SEPTEMBER Executive Summary
Operations team targets are currently not being met across the board. I believe we should have staggered the growth in all areas in the budget, rather than expect to hit new targets from July onward. Some of the shortfall can be attributed to external factors beyond our control, e.g.:
- 30% cancellation rate of assessments and client visits due to illness
- Ongoing delays in bike quotes being approved by NDIS
Activity is generally higher in Victoria than NSW, in terms of project referrals and solutions delivered. Having a larger therapy team actively promoting our service to other therapists is yielding results. NSW, with only one therapist solely delivering Freedom Wheels, is limited in this regard.
Advocacy work with the Federal Government and NDIA is key to ensuring Freedom Wheels becomes a reliable revenue source. This month we have had discussions with NDIA Director of AT and the Greens. Still pressing for a meeting with Minister Shorten.
Unique Solutions
Applications yet to reach target of 45/month.
Referrals in Victoria are building – 16 in August but NSW are much lower – 6 in August.
Victoria has 34 in Build Phase and another 27 coming up through the pipeline. All of these projects generate therapy revenue. At capacity for volunteer availability. Amelia to focus on recruiting AT volunteers.
NSW have 8 in Build Phase and another 23 coming up through the pipeline. No therapy revenue as projects use non-therapy coordinator and external therapists.
OTs are regularly presenting to Therapy Provider groups to promote our service. Have emphasised to Development group to build promotion of US over the next few months.
Freedom Wheels
Referrals above budget. Regional referrals growing in Victoria as result of Community Sports Days/MAL. Activity is high in terms of delivery of assessments although cancellation rate is around 30% due to external factors (COVID, Flu etc.).
OT Assessments delivered (free) in August: Victoria: 33, NSW: 27.
Issues: Ongoing low/delayed NDIS approval rate. 163 bike quotes awaiting NDIS approval.
Opportunities: Productive meeting with the Greens (Adam Bandt’s advisor) who indicated she would help us get a meeting with Minister Shorten. Discussions continue with Lloyd Walker (Director of AT, NDIA) regarding co-contribution for Bike minus support components. A review is underway into the viability of the current Regional FW model in NSW using contract therapists. A strategy will be developed over the next month.
Adaptable Solutions
Victoria has not launched AS.
NSW needs considerable attention.
Boccia Ramp has been added to the range with Boccia Australia endorsement commencing soon.
Walker range is being optimised through a grant-funded co-design project with Med Tech Vic at Swinburne University. A report will be delivered in October.
Therapy Services
Therapy Services are currently very dependent on US referrals. Services have also been heavily impacted by client cancellations due to illness.
Ready Set Ride Bike Training has launched this month. A new billing model for repeat and off-site assessments has been implemented. Stacey will present her strategy for building therapy services at the upcoming Strategy Day.