Centacare ceases NDIS-funded disability services after 40 years in Queensland
Centacare, the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane’s social services agency, has announced it will cease providing its National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)-funded disability services this year, after four decades of operation. The decision, described as financially unsustainable, ends an era of support for hundreds of people living with disability across South East Queensland.
What led to the closure?
The agency disclosed that an independent review found its disability services were not financially viable across the network, which stretches from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay and west to Kingaroy and Gatton. Centacare said the decision would affect a range of services, including Supported Independent Living, short-term accommodation, Onsite Shared Support, Social and Life Skills Hubs, NDIS-funded home support, and Disability Support for Older Australians programs. In total, about 600 NDIS clients and 600 staff were impacted by the changes.
Immediate impact on clients and families
The abrupt near-term closures forced families to search for alternative providers, often with limited notice. Centacare has said it is working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to support transitions, but some clients have already faced gaps in care. ABC News reports that at least 18 clients may struggle to secure new arrangements, with some programs having to wrap up by October 10 and others by mid-November.
Voices from the community
For people like Steven Weir, who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, the news was painful. He described the moment he learned of the closure as upsetting and tearful, noting the long relationships with his carers spanning a decade. Steven’s brother, Gary, told ABC Radio Brisbane that, while a new provider was found, some supports—such as on-call services—could not be replicated exactly, potentially altering daily routines and increasing costs for families.
Family concerns and continuity of care
The transition is not just about finding a new provider; it involves transferring complex medical and daily living information, from medication needs to movement assistance. Gary and Steven’s experience underscores the anxiety that can accompany such shifts, especially when longtime carers become unfamiliar faces. For many families, the challenge is balancing continuity of care with the realities of a more constrained funding and service landscape.
What happens next for clients and staff?
Centacare states that it will continue to support 18 clients during the transition to new providers and will maintain its Supported Independent Living service until November 20. The organisation has indicated that redeployment is available for eligible staff, or they may be offered redundancy. In practice, many workers have begun seeking roles with other disability providers while some have found positions within the broader Centacare network.
The wider context for disability services in Queensland
Disability services across Queensland have faced ongoing funding pressures, with NDIS funding allocations and service-level agreements under scrutiny. Centacare’s decision reflects a broader tension between the demand for quality, consistent supports and the financial sustainability of long-established community organisations. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of transparent transition plans and robust support networks to minimize disruption for vulnerable clients during such reorganisations.
What this means for the future of care in the region
As the sector adjusts, families, carers, and service providers will be watching closely to ensure that no client is left without essential support. The NDIA and state authorities have a clear role in facilitating smooth transitions, upholding patient safety, and coordinating with new providers to preserve continuity of care. Community responses will vary, but the central concern remains: safeguarding the dignity and daily living needs of people who depend on consistent, trustworthy support networks.
Conclusion
Centacare’s decision to exit NDIS-funded disability services after 40 years marks a significant shift for South East Queensland’s care landscape. While the organisation seeks to minimise disruption through transitional planning, the experiences of clients like Steven illuminate the emotional and practical costs of such changes. As the region navigates this transition, the focus will be on safeguarding continuity of care, supporting affected staff, and strengthening partnerships across the disability sector to ensure that vulnerable Australians continue to receive essential services.
