News

We’re thrilled to announce that Sistability has been named a finalist in four prestigious categories at the Ballina Business Awards, taking place at the Ballina RSL on Saturday 2 August 2025. This recognition is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to quality, inclusion and genuine care—and we’re so proud to be celebrated alongside the outstanding businesses that make our region so vibrant.

On June 11th, our team at Sistability had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful residents of Riverbend Retirement Village. This special visit was an opportunity to connect with the community, share how we can support their aged care journey, and enjoy a morning of meaningful conversations. The day was filled with warmth, delicious treats, and a sense of camaraderie that exemplifies the heart of what Sistability is all about.

As we welcome the new financial year, aged care recipients and their families have reason to celebrate. From 1 July 2025, government funding for aged care services has received a substantial boost—offering renewed hope, enhanced care options, and a commitment to dignity for older Australians.

Whether at home or in residential care, these funding increases promise to deliver better coverage, personalised support, and improved service quality. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about meaningful change for those who need it most.

Discover what this funding means for you, your loved ones, and the future of aged care in Australia.

As the cooler months are now here, winter cleaning becomes essential to prepare your home for the challenges that come with the season. From the increased moisture in the air to the heavy use of heating systems, winter brings a unique set of cleaning tasks to address. If you want to ensure your home stays warm, dry, and hygienic during the colder months, it’s time to get your cleaning routine ready for winter.

In this guide, we’ll cover key winter-specific cleaning tips that will help you maintain a healthy, safe, and comfortable home throughout the season.

About Kirby: A busy mum of two, active in her community and living with her disability makes deep-cleaning tasks painful and difficult.

The Challenge: Although Kirby keeps on top of basic tidying, heavier jobs—like scrubbing the bathroom, degreasing kitchen surfaces, spot-cleaning walls and thorough floor work—were triggering arthritis flare-ups. These tasks left her fatigued and posed slip hazards for her and the kids.

“I really struggle to do deeper cleaning like the bathroom… I can manage basic daily tasks, but long sessions on my feet or hard scrubbing just aren’t possible for me.”

Finding the right aged care solution for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—especially in regional NSW. Whether you call Ballina, Byron Bay or Lismore home, opting for a genuinely local HCP provider and home care package partner delivers benefits that distant, metro-based agencies simply can’t match.

From on-the-ground expertise and lightning-fast response times to face-to-face accessibility at our Tamar St Ballina office, local providers offer personalised aged care coordination, community investment and cultural insight.

In the world of disability and aged-care support, ensuring a safe, hygienic living environment is non-negotiable. Regular ongoing cleans are invaluable for day-to-day upkeep, but an increasing number of Support Coordinators are discovering that an intensive, one-off deep clean can deliver far greater benefits—both for physical health and for overall wellbeing. Here’s why deep cleans are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for those managing complex care needs.

In the world of aged care and NDIS support, there are many dedicated professionals working tirelessly to ensure individuals with diverse needs lead fulfilling lives. But there’s one group of workers who often go under the radar yet play a crucial role in the lives of many: our domestic care specialists, also known as cleaners.

While their main job is to provide essential cleaning services, their role often goes far beyond just tidying up a home. Our domestic care specialists are often the only professionals who step into the homes of aged care and NDIS clients, and their services are about more than just cleaning. These specialists are, in many ways, the "eyes and ears on the ground," observing the wellbeing of clients and raising the alarm about potential issues or concerns.

Every day, our domestic cleaners at Sistability quietly change lives. They're not just tidying homes — they’re lifting spirits, checking in on wellbeing, and making everyday life a little easier for people who need support.

Meet Ella and Molly — two of our team members who work side-by-side, supporting NDIS and aged care clients across Ballina and Lennox Head. Here's a look into one of their workdays.

At Sistability, we believe in the power of showing up — not just with services, but with intention, dignity, and care. Over the past year, our team has done just that, pouring their energy, empathy, and dedication into every mop swipe, garden bed, and check-in. Now, with enormous pride, we’re lifting the lid on what that commitment has created in our first-ever Impact Report.

This milestone isn’t just about numbers — though we’re certainly proud of them. It’s about visibility. It’s about acknowledging the human stories and community ties woven through each hour of work we’ve delivered. It’s about recognising that meaningful change doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, day in and day out, for people who need a little extra help to live safely and independently at home.

At Sistability, we support over 100 NDIS participants. Our team shows up every day to deliver more than just services—we deliver dignity, safety, and peace of mind. For many of our clients, that starts with a clean, well-maintained home.

But we’re reaching a tipping point.

The NDIS price limits for essential household supports like cleaning and gardening are no longer enough to cover the true cost of delivering these services safely, reliably, and professionally. The result? A growing crisis that’s affecting participants, providers, and frontline workers alike.

This decision hasn’t been made lightly. It’s been shaped by deep reflection, local insight, and the values that have always guided our work — care, community, and quality over quantity.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Ballina Jockey Club buzzed with energy as the Ballina Retirement Living & Senior Lifestyle Expo brought together over-55s, seniors, and industry professionals from across the Northern Rivers. Hosted by Senior Expos Australia, this free event offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of services and products designed to enhance senior living.

Sistability was proud to be among the exhibitors, connecting with the community and sharing our commitment to providing compassionate, personalised aged care services.

After years of meaningful service across Sydney, Sistability is entering a heartfelt new chapter — one that brings us back to our roots, our community, and our purpose.

We’re announcing a significant shift in how and where we operate. As of now, we are officially winding down our services in the Sydney region to focus exclusively on our home base: the Northern Rivers.

This decision hasn’t been made lightly. It’s been shaped by deep reflection, local insight, and the values that have always guided our work — care, community, and quality over quantity.

The Australian Government has officially delayed the rollout of the new Aged Care Act from 1 July 2025 to 1 November 2025. This four-month extension is intended to give aged care providers, workers, and sector stakeholders additional time to prepare for one of the most significant overhauls in aged care legislation to date.

If you or someone you support is on a new or reassessed NDIS plan, you may notice a big change: funding is now being released in smaller chunks throughout the year. These new “funding periods” could impact how and when you can access important services like cleaning, gardening, therapy, or assistive technology. In this blog, we break down what’s changing, how it might affect you, and what you can do to stay supported.

For many of us, home is a place of comfort and calm—but for people living with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities, it can also be the source of daily discomfort. From sneezing fits and itchy eyes to sleep disruptions and breathing difficulties, allergens in the home can quietly build up and affect your quality of life.

At Sistability, we believe a truly clean home is one that supports your health and wellbeing, not just your tidiness goals. That’s why we’re sharing this healthy home cleaning guide to help make your space more allergy-friendly—room by room, task by task.

Think your home is truly clean? Without a HEPA-filter vacuum, you might be stirring up more dust and allergens than you remove. In this post, we explain how HEPA filters work, why they matter, and why Sistability uses them to ensure healthier, safer homes—especially for seniors and those with allergies.

Even the cleanest homes can hide health hazards like dust mites, mold, and bacteria. In this blog post, we uncover the risks lurking beneath the surface and explain how a professional deep clean from Sistability can create a safer, healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.

Loneliness and social isolation are more than just feelings — they can have a real impact on a person’s physical and mental health, particularly as we age. But there’s wonderful help available: the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

Northern Rivers NSW is known for its lush landscapes, coastal beauty — and, of course, its unpredictable weather. After a stretch of heavy rainfall like we’ve just had, your garden may look greener, but it can also be left a little waterlogged, messy, or even overwhelmed.

Whether you're a keen gardener or someone who enjoys the view more than the weeding, it’s worth giving your garden a little attention after a downpour. Here’s how to gently help your outdoor space recover — without overdoing it.

When a home environment becomes unsafe, it’s no longer a job for a standard cleaner. Specialised cleaning is about restoring safety, dignity, and livability — and it requires the right expertise. Learn more about ‘Specialised Cleaning’ and the differences between it and standard cleaning here.

Talking to ageing parents about getting help at home isn’t easy—especially when they’re proud, independent, and determined to manage on their own. But waiting until a crisis hits isn’t the answer either. This article offers practical tips for starting the conversation gently, recognising the signs that support might be needed, and easing your loved ones into care that helps them stay safe, independent, and in control.

Being approved for a Home Care Package is an exciting milestone — but it’s important to know that you’re not locked into using your existing CHSP provider. You have full choice and control over who manages your Home Care Package. In this article, we explain why some providers contact you early, what your rights are, and how Sistability can support you in making an informed, confident decision.

For many older Australians, maintaining independence at home is a top priority. But as we age, everyday tasks can become more challenging. That’s where Home Care Packages (HCPs) come in. These government-funded packages are designed to provide the right level of support so seniors can continue to live comfortably and safely in their own homes.

If you’re new to the concept of Home Care Packages, this guide will help you understand what they are, how they work, and how to apply for one. Plus, we’ll explore how a trusted provider like Sistability can help you navigate the process and make the most of the services available.

For many older Australians, maintaining independence at home is a top priority. But as we age, everyday tasks can become more challenging. That’s where Home Care Packages (HCPs) come in. These government-funded packages are designed to provide the right level of support so seniors can continue to live comfortably and safely in their own homes.

If you’re new to the concept of Home Care Packages, this guide will help you understand what they are, how they work, and how to apply for one. Plus, we’ll explore how a trusted provider like Sistability can help you navigate the process and make the most of the services available.

Winter is a unique season in gardening—especially in regions like the North Coast of NSW where winters are mild, but still require some special attention. While your garden may not burst with flowers and greenery like it does in spring or summer, the cooler months are an ideal time to prepare for the growing season ahead. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your garden remains healthy, tidy, and ready to thrive come spring.

As the cooler months approach, it’s only natural to start spending more time indoors. With shorter days and crisp evenings, your home becomes the heart of warmth and relaxation. But as we retreat indoors, our living spaces often take on more wear and tear. A tidy, fresh, and clutter-free home can make all the difference in how we feel—both physically and mentally.

In July 2025, significant changes to Australia’s aged care system are set to take effect. These reforms, anchored by the new Aged Care Act, promise to bring about a more transparent, person-centred approach to aged care. But what exactly do these changes mean for individuals and families navigating the system? Let’s break it down.

Key Components of the New Aged Care Act
The centerpiece of these reforms is the introduction of the Aged Care Act, which prioritizes the rights of older Australians and sets a new standard for care providers. Some of the most impactful changes include:

After months of paperwork and waiting, you/your parent is finally approved for CHSP support—only to discover that no one can actually provide the help. No cleaners available. No gardening services. No waitlist, no solutions.

It’s a story we’re hearing more and more, and it’s heartbreaking. In this post, we share what to do if you or a loved one is stuck in this exact situation—and why it's time we started talking about the gaps in our aged care system.

Easter can be an exciting time filled with family gatherings, special meals, and festive activities. But for neurodiverse individuals—such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities—the sudden changes in routine, new environments, and increased social interaction can be overwhelming. A little extra preparation and some thoughtful strategies can help create a calm, enjoyable Easter for everyone involved.