News from Afford

The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) has made the difficult decision to close its community centres and Australian Disability Enterprise supported employment factory in Minchinbury, New South Wales later this year and we’re sharing the message today with our clients, carers and families.

Throughout the past two years, we’ve done everything we could to keep these services running. We closed and merged ADE factories, changed how centres operate, sold property to free up cash and delayed important plans for the future.  

Despite all of this, the centres and ADE have been running at a loss for many years.  

We are not alone in that. Sadly, many NDIS providers are facing the same challenges. We held off as long as we could because we care deeply and believe in these services. But we can’t continue like this without putting the rest of Afford at risk. That is a painful truth, especially if you are directly impacted. 

Our priority now is supporting our clients and employees. We are making sure everyone has clear information, emotional support and a plan for what comes next. 

Looking ahead  

These changes are about making us stronger so that we can continue supporting people through quality homes, inclusive employment, a new service model for every stage of life and a clearer focus on what we do best.  

Whether we keep working together or help you take the next step somewhere new, we’ll be here to support you and we’ll be wishing you the very best. 

What’s happening  

Afford will close all community centres and group-based activities by 27 June 2025 and the Minchinbury ADE factory by 1 August 2025. 

Services closing: 

Community service hubs and group activities.  

Supported employment at Minchinbury ADE.  

Services changing: 

One-on-one supports will continue with Explore, a new program.  

Explore might be right for other clients too, depending on how you want to use your funding.  

Services NOT affected:  

Accommodation  

DES and SLES  

Support coordination  

Daily support to be independent at home  

Supported employment at Ingleburn ADE 

More information: 

If you’re a client and have questions, you can call our hotline 0481 059 735 or email us at CEO@afford.com.au. You should receive an information pack including FAQs and Easy Read booklets. If you’d like another pack, please reach out and we will get it to you ASAP.