Families across the Albury–Wodonga region are facing uncertainty after the unexpected closure of Aspire Support Services, an NDIS provider that supported people living with disability throughout the border community.
The closure has affected dozens of participants who relied on the organisation for a range of essential services, including daily personal care, community access, supported independent living and assistance with routine activities. Many clients and their carers say they received little warning before services ceased, leaving them with limited time to arrange alternative providers.
For people living with disability, continuity of care is often critical. Interruptions to established support routines can affect personal wellbeing, independence and access to employment, education and community participation. Families told ABC News they were concerned that replacing experienced support workers at short notice would be extremely difficult, particularly in a regional area where demand for qualified disability workers already exceeds supply.
Some parents said they had spent years building trusted relationships between their children and support workers. Losing those familiar carers has created additional stress for participants who depend on routine and consistent support. Others expressed concern that gaps in services could place extra pressure on family members who may need to provide temporary care while waiting for new providers.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) said it was working with affected participants to minimise disruptions. According to the agency, support coordinators and Local Area Coordinators are contacting participants to help them identify alternative registered providers and ensure essential supports continue wherever possible. The NDIA encouraged anyone affected by the closure to seek assistance if they were unable to access replacement services.
Disability advocates say the situation highlights ongoing workforce shortages throughout regional Australia. While the NDIS has expanded access to disability support, providers in regional communities often struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff. This can make it especially difficult for participants to quickly transfer services when an organisation closes.
Industry representatives also noted that provider closures can occur for a variety of reasons, including financial pressures, workforce shortages, regulatory compliance requirements and broader challenges affecting the disability sector. They say stronger planning and communication are essential to reduce the impact on vulnerable participants whenever a provider exits the market.
Community organisations across Albury and Wodonga have begun assisting affected families by providing information about available services and helping people navigate the transition process. However, many participants remain uncertain about how long it will take before replacement supports are fully established.
Advocates are calling for improved safeguards to ensure NDIS participants are better protected when disability providers cease operating. Suggested measures include earlier notification requirements, coordinated transition planning and increased support from the NDIA during provider closures.
For families in Albury–Wodonga, the priority remains restoring stable support arrangements as quickly as possible. While government agencies and local disability organisations continue working to connect participants with new providers, many affected residents hope the disruption will be temporary and that long-term continuity of care can soon be restored.
