Centacare Ends 40 Years of Disability Support in South-East Queensland
Centacare, the social services arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, has announced it will cease providing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded disability services this year. The decision marks the end of four decades of care for hundreds of clients and the work of around 600 staff across the region, stretching from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay and west to Kingaroy and Gatton.
The announcement follows an independent review that found Centacare’s disability services were no longer financially sustainable. The portfolio included Supported Independent Living (SIL), short-term accommodation, Onsite Shared Support services, Social and Life Skills Hubs, NDIS-funded home support, and services for older Australians with disability.
Centacare said it remains committed to supporting clients during the transition, working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to ensure any required assistance is provided as clients move to new providers. As of the latest update, 18 clients were identified as potentially not having secured alternative care, with the organisation stating it would assist them through the transition process.
Hours before the closure, Centacare notified clients that some programs would end earlier than anticipated. While initial guidance suggested closures by mid-November, some services have a deadline of October 10 for arranging substitute care. The rapid changes have left many families and carers scrambling to understand what comes next.
Impact on Clients and Staff
The news has been deeply disruptive for clients who rely on long-standing supports. Steven Weir, who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and scoliosis, described the moment he learned of the decision as “upset and in tears.” He relies on routine carers each morning, using supports like ceiling hoists and a manual hoist to move around and stay mobile. He notes that while a new provider has been found, the change will likely affect the level and familiarity of care he receives.
Steven’s brother, Gary, told ABC Radio Brisbane that while alternative providers have been secured, on-call services and other specific supports may not be replicate exactly. “Some of the care Steven requires…will be different, so things have to change to be able to accommodate that,” he said. The shift also raises concerns about costs and access to like-for-like services.
The ABC understands that eligible Centacare employees were offered redeployment within the organisation or redundancy. Many staff have begun seeking roles with other disability providers, reflecting the broader impact on the regional care workforce. For families like the Weirs, gathering records—healthcare details, mobility instructions, and medication needs—has required persistent follow-up and reassurance at a stressful time.
What Happens Next for Clients?
Centacare said it would continue to assist through the NDIA to ensure a smooth transition for clients. The organisation indicated that 18 clients remain the focus of ongoing coordination to confirm new housing or care arrangements. For some, securing a new provider is a relief, but the change will involve adjustments in services, schedules, and, potentially, costs.
Centacare’s decision underscores the difficult financial dynamics facing some NDIS-funded services in regional Australia. While many providers sustain essential care through government funding, structural pressures—operational costs, staffing, and the geographic spread of services—can threaten long-term viability even for organizations with a long-standing community role.
As the sector reorganizes, families and carers will be watching closely to ensure continuity of care and to understand how new arrangements will maintain the safety, familiarity, and quality that clients like Steven depend on every day.
