Centacare Shuts Down NDIS-Funded Disability Services in South-East Queensland
A long-standing disability support provider in south-east Queensland has announced it will cease operating its National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded services this year, ending four decades of care for hundreds of clients and thousands of hours of support. Centacare, the social services arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, confirmed the decision in August after an independent review deemed its disability services financially unviable.
What Has Been Affected?
Centacare’s NDIS-funded programs covered about 600 clients across a wide region, from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay and west to Kingaroy and Gatton. The services included Supported Independent Living (SIL), short-term accommodation, Onsite Shared Support, Social and Life Skills Hubs, NDIS home support, and community and Disability Support for Older Australians services. With the closure, hundreds of clients and their families are scrambling to secure new providers and adjust care arrangements.
Why the Decision Was Made
The independent review found the current model of disability supports was not financially sustainable for Centacare. The organisation said the financial pressures made it no longer viable to continue delivering NDIS-funded services while maintaining safety and quality of care. While the shutdown is painful for clients, families, and staff, Centacare emphasized its ongoing commitment to assisting clients through the transition with NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) support and guidance on finding alternate providers.
Impact on Clients and Families
For many clients, the change means adjusting to new support teams, new rostering, and, in some cases, different levels of service. One former client expressed distress at the abrupt switch, noting the intimate knowledge carers hold and the continuity of care that is hard to replace. In at least one case, a client’s family reports that the transition might not provide an exact one-to-one replacement for on-call or after-hours support that was previously available.
Personal Stories Behind the Headlines
Steven Weir, who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and scoliosis, described the moment he learned of Centacare’s impending closure as upsetting and tearful. He has relied on carers for many years and fears the change could interrupt his daily routine and essential services such as mobility assistance and medical-related support. His brother, Gary, noted that while a new provider had been found, some supports—like on-call services—might differ, necessitating adjustments and potential extra costs.
What Happens Next?
Centacare has said it will continue to work with the NDIA to ensure a smooth transition for 18 remaining clients who have yet to secure a new provider. The Supported Independent Living program will continue only until November 20, after which the service will wind down. Employees affected by the closure were offered redeployment within Centacare or redundancy, with many seeking new roles in other disability providers.
Broader Implications for the Sector
The Centacare decision casts a spotlight on the financial viability of NDIS-funded disability services in regional Queensland. It raises questions about funding models, the resilience of small to mid-size providers, and the regional capacity to absorb large-scale transitions in care. Stakeholders—clients, families, staff, and other providers—will be watching closely to see how plans for continuity of care are executed and whether the NDIA or the broader sector will introduce measures to support smoother transitions and prevent gaps in essential services.
As communities brace for the changes, families are encouraged to communicate with their new providers and keep all medical and care records up to date. Centacare reaffirmed its willingness to assist where possible and urged clients to work with NDIA representatives to secure alternative arrangements that best meet individual needs.
