Inside: Life Saving, Floral Works, Xtend & more!
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The Onemda Voice
April 2025
Message from CEO
Dear participants, families and carers,
As we approach the upcoming federal election, I remain steadfast in ensuring that Onemda’s voice is heard on the critical issues impacting the disability sector. Recently, I reached out to Shadow NDIS Minister Michael Sukkar to share our concerns and advocate for meaningful change.
There are several key priorities I believe must be addressed to build a more equitable and sustainable NDIS:
- Improve NDIA decision-making by continuing much-needed reforms, implemented thoughtfully to avoid unintended adverse impacts.
- Recognise the urgency of sector sustainability. The government must reduce its reliance on unregulated providers. Current benchmarks show that over 67% of registered providers are operating at a loss, highlighting the need for urgent action.
- Fast-track regulation of all providers, underpinned by an incentivised, outcomes-based model.
- Encourage innovation and refine eligibility criteria to better support participant progression and outcomes.
- Remove barriers for people with moderate to profound disabilities, ensuring they can access the essential support they need.
- Accelerate the establishment of the independent pricing authority to ensure fair, transparent, and sustainable funding.
- Adopt a long-term investment view of the NDIS, recognising it as a social insurance scheme, not simply a welfare program.
At Onemda, we will continue to advocate for participant rights, ensuring that every individual has genuine choice and control, now and into the future.
Finally, as ANZAC Day approaches, we pause to reflect and honour those who made great sacrifices for our freedom. Lest we forget.
Kind regards,
Simon Lewis
Onemda CEO
The latest from our participants
Artistic voice shines at Having A Say Conference
Discover how Onemda participant Jason won an art competition at the 2025 Having a Say Conference with his piece ‘My Voice Matters’. A celebration of creativity, community and self-expression.
Allie always gives her flowers
every Friday, thanks to her kind heart. Discover how Onemda participant Allie uses her flower arranging skills to bring joy to local nursing home residents through weekly floral gifts and handmade cards.
Ringwood Life Savers!
Participants learn vital beach safety and water skills with Life Saving Victoria in a fun, inclusive two-day program they can't wait to do again!
Xtend: Connection, Confidence, Community.
Just ask Thomas! For Thomas, Tuesday nights are something to look forward to. Since joining Onemda’s Xtend program in 2023, Thomas has become a well-loved member of a growing community where connection, fun and independence come together after hours.
Get Ready For Onemda's EOFY Fundraising Campaign!
This May, Onemda is launching an EOFY Campaign to fund essential assistive technology and sensory spaces for the people we support.
What We’re Funding:
- Assistive Technology & Sensory Items – Including environmental controllers, sensory lighting, adaptive switches, musical instruments, and art supplies to promote independence and self-expression.
- Sensory Spaces – Creating purposely designed sensory spaces will support emotional regulation, communication, and independence, offering tailored calming, stimulating, or therapeutic experiences based on individual needs.
How You Can Help:
- Share the campaign with your networks to raise awareness and funds! Every dollar raised will contribute to enhanced sensory spaces and assistive technology, improving opportunities for those we support.
Additionally, the Innovation & Impact Team will be researching best practices in sensory spaces and assistive technology to develop evidence-based implementation guidelines, so our participants can access customised sensory tools and technological supports that meaningfully improve their daily experiences and outcomes.
Together, we can make a real impact, stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved!
Other Information
Did you know that Exercise Physiologists (EPs) can do so much more than just help with fitness?
At Onemda, our EPs work with participants to manage and improve a range of conditions, from chronic pain and diabetes to intellectual disabilities, neurological disorders, mental health and more! We use targeted exercise plans to boost strength, mobility, and overall well-being, empowering individuals to live their best lives!
We have a wonderful purpose-built gym where we work on strength, balance, endurance and coordination to boost participants health, physical capacity, quality of life and independence.
Our hydrotherapy pool is pumping at the moment, the participants love the freedom of movement in a safe and supported environment. We have stairs and a hoist to support entry in the pool for all levels of mobility!
This month, why not think about how an EP could support you or someone you know? Whether it’s improving balance, reducing pain, or enhancing mobility, our EPs are here to help you move forward!
Reminder: Rise in Measles cases in Melbourne
Click here to read the recent information sent out with advice from The Department of Health.
Reminder: Parking & Access Update at Doncaster East Campus
With the upcoming federal election on Saturday, 3 May 2025, please note that pre-polling will take place next door at the Doncaster Rovers Soccer Club, beginning Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
To ensure all participants can continue arriving safely for their programs, we will be putting the following measures in place:
- Drop-offs and pick-ups for families/carers and taxis will occur inside Onemda’s gates for safe and easy access.
- Onemda buses will be parked in their designated zones outside Gate 1 to ensure traffic flow and safety.
- Bollards with Onemda signage will mark the bus areas; please avoid parking in these spaces.
Our facilities team will be on-site during peak times to assist with traffic management and support.
WIN with Freedom Solutions Australia
Lived Experience Competition - Share Your Dream Travel Ideas
Have you faced challenges when traveling in a car? Do you have ideas to make journeys safer, more comfortable, or more fun? Our friends Freedom Solutions Australia want to hear from you!
Important Dates
Friday 25 April: All Campuses CLOSED
Monday 9 June: All Campuses CLOSED
Friday 4 July: All Campuses CLOSED
