Regional & Remote NDIS Support
With significant changes and reforms planned for 2025-26, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is shifting focus towards equity, improved accessibility, and expanded service options for participants outside metropolitan areas.
In this blog, we explore what’s changing, why it matters, and how Openhearted Support continues to deliver reliable support for participants across Melbourne and surrounding locations — including those travelling from regional communities or relocating temporarily.
Why Regional & Remote Access Matters
Many participants living outside major cities face obstacles such as:
Limited availability of skilled support workers
Fewer allied health professionals and specialist clinicians
Long wait times for assessments and therapy
Higher cost of travel and limited public transport
Reduced access to community participation opportunities
These challenges can significantly impact quality of life, independence, and social inclusion — which is why a national reform approach is needed.
What’s Changing in 2025-26?
The NDIS is prioritising changes to improve the experience of participants living in regional and remote areas. Key focus areas include:
1. Improved Service Accessibility
More providers will be supported to deliver services to regional areas through outreach, mobile services, and telehealth.
2. Stronger Workforce Investment
Funding and recruitment support will help build a more stable and skilled disability workforce in under-resourced areas.
3. Flexible Supports & Pricing Reform
Adjustments to pricing arrangements aim to make service delivery outside cities more viable and affordable.
4. Better Planning & Faster Approvals
Streamlined planning processes will reduce long wait times for assessments and plan reviews.
5. Increased Focus on Cultural & Community-Led Support
Special consideration for First Nations communities and remote cultural needs will support more inclusive care.
These reforms reflect a movement towards equitable access, ensuring every participant — no matter where they live — receives the level of support they deserve.
How Openhearted Support Contributes to Accessibility
Although based in Melbourne, Openhearted Support is committed to ensuring that participants from regional and interstate locations can still experience high-quality disability support services.
We provide:
Welcoming Support for Participants Travelling to Melbourne
Many regional NDIS participants travel for therapy, respite, community access or medical care — and our team supports them with safe accommodation-based services, respite care, and 24/7 support when needed.
Transport & Community Support
We assist participants to travel confidently, attend appointments, and engage in community activities.
Allied Health & Therapeutic Supports
Our team includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Community Nurses and Support Workers, offering mobile and flexible services.
Remote Support Where Possible
Virtual consultations, support coordination and administration assistance can be delivered online.
Support Coordination for People in Regional Areas
We help participants navigate plan funding, connect to appropriate providers, and advocate for service access.
Our mission is simple: no one should feel limited by where they live.
Why This Reform Matters
The new changes mean:
More equal access to essential services Greater choice and control for participants More opportunities for independence and community participation Less stress on participants and families living in remote locations
This shift focuses on fairness, flexibility, and improved lived experience — aligning strongly with the NDIS values of inclusion and empowerment.
Our Commitment
At Openhearted Support, we believe every participant deserves consistent, respectful, and high-quality care, whether they are local, regional, or temporarily staying in Melbourne for support.
We proudly assist NDIS participants needing:
Respite & short-term accommodation
Daily personal activities & community access
Therapeutic and allied health services
Reliable transport
Support for interstate or regional travel into Melbourne
Wherever you begin your journey, we’re here to help you live confidently, independently, and with dignity.
📞 Contact Openhearted Support
📞 1800 976 186
📧 admin@ohsupport.com.au
🌐 www.openheartedsupport.com.au
Final Thought
The future of the NDIS is evolving — and the changes coming between 2025-26 will help ensure fairer access for all participants, including those in regional and remote areas.
With professional staff, compassionate care, and flexible support options, Openhearted Support is ready to walk alongside you, wherever you are located.