Warrnambool’s leading disability support service is preparing to transform as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out next year, and Mpower’s is already gaining ground.
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Chief executive officer Kerry Nelson said the agency was already providing NDIS services to families in the region.
The annual report shows participants received 388 hours of services through the NDIS in the past financial year.
Its knowledge of the system has been boosted by a visit from NDIS state manager David Moody.
Mr Moody ran a training session with staff ahead of making the keynote speech at the organisation’s AGM this week.
“He had such a wealth of knowledge to share with us,” Ms Nelson said.
“He says we’re looking quite good compared to other services out there.
“I think we have a good feel for what families want.”
In the annual report, Ms Nelson and chairman David Beggs said Mpower was carefully planning for the move from a government-funded agency to a market-driven organisation.
“The change encompasses all internal systems and requires Mpower to move from program-based operations to a whole of organisation ‘one Mpower’ enterprise,” they said.
Ms Nelson and Mr Beggs said the agency’s new strategic plan ensured readiness for the NDIS.
“Mpower looks confidently to the future, the dramatic changes of the NDIS and the hope it offers people with a disability for more control over their lives,” they said.
They reported on a successful year for Mpower which included a strong financial performance and an expansion of services to clients.
Ms Nelson said one of the highlights of the year was the opening of Mpower House – a respite and therapy centre. The new house has allowed Mpower to accommodate children for out-of-home care as well as offering after-school respite.
“Most importantly the children and young people using the house for respite, after school care and weekend getaways absolutely love being there in the warm and home-like environment,” she said.
It has been a successful year for Mpower with a strong financial performance and expanded services to clients.
The organisation reported a surplus of $345,540, which will be used to invest back into Mpower’s services, including its transition to the NDIS.
For the financial year the agency delivered 4858 hours of integrated family services, 4074 hours of respite for older carers, 2204 hours of counselling and support to carers, and 2657 hours of weekend getaways.
It also had 45 new carers join the carer support program and 42 new early childhood intervention referrals giving a total 149 children receiving early childhood intervention services.
