Albury-Wodonga Families Grapple with Closure of Essential Disability Service

A vital NDIS-funded program supporting approximately 110 individuals with disabilities in the Albury-Wodonga region is slated for discontinuation. Aspire Support Services, a prominent local provider, has confirmed the closure of its Lifestyle & Learning Service, citing financial unviability and forthcoming changes to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.

The announcement has sent ripples of concern through the community, particularly among families who rely on the service for crucial support and skill development. The Lifestyle & Learning Service has been instrumental in offering group day programs, including activities like woodworking and cooking, designed to build confidence and enhance practical skills for its participants.

Provider Cites Financial Strain and Upcoming NDIS Changes

Personnel Group, which integrated with Aspire in 2025, announced the service would cease operations from August 28, following extensive consultation with independent advisors. John Gibbons, CEO of Personnel Group, explained that despite continued investment, the service has been running at a significant loss.

"As a not-for-profit organisation, our responsibility is to carefully balance our community impact with the financial resources available to us," Mr. Gibbons stated. "The Lifestyle & Learning Service has consistently operated at a substantial deficit, and anticipated changes to NDIS funding, effective October 1, 2026, are projected to further challenge our operating environment."

Mr. Gibbons clarified that this difficult decision does not reflect on the quality of the service or the dedication of its staff. He assured that Aspire is committed to assisting affected families in transitioning to other local providers. "Our immediate priority is the well-being of the individuals and families impacted. The service will continue uninterrupted until its closure date," he added, reaffirming the organisation's ongoing commitment to people with disabilities in the region and ensuring support for all affected by this change. Other Aspire services, such as accommodation, plan management, and family services, will remain unaffected.

Families Voice Deep Concerns Over Disruption

For many families, the closure represents a significant upheaval. Colleen Severs, whose 35-year-old son has been an Aspire client for nearly 18 years, highlighted the profound impact. She credits the service with helping her son develop a range of living skills, from culinary abilities to sports participation. While acknowledging Aspire's supportive communication regarding the changes, Ms. Severs voiced serious concerns about how the disruption could affect clients with varying needs.

"Many clients truly struggle with change, and this can often trigger behavioural issues, especially when their environment is altered," Ms. Severs explained. "Not every provider offers the same opportunities, so finding a suitable match will be a considerable challenge." She also expressed apprehension that other local providers might follow suit with similar cuts, potentially leading to a scarcity of services while demand continues to grow.

Regional Communities Face Uphill Battle with Funding Shifts

The implications of such service reductions extend particularly deeply into regional areas. Hollie-Ann Newman, a disability and mental health advocate based in Albury and a board member of the Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association, moved to the region three years ago from the Gold Coast, partly due to housing affordability and the availability of disability supports and activities.

Ms. Newman's family relies on services like Aspire, alongside preschool and other NDIS providers, to ensure her son's participation within the community. "We possess the understanding of his diagnoses, language, and the tools and skills necessary to support both our son and ourselves," she commented. "Currently, this funding is crucial for his transition to school, which for a child with his profile, is a high-stakes step requiring specialist support to navigate successfully."

Ms. Newman fears that proposed federal government NDIS cuts would disproportionately impact regional communities. "Waitlists, which are already extensive in areas like ours, will only lengthen as more families are compelled to seek support from the public system instead of through private or NDIS-funded providers," she cautioned. Beyond the direct impact on individuals, she warns of a severe blow to the local workforce. "Support work is a heavily feminised sector, and these changes could lead to reduced hours, the collapse of smaller providers, and the disappearance of vital support jobs. In a regional economy, that represents a substantial loss of local employment and services."