By Tate Papworth
Two leading voices for carers in Brimbank have questioned whether the community is better off – a year after the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was rolled out across Brimbank and Melton.
Despina Havelas is the primary carer for her son and says she was forced to leave her job to care for him and navigate the “mountain of paperwork” required to access the NDIS.
She said the NDIS has a number of positive points, but a lack of communication or innovative thought has stymied any progress.
“For me there’s been increased work for carers in terms of paperwork. I’m meeting lots of carers burnt out from paperwork.
“It hasn’t been negative, but information-wise it’s been heavy. You spend all day googling things, it’s all on the carer to find things.”
Ms Havelas has long called for a space to be made available for carers to meet and pass on information.
“NDIS supplies the money, but the [Brimbank] council needs to change their structure and support,” she said.
“There needs to be more physical activities within Brimbank, particular for people on NDIS.
“We want people to feel part of a community, a group.
“I’d like to see more local activities for participants … more programs, which can be between organisations and council.”
Carer Sangeeta Sharma also questioned the way the scheme is being implemented in Brimbank.
“Too many excuses as to why we can’t do things and why things are impossible,” Ms Sharma said. “There’s nothing happening, there’s no progressive, innovative thought. We send the council and provider information on the many different things happening at other councils, but they don’t do anything.”
More than 4000 people have accessed the NDIS in Brimbank and Melton in the past 12 months.
