We’ve welcomed the recent State Government announcement to double parking fines for drivers who illegally park in accessible spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced from mid-2020, the current $266 fine would increase to $533 for drivers parking in reserved spaces without a parking scheme permit. Our Chief […]
News
Partnership strengthens support for spinal cord damage community
A new partnership will help people with spinal cord damage to better manage one of the most common effects, which is often not recognised by the general public. We have partnered with Coloplast to provide a range of initiatives to promote effective continence care and support services to improve health and wellbeing. The partnership includes […]
Renae and Spinal Life call for NDIS funding for carers during hospital stays
The National Disability Insurance Scheme was introduced to improve the lives of Australians with a disability, help them to gain independence and make their own choices. Brisbane member Renae O’Hara said the scheme had failed in all three aspects by not allowing funding to be used for personal support workers during hospital stays, assigning that […]
Spinal Life welcomes new CEO
Spinal Life Australia’s new Chief Executive Officer, Mark Townend AM, is excited about navigating both the opportunities and challenges that will come his way. Having been the CEO of RSPCA Queensland for 19 years, Mark has been looking for a change, where he can share and grow his extensive skills and experience. He said he […]
Alan retires after a decade on the Spinal Life Australia Board
Alan Ashford has made the decision to resign from his role as Chair of the Spinal Life Australia Board as of today in completion of his 10-year term. Acting Chief Executive Officer Pauline Davis said the organisation was very fortunate to have Alan’s knowledge and experience in guiding the organisation, including his five years as […]
Chair donation helps people with spinal cord injuries gain travel confidence
Patients who have recently sustained life-changing spinal cord injuries can now be more prepared for airline travel when they leave hospital, with direct access to equipment that is used on aircraft. Swissport, the world’s leading provider of airport ground services and air cargo handling, recently donated an aisle chair to the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal […]
Townsville Mobility Map launched to chart city accessibility
Townsville City Council has launched an accessibility map for residents and visitors who use wheelchairs, using information gathered by Spinal Life Australia members. The Mobility Map was launched by Council yesterday and helps people who use a wheelchair or mobility device plan the most efficient routes throughout the Townsville CBD. The Mobility Map is easy […]
NDIS announces funding for key health and nursing services
The National Disability Insurance Scheme will now offer funding for disability-related health supports for participants from October 2019. The decision was made during the recent meeting of the Council of Australian Governments Disability Reform Council which discussed moving the responsibility of funding health supports from state-based health systems to the NDIS. From 1 October 2019, […]
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission now available
NDIS participants across most of Australia now have access to an independent agency that will help improve the quality and safety of all supports and services they access under the scheme. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is now in place in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and […]
Budget last chance for Queenslanders with disabilities to keep vital community nursing funding
UPDATE: The 2019-20 Queensland Budget announcement included $61.9 million over two years for “a temporary measure to ensure NDIS clients are able to access critical supports while interface issues between the NDIS and mainstream services are resolved.” While no further details are currently available, this is a promising announcement and we hope community nursing services […]