This week Nicky talks to Ed Birt, Senior Policy Specialist at the Community Industry Group, about the shift towards a risk proportionate registration model for disability service providers that is coming to the NDIS.  

In December 2023 the NDIS Review recommended a risk proportionate registration model where all providers are registered based on the level of risk and complexity of their services.   Ed explains that presently only 6% of NDIS providers are registered.  Registration means that providers are governed by the NDIS Practice Standards and regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.  In 2025 the NDIA is poised to introduce registration requirements for Supported Independent Living , Support Coordination and platform providers with other service types to follow.

Ed and Nicky explore the benefits of a regulated sector to support quality and safety for people receiving disability services and some of the present disparity that is a feature of the sector in terms of risks for people with disability, increased costs for registered providers and lack of oversight of unregistered providers.  

Ed unpacks some of the challenges and risks associated with transitioning the market to greater regulatory oversight via registration and discusses how this will need to be undertaken in a well-planned, clear and collaborative fashion lead by government.  

Link to NDIS Review Final Report Working together to deliver the NDIS. NDIS Review: Final Report (refer to page 214 for the recommended risk proportionate provider registration arrangements). 

In this powerful conversation, Nicky dives deep into fairness, equity, and social justice with Craig Foster AM—former Socceroos captain, sports broadcaster, author, human rights advocate and 2023 NSW Australian of the Year. Nicky and Craig discuss how his own life journey took him from country NSW and a sheltered worldview to a broader, more diverse and inclusive perspective shaped by exposure to the people and communities he experienced through his soccer career and his activism.

Craig reflects on pivotal moments, including rescuing a refugee footballer from a Thai prison, supporting Afghan women fleeing the Taliban, and advocating for gender-equal pay in Australian soccer. Craig discusses the importance of systemic change, challenging power structures, explaining that resistance is to be expected and is a natural part of progress. He explains how taking action can create lasting impact and personal meaning.

Ultimately, Craig’s message is one of empowerment and responsibility. He emphasises that all people are driven by a fundamental sense of justice and encourages listeners to consider their own responses to inequality by asking us the critical question: “What would you do?”.  His insights inspire reflection, empathy, and the courage to act in the face of injustice, making this conversation a compelling call to action to make the world a better place for everyone.

New research from the University of Wollongong reveals concerning levels of food insecurity for families across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region (see link below).  On this episode Nicky speaks with Danna Nelse, Manager of the Albion Park & Albion Park Rail  Neighbourhood Centres, who is on the front line of seeing the impacts of food insecurity on families and individuals. A situation which she says is very real and only getting worse.  The Neighbourhood Centres which she manage have gone from being a place to connect and an information and referral service to now having to pivot into practical crisis supports, food, clothing, nappies, helping people pay bills, feeding kids and other care and crisis supports for people in need.

Danna also discusses the impacts on providers of what she calls the “Not for Profit Starvation Cycle” that sees funding not keeping pace with inflation and cost of living for community services, meaning providers need to do more with less.  As she explains, Neighbourhood Centres are relying on donations and support from a community under pressure and from other NFP’s who are also affected creating a challenging cycle.  

However it’s clear that Neighbourhood Centres, with their strong connections to the community are well placed to assist, and Danna gives practical ideas of how people can help and make a difference from donations, by volunteering or just giving a helping hand to someone in need.  Danna speaks to the importance of community connections, relationships and the many people that have mentored and supported her along the way.

Link to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Survey from UOW: 2025 | Why community centres are the unsung heroes in the fight against hunger - University of Wollongong – UOW

In this Episode, Nicky is joined by Maria Corsiglia - Centre Manager, Barnardo's South Coast Children's Family Centre. Maria gives insights into how lack of access to public transport impacts the lives of people in vulnerable circumstances. Using real life examples, Maria explores how vulnerable families are further disadvantaged by being unable to access services and supports. A poignant example is the story of the single mum who lost her job due to lack of transport and how that disadvantaged both her and her young family.

She goes on to explain that families are put at risk when they can’t make mandatory appointments and encourages service providers – and other members of society – to walk in the shoes of people experiencing transport disadvantage.

Maria speaks about the privilege of being able to drive and own a car and shines a light on the difference foster parents can make in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

A powerful lesson for us all.

In this important episode Nicky talks with Kim Bertino. Kim is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Fat Smile, a not-for-profit provider in the Illawarra providing Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. Kim and Nicky discuss the multiple impacts on children, families and communities of a lack of access to quality affordable ECEC and the existence of "childcare deserts" often in regions which correspond with other forms of multiple compounding disadvantages and giving children a poor start at life. Global research confirms that children build invaluable skills in the first five years of life. From language, to social, emotional and cognitive development, this crucial period of intense growth informs later outcomes and is why accessing quality ECEC services allows children to thrive and get the best start in life meaning investment in this critical area must be a priority for government. Kim talks about recent strategies including the introduction of a wage subsidy, that have had positive benefits for the sector to improve workforce attraction and retention. She describes innovative programs that Big Fat Smile is now operating to meet unmet need, and how the not-for-profit sector community sector is willing and able to work with government on solutions including capital funding for new centres to put resources back into community to meet the needs of children and families. Childcare Desert Report Victoria University: Mapping the childcare deserts: Childcare accessibility in Australia | Victoria University