June 2026
June Community Update
Would you look at that, we’re already half way through the year! Be warned, there’s a lot of compliance talk at the start of this email, but also lots of goodies at the end 😊
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
🥳 Audit Completed with New Registration Groups
🚨 Mandatory Registration for SIL Providers
❄️ Winter Housekeeping
🎨 Incognito Art Show
🖼️ Peter’s Art
🎶 The Big Chillout - Motown Spectacular
🏳️🌈 Geelong Pride Expo 2026
🕺 Dis-Cobility Disco
🍲 Tastes of Greater Geelong 2026
Audit Completed with new Registration Groups!
Another audit completed, and The Companion Group remain registered for the 7th year running. Thanks to the TCG team and participants or nominees who took part, we appreciate your time and are very gracious for the feedback we’ve received.
We are very proud to announce that after a lot of hard work, TCG is expanding it’s service offering to include:
Level 3 Specialist Support Coordination
Plan Management
High Intensity Daily Personal Activities
We also maintained our regular registration groups including:
Level 2 Support Coordination
Assist with Personal Activities
Assist-Travel/Transport
Daily tasks in a shared living environment
Innovative Community Participation
Household Tasks
Participate in Community
Group Activities
The feedback we have received from our auditor was very positive. They commented that they were impressed with the staff’s knowledge of policies, but also the genuine care we put into supporting our participants.
If you have any questions regarding our audit or would like any further information on the new registration groups, please email me (saskia) at info@thecompaniongroup.org
If you would like to submit a referral for any of our new registration groups, our referral form has been updated and linked below.
Mandatory Registration for SIL Providers
In December 2025, the Minister for the NDIS, Jenny McAllister, announced that mandatory registration for disability service providers in SIL, as well as platform providers, will begin from 1 July 2026.
What is SIL?
A person provides assistance with supported independent living (SIL) to a participant if:
the person with disability requires support at all times of the day, or for most of the day
the assistance provided helps the person with disability to live in their home as autonomously as possible and access the community, by assisting with or supervising daily life tasks
the provider is managing and delivering SIL supports (providers make sure the participant receives home and living support in accordance with the package of supports).
It is not SIL if:
a person only receives a few hours of support a day or week, or
a person chooses and manages their own support workers (this includes directing, planning and rostering their own support workers).
What this means for NDIS providers
The Commission have created a new registration group 0138 specifically for SIL. Providers who deliver SIL as describes above will need to be registered from the 1st of July 2026 (next month!) with that registration group. If a provider is already registered, they need to vary their registration to include the new one. Failure to comply with these new requirements before the 1st of October might result in a breach of the act. The maximum penalty is 2 years’ imprisonment, a fine of 120 penalty units, or both.
What this means for TCG
We have identified that we provide both categories of support, so therefore will put in a request to vary our brand new registration to include the new area. We will not need to be re-audited for this because of our recently completed one. We will welcome the new practice standards and are currently working in the background to prepare for the changes. If you currently receive SIL supports from us, no need to stress, there will not be any disruption caused by this change.
Winter Housekeeping
Break out the Uggs and get the kettle on, this weather is freezing! Unfortunately, that can also mean cold and flu season.
If you’re a TCG staff member, we recommend wearing a mask inside during this season to stop any accidental transmission of illness. If you have not already received a flu vaccination, we recommend booking in to get this to prevent it. Please contact Matt via matt@thecompaniongroup.org for reimbursement of any PPE needed. Please remember, when in doubt, call in sick.
If you’re a participant, please be mindful of the requirement in our service agreement to alert us if you are sick prior to a shift. Alerting us will just ensure our staff are protected with PPE to support you, or give us an opportunity to reschedule your shift to a time when you are better again.
Please note: Monday the 8th of June is a Public Holiday (Kings Birthday)
Finally, Winter impacts everyone a little differently, here are some resources that might help:
Need a free warm meal?
The Outpost (Corner Clare St & Transit PI, Geelong). Lunch served Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, Dinner every day 7pm-10pm.
The Salvation Army: Northside Geelong Community Centre (92-96 Cox Rd, Corio.) Lunch served at 12pm Tue-Fri.
Need a free warm space to be in?
Libraries (various locations) provide a safe warm space, with internet, books, social groups and activities all winter. The one in town is open from 9am-5pm during the week and 10am-5pm on weekends.
Lazarus Community Centre (202 Myers Street) provides a safe place for people suffering from Homelessness or disadvantage, to come during the day, and receive services such as hot showers, fresh clean clothing, a hot meal, and a place to use as recreation or relaxation.
Need someone to talk to?
Beyond Blue (Depression, Anxiety, etc.) - 1300 224 636
Safe Steps (Family Violence) - 1800 015 188
Griefline (Loss and Grief) - 1300 845 745
DirectLine (Drug Use) - 1800 888 236
SuicideLine Victoria (Suicidal thoughts) - 1300 651 251
Mensline (Men’s Mental Health) - 1300 78 99 78
Bush Support Line (Rural and remote areas) - 1300 659 467
The Incognito Art Show
The Incognito Art Show is Australia’s largest not-for-profit art exhibition, bringing together works from both emerging and established artists. Every original artwork is sold for the same price ($100) and remains anonymous until purchased, encouraging collectors to focus on the art itself. Proceeds support programs for artists living with disabilities and help create opportunities for emerging creatives, making the event a unique celebration of accessibility, inclusion, and artistic discovery.
A special thanks to Amanda for introducing me to the Incognito Art Show. Amanda has submitted her own artwork to this year's exhibition, see the beautiful piece above on the left. It's exciting to see her creativity become part of such a unique event that celebrates artists from all backgrounds.
Peter’s Art
Leanne had the pleasure of visiting one of our long time participants Peter this past month for our usual check in. During the visit Peter showed Leanne his latest works pictured above. My personal favourite is the landscape of Geelong’s iconic Eastern Beach Boardwalk (pictured bottom right). Peter has skillfully portrayed the calm waters, historic pavilion, and distinctive boardwalk structure, creating a scene that feels very nostalgic. The piece serves as a wonderful celebration of Geelong's waterfront heritage and enduring beauty.
Thank you to Peter for allowing us to share your work, and to Leanne for supplying the images.
The Big Chillout - Motown Spectacular
Get ready to relive the music that defined a generation in The Big Chillout, a joyous, soul-stirring celebration of the legendary Big Chill Soundtrack and the Motown revival it sparked.
The “feel-good” show of 2026 brings to life the timeless classics of Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Smokey Robinson, Spencer Davis Group, The Band, Procol Harum, and many more — performed by a world-class 10-piece live band fronted by two powerhouse vocalists.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering these iconic tracks for the first time, this show is an invitation to sing, dance, and chillout like never before!
When: Friday 12 June 2026 from 7:30pm
Where: Geelong Arts Centre - The Story House - 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Cost: Adult $79.90, Concession $74.90, Student $69.90
Geelong Pride Expo 2026
The City of Greater Geelong invites you to the Geelong Pride Expo.
This free, welcoming event is all about connection, celebration, and community. The Expo brings people together to meet local groups and organisations, discover services, and celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Enjoy a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere filled with interactive fun, think face painting, a lively photo wall, entertainment, and more. Light catering will also be provided for you to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to connect, learn something new, or just have a great time - everyone is welcome.
When: Saturday 13 June 2026, 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Where: Geelong West Town Hall - 153 Pakington Street, Geelong West VIC 3218
Cost: Free
Dis-Cobility Disco
Join Club Italia, Geelong for a night filled with great music, dancing, laughter, and connection. Whether you love to bust a move, sing along to your favourite hits, or simply soak up the fun atmosphere, this is your night to shine!
What to expect:
A fantastic mix of classic hits and crowd favourites
A safe, inclusive and supportive environment
Fully accessible venue with plenty of space to dance, socialise and have fun
Friendly faces and a welcoming community vibe
Plus... enjoy a yummy meal!
Take a break from the dance floor and enjoy a delicious meal — the perfect way to recharge before getting back into the party!
Meal is included in the $20 entry cost
Free companion entry - $10 companion meal
This is more than just a disco... it's a chance to connect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories.
Come as you are. Dance how you want. Be part of something special. Don't miss out — Disco-bility is where the magic happens.
When: Saturday 20 June 2026 from 6:00pm
Where: Club Italia Geelong - 515 Bellarine Highway, Moolap VIC 3221
Cost: $20 Adult, $10 Companion
Tastes of Greater Geelong 2026
Your ultimate winter food & wine festival starts here!
From 19 June to 19 July, Greater Geelong and the Bellarine will come alive with flavour as Tastes of Greater Geelong returns for a month-long celebration of food, wine and local hospitality.
Discover curated dining experiences, long lunches, hidden culinary gems, masterclasses, markets, wine tastings and unforgettable events showcasing the very best of our region’s chefs, producers, makers and venues.
Whether you’re indulging in a decadent degustation, sipping local wines by the coast, gathering with friends around a fireside feast or discovering your new favourite venue, there’s something for every taste this winter.
One Region. Endless Flavours. Unforgettable Experiences.
When: Friday 19th June 2026 to Sunday 19th July 2026
Where: Various locations across Geelong and the Bellarine
Cost: Event dependent, see program
