Overview
Guided by three strategic priorities – Do More, Be More and Reach More – this new strategy ensures Northcott continues to deliver high quality services. It helps Northcott make a real difference in the lives of children and adults with disability. It is future-focused and ambitious, but achievable.
Our teams have made good progress in aligning their work to this strategy. Highlights include:
- launching our first Customer Voice Framework
- advancing our digital transformation journey
- hosting our second staff Inclusion Fest to strengthen our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We have also begun to provide aged care therapy services to older Australians in Queensland. Additionally, we have collaborated with other organisations to deliver innovative services and programs that build a more inclusive society for all.
Our NDIS Early Childhood team has once again made a huge impact supporting families. Across the year, the team supported more than 23,000 children and families in NSW.
However, like many providers in the sector, Northcott has continued to face challenges delivering services under the NDIS. Reforms have been slower than expected and the NDIS pricing model still falls short in covering the real cost of delivering quality services.
As a result, Northcott reported a loss across the financial year. However, with enough assets and investments, our balance sheet is strong, and we are continuing to deliver high quality services.
While we have made important steps to strengthen our position, there is still significant work to be done by government and the NDIS to create a more viable and fairer scheme for people with disability.
Going forward, we are pursuing new partnerships and service offerings to grow our reach and impact.
We are also committed to working with government and other providers to help create a better NDIS that works for people with disability and the providers who support them.
New Strategic Direction
Our new Strategic Direction sets out a clear roadmap and action plan for Northcott over the coming years. To develop the strategy, we consulted with staff, customers and their families. As a result, this Strategic Direction is built on input and insights from our broad-ranging stakeholder base.
To help guide our work and activities in alignment with the Strategic Direction, we also developed a Horizon 1 planning document.
The disability sector is in the early stages of significant reform. With this new Strategic Direction, Northcott is ready to respond as changes roll out.
Our services
Allied Health and Clinical Services
Northcott has fully accredited speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and dieticians to support our customer’s physical and mental health. We partner with aged care providers and others to provide Allied Health services for people aged over 65 years.
Group Services
These are services where customers with similar goals and interests come together in a group setting at a Northcott Centre or in the community. Our offerings include Life Skills, Skills 4 Life, Recreation, Work & Study, Short Stays and more.
Housing and Supported Independent Living
With more than 120 properties, including shared homes and individual villas, we support people with disability to find a place to call home with the support they need.
Individual Services
To increase customers’ independence, we work one-on-one, assisting them to take part in their community or providing assistance in the home.
Positive Behavioural Support
Our experienced practitioners support the management of behaviours of concern and create positive behavioural outcomes.
Sexuality and Relationship Education
A human-rights based clinical service, offering therapeutic support, assessment, training and education, to holistically achieve sexuality goals and needs.
North Rocks customer Greg with support worker
Our purpose, vision and values
Our purpose
To build an inclusive society where people can live the life they choose.
We support people with disability to reach their full potential by providing services and support to promote a genuinely inclusive society.
Our vision
To be an inclusive organisation, growing support and connection where everyone thrives.
Our values
Northcott is a values-driven organisation. We are:
- INNOVATIVE – because we develop new ideas and solutions with creativity in anticipation of changing needs.
- RESPECTFUL – because we believe that everyone’s voice is unique and that they have the right to be heard.
- BRAVE – because we have the courage to stand up for people with all abilities, even in the face of adversity.
Acknowledgement
Northcott acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging – and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Northcott also pays tribute to their ongoing connection to land, water and community.
In everything that we do we strive to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to discover, unlock and unleash their potential.
At Northcott, we recognise the challenges faced by those with disability and are committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to overcome these so they remain connected to their communities and broader society.
We aim to achieve this goal through working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a respectful, committed and professional manner.
Message from our Chairman and our CEO
Northcott is proud to be a member of:
AbilityFirst
Australian Network
on Disability (AND)
Attitude Foundation
Easter Seals Disability Services
National Disability Services
1800 818 286