Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful information about Gateways Support Services, our disability support programs, and how to access support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme and other options. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, our team is always happy to help.
Programs and Supports
Some services may have a waitlist, depending on demand and availability. Our team will always be open and transparent about wait times and will work with you to explore other options where possible.
Yes. Gateways offers respite and short-break services to support families and carers. These services provide time to rest and recharge, while ensuring the person receiving support is cared for in a safe and welcoming environment.
Yes. Gateways is highly experienced at supporting children with complex needs, including behaviours of concern. Our specialist teams work closely with families to provide positive behaviour support and practical strategies for everyday life.
Yes. Gateways provides Supported Independent Living (SIL) services and works closely with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers. We focus on creating safe, comfortable homes that support independence, choice, and quality of life for the people we support.
Gateways offers a range of group activities and programs that support social connection, skill building, and community participation. These include recreation programs, social groups, school holiday programs, and community-based activities for different ages and interests.
Gateways Support Services
Yes, Gateways does provide Support Coordination and can help connect you with the right services and supports and guide you through your options. Availability of support coordination depends on location and funding. Please contact our team to discuss your support needs.
In most cases, Gateways supports people who have funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme or through selected programs funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. This funding allows us to provide tailored, high-quality, person-centred disability support. We also offer some information, guidance, and family or carer supports that may not require funding. If you’re unsure what support you can access, our team is always happy to talk things through with you.If you are not yet funded, our team can offer guidance and information to help you understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the steps involved in applying, so you can be supported in accessing services in the future.
Gateways provides a wide range of NDIS funded disability support services for children and adults. These include positive behaviour support, accommodation and living support, support coordination community participation, group programs, respite services, and support for families and carers.
Gateways supports children and adults with disability or additional needs, as well as their families and carers. We work with people at different stages of life and with different support needs, offering personalised and flexible support, tailored to your needs and wants.
NDIS and Funding
The Australian Government is making changes to the NDIS to improve how the scheme works and support its long-term future. These changes, often called NDIS reforms, may affect areas such as NDIS plans, funding, planning processes and how some supports are delivered. While some changes have already started, many will be introduced gradually over the next few years. To learn more about what the NDIS changes mean for you, including key dates, funding updates, Thriving Kids and Foundational Supports, visit our NDIS Information page.
If you are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Gateways may still be able to support you through community programs, family and carer supports, and other services. We can also help you explore alternative options and local supports.
Yes. Gateways supports people to understand their National Disability Insurance Scheme plan and use their funding in a way that supports their goals. We explain things clearly and help you feel confident using your plan in everyday life.
Practical Information
Our Office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, but may vary depending on the service and location. Please contact Gateways directly for more information.
Gateways operates across Western Melbourne, Werribee, and Geelong. Support is provided in homes, community settings, and Gateways locations. Contact our team to find out what services are available in your area.
NDIS changes and updates
The Australian Government is making changes to the NDIS to improve how the scheme works and support its long-term future.
These changes cover areas such as NDIS plans, funding arrangements, planning processes and how some disability supports are delivered.
Some changes have already started, while others will be introduced over the next few years.
The reforms are being introduced gradually, and not everyone will be affected in the same way.
You can continue to use your NDIS plan and access your supports as usual unless the NDIA contacts you directly about something that affects you.
If a future change affects your NDIS plan, funding or supports, the NDIA will contact you directly.
If you're unsure about what a change means for you, we're here to help you find reliable information and understand where to go for support.
Foundational Supports are services that will be available outside individual NDIS plans.
The aim is to make it easier for people with disability, families and carers to access support in their local community, whether or not they have an NDIS plan.
The Australian Government is still developing how these supports will work, what services will be available and when they will be introduced.
The NDIS reforms are being introduced gradually over several years.
Some changes are already in place, while others will be introduced between now and 2028. Not all changes will affect everyone, and changes may happen at different times depending on your circumstances and when your NDIS plan is reviewed.
We'll continue updating this page as new information becomes available.
Changes Already in Place
August 2026: New NDIS laws commenced
New laws came into effect to support future changes to the NDIS. These changes are designed to improve how the NDIS operates and support its long-term future.
October 2026: Changes to some NDIS funding and supports
Changes to some funding arrangements and supports have begun to roll out as NDIS plans are reviewed and renewed. Not everyone will be affected at the same time.
Upcoming Changes
February 2027: Changes to plan renewals
The NDIA will begin introducing a new approach to renewing NDIS plans. More information will be provided before these changes take effect.
April 2027: New planning process begins
The NDIA is expected to start rolling out a new planning process. People affected by the changes will receive information about what this means for them.
January 2028: New NDIS access process
People applying to the NDIS for the first time will begin using a new access process that focuses on a person's disability-related support needs.
July 2028: Changes to Support Coordination
The Australian Government plans to introduce a new Support Coordination model. Further details are still being developed.
Changes Still Being Developed
The Australian Government is continuing to develop details about:
Foundational Supports
Thriving Kids
Some supports for children and families
Future Support Coordination arrangements
For the latest information, visit:
These resources provide up-to-date information directly from the organisations leading the reforms.