Making the NDIS make sense.
We're creating a world where navigating disability supports isn't about battling systems - it's about connecting with people who truly get it, genuinely care, and absolutely know how to make good things happen.
Built from the ground up, by people who’ve lived it.
Many years ago, our founders (Rin and Chris) were driving from Canberra to the Central Coast.
They were debriefing (yet again) about the endless problems with our sector:
People using the disability sector as a ‘stepping stone’ to bigger and better things.
The low bar set by providers and staff alike.
The lack of support for new people entering the sector for the first time.
The high caseloads, making real support completely unviable.
The lack of training, consideration and perspective from those in leadership roles.
The low levels of pay for front line workers by large scale providers.
We started ‘what if-ing’ all over the place:
*time jump*
All of our what if’s have become reality for not only us, but for 6 small business owners that choose to call The Upstream Collective home.
People-first, always.
We are a collective of small business owners who have chosen the disability sector as our lifelong vocation. Our team is here to make the NDIS make sense. We guide you through the maze, stand up fiercely for what you need, and transform those head-spinning processes into real-life support that works brilliantly for you.
Our team services Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne and is made up of Support Coordinators, Mentors, Support Workers, Gardeners and Personal Trainers.
Support that fits your real life.
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If you or your loved one lives with a disability and you are interested in applying to the NDIS, we can offer advice and support to make the application process as easy as possible. Hit us up if you have any questions!
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If you or your loved one has an active NDIS plan and you are looking for supports, our team is experienced in offering a wide range of supports including:
in home supports including meal preparation, cooking, tidying up, pet care and general household tasks
transport to and from appointments
organising a support person to attend events or activities with you
employment supports including how to write a resume, find a job or assistance with communicating to your current employer about adjustments related to your disability
support to find allied health professionals and support workers that have experience and an approach that you respond to
training and assistance to understand how the NDIS works and what funding can be used for
supporting parents, carers and family members of NDIS participants to connect with carer support programs
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We understand that living with a disability can involve a lot of administration and communication with a range of non-NDIS government supports.
Our team have supported participants in a range of ways, from applying for a housing transfer, assisting them to get a Mental Health Care Plan, submitting complaints to the NDIS Commission and sourcing scholarships for students in high school or uni. We are here to help in any useful way, so reach out if you need extra help.
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A big part of our role is to connect you to a range of supports and opportunities outside of the NDIS. This could involve applying for a scholarship, joining a local soccer team, volunteering for a local charity or starting a short course at TAFE or CIT. We are here to help you research, fill in any paperwork, assist with communication and assist in any other way to ensure that you can participate in your community, on your terms.