The Northern Rivers Social Development Council welcomes the federal government's budget announcement that $1 billion will be allocated over the next four years towards the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. However, while there is strong support for the scheme and a commitment to piloting it from the current federal government, the scheme's implementation is not certain until it is passed into legislation.

A rally in support of the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will take place in Lismore on Thursday, May 10 at Spinks Park on Molesworth Street, from 11am-12 noon. Following a short march, a free BBQ will be held at Spinks Park. Parking will be available at the Lismore Bowling Club and on Market Street.

It's ironic that people living in NSW should count themselves as 'lucky' if they become disabled as a result of a car accident. Depending on which Australian state or territory you live in and how you acquired your disability, your entitlement to disability support services will differ. At the moment in NSW, if you acquire a disability at home through injury, accident or illness, there is no entitlement to support you, no matter how much your disability expenses skyrocket; and there is no private insurance to cover the costs incurred of a baby being born with a severe disability.

 On any given night in Australia, 105,000 people are homeless and nearly half of these are under the age of 25.

On any given night in Australia, 105,000 people are homeless and nearly half of these are under the age of 25. Youth Homelessness Matters Day on Wednesday, April 18, is a national campaign that aims to raise public awareness about youth homelessness and celebrate the resilience of young people who are at risk of, or are experiencing homelessness in Australia.

A free information guide for people with a mobility impairment wanting to know how to get around (and beyond) the Northern Rivers is now available through the Northern Rivers Social Development Council (NRSDC).  A new 35 page booklet called Accessible Transport in the Northern Rivers outlines what accessible transport options are available in the local area and outlines how to go about using them.