Building With Strength

Building With Strength Michelle Garland
NDIS Support Navigator and Consultant
South Coast NSW.
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What “Sustainable Support” Actually Looks LikeSustainable support isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right thin...
15/04/2026

What “Sustainable Support” Actually Looks Like

Sustainable support isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things, consistently.

In day-to-day provider work, it looks like:

🔹 Clear boundaries
🔹 Supporting independence (not doing everything for the participant)
🔹 Simple, accurate documentation
🔹 Consistent—not rushed—support
🔹 Good communication across the team
🔹 Planning ahead, not reacting late

When this is in place, you get better outcomes, less burnout, and support that actually lasts.

At Building With Strength, we work alongside providers to embed this into everyday practice. We offer training on key areas like boundaries, documentation, participant rights, and service agreements—and we can also design tailored training to suit your team, your challenges, and the way you work.

Because sustainable support isn’t one-size-fits-all—but it should always be practical.

NDIS Guidelines – Appointing a NomineeThe National Disability Insurance Scheme is built on the idea that people should h...
14/04/2026

NDIS Guidelines – Appointing a Nominee

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is built on the idea that people should have choice and control. That means you are assumed to be able to make your own decisions — but sometimes, extra support is needed.

A nominee is someone appointed to make decisions or act on your behalf when you’re unable to do so, even with support.

There are two types of nominees:
• Plan nominee – can make decisions about your plan, including supports and funding
• Correspondence nominee – can receive and manage communication from the NDIA

Important things to know:
✔️ A nominee is only appointed as a last resort
✔️ You are always encouraged to make your own decisions where possible
✔️ A nominee must act in your best interests and support your wellbeing
✔️ The role is voluntary and must be agreed to in writing
✔️ You can have more than one nominee, with different responsibilities

Not everyone needs a nominee. Many people can be supported through informal supports or consent arrangements instead — which still keeps decision-making with the participant 

How we help

At Building With Strength, we support participants to:
• understand whether a nominee is needed or not
• explore alternatives like supported decision-making or consent
• choose the right person if a nominee is required
• understand the roles, responsibilities and risks
• navigate changes, cancellations or concerns about nominees

The goal is always to build your independence, not take it away.

👉 Learn more at www.buildingwithstrength.com.au

💥 Myth 7: “The NDIS is too complicated — I’ll just leave it to providers.”Busted.Providers play an important role — but ...
13/04/2026

💥 Myth 7: “The NDIS is too complicated — I’ll just leave it to providers.”

Busted.

Providers play an important role — but completely stepping back can reduce your choice and control.

When everything is handed over, you may miss:
✔ Opportunities within your funding
✔ Alternative support options
✔ Decisions that should involve you

The NDIS was built around participant voice. Staying informed doesn’t mean doing everything alone — it means understanding enough to ask questions and make confident decisions.

You deserve to know how your plan works.

If you’d like support understanding your funding without feeling overwhelmed, let’s start with a conversation.

💙 Monday Motivation: You Don’t Need to See the Whole Path — Just the Next StepWaiting for full clarity can keep us stuck...
12/04/2026

💙 Monday Motivation: You Don’t Need to See the Whole Path — Just the Next Step

Waiting for full clarity can keep us stuck.
Waiting for certainty can delay progress.

You don’t need to see the whole path ahead.
You only need to see — and take — the next step.

Clarity often comes after you begin,
not before.

Movement creates information.
Action brings understanding.

This week, focus less on where it all leads
and more on what comes next.

Stronger Together 💙A strong NDIS community doesn’t happen by accident.It’s built through:• Collaboration over competitio...
08/04/2026

Stronger Together 💙

A strong NDIS community doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s built through:
• Collaboration over competition
• Referrals based on trust
• Open communication
• Local connections
• Shared responsibility for outcomes

At Building With Strength, we believe everyone benefits when providers work together — participants, families and providers themselves.

When the focus stays on people, the whole community is stronger.

That’s how we build better outcomes — together.

NDIS Guidelines – Child RepresentativesFor children under 18, the National Disability Insurance Scheme requires someone ...
07/04/2026

NDIS Guidelines – Child Representatives

For children under 18, the National Disability Insurance Scheme requires someone to make decisions and act on their behalf — this is called a Child Representative.

In most cases, this will be:
• a parent or parents
• a legal guardian
• someone with parental responsibility

Child representatives play an important role in:
✔️ working with the NDIA to create and manage the child’s plan
✔️ making decisions about supports and services
✔️ communicating with providers and the NDIA
✔️ ensuring decisions are made in the child’s best interests
✔️ helping the child participate in decisions where possible

A child can have more than one representative, but they are expected to work together. In some situations, the NDIA may change or appoint a different representative if it’s in the child’s best interests 

As children get older, they may be supported to make their own decisions, and the role of a child representative usually ends at age 18.

How we help

At Building With Strength, we support families to:
• understand the role and responsibilities of a child representative
• navigate planning, reviews and communication with the NDIA
• ensure the child’s voice, goals and needs are clearly represented
• manage supports and funding confidently
• prepare for the transition to adulthood and decision-making

Supporting a child through the NDIS is a journey — and having the right guidance makes it clearer, calmer and more effective.

👉 Learn more at www.buildingwithstrength.com.au

💥 Myth 6: “You shouldn’t question your plan.”Busted.Participants have every right to:✔ Ask for clarification✔ Request a ...
06/04/2026

💥 Myth 6: “You shouldn’t question your plan.”

Busted.

Participants have every right to:
✔ Ask for clarification
✔ Request a review
✔ Seek better explanations
✔ Provide additional evidence
✔ Advocate for stronger outcomes

The NDIS was built on choice and control — not silence.

You are allowed to ask, “Can you explain that?”
You are allowed to say, “That doesn’t reflect my situation.”
You are allowed to seek support to navigate next steps.

If something in your plan doesn’t sit right, don’t ignore it. Start the conversation.

💙 Monday Motivation: Perseverance Is Choosing Progress Over ComfortGrowth rarely happens where it feels easy.Perseveranc...
05/04/2026

💙 Monday Motivation: Perseverance Is Choosing Progress Over Comfort

Growth rarely happens where it feels easy.

Perseverance isn’t about forcing yourself forward —
it’s about choosing progress when staying comfortable would be simpler.

That choice might feel unfamiliar.
It might feel slow.
But it’s often where the most meaningful change begins.

This week, honour the quiet strength it takes to keep choosing progress.

Our walk turned into something even better 🤍☕️What was supposed to be a gentle walk turned into a relaxed sit-down fille...
02/04/2026

Our walk turned into something even better 🤍☕️

What was supposed to be a gentle walk turned into a relaxed sit-down filled with coffee, chats, and genuine connection. Sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed.

It was so special to spend time with such incredible carers—sharing stories, laughs, and a moment to simply unwind together. You’re all doing amazing things, and it doesn’t go unnoticed 💛

Already looking forward to the next one!

BuildingWithStrength

NDIS Guidelines – Reviewing Our DecisionsSometimes people don’t agree with a decision made by the National Disability In...
31/03/2026

NDIS Guidelines – Reviewing Our Decisions

Sometimes people don’t agree with a decision made by the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS guidelines explain how participants can ask for that decision to be reviewed.

If you think a decision is wrong, you can request an internal review. This means someone from the NDIA who was not involved in the original decision will look at the evidence again and decide whether the decision should stay the same or change .

Some of the decisions that can be reviewed include:
• eligibility to access the NDIS
• supports included in a plan
• plan management decisions
• plan reassessment or variation decisions
• nominee or child representative decisions

You generally have 3 months from receiving the decision to request an internal review.

If you still don’t agree with the outcome after the internal review, you can apply for an external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which is independent of the NDIA.

How we help

At Building With Strength, we support participants to:
• understand whether a decision can be reviewed
• prepare strong evidence and supporting reports
• clearly explain why the decision should change
• navigate the internal review process with confidence
• understand next steps if an external review is needed

Reviews can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process — and having the right preparation — can make a huge difference.

👉 Learn more at www.buildingwithstrength.com.au

Your only limit is you.April is about ownership.Not pressure.Not perfection.Just responsibility for the next move.In the...
31/03/2026

Your only limit is you.

April is about ownership.

Not pressure.
Not perfection.
Just responsibility for the next move.

In the NDIS space — as participants, families, or providers — it’s easy to feel limited by systems, processes, funding decisions or red tape.

But while we can’t control everything, we can control:
• The conversations we start
• The advocacy we pursue
• The standards we set
• The mindset we bring

Growth doesn’t always come from a bigger plan.
Sometimes it comes from backing yourself a little more than you did last month.

New month. New focus.

Where might you be holding yourself back?

💥 Myth 5: “The NDIS is the same for everyone.”Busted.Two people with the same diagnosis can receive completely different...
30/03/2026

💥 Myth 5: “The NDIS is the same for everyone.”

Busted.

Two people with the same diagnosis can receive completely different plans.

Why? Because the NDIS is designed to be individualised. Funding is influenced by:
✔ Personal goals
✔ Functional capacity
✔ Evidence provided
✔ Living circumstances
✔ Informal supports

Your plan should reflect your life — not someone else’s situation, diagnosis, or comparison.

Comparing plans can create confusion and frustration. Understanding your own context creates clarity.

If you’re unsure whether your plan truly reflects your needs, it may be time to review the evidence behind it.

Address

Kiama Downs, NSW
2533

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+61414837752

Website

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