Lighthouse Health and Education

27/01/2026

For all our budding young actors!

⭐️OPEN CASTING CALL⭐️

We are looking across Australia & NZ for a boy or girl aged 8 - 12, who is on the autism spectrum and/or neurodivergent to feature in a supporting role for a feature film.

The production is committed to accommodating specific needs - sensory or otherwise - of the actor cast in this role and will adjust the script to create an authentic character.

The shoot will be in Queensland but you can be based anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

This is a paid opportunity with no acting experience required.

Flights and accommodation will be provided for both the child and their parent/guardian if located outside of Queensland. NZ Citizens must have a valid passport.

Please note, this casting call is for freelance performers. If you are represented, contact your agent, as all agents have been briefed about these roles.

Overall production dates, which include a rehearsal period, are between 14th September - 6th November 2026 in Queensland, Australia. Number of days required are TBC.

Click here to apply: https://www.mcgregorcasting.com/casting-calls/8-12-yo-children

15/01/2026

Landmark Decision!

BREAKING: FEDERAL COURT PROTECTS ACCESS TO THE NDIS

This is HUGE. And it protects every current and future NDIS participant.

On Wednesday 14 January 2026, the Federal Court of Australia delivered a landmark ruling that shuts down the NDIA’s attempt to quietly narrow who can access the NDIS.

What the NDIA tried to do

The NDIA argued that people with disability should only get NDIS access after proving no other service could support them.

👉 The Court said NO.

What the Federal Court confirmed

✔ You do NOT have to prove other systems have failed first
✔ The NDIS is NOT a “last resort” system
✔ Eligibility is based on the law — not NDIA convenience

The Court confirmed the AAT applied the correct legal test when it found Sherri Sutherland, a 69-year-old woman with serious spinal and neurological conditions, was entitled to NDIS access.

Access to the NDIS “did not require an inquiry into whether other service systems could provide the supports.”

Why this ruling matters

This decision:

🔥 Stops the NDIA from gatekeeping access unlawfully

🔥 Protects people with complex and fluctuating disabilities

🔥 Reduces barriers for people applying for the NDIS

🔥 Strengthens appeals and reviews right now

As Victoria Legal Aid said:

“The NDIS should not be a system of last resort.”

What this means for participants

If you:

Were refused access

Were told to “use health, aged care, family or charity instead”

Were blocked because “other services exist”

⚠️ That reasoning is now legally dead.

This ruling strengthens your internal review, ART appeal, or court case.

Reminder: Know your legal rights

If the NDIA makes a decision you disagree with:

Stage 1 – Internal Review

⏰ 3 months

Provide reasons + evidence

Stage 2 – External Review (ART)

⏰ 28 days

This is where Legal Aid and advocates matter

📞 NDIA: 1800 800 110
📞 Victoria Legal Aid: 1300 792 387

The takeaway (share this)

The Federal Court has confirmed the NDIS exists to support people with disability — not to deflect responsibility onto other broken systems.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, access is your legal right.

10/01/2026

Our psychologists have openings for new clients needing therapy or diagnostic assessment. Reach out to our admin team to book.

19/12/2025

It's official, the LHE team are now on a 2 week break to enjoy the Christmas New Year period with family and friends. We would like to thank each and every one of our clients for their commitment to themselves this year, and we look forward to continuing the journey of growth and change with you in the new year. Merry Christmas✨️🎄 ❤️

16/10/2025

How gorgeous from our local littlies to their big Yr12 idols!

15/10/2025

All the best to every student beginning their HSC exams today. Go in with the calm confidence. You got this!

26/09/2025

In the last 2 weeks we have welcomed Sharyn's much anticipated part time return from maternity leave at our Moonee Beach practice, Bentley has been desexed and we have farewelled Emily after 3.5yrs service to our LHE community.
The LHE team are role models for managing change and life transitions and the last few weeks have been no different!

08/09/2025

27/08/2025

For those parents trying to follow the NDIA announcements for ECEI, mild to moderate ID and Autism in the last few weeks, here's a link to the Dept of Health, Disability and Aging DSS Thriving Kids fact sheet released 22 Aug 2025.

Thriving Kids will focus on identifying developmental concerns earlier and establishing a national system of supports for children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, and their families.

26/08/2025

Bentley says "Happy International Doggy Day and 6month birthday week to me!"

23/08/2025

🤍

09/08/2025

Oh, I love this description of the parent-child relationship. xx

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