March Newsletter

New Framework Planning – A New Way of Planning

The NDIS will introduce New Framework Planning from mid-2026, transitioning to a more standardised and person-centred approach. This new framework is designed to focus more on individual needs and goals, rather than relying heavily on medical reports alone.
The changes will be rolled out gradually, and existing plans will remain valid until their scheduled review date.

Key points to know:

The aim is to reduce lengthy reporting requirements.
A new standardised assessment process will be introduced.
Budgets will become more flexible.
Plans will continue to be approved by trained NDIA staff — not automated systems.
Children under 18 will not be included in the initial rollout.
Your current plan will stay in place, and you will be notified before any changes affect you.

For more information click the link below:

2026 Winter Paralympics Begin

The 2026 Winter Paralympics officially began on Friday 6th March, with 14 Australian Para-athletes competing in Italy.

This year marks Australia’s second-largest team in the 50-year history of the Winter Paralympic Games, an incredible achievement for our athletes and the broader disability sport community.

There are also several exciting firsts for Australia in 2026:

Australia’s first Indigenous Winter Paralympian.
Australia’s youngest female Winter Paralympian
Australia’s oldest Winter Paralympian.
Representation across a record number of winter sports.

We wish all athletes the very best as they compete on the world stage and continue to inspire communities across Australia.

NDIS Quarterly Performance Report – Key Highlights

The latest NDIS Quarterly Performance Report has been released by the NDIS.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

Families and carers reported a 6% increase in paid employment, rising from 47% to 53%.
Participation in community and social activities among participants aged 15 years and over increased to 41%.
117 provider registrations were revoked.
95 banning orders were issued to providers and individuals.
There was a 4.6% increase in registered providers entering the market.
An increase of 9,996 participants entered the Scheme since September 2025.
As at 31 December 2025, there were 166,757 children younger than 9 with an NDIS Plan.
6% had their funding managed by the NDIA, 68% with a Plan Manager and 26% of participants chose to Self-Manage.
Total payments in the year to 30 June 2025 were $46.4 billion

Click below to read the full report.

Good News

Exciting news for fans of Peppa Pig!
In the new season, George Pig is getting a hearing aid after it’s revealed he has moderate hearing loss in one ear.

The storyline was developed in collaboration with the National Deaf Children's Society, who helped the creators explore different types of hearing loss and appropriate support. This ensures the show reflects the real-life experiences of deaf children and their families, bringing both awareness and representation to young viewers.

It’s a heartwarming step toward inclusivity in children’s television!

International Wheelchair Day

March 1st was International Wheelchair Day, which recognises the positive impact wheelchairs have on the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Here are some facts you might find interesting:

There are over 65 million wheelchair users globally.
The earliest recorded wheelchair-like device was in China in the 6th century, and the first modern wheelchair was created in the 18th century.
Modern wheelchairs can be manual, powered, or even smart, helping users gain greater independence.
1 in 3 people who need a wheelchair do not have access to one that fits their needs, highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusive design.

Pacific Plan Management will be exhibiting at the Illawarra Disability Options Expo again this year. This FREE event is designed to connect individuals with disabilities, families, carers, and NDIS providers in the Illawarra region.

Whether you're seeking support, exploring local services, or building networks within the community, The IDO Expo is the place to be.

The information for the event is as follows:

📅 Event Details:

Date: Thursday 26th March
Time: 11am-3:00pm
Location: The Fraternity Club - 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow

Come along and have a chat with us to learn how we can support you with everything NDIS Plan Management.

Caffeine Connections – Wollongong Launch

Some of the team had the pleasure of attending the Wollongong Caffeine Connections launch at Georgia Rose in Shell Cove last month. It was great to connect with participants, providers and fellow organisations, and to be part of conversations around inclusion, support and the NDIS.

We truly value opportunities like these to stay connected with our community and continue building strong relationships.

For a list of upcoming events click on the link below