Rural, remote, and very remote communities in Far North Queensland (FNQ) will benefit from a $4.5 million trial to explore a new, connected, and integrated model of care and support services.

Delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government and hosted by James Cook University, FNQ Connect will strengthen the capability of existing services in the region through creating a cohesive, responsive network of community-based hubs, and will reduce costs and increase value for money through efficiencies of scale and resource sharing.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill Shorten said the hubs would act as a one-stop shop for people in the community to access information and connect with relevant services, including rehabilitation, disability support, and advocacy.

“We know that for many Australians, particularly those in rural and remote areas, there are complex barriers preventing them from accessing vital services,” Minister Shorten said.

“This pilot will work to tackle those barriers head on, ensuring that people of all ages can access effective, reliable, and culturally safe care and support where and when they need it most.”

FNQ Connect has been developed through a joined-up approach with community, service providers, and local councils across Far North Queensland in response to growing demand for supports and the need to reduce fragmentation between government, non-government, and private services.

The project builds on insights gained from the collective efforts of the community including people with lived experience of disability, service providers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reference groups to champion sustainable, and locally owned services that best meet the needs of its residents.

Minister Shorten said the focus on integrated, community-based supports is in alignment with recent findings from the Independent Review of the NDIS.

“The NDIS Review cemented the importance of participants having choice and control over the supports they receive, while also ensuring the provider market is able to keep up with the demand for NDIS - funded services,” Minister Shorten said.

“This means investing back into local communities – into local workforces, into local businesses - to ensure the best possible outcomes for local participants.

“FNQ Connect is just one of the ways the Government is working with local communities to explore new and innovative ways of streamlining NDIS services and improving access to effective, reliable and culturally safe supports.”

Queensland Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen said FNQ Connect would make a significant difference to the lives of people with lived experience of disability.

“It was wonderful to be able to take the FNQ Connect proposal to the Federal Government and to have such a positive response.

“FNQ Connect does exactly what its title suggests – brings together a network of community groups, including councils, people with lived experience of disability, private organisations, and government agencies.

“The real strengths of the program are the sharing of information, tapping into local businesses and organisations, and the building of inclusive communities.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the program would have a significant impact on residents in her electorate and for First Nations peoples across Far North Queensland.

“People with disability and with lived experience of disability often find it difficult to co-ordinate supports and networks because they live in remote areas.

“This is a fantastic program to link those communities and make life that little bit easier for them.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy welcomed the announcement.

“This is great news for people with lived experience living in remote and regional Far North Queensland.

“Social and geographic isolation mean they have some very specific issues that need to be addressed in a more holistic way.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said he looked forward to seeing the result of the initial trial.

“We have so many people across so many communities who will benefit from this program.

“It’s so important that those residents who need access to the NDIS actually have it.”

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the program would benefit businesses and disability service providers in remote and regional areas.

“Providers of rehabilitation services, advocates and other organisations will be better co-ordinated.

“This is a far more sophisticated way to link services and people with lived experience of disability.”

More information is available on the James Cook University webpage.