Sylvanvale is proud to stand alongside its peers in strengthening national advocacy for people with disability, as Alliance20 joins Ability First Australia to become the largest not-for-profit industry alliance in the disability sector.
The move brings together 26 disability service providers, supporting hundreds of thousands of Australians with complex support needs, under the Ability First Australia banner.
Sylvanvale Chief Executive Officer Leanne Fretten said it marks an important step for the disability sector and for the long-term sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“Sylvanvale was a founding member of Alliance20 in 2018, and in the years since we have continued to ensure that the voices of the people we support are heard in the conversations that matter to them,” Ms Fretten said. “I am proud of what we as a group have achieved in the past eight years, and I look forward to strengthening this impact under Ability First Australia.”
A key outcome from Leanne’s involvement in Alliance20 was the comprehensive review to strengthen what client-led Home and Living looked like in practice, especially where people need 24/7 support and are likely to share supports.
The transition of Alliance20 members into Ability First Australia is expected to be completed by July 2026. As this work progresses, Sylvanvale will remain actively involved in efforts to advocate for Australians living with a disability.
A leading priority for the organisation will be to work alongside the federal government to ensure proposed reforms to the NDIS reflect the realities and support needs of people living with disability, especially those with the most complex needs.
Through its involvement with Ability First Australia, Sylvanvale remains committed to championing person-centred active support and ensuring the voices of people with disability continue to influence decisions that affect their lives.
