KKCS Quarterly Update
As we head into the Easter and ANZAC period, we would like to remind our consumers and families of the upcoming public holidays:
Good Friday – 3 April 2026
Easter Saturday – 4 April 2026
Easter Monday – 6 April 2026
ANZAC Day – Saturday 25 April 2026
Additional ANZAC Day Public Holiday – Monday 27 April 2026
During public holidays, some services may operate slightly differently and public holiday rates apply.
It has now been several months since the introduction of Support at Home, and feedback across the sector continues to show that the aged care system can still be quite complicated to navigate.
At Kurri Kurri Community Services, we understand that working through aged care funding, services and supports can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our experienced aged care team is here to help make the process easier, ensuring you feel supported and confident in the decisions you make about your care.
Whether you are looking to remain independent at home, explore new supports, or better understand your funding, our team can help guide you through the options available. From Allied Health services to our Home Modification team, we offer a wide range of supports designed to help you live safely and comfortably in your own home.
Did you know?
Kurri Kurri Community Services also offers a Centre-Based Respite Program, available through both Support at Home (SAH) and CHSP funding. Our program provides a welcoming space where consumers can enjoy social connection, activities and support, while carers have the opportunity for a well-earned break.
If you would like to learn more about the services available, our friendly team would love to help.
📞 Please call 4004 3105 to speak with our aged care team and find the support that’s right for you.
KKCS Aged Care Team is Growing – We’re Hiring!
Our Aged Care Team at Kurri Kurri Community Services is growing, and we are looking for passionate Support Workers to join us in providing high-quality care to our community.
If you love helping people remain independent at home, making a real difference in their lives, and being part of a friendly, supportive team, we would love to hear from you!
🔗 Apply here: Support Worker – Aged Care
Come and join our team, and help us make a difference every day!
Capacity Snapshot across our Allied Health Services
Occupational Therapy
Supporting adult clients across Aged Care and NDIS
Estimated wait time: 4-6 weeks
Physiotherapy
Supporting adult clients across Aged Care and NDIS
Estimated wait time: 2-4 weeks
Podiatry
Supporting adult clients across Aged Care, NDIS and private referrals
Estimated wait time: 2-3 months (depending on therapy needs and therapist availability)
Speech Pathology
Supporting paediatric, adult and older clients through Aged Care, NDIS and private referrals
Estimated wait time: 2-3 months (depending on therapy needs and therapist availability)
Support Coordination
Supporting NDIS participants to understand and implement their plans, connect with providers, coordinate supports, and build capacity to achieve their goals.
Immediate Capacity
Quick Referral Guide – Who Should I Refer To?
| If a client needs help with… | Refer to | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty managing daily activities at home | Occupational Therapy | Showering, dressing, kitchen tasks, home safety |
| NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) | Occupational Therapy | Evidence for supports, assistive technology, home modifications |
| Equipment or assistive technology | Occupational Therapy | Shower chairs, rails, walkers, pressure care equipment |
| Home modifications | Occupational Therapy | Ramps, grab rails, bathroom modifications |
| Falls risk or mobility decline | Physiotherapy | Balance training, walking stability, strength programs |
| Reduced strength or physical function | Physiotherapy | Deconditioning, post-hospital recovery, mobility maintenance |
| Pain or movement issues affecting activity | Physiotherapy | Joint pain, movement limitations, rehabilitation |
| Foot pain or foot care needs | Podiatry | Nail care, corns, callus, foot pain |
| High-risk foot conditions | Podiatry | Diabetes-related foot care, skin integrity concerns |
| Footwear or pressure issues affecting mobility | Podiatry | Footwear advice, pressure management |
| Speech or language difficulties | Speech Pathology | Delayed speech, articulation, communication support |
| Swallowing or mealtime concerns | Speech Pathology | Choking risk, modified diets, swallowing assessments |
| Communication changes after illness or neurological condition | Speech Pathology | Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive communication |
When in Doubt
Many clients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.
For example:
Falls risk → Occupational Therapy + Physiotherapy
Difficulty with daily activities due to mobility issues → Occupational Therapy + Physiotherapy
Home safety concerns after hospital discharge → Occupational Therapy + Physiotherapy
Mobility changes linked to foot pain → Physiotherapy + Podiatry
Diabetes with mobility or foot concerns → Podiatry + Physiotherapy
Child with developmental delays affecting communication and daily skills → Speech Pathology + Occupational Therapy
Swallowing concerns affecting nutrition or mealtime safety → Speech Pathology + Dietitian/GP
Communication changes after stroke or neurological condition → Speech Pathology + Occupational Therapy
If you’re unsure which service is most appropriate, our team is happy to review the referral and guide the best pathway (02) 4004 3150 | AHDS@kkac.org.au | kkcs.org.au
Hunter Commercial Services continues to grow and strengthen our inclusive employment pathways across the Hunter region. Over the past few months, our Grounds Maintenance crew has been extremely busy during the peak summer period, working through high temperatures and managing services. Despite some challenges, the team has remained committed to maintaining all contracts to the high standard of quality we and our clients expect.
Their dedication, teamwork and resilience during the demanding summer months have ensured that our services continue to run smoothly across the region.
As part of our continued growth, we have also recently launched a new online referral form for people with disabilities who are interested in employment within our commercial cleaning and grounds maintenance teams. The form provides a simple pathway for participants, families, support coordinators and providers to express interest in future employment opportunities with Hunter Commercial Services.
Staff recognition:
We are also proud to celebrate several incredible staff milestones within our team. Over the past three months, three of our supported employees have reached significant employment anniversaries with the organisation — Darren P celebrating 30 years, Chris J celebrating 24 years, and Sean B celebrating 22 years of service. These milestones are a testament to the dedication, skill and contribution our supported employees bring to the workplace every day. Their long-term commitment highlights the strength of inclusive employment and the positive impact meaningful work can have for individuals, our team, and the wider community.
Odyssey Home Modifications specialises in delivering high-quality, innovative construction services and support products that enable elderly and disabled individuals to live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes. Our goal is to create practical, accessible living environments that support everyday activities and improve quality of life.
We provide a wide range of home modification solutions, from the installation of grab rails, handrails, and access aids to more extensive structural changes such as complete bathroom renovations and accessibility upgrades. Every project is tailored to the individual needs of our clients, ensuring that each modification enhances safety, mobility, and overall functionality within the home.
To achieve the best outcomes, we work closely with a trusted network of approved suppliers, qualified builders, and experienced tradespeople. This collaborative approach allows us to deliver reliable, high-quality workmanship while ensuring that all products and materials meet the appropriate safety and accessibility standards.
Our comprehensive services include building consultation, certification, project management, plumbing, and electrical work. From the initial assessment and planning stages through to completion, our team manages each project with professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that modifications are completed efficiently and to the highest standard.
At present, Odyssey is operating at full capacity, and referrals for our CHSP clients are temporarily closed. We appreciate you’re understanding and will provide updates once referrals reopen.
To support the continued growth of our services, we have recently welcomed a new team member who will be undertaking the role of Modification Coordinator. This role will focus on coordinating projects, supporting communication between clients, suppliers, and trades, and helping ensure that home modifications are delivered smoothly and efficiently.
We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Kory as he joins the Odyssey team.
We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the valuable support he will provide in helping us deliver quality home modification services to our clients
A Bright Start to 2026
We are delighted to welcome all of our families back for another exciting year at KKCS OOSH. The beginning of 2026 has truly started with a bang, and it has been wonderful to see our service buzzing with energy, laughter and adventure.
Our January Vacation Care program was packed with memorable experiences for the children. From exciting outings to the Movies, visits to Oakvale Farm, and refreshing trips to the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The children were fascinated by our reptile show, showed off their skills during putt putt golf days, and had a fantastic time knocking down pins at ten pin bowling. Each activity provided opportunities for children to build friendships, try new things and create lasting memories.
It was also wonderful to welcome back many familiar faces after the holiday break. At the same time, we have been excited to meet new children and families joining our community for 2026. We are so pleased to have you join the KKCS OOSH family and look forward to getting to know you all throughout the year.
Celebrating Our Dedicated Team
A big part of what makes our service so special is the incredible team who support the children each day. This term we were proud to celebrate several staff work anniversaries, recognising the dedication and passion they bring to their roles.
Congratulations and thank you to Sophie, Aunt Judy, Jeanie, Chantelle, Alysha, Joseph, Kadeisha, Livia, Lyn and Steve for their ongoing commitment to our service and to the children and families we support. Your hard work, care and enthusiasm truly make a difference in the lives of our children each and every day.
Welcoming New Staff
We are also very pleased to welcome new members to our KKCS OOSH team.
Please join us in welcoming Maddi and Taysia. They are excited to be part of our community and look forward to getting to know all of the wonderful children and families who make KKCS OOSH such a special place. If you see them around the service, please say hello and help make them feel welcome as they settle into their new roles.
A Special Farewell (For Now!)
While we welcome new staff, we also say a temporary farewell to one of our valued team members.
Jayde will soon begin her maternity leave, with her beautiful baby girl expected to arrive in March. We wish Jayde all the very best as she begins this exciting new chapter of becoming a mother. We know she will be wonderful in her new role and we look forward to welcoming her back to the service in the future. From all of us at KKCS OOSH, congratulations Jayde and best wishes for this very special time.
Looking Ahead: April Vacation Care
We are already planning an exciting program for our April Vacation Care, and there are some fantastic activities for the children to look forward to.
Upcoming adventures will include visits to:
An Alpaca Farm
Hunter Valley Zoo
Gymnastics sessions
A trip to the movies
We can’t wait to see the children enjoying these experiences, learning new things and spending time together during the school holidays. Keep an eye out for the full program and booking details which will be shared with families soon.
Important Holiday Closure Dates
Please take note of the following upcoming public holiday closures for our service:
Good Friday – Closed
Easter Monday – Closed
We will reopen on Tuesday 7th April, ready for a fun-filled day of Vacation Care activities.
In addition, the service will be closed on Monday 27th April for the ANZAC Day public holiday.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage families to plan ahead where possible.
Thank You to Our Families
As always, we would like to thank our wonderful children, families and staff for continuing to make KKCS OOSH such a positive, welcoming and supportive community. Your ongoing support helps us create an environment where children feel safe, happy and excited to learn and play.
We are looking forward to another fantastic year filled with adventures, friendships and special moments.
Here’s to a wonderful 2026 at KKCS OOSH!
The KKCS Study Hub celebrated 12 months of operation on 17 March 2026.
We are so pleased to be supporting over 100 students now on their journeys to study success.
Feedback from the students currently registered remains overwhelmingly positive.
We are working on some building alterations with Cessnock City Council to provide more private learning spaces and future-proof the learning facility.
Renee Bell has stepped into a new teaching role, leaving the Hub as Academic Support Officer. Our New Academic Support Officer commences on 23/03/26. We wish Renee all the best with her exciting new role and thank her for the assistance she provided during her time with us.
The Hub Team have connected with Charles Sturt University, The University of Newcastle, Central Queensland University, The University of New England and the University of Western Sydney – all in the past month. We are connecting with Universities and other RTOs to develop more opportunities to connect with their students and support them in our place-based model.
We have also connected with Mount View, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, St Josephs and St Phillips’ High Schools in relation to supporting their students with workshops, attendance at the Possibility Project and Youth Week planning.
Taree University Campus held a re-opening and student graduation in February which we were honored to attend.
Studying this year? Register now to stay connected and access support for your next chapter
NCOSS Event Partnership
We are proud to be the local partner the NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) who is hosting a free one-day forum for the social sector. This event will focus on identifying existing strengths, sharing solutions, and addressing the common challenges and unmet needs faced by community organisations.
Who is it for?
This forum is designed for locally-based non-government organisations, networks, government agencies, and local council staff, as well as volunteers working across social services and community health.
It welcomes participants from across the region, spanning the Central Coast through to the Hunter, including: Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Mid-Coast, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter Shire, and Central Coast LGAs.
What can you expect?
Key updates and insights from NCOSS
Opportunities to contribute to meaningful discussions on sector priorities
Networking and collaboration with others working in your local area
Practical workshops and resources to build your capabilities
Register to Attend- Attendance is free, with catering provided.
Free Community Event – Choose Your Sober
KKCS, alongside Cessnock Community Drug Action Team and The Samaritans, is hosting a free community event featuring guest speaker Lisa Greenberg. Lisa will share her powerful and honest journey from addiction to living a vibrant, alcohol-free life, offering a message of hope, resilience and positive change. The event will also include opportunities to connect with local support services.
Join us on 30 April, with a 11:30am arrival for a 12pm start, followed by lunch.
Free event – RSVP via Eventbrite.
NAIDOC Week Community Event
We’re proud to be hosting a special NAIDOC Week event this July, in partnership with Samaritans Foundation, celebrating culture, connection and community.
📅 9 July 2026
🕚 11:00am start
Join us for a meaningful morning featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Wonnarua Elder, Uncle Warren Taggart, followed by live music, an Aboriginal art workshop, and a shared BBQ lunch.
This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.
We look forward to bringing the community together to celebrate and learn during this important week.
Gymnastics
Join Kurri Kurri Gymnastics for Term 2!
Spaces are now available in a range of classes including Gymnastics, Parkour, and Tramp & Tumbling. We also offer casual bookings for our Under 5 program, perfect for little ones to explore movement and develop early skills in a fun setting.
Our gym is a welcoming, supportive, and encouraging environment where children build confidence, develop skills, make friends, and grow at their own pace. We focus on positive coaching, fun, and helping every child feel safe, valued, and proud of their achievements.
We’re Hiring! Gymnastics Coach
KKCS is currently looking for a passionate Gymnastics Coach to join their growing gymnastics club. If you have coaching experience and enjoy working with children and young people in a fun, supportive environment, then we’d love to hear from you.
For more info or to express interest, please contact Kristie Mears from Hunter Recruitment Group on (02)49366537 or view the role here.
Youth services are proud to be supporting National Youth Week 2026, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive program of events across the Cessnock region. Running from 16–26 April, this year’s theme, “Dream. Dare. Do.”, celebrates the creativity, resilience and potential of young people in our community.
Throughout the week, young people will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities designed to inspire connection, confidence and self-expression. From hands-on creative workshops and cooking experiences to sport, social events and community-based activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Many events are free and accessible, ensuring all young people can participate, connect with others and feel part of their local community.
KKCS is proud to play a role in supporting and promoting these opportunities, helping young people build skills, explore new interests and strengthen their sense of belonging. We encourage local young people to get involved and make the most of everything Youth Week has to offer.