Group & Centre-Based Activities referrals in Albury, NSW
Supports delivered in a group or at a centre — day programs, social groups and shared skill-building. Shared ratios make these a cost-effective way to build routine and connection.
Group and centre-based activities are NDIS supports delivered to several participants at the same time, either at a provider's centre or out in the community. They cover structured day programs, social and recreational groups, and shared skill-building sessions where participants work towards their goals alongside peers rather than one-to-one. Because staff are shared across the group, the cost to each participant is lower than an equivalent individual support.
These supports sit largely within a participant's Core budget (Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation) and, where the activity is capacity-building in nature, can also draw on Capacity Building budgets. The distinguishing feature is the shared support ratio - for example one worker to three or one worker to five participants - which the provider reflects in the rate they charge each person.
The focus is on participation, connection and development: building social and daily-living skills, reducing isolation, and giving participants a consistent, meaningful routine. Programs range from centre-based day options to community outings and interest-based groups, and are chosen to match the participant's goals, interests and the level of support they need in a group environment.
Coordinator FAQs
- Do providers need to be registered to deliver group and centre-based activities?
- Not always. Registration is required to invoice NDIA-managed participants, so agency-managed referrals must go to a registered provider. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers. Always confirm the participant's plan-management type against the provider's registration before referring, and…
- Which budget pays for group and centre-based activities?
- Most group and centre-based supports come from the participant's Core budget, specifically Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation, which is generally flexible across Core supports. Where a program is capacity-building - for example structured skill development - it may instead draw on a Capacity Building budget.…
- How does the shared ratio affect cost?
- In group supports, one worker supports several participants at once, so the provider divides staffing cost across the group. A 1:3 or 1:5 ratio means each participant pays a lower per-hour rate than 1:1 support. The exact rate for each ratio is set in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Confirm the ratio and how the provider…
- What is a centre capital cost and will it affect the budget?
- Some centre-based programs can charge a separate centre capital cost component to help cover the cost of running a physical venue, in addition to the support rate. It is defined in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Ask the provider whether they charge it and how, so you can factor it into the participant's available Core…
- Can a participant get 1:1 support within a group setting?
- Yes. A participant may join a group program but need higher individual support for part or all of the session - for example due to complex needs or behaviours of concern. This is usually billed at the relevant individual ratio for that time. Confirm with the provider how the group and any 1:1 components are structured and priced before…
- How do I match a participant to the right group?
- Look beyond availability to fit. Check the program's focus, the peer group, the activities offered and the support ratio against the participant's goals, interests and support needs. Ask about a trial or orientation visit so the participant can see whether the setting suits them. On Novida you can compare several providers' programs side…
- What should I confirm about transport?
- Transport to and from a centre is not automatically included in the program. Clarify whether the provider offers transport, whether it is billed separately, and how it interacts with the participant's transport funding or Core budget. If the participant travels independently or by family, confirm the venue is accessible and the program…
- Is group and centre-based support suitable for psychosocial disability?
- It can be, when the participant's recovery goals include connection, routine and skill-building alongside peers. Peer-based and interest groups can reduce isolation and support engagement. Match the program's intensity and environment to the person's current capacity, and coordinate with any recovery coaching so group participation…
- Does using Novida commit my participant to a provider?
- No. Novida is a free directory that helps you find and compare verified providers of group and centre-based activities. It never sits in the middle of the referral. You contact the provider directly, and the service agreement is made between the participant and the provider. There is no obligation from searching, shortlisting or making an…