-centred support”.

“Families feel safe, respected, and well-informed, and the staff consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting participants with compassion and skill,” the report said.

In the area of early childhood supports, ConneXtions was provided with the highest rating possible, demonstrating best practice in the areas of inclusion, capacity building and an outcome-based approach.

Feedback provided to the auditors from families said ConneXtions staff go “above and beyond” in their care.

“Many described the staff as exceptional, with one parent saying that ConneXtions has saved their family and their child’s life,” the report said.

“Another parent said they had no complaints at all and wished all service providers were as responsive and supportive.”

The audit also found a high level of compliance and satisfaction in all areas including:

• Provider governance and operational management;
• Implementation of behaviour support plans;
• Specialised support coordination;
• Assistance with daily life; and,
• Social and community participation.

ConneXtions Executive Director, Toni Reeves, said the achievement reflected the unwavering dedication of the board and staff, as well as the trust placed in the organisation by the families and participants it supports.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this success,” she said.

Program to empower young people

ConneXtions is set to launch new initiatives in Wodonga to support people with disabilities to think about and take steps towards building a good life.

The Your Future program will help students preparing to leave school, and those who have recently left, explore their future with confidence, connection and purpose.

It will be offered in two age groups:

• Your Future – Taking the Next Steps for 18 years and over
• Your Future – Starts Here for students in Years 9 to 12

Commencing in November, Your Future – Taking the Next Steps is designed to empower those aged between 18 and 30 years to further develop valued roles, make informed choices and thrive in their communities.

Whether it’s expanding their social circle, exploring career pathways or simply gaining more confidence in navigating adult life, we offer practical tools and supportive guidance to help you take the next step.

Topics include relationships, decision-making, harnessing networks to find work, connecting with community, financial awareness, online safety, mindfulness and career pathways.

This program will be offered one day per week in 2025 and will increase to three days a week in 2026.

Register your interest in Taking the Next Steps by CLICKING HERE

The Your Future – Starts Here will launch in January next year and is aimed at students who are still at school, but ready to start thinking about what comes next.

To be held once a week, this program offers a supportive space for those under 18 years to explore their interests, strengths and goals. Whether you’re curious about work, further education, or just want to build your confidence and connections, this is the ideal starting point.

Register your interest in Your Future - Starts Here by CLICKING HERE

New beginnings for our Shepparton team

Having settled into their new, central location, our Shepparton team is ready to welcome you to its freshly painted and branded premises.

The Shepparton branch is now located at 284 Wyndham St, next to Australia Post.

Come and see the team - Elisha, Joe and Clea - to find out more about our disability services including:

• Community access;
• Personal Care;
• Respite;
• Individualised Planning;
• Support Coordination; and,
• Plan Management.

We’re excited to share that ConneXtions has capacity to welcome new NDIS and TAC participants across our service areas, including Wodonga, Shepparton, Yarrawonga, and surrounding regions.

As a registered NDIS and TAC service provider, ConneXtions is committed to delivering personalised, high-quality support to individuals with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. We also offer early intervention services for children and social learning groups.

Every participant at ConneXtions receives a tailored support plan designed to help them achieve their unique goals—whether that’s gaining employment, making friends, building independence, personal care, regaining skills or engaging in community activities. We empower participants with choice and control over how, when, and by whom their supports are delivered.

If you know someone who could benefit from our services, or if you’d like to discuss referrals, we’d love to hear from you.

Helping families access FoodShare

ConneXtions is now a proud agent of the Albury Wodonga Regional FoodShare Community Pantry program.

FoodShare vouchers can be purchased from our Wodonga office in Footmark Court. These vouchers can be redeemed for a food hamper or used to choose from a range of grocery items at FoodShare’s Wigg St shop.

Together, we’re helping make nutritious food more accessible to our community.

Pictured are amazing FoodShare volunteers, Jane and Bob, with some of the vouchers.

Email: info@connextions.org.au

Website: www.connextions.org.au