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Civic News & Stories

Annual Report 2021-2022

Message from the CEO and Chair As this report is published, it is hard to..

Impact Report 2022-2023

Message from the CEO and Chair As Civic moves into its 65th year, it is..

Understanding the NDIS Amendment Bill

Originally announced in March, the much anticipated National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS..

Civic leaders met with NSW Government to take part in Sustainability Advantage

Civic’s commitment to a more sustainable future

This July, Civic took a significant step forward in its commitment to a more sustainable..

Watch: Three-year Strategy in Review

Civic’s vision – that of human potential, realised – is underpinned by our mission to..

CBK Cooks Up New Pathways to Employment in Nowra

This month marked the unveiling of Civic’s new social enterprise, Civic Burger Kitchen, affectionately known..

Civic joins disability sector organisations in raising the alarm on NDIS market failure

An alliance of peak bodies and organisations across Australia representing all parts of the disability..

Civic supports the opening of Sutherland Shire’s largest all-abilities playground

Civic was honoured to support the opening of Sutherland Shire’s largest all-abilities playground earlier this..

Lunch & Learn on Supported Decision Making

In this short and informative session, Behaviour Support Practitioner, Mary Lockett, covers the key aspects..

Cultural Connection: Walking Together for National Reconciliation Week 2024

Fostering an inclusive environment and promoting cultural connection is not just a commitment—it’s a way..

Experiencing the NRL Magic Round

On Thursday, 16th May, Civic’s first long-distance road trip left Sydney, heading to Brisbane for..

Get to know Jack at Streater Place

We recently met Jack Kelly when he took us on a guided tour of the..

A guided tour of Streater Place

The residents of a brand-new, purpose-built home in the Sutherland Shire are searching for a..

Streater Place Housewarming

On Thursday 14th March, we were honored to officially open Civic’s flagship development with a..

Civic Crew celebrates 9-year partnership with Metropolitan Memorial Parks

To commemorate the successful nine-year partnership between Civic and Metropolitan Memorial Parks, staff and crew..

The future of employment

What has been changing at Civic for employment? Over the last 5 years, Civic has..

Multi-year philanthropic funding readies Civic Crew model for scale

Civic partnered with the Ian Potter Foundation over three years to prepare the Civic Crew..

BGIS Collaborative Partnership Award

Civic has been working with national facilities management company, BGIS, to complete work across a..

Civic Café Jannali Opening

On 4 December 2023, Civic proudly opened our 5th social enterprise Kitchen and Café service..

NDIS Review delivers 26 recommendations

This week the NDIS Review was delivered and sets out a plan to deliver much-needed..

A change of ‘PACE’ – Participant questions answered about the NDIS new billing system

What is PACE and what is changing? PACE is the NDIA’s new computer system. It..

New Sensory Room and Toy Library Grants

Last week, Civic was awarded two Community Grants by Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce. The..

Civic Disability Services Named Employer of Choice

Civic Disability Services is proud to announce that it has been recognised as an Employer..

New NDIS Pricing Arrangement and Pricing Limits 2023/24 released

The 2023/24 Pricing Arrangement and Pricing Limits (PAPL) document has been released and there has..

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is an important time for all Australians to learn and explore how..

NDIS Reform Announced

On Tuesday 18th April, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, gave a speech to the National Press..

Your Service, Your Rights Workshops

Today, Civic hosted the first of a series “Your Service, Your Rights” workshop and information..

Connect Hub continues to reduce social isolation

Civic@Home launched in 2020 during the restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic to reduce feelings of..

Civic celebrates community on Valentine’s Day

On Tuesday 14 February, community members came together at Civic Café Engadine to celebrate and..

Civic and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries celebrate milestone

Civic Disability Services and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries today celebrated thelong-standing partnership of close to ten..

Let’s Get Out and About! South East Sydney Jan-March Program

Civic’s popular South East Sydney Out and About program is a wonderful opportunity for people..

Sydney Trains Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Staff at Sydney train stations are now trained to recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and..

Kaylen set to take on the world at Special Olympics World Games

In June 2023, 64 Aussie athletes with an intellectual disability will wear the green and..

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) to be replaced

The Albanese Government has announced it plans to abolish the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) over..

Making Christmas special

For most people, when they think about Christmas, they often think about taking time off..

A very festive morning tea

Tis the season to get together and celebrate with our community. Last week, Civic hosted..

2022 Literacy Program Graduation

Congratulations to the Civic 2022 Literacy Program graduates! Over the year, 18 students from across..

Civic artists shine in the ShireABILITY Art Award

The ShireABILITY Art Award ceremony was held on 3rd December to mark International Day of..

Christmas arrives at Liverpool Hub

There’s never a dull moment at Civic’s Memorial Hub at Liverpool and this year’s Christmas..

Civic Cafe Engadine celebrates IDPwD

On Friday 2nd December, Civic marked International Day of People with Disability #IDPwD with a..

Walk on Country Cultural Immersion

On Tuesday 8th November, Civic employees took part in a walk on Country. This cultural..

Christmas connections at Sans Souci

The Civic and Enliven partnership was brimming with Christmas cheer as the two organisations recently co-hosted..

Cook Community Connections

The IMB Bank Cook Community Classic was held at Cronulla on Sunday 20th November. This..

Civic Champions take part in the Fisher’s Ghost Fun Run

Last weekend, on Sunday 13th November, a group of Civic Champions took part in the..

The latest NDIS Quarterly Report

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) recently released its first quarterly report for the new..

Civic invites you to celebrate International Day of People with Disability

Join Civic on Friday 2nd December for a special International Day of People with Disability..

Halloween comes to Civic

This week Halloween celebrations took over Civic! From decorating Civic Cafe Nowra, adding decorations at..

Connecting at the Indigenous Charity Football Tournament

On Tuesday 25th October, Civic was honoured to support the 2022 Indigenous Charity Football Tournament..

IMPORTANT SURVEY – Civic Cawarra Road Community Consultation

As part of Civic’s commitment to developing facilities and buildings that meet the needs of..

Register now! Future of the NDIA’s Home and Living Policy Webinar

Civic’s popular community of practice webinar, Circle of Supports, will take place on Thursday 26..

Woronora Memorial Park and Civic Crew Win Access & Inclusion Award

Congratulations to Woronora Memorial Park for being awarded the 2022 Sutherland Shire Local Business Access..

World Mental Health Day

10 October is World Mental Health Day – an initiative of the World Federation for..

Christopher Gabriel, FCA

Civic is saddened by the loss of longstanding Board Member and former Treasurer, Chris Gabriel...

BGIS and Civic Join Forces

This week Civic welcomed representatives from BGIS, a leading provider of facility management services, to..

Civic connections at the Shoalhaven Disability Expo

On Wednesday, The Shoalhaven Disability Expo returned for its eighth year, connecting hundreds of attendees..

Kurt Fearnley AO appointed chair of NDIA

Australian Paralympic legend and disability advocate Kurt Fearnley AO has been appointed Chairman of the..

Sutherland Shire Council Community Grant Presentation

Last week, Civic was invited to present at Sutherland Shire Council’s annual community grant presentation...

Penrith Civic Cafe reopens

This week we celebrated the reopening of our Penrith cafe. Located in the Penrith Civic..

Annie Doyle – NDS NSW State Committee

Civic is proud to announce that our CEO Annie Doyle has been successful in securing..

Sharks Mega Jaws Skills Clinic

Earlier this week, Cronulla Sharks invited a group from Civic to take part in an..

Sarah achieves dream at Cafe

Sarah Elliot may only have three per cent vision in one eye, but that hasn’t..

NDIS Quarterly Report Insights

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) recently released its quarterly report, detailing its performance and..

Civic’s Flagship SDA Development Takes Shape

Civic is just a few short weeks away from breaking ground on its important flagship..

Dreams Come True on the Gold Coast

Renowned for its thrilling theme parks, amazing beaches and vibrant nightlife, the sun-drenched Gold Coast..

South East Sydney Post School Options Expo

On Wednesday, Civic took part in the South East Sydney Post School Expo for Students..

Graduates celebrate in Industries

Last week in Civic’s Industries, celebrations were taking place – congratulating 31 employees on their..

Civic Champions cross the finish line together

As one of the official partners of the 50th Sutherland to Surf charity run, Civic..

Kicking goals together

All champions start their day with a full breakfast. That’s how Damian and David (a.ka...

Meet Angela – A Member of Civic’s Support Coordination Team

Angela van Gessel – Support Coordinator Recently Angela shared with us her employment journey at..

Literacy Program thrives at Civic Hub

A new program has been introduced across three Civic Community Hubs this year, designed to..

Connecting at the Biggest Morning Tea

The sun shone brightly at Head office on Thursday 19th May as clients and staff..

Civic staff help deliver over 300,000 baby bundles to new parents

In the past three years, over 300,000 new parents have received a Baby Bundle –..

Katy’s journey towards employment

“I can’t wait to start studying and hopefully get a job one day working with..

Civic named Most Outstanding Accommodation Provider

Civic Disability Services has been named Most Outstanding Accommodation provider in the 2021 Disability Service..

Civic’s Clean Up Australia Day

Civic Disability Services Stepped Up to Clean Up Together on Friday 11th March for their..

Congratulations Cameron

When it comes to sports, Cameron Moody has played them all his life. Tackling everything..

Equipment Upgrade for Civic

For anyone who has visited Industries at Civic Head Office, you would have noticed two..

International Women’s Day 2022

Today is International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate women of all abilities. At..

Adventure, Fun and Friendships! Batemans Bay Holiday

Civic holiday goers recently hit the road for a Get Away Civic Supported Holiday to..

Help Civic Support Northern NSW Floods

The Civic community has been directly impacted by the NSW floods. To support our loved..

Civic’s DAAP Team

In 2016, Civic was selected as the NSW provider for the Defence Administrative Assistance Program..

Civic Care Crew Surprise Staff

This week, members of Civic Crew had a very important job to do. Labelling themselves..

Industries Employee Celebrations

This week the team from Industries held a BBQ on Thursday to congratulate three team..

Civic Crew Expands

If you’ve been to Civic’s head office lately, you may have seen some new faces..

Civic consults with Sutherland Shire Council on the DIAP – 2022-24

This week, Civic joined people with disability, their families and carers as well as other..

Civic NSW Baby Bundle team receive praise

Recently we received thanks from a proud new family who received their NSW Health Baby..

South West Sydney face COVID-19 peak together

The South West Sydney team pulled together during the recent COVID-19 spike to continue to..

Civic calls on the Government to prioritise availability of rapid antigen testing for the disability sector

Annie Doyle, CEO of Civic Disability Services, is calling on the Government to prioritise the..

Delivering supports in a COVID-19 positive environment

‘I felt equipped, safe and protected’ – Delivering essential supports in a COVID-19 Positive Environment..

Christmas comes to Civic

The Memorial Hub was in full swing on Tuesday as the team held their annual..

Sharkies visit Civic

On Wednesday 15th December, Civic friends The Sharkies made a special visit to Industries. Led..

Connecting at the Sydney Disability Expo

The Sydney Disability Expo was held over two days last week. It was wonderful to..

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)

Today we celebrate IDPwD and all the people who are part of Civic and their..

Civic reopens aged care cottage respite to support older Australians, carers and families

We are excited to share the news that Civic’s Cottage Respite located at Woolooware has..

Join Civic at the Sydney Disability Expo

Come along and say hello to Civic on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th December at..

Civic 2021 Impact Report

While the pandemic has dominated life for the past 12 months, we take this opportunity..

Outstanding Accommodation Provider Finalist

Civic is excited to share that we are a finalist for the Outstanding Accommodation Provider..

Ready, Set, Connect!

On Tuesday 2nd November Civic attended the One Community Nowra Ready-Set-Connect event. The event brings..

Industry News: Campaign Launched to Warn of Impact of NDIS Cuts

National Disability Services (NDS), the peak body for disability service providers, this week launched a..

Tricks, Treats and Horsing Around

Life at Civic this week was full of scary sights as everyone embraced the spooky..

“Grub for Good” Christmas hampers are here!

Earlier in the year, when restrictions caused our cafes to close, the Kitchen and Catering..

National Safe Work Month at Civic – think safe. work safe. be safe.

At Civic, we believe that our people are our most valued asset. Their health and..

Civic’s Liverpool Memorial Hub stay connected with “Thinking of You” letters

As the current outbreak of COVID-19 escalated through August, thousands of NDIS participants were impacted..

Civic calls on Prime Minister to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine

Civic’s CEO Annie Doyle has today written to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, calling on..

Civic’s Response to the NDIA Home and Living Consultation

Earlier this year, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) released their much-anticipated consultation paper, An..

Draft NDIS Act Released

The Government is proposing changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act),..

Civic Crew stories from Woronora Memorial Park

Did you know, Civic and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries have been partners for seven years? Last..

Civic Kitchen and Catering get ready for Father’s Day

While our Cafes are currently closed to the public, the team at Civic Kitchen and..

Circle of Supports Networking Edition

On Tuesday 24th August, Mark Saweriss, Civic’s Customer Experience Manager hosted this month’s Circle of..

Thank you, from us to you

A special thank you to our Civic families With many of you currently separated from..

Crazy Might Work Think Tank

Back in March, Civic invited staff to take part in a cross-sector think-tank project designed..

Civic partners with food relief charities to distribute masks

Although many of Civic services are impacted by current restrictions, Civic staff and clients continue..

2021/22 Price Guide Update

In line with the new financial year, the NDIA has published changes to the Price..

Civic’s individual support services are available

In accordance with the latest public health orders, many disability service organisations have had to..

Civic staff respond to keep clients and support workers safe

Over the last few weeks, our organisation and the wider community has had to adapt..

Civic relaunches Civic@Home to help clients connect during social isolation

Following the announcement of stay-at-home order in June, many of Civic’s programs of supports, services..

Circle of Supports Webinar: Home and Living Options

Watch on demand now. On Tuesday, 29th June, Civic presented its Circle of Supports webinar,..

Civic receive ‘best practice’ praise during audit

Last week, two external auditors met with more than 50 members of Civic’s staff, as..

Civic transforms with accessible cloud

Civic Disability Services has deployed AvantCare by Illuminance Solutions, a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power..

How Civic is helping organisations create inclusive workplaces

Improving employment opportunities for individuals with disability Last week, Civic CEO, Annie Doyle, was invited..

NDIS New Pricing Framework: Information for clients and families

NDIS New Pricing Framework: Information for clients and families In July 2020 the National Disability..

Circle of Supports Webinar – NDIS Pricing Transition

Circle of Supports Webinar – NDIS Pricing Transition On Tuesday, 25th May, Civic hosted the..

2021-22 Federal Budget recap

Last week, the government pledged $13.2 billion in NDIS funding over the next four years,..

Civic Weekend Programs are back. Let’s get social!

We are excited to announce Civic's popular South East Sydney Weekend Program is back and..

ShireAbility – a day to celebrate all abilities

On Wednesday 31st March, Sutherland Shire Council, local disability services and the community came together..

Civic Disco & Karaoke

Civic’s long running disco is back! Get ready to dance, sing along to your favourite..

Learning Zone: Changes coming to Group Activities

Last year, the NDIS announced some important changes to the way in which Group Activities..

Learning Zone: What is Easy Read?

Over the past 12 months, we’ve been developing more and more ‘Easy Read’ tools. But..

COVID-19 Vaccine Roll Out: Information for clients and families

Information regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Roll Out Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program commenced on 22 February 2021...

All about ILO

When it comes to home and living, there’s a new word on everyone’s lips. But..

COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Plan for the disability sector

NSW will start the roll out of its vaccination program from next week, with quarantine..

CEO Update: COVID-19 Response

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have kept you informed. We have had to adopt an..

SIL and the NDIS: What’s Changed?

A lot’s changed in the past six months when it comes to SIL funding and..

Disability Royal Commission: 2021 Timeline and Interim Report

Despite lockdowns and other consequences of the global coronavirus pandemic, last year the interim report..

Illuminate

Join us this month for an inspiring exhibition at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, as we showcase..

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD): Get Involved!

This week, it’s time to come together and encourage others to ‘see the ability in..

Our response to COVID-19

When COVID-19 first emerged in Australian newspapers in January, few of us had little understanding..

Celebrating the vital role of Support Workers

Support Workers have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the lives of..

Civic expands aged care assistance to support older Australians

Civic has expanded its services to include Flexible Aged Care, providing support to older Australians,..

Civic partner with SGCH to pilot new light-touch support housing model

As part of a recent pilot project, Civic has partnered with SGCH to provide a..

civic accommodation story david cunningham

Seven years in the making – David’s goal to live alone

David has a résumé bursting with accomplishments, including community leadership, negotiation, advocacy and public speaking...

Jonathon - Apartment Living - Civic & nliven Story

Jonathan settles in to a new way of living at Palais apartments.

Jonathan recently moved into the brand-new Palais apartment building in Sans Souci, South Sydney. The..

Civic Caters to Council Chambers

Civic Kitchen & Catering is now serving up a delicious, modern-Australian menu every Monday evening..

Civic Crew promote accessibility upgrades through new job

Working outdoors and interacting with the local community, a team of individuals with disability has..

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Freedom & Independence for Michael in a modern home of his own

Michael* was just 55 years old, with an active mind and a wide variety of..

SDA accommodation in the new Norwest Esplanade Apartments in Baulkham Hills

Civic impresses tenants to become preferred Concierge Services Provider at new SDA Development

In a majority vote, prospective tenants moving into luxury, SDA accommodation in the new Norwest..

End of an Era for Civic Industries & Solvol Soap

Civic Industries marked a significant milestone last week, packing the last few bars of the..

From one parent to another: “Don’t wait ’til it’s too late.”

Two years ago, mum Robin became acutely aware of her own aging and frailty, having..

Brenda in her room, talking to friends over Zoom on the iPad

5 ways to be social during social distancing

Two months ago, social distancing was not even part of our vocabulary, but since the..

Civic launch online platform to help clients connect during social isolation

Many Australians living with disability rely on supported day programs to connect with others, learn,..

Finding Employment in an Inclusive & Supportive Environment

The unemployment rate for individuals with disability remains unacceptably high – twice as high as..

Civic SDA Accommodation South Village Kirrawee

Civic’s swift response to NSW Health in time of need

It’s often said that in times of crisis people come together, and that’s never been..

Michael keeping in touch with is counsellor via Skype.

Adapting to a new way of life

Over the past few weeks, people everywhere have been coming to terms with a new..

Jasmin’s advice to anyone thinking about volunteering with Civic.

With 25 years of experience in the floristry industry, if there’s one thing Jasmin knows,..

Lauren’s new-found independence through Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Now in their sixties, and with their daughter, Lauren, still living at home, Narelle and..

Christmas spirit alive and well for Civic and the Cronulla Sharks

Community connections are well and truly alive in the Shire as players from the Cronulla..

Accessible workforce contributing to Parramatta’s Redevelopment

The recent redevelopment of 4 Parramatta Square is a prime example of how the NSW..

Celebrating inclusion and diversity on IDPwD

Held on 3 December each year, today marks International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD);..

Civic Art Show celebrates International Day of People with Disability

Join us as we celebrate IDPwD – an internationally recognised day that helps raise awareness,..

Civic and True Blue Chemicals celebrate a long-standing partnership

Civic Disability Services and True Blue Chemicals joined forces today to celebrate a long-standing business..

Civic Cafe Nowra - Outstanding Small Business Awards

Civic Café Nowra receives Outstanding Small Business Award

Civic Café Nowra was recently recognised by Shoalhaven City Council, earning itself an Outstanding Small..

Innovation through Human Centred Design

At Civic, we define ourselves as a ‘for-purpose’ organisation. We invest in innovation, technologies and..

Finding Joy Together

At Civic, our mission is clear: Human Potential, Realised. We focus on the direct impact..

Chelsea, Theresa and Barbara at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Art is for Everyone weekend!

Art is for Everyone – the theme of last weekend’s Museum of Contemporary Art, Australia..

physically disabled man sitting in his wheel chair at the beach.

A film festival to celebrate IDPwD

Fancy yourself a filmmaker? Then we have some exciting news! Civic is proud to support..

Civic Café Engadine staff wrapping food in clingfilm

Take a look inside Civic Cafe Engadine

Civic Café Engadine opened its doors to the public on Monday, with supported employees serving..

Kiera ‘Klips and Kurls’

Welcoming customers, assisting with colours and tints, organising displays and keeping the salon neat and..

Celebrate Therapy Dog Awareness Month!

September is Therapy Dog Awareness Month — a chance to recognise these wonderful animals and..

Civic Café opens in Penrith

The latest Civic Café launched this week in Penrith, further building on Civic’s inspiring Kitchen..

Civic crew hard at work arranging flowers with the Ring O’ Roses social enterprise

Ring O’ Roses In Pictures

For the past year, Civic have been busy collecting unwanted flowers – taking donations from..

Rebrand in the Shoalhaven

Introducing Civic Kitchen & Café, the new name for Nourish Café in Nowra. The cafe’s..

Civic tours at the MCA!

Civic is pleased to partner with the Museum of Contemporary Art for their Art is..

Civic Crew thriving at HellermannTyton

At Civic, we live by our mission statement – human potential, realised – looking past..

Join two upcoming Supported Holidays

Civic organises a number of fun holidays ranging from weekends away, cruises along the pacific,..

Civic’s Annual Report 2018

“Civic’s 60th anniversary has been an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the foresight of our..

Civic’s Annual Report 2017

“Civic has been a part of the greatest social change in the past 12 months..