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Organisations in Shepparton will be better prepared to meet the needs of local people with a disability, thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced two grants of $130,000 each from the Labor Government’s $1.3 million Victorian Regional Readiness Fund for Shepparton-based ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers ConnectGV and the Australian Primary Mental Health Care Alliance.

ConnectGV will work with other local providers to develop their Workforce Connect project to build a sustainable shared workforce model for the NDIS. The project will be piloted in the Goulburn Area, primarily in Greater Shepparton. ConnectGV have been working with people with disability for 65 years.

The support for Australian Primary Mental Health Care Alliance will help establish a mental health recovery hub providing mental health, allied health and general practice services for those with psychosocial disability.

The Victorian Regional Readiness Fund is helping generate local solutions to workforce issues, deliver services to regional and rural communities and better support the choices of people with disability on the NDIS.

The funding addresses the particular challenges faced by rural and regional Victoria in transitioning to the NDIS, including recruiting qualified staff such as therapists and other specialists, and managing services across large areas with small populations.

The Labor Government is implementing a $26 million NDIS Workforce Plan to boost support and prepare Victoria’s disability workforce as the state transitions to the NDIS.

As noted by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“We’re working to ensure the NDIS delivers on its promise to give people with disability the independence, choices and control they were promised and that’s what we’ll keep fighting for.”

“These grants will help rural and regional areas transition to the scheme, building capacity and strengthening the workforce where it’s needed most.”

“We’re proud to support ConnectGV and the Australian Primary Mental Health Care Alliance in the great work they’re doing to build a disability workforce that meets the needs of Shepparton community.”

As noted by ConnectGV Chief Executive Officer Carolynne Frost

“This grant will allow ConnectGV and Shepparton Community Share partners to strengthen our workforce capability and capacity as the NDIS rolls out in the Shepparton area.”