Quick read profile—Lower South
West area consultation document
Map based on information provided by and with the permission of the Western Australian
Land Information Authority (Landgate), and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
About the Lower South West profile area
The Lower South West profile area covers approximately 17,821 square kilometres (ABS
2012a) and includes six local government authorities (LGAs): the Shires of AugustaMargaret River, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Busselton, Manjimup and
Nannup.
There are an estimated 58,446 people living in the Lower South West area (ABS 2012a).
This area represents about 2.6 per cent of the West Australian population.
Many people living in the Lower South West profile area will have the opportunity to
participate in the Commission’s My Way project.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Information about the Sector Development Plan and the area
profile consultation documents
The Disability Services Commission’s (the Commission) vision is that all people live in
welcoming communities that support citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for
everyone. The Commission is working together with key stakeholders to create a Sector
Development Plan (the Plan). The Plan will provide the disability sector with direction and will
identify opportunities for development.
The Commission has written fifteen area profile consultation documents which cover all
areas of WA as well as this summary document for each area—the quick read. Each area
profile consultation document presents information about supports and services available in
each profile area. We want to hear from people who live and work in each profile area to
help us understand more about the disability supports and services people receive. The
Commission will then use this information to develop local plans for each profile area along
with an overall state-wide plan.
How to have your say
We are seeking feedback from interested stakeholders and have developed a list of
questions covering a number of topics for your consideration. A feedback form template
has also been provided which may assist you in consolidating your comments. Should you
wish to use the template provided you can either complete it electronically or print it and
hand write your comments.
Forms can be returned to the Commission by email or post.

email the template to sector.development@dsc.wa.gov.au

post the template to:
Disability Services Commission
Sector Development Plan Feedback
PO Box 441
West Perth WA 6872
The template has been supplied as a helpful tool but it is not compulsory that you use it or
answer every question to provide your feedback. Any general comments can be provided to
the Commission via email or post using the details above or they can be provided verbally
or by attending a focus group.
To provide feedback another way you can:

provide verbal feedback by phoning Sector Development on 9426 9309

attend a focus group that will be hosted in local areas (these will be advertised on
the www.dsc.wa.gov.au web site).
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please email
sector.development@dsc.wa.gov.au or phone 9426 9309.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Contents
Population characteristics
4
Networks and support groups
5
People using Commission-funded supports and services
 Local Area Coordination
 Shared management
 Supported living
 Shared supported accommodation (group homes)
 Individualised community living
 Support to pursue meaningful occupation and lifestyle—
Alternatives to Employment (ATE), Post School Options
(PSO) and recreation
 Support to families—includes Intensive Family Support
and Family Living Initiative, and breaks for families
and carers
 Support to optimise independence and wellbeing—
disability professional services
6
6
6
7
7
7
8
9
Other community services
 Employment support
 Home and Community Care (HACC)
9
9
Demand for supports and services
10
Sector development issues
10–11
Tell us what you think—consultation questions
12–13
References
14
Appendix A
 Information about organisations providing support in the area
15–17
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Lower South West area
Population characteristics

It is estimated that 3.9 per cent of the population in this area have a severe or
profound core activity limitation. Across the state it is estimated that 3.1 per cent of
the population has a severe or profound core activity limitation (ABS 2012b).

18 per cent of the population in this area was born overseas, which is below the WA
average of 31 per cent (ABS 2012a).

4.20 per cent of the Lower South West population speaks a language other than
English at home. This is significantly below consistent with the WA average of 21 per
cent (ABS 2012a).

People who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in the 2011 Census
(ABS 2012a) represent 1.63 per cent of the population in the lower South West area.
This is below the state-wide figure of three per cent.

For all LGAs in this profile area, nearly eight per cent of the population provided
unpaid assistance to a person with disability (ABS 2012a). This is consistent with the
percentage recorded for the State (ABS 2012a).
Other observations

Across this area the median household weekly incomes are lower than the state
figure of $1,415 with figures ranging from $821 to $1,096 (ABS 2012a).

Weekly rental costs for a three bedroom house in a sample of towns in the area are
between $300 to $315. The Perth metropolitan median weekly rent for a three
bedroom house is $385 (REIWA 2012).

Median house prices for a sample of towns in this area are generally lower than the
Perth metropolitan median house price of $470,000. Prices range from $230,000 to
$430,000 (REIWA 2012).
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Networks and support groups
People get practical and moral support from their wider family, friends, neighbours and
other families, this support is important. Informal and structured community groups also
play a valuable role in supporting and strengthening people and families. People might find
support through local church groups, sports and recreation activities, community networks,
mothers’ groups, playgroups, self-help and peer support programs, disability-specific
support groups, cultural groups and education and counselling services.
You can also find information about local support groups through Local Area Coordinators
(LACs), information services provided by Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres
(CRCC), Carers WA or your LGA.
Some support groups in the Lower South West profile area include:
Bridgetown Terminus Community Centre:
Contributes to the wellbeing of families in the Shire of Bridgetown/Greenbushes by
providing support, personal development and learning opportunities in a non-competitive
environment at a relatively low cost.
Phone: 9761 2139
Web: http://www.bridgetown.wa.au .
Henri Nouwen House Inc.:
The group offers programs for people in crisis, with issues such as addictions, codependency and low self-esteem. Services include counselling, self-help, support and
fellowship. Minimal fees are payable.
Address: PO Box 601, Bridgetown, WA, 6255.
Northcliffe Family Centre Inc.:
A community run group which provides support to families in the south west town of
Northcliffe. The services include a playgroup, Youth Voice, long day care (Karri Kids),
vacation care, and a learning centre concept called Sharers and Carers.
WA Special Families
A state-wide Facebook support group accessed by invitation only People able to access the
group must be a parent of, or someone caring for, a person with disability.
Access through Facebook only.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
People using Commission-funded and provided
services
This section describes how people in this area used Commission-funded and provided
supports and services in 2011−2012. It does not provide detail about how well services are
working.
Local information and support for individuals and families—
Local Area Coordination (LAC)
Many people with disability access the Commission’s Local Area Coordination (LAC) support
across the state. LACs support children and adults with physical, sensory, neurological,
cognitive and/or intellectual disability who are under 65 at the time they first apply for
support. LACs work with individuals and communities to provide direct and personalised
support to people with disability, their families and carers to live a fulfilled life.



301 people in this area were registered with LAC in 2011–2012 (Disability Services
Commission (DSC) 2012).
More than 55 per cent of these people were aged between five and 19 (this trend is
common across WA).
Most lived in Shire of Busselton (158), followed by Shire of Manjimup (55) and Shire
of Augusta-Margaret River (51).
Directing supports and services—shared management
Most people with an individualised funding package from the Commission have their
support managed and provided by a disability service organisation. Some people with
Community Living or Family Living manage their funding through their LAC.
Organisations are encouraged to offer shared management. A shared management
approach gives people greater control over their supports and funding. To make sure
expectations and responsibilities are met by each party, an agreement is developed. (See
Appendix A for a list of organisations that offer shared management).
Supported living
Supported living describes the support provided to people with disability so they can live in
their home and community. Supported living relies on individual funding allocation—which
people apply for through the Combined Application Process (CAP) or Community Living
Program.

65 people in this profile area were supported in shared supported accommodation or
an individualised accommodation arrangement in 2011–2012 (DSC 2012).
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Shared supported accommodation (group homes)
Seven people in this area lived in one of two shared support accommodation homes in
2011–2012 (DSC 2012).
Individualised community living
57 people in this area used individual community living support and services and were
assisted to live independently in the community in 2011–2012 (DSC 2012).



Most of these people live in the Shire of Busselton (27), followed by Shire of
Bridgetown-Greenbushes (12).
Activ and Strive Warren Blackwood are providing most of the individualised
community living support in this area (see Appendix A for a full list of providers).
Nine people in this area have a community living package.
Support to pursue meaningful occupation/lifestyle
Post School Options (PSO) and Alternatives to Employment (ATE) are Commission-funded
programs that support people in meaningful activities during their week. These programs
rely on individual funding allocation. People of school-leaving age can apply for PSO and is
allocated based on eligibility and support needs. Adults with disability can apply for ATE
funding through CAP, which is allocated based on eligibility, support needs and priority
of need.
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
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49 people in this area received an ATE or PSO allocation in 2011–2012
(DSC 2012).
More than 55 per cent of these people were aged between 15 and 24.
Most people lived in Shire of Busselton (27).
Recreation
Eligible people with disability may access support from Commission-funded organisations
to pursue recreational activities. People contact organisations directly to find out about how
to access services.


20 people in this area used recreation support services in 2011–2012 (DSC 2012).
Most of these people live in Shire of Busselton (16).
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Support to families
Some services and supports aim to improve family wellbeing. In some cases these services
are individually funded through the Family Living Initiative (FLI) or Intensive Family Support
(IFS).
FLI has a strong emphasis on planning. Families can apply for funding based on a plan that
complements informal supports provided by families, carers, friends and the community.
When families are under stress or at risk of breakdown people can apply for IFS funding
through CAP. Funding is allocated based on eligibility, support needs and priority of need.


19 people and their families in this area received IFS funding in 2011–2012
(DSC 2012).
Eight people have a plan and funding package through the FLI (DSC 2012).
Breaks for families and carers
To give themselves a break, families and carers can sometimes access respite services
from Commission-funded organisations or Commonwealth funded programs. Individuals
and families apply for respite opportunities directly with organisations that provide services
based on a person’s need and vacancies. These services can be flexible, for example they
can be provided in the person’s home and/or community, provided out-of-home in respite
houses, and during school holidays.
Commonwealth Respite and Care Link can provide information about organisations that
provide respite, and can fund short-term or one-off respite. LACs can also help people to
have a break or access supports.
In this profile area in 2011-2012:


15 people received some form of family support funding from the Commission in
which was managed through LAC.
58 people accessed Commission-funded respite support (DSC 2012).
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Developing independence and wellbeing
Disability professional services
Many people with disability access professional services, including therapy, to improve
wellbeing, support their independence, and develop skills.
In regional Western Australia comprehensive disability professional services are provided
through the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). Services can also be accessed
privately, or in some cases using Commonwealth funding.
Comprehensive services are services that respond flexibly to the needs and goals of people
with disability and their family. These services include speech and occupational therapy,
physiotherapy and psychology support.
In this profile area comprehensive disability professional services are provided by WACHS.
Other community services
Employment supports and services for people with disability
Some people with disability access employment services to support them to find and keep a
job. People choose (or are assessed and directed by Centrelink) to access Australian
Disability Enterprises (ADE) or Disability Employment Services (DES), depending on their
support needs. Information about ADEs and DESs operating in this area can be found at
the following websites:


ADE: www.australiandisabilityenterprises.com.au/About.aspx .
DES: www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/DES/Pages/About.aspx.
Home and Community Care Services (HACC)
The Home and Community Care (HACC) program provides assistance to people who are
aged, frail or with disability to live independently. Services include nursing care, allied
health care, meals, domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance, transport,
respite, counselling, information and advocacy, social supports and assistance with
essential activities such as shopping and banking.
In the Perth metropolitan area, people can apply for HACC services and be assessed for
eligibility via the Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centre (CCRC). The HACC program
has limited resources and services are allocated according to relative needs.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Demand for supports and services
Demand from people who need support and services is growing. As such, service provision is
adapting to become more flexible and meet this demand.
Service access
When population is taken into account the following observations about service use in the
Lower South West are made:


The number of people accessing services in the lower South West area is similar to
that in other areas of the state.
A lower proportion of the population lives in shared supported accommodation and
higher numbers access individualised community living. This trend is common
across many regional areas of the state (DSC 2012).
Future demand
There is reasonable service coverage in this profile area. Into the future people in this area
are likely to demand services that give them greater control over how they are provided
support.
Sector development issues
This section considers any existing sector development initiatives and describes what may
be emerging needs for this profile area. Consultations will provide an opportunity to
consider sector development in more detail.
Sector development initiatives
Many people living in the area will have the opportunity to participate in the Commission’s My
Way project. The project will provide opportunities for people with disability to have greater
choice and control over their supports and services. My Way project has been developed to
provide people with disability, their families and carers with individualised, person-centred
support to explore possibilities and plan for the future and implement strategies.
Potential areas for sector development
Supporting the My Way project
Sector development may be needed to ensure people and families to have opportunities to
trial new ways of accessing and receiving support. Strategies may need to be developed to
support people in thinking differently about what is possible and how services can be
designed more flexibly.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Creating employment opportunities
Strategies may need to be developed to support people with disability to have adequate
career/employment preparation, and planning and services to pursue further education, find
employment or pursue meaningful lifestyles.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Tell us what you think—consultation questions
Below are questions that we would like to hear your responses to.
Community
1.
2.
3.
What other information would you like to add about the Lower South West area
that is not in the area profile consultation document?
What other disability or community support groups are active in this area?
What other informal community support groups would help people in the area?
Disability supports and services
4.
5.
What difference are supports and services making?
How well are disability-specific supports and services complementing other
community supports?
6.
Can you provide details of any partnerships that are working well in this area?
7.
Do they match the needs of people in this area?
8.
What supports are working well in this area?
9.
Are there services and supports in this area that are not achieving the best
outcomes? What kind of fine-tuning is needed?
10. Are there barriers to accessing services and supports in this area? What are they?
Other community services
11. What needs to be done to support people with disability in the area to find and keep
a job?
12. What are the main factors that help people with disability to achieve their employment
goals?
13. What are the barriers to people with disability achieving their employment goals?
14. What examples can you provide of Home and Community Care (HACC) services
that are working well for people with disability in this area?
Service demand and coverage
15. Are you aware of any emerging trends where the changing needs of people with
disability in this area are not fulfilled by current services? If so, what are they?
16. What supports and services are likely to be in demand in this area into the future?
17. What types of supports and services needed by local people are not available
now?
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Service planning
18. Can you suggest any ways to improve the effectiveness of disability supports and
services in WA? If so what are they?
19. Can you identify barriers to improving the effectiveness of disability supports and
services in WA?
20. If so, what are the main barriers?
21. Can you suggest any ways to develop the disability sector in WA? If so, what are
they?
22. Are there any emerging issues about the disability services sector, or issues facing
people with disability, their families and carers? What do we need to think about
when planning in this area?
23. Do service providers working in this area have the capacity to support people with
disability, families and carers to share decision-making and management of their
supports and services when they want to?
General comments
24. Do you have any other feedback?
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
References
For more a more detailed list of references refer to the more detailed Lower South West
Area Profile Consultation Document (available on the Sector Development Plan—Area
Profile Consultation Documents page on the Commission website). Below are references
that relate to data only.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2012a, Census of Population and Housing,
Basic Community Profiles, accessed 25 July 2012,
www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/communityprofiles?opendocument&na
vpos=230 .
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2012b, Survey of Disability Ageing and Carers
(SDAC) 2009, Small Area Estimates.
Disability Services Commission (DSC) 2012, Annual Client Data Collection (ACDC)
2011–2012, Service User Data.
Real Estate Institute of Western Australia 2012, Perth Suburb Profiles, Rental price for period
October–December 2011 and house prices for period April 2011–April 2012, accessed 1
August 2012, http://reiwa.com.au/Research/Pages/Suburb-profileresults.aspx?suburb_id=121&census_code=SSC51036&geogroup_id=2627&geogroup_pare
nt_id=3 .
Support Groups Association Western Australia 2012, Connect Groups, Directory Search,
accessed 20 August 2012,
www.connectgroups.org.au/modules/directory/search.php?search_term=&location=6126&s
earch=Submit+Search .
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Appendix A
All efforts have been taken to ensure that the data contained in these profiles is as accurate
and contemporary as possible. Refer to Appendix B of the more detailed Lower south west
Profile Consultation Document for information about specific data limitations.
For more detailed information, tables and charts relating to this area’s population,
demographics and service use please refer to Appendix A in the more detailed Lower South
West Area Profile Consultation Document (available on the Sector Development Plan—
Area Profile Consultation Documents page on the Commission website).
Organisations that offered shared management in the lower south west profile area
in 2012
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Activ Foundation
Baptistcare
Enable Southwest
Family Support WA
Multiple Sclerosis Society
My Place
Source: DSC 2012.
Organisations used by people in the lower south west area for share supported
accommodation in 2011–2012

Activ Foundation
Source: DSC 2012.
Organisations used by people in the lower south west area for individualised
community living in 2011–2012
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Activ Foundation Inc
DSC - LAC (self-managing)
Elba Inc
Enable South West
Intework
Life Without Barriers
Multiple Sclerosis Society
My Place
Strive Warren Blackwood
Source: DSC 2012.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Organisations used by people in the lower south west for Alternatives to
Employment (ATE) and Post School Options (PSO) in 2011–2012
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
Activ Foundation Inc
Baptistcare
DSC - LAC (self-managing)
Enable Southwest
Intework
Life Without Barriers
Multiple Sclerosis Society
My Place
Strive Warren Blackwood
Source: DSC 2012.
Organisations used by people in the lower south west for recreation in 2011–2012



Multiple Sclerosis Society
Strive Warren Blackwood
WA Disabled Sports Association
Source: DSC 2012.
Organisations used by people in the lower south west area for Intensive Family
Support (IFS) in 2011–2012






DSC - LAC (self-managing)
Enable Southwest
Intework
Life Without Barriers
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Strive Warren Blackwood
Source: DSC 2012.
Organisations used by people in the lower south west for out-of-home respite in
2011–2012
 Activ Foundation Inc
 Australian Red Cross (Lady Lawley Cottage)
 Family Support WA
 i.d.entity.wa
 Multiple Sclerosis Society
Source: DSC 2012.
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Quick read profile—Lower South West area consultation document
Organisations used by people in the lower south west for flexible respite in
2011–2012
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Activ Foundation Inc
Enable Southwest
Intework
Kids' Camps Inc
Life Without Barriers
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Strive Warren Blackwood
Source: DSC 2012.
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