Hope in Action: Sistability’s Specialised Cleaning Service for “Sandy”
“Sandy” (name changed for privacy) is an NDIS participant living in government housing in the Northern Rivers. She lives with several complex medical conditions that affect her ability to manage her home environment. These conditions significantly influence her capacity to maintain hygiene, organisation, and general home upkeep on an ongoing basis.
Over time, the challenges of daily living became overwhelming, and Sandy’s living conditions deteriorated beyond what regular support services could manage. Her home had reached a level that presented health and safety concerns for her and those supporting her.
No Need to Stress: Understanding the New Aged Care Reforms Coming This November
Big changes are coming to Australia’s aged care system on 1 November 2025 — and if you or a loved one are hoping to access support at home, now is the time to act.
The new reforms will completely reshape how aged care funding and services are delivered, and while they promise to simplify the system in the long run, the transition period may cause some delays and confusion.
At Sistability, we’ve helped many older Australians across the Northern Rivers understand My Aged Care, apply for home care packages, and organise trusted services that make life easier at home. Our advice right now? Don’t wait until November to start. Getting your application in early can help you avoid disruption and ensure you’re set up before the new system takes effect.
Sistability Shines at the 2025 Regional NSW Business Awards
We’re still buzzing from the incredible night we had at the 2025 Regional NSW Business Awards at the Ballina RSL last weekend! Surrounded by inspiring businesses, community leaders, and plenty of cheers, our team came together to celebrate what has been a milestone year for Sistability.
And what a night it was. We were absolutely thrilled to take home the award for Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion and to receive a Highly Commended recognition for Employer of Choice (under 20 employees).
These awards are more than just shiny trophies — they reflect the heart of what we do every single day and the values we hold as a social enterprise.
Case Study: Supporting “Robert” Through Hoarding
Robert, an aged care client living in Ballina, has lived with hoarding behaviours for many years. His home gradually became cluttered and difficult to navigate, making everyday activities harder and less safe.
When we first began working with Robert, it was clear that a single intensive clean would not be suitable. An all-at-once approach can be traumatic for people living with hoarding — it can feel like a loss of control, and in some cases, cause further distress.
Instead, we worked with Robert, his care team, and his support network to develop an ongoing, specialised cleaning plan tailored to his needs.
The Benefits of Specialised Cleaning for NDIS & Aged Care Clients
For many people, a clean home is more than just a matter of tidiness — it’s about safety, health, dignity, and quality of life. For NDIS participants and older Australians receiving aged care support, regular cleaning plays an important role in day-to-day wellbeing. But before a regular cleaning schedule can be effective, a specialised clean is often the most powerful first step.
Sistability Named Finalist in Two Categories at the 2025 Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards
We are so proud to share that Sistability has been named a finalist in not one, but two categories at the 2025 Northern Rivers Regional Business Awards:
🏆 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
🏆 Employer of Choice (20 Employees and Under)
This recognition is an incredible honour for our team, and it reflects both the work we do in the community and the culture we’ve built inside our organisation. At Sistability, we believe that inclusion, diversity, and genuine care aren’t just values on paper — they are guiding principles that shape how we show up every single day.
A Clean Start: Giving Dignity Back Through Everyday Essentials
At Sistability, we believe that everyone deserves more than just a roof over their head—they deserve a home. A space that feels safe, warm, and comforting. Yet for many people in our community, starting over often means doing so with almost nothing. That’s why we’ve launched our new Clean Start Program, an initiative designed to help vulnerable community members create homes filled with dignity and comfort.
Through this program, we collect donations from the community—things like bedding, mattresses, towels, and home goods—and deliver them to those who need them most.
Standing Beside Those Who Go Unseen
Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Yet too often, people in our community quietly carry challenges on their own—whether it’s feeling isolated, uncertain about how to access services, or unsure where to turn for help.
At Sistability, we believe no one should have to face those challenges alone. That’s why our team is more than a group of service providers. We’re companions, advocates, and connectors—standing beside people so they feel supported, valued, and confident to take the next step forward.
Government to Release 20,000 New Home Care Packages — What It Means for Older Australians
The Australian Government has announced one of the biggest expansions to aged care funding in recent years. From September 3 until October 31, 2025, 20,000 new Home Care Packages (HCPs) are being released. By the end of the year, another 20,000 packages will follow, opening the door for thousands of older Australians to receive the support they need to live safely and comfortably at home.
Sistability Earns Social Enterprise Certification: What It Means for Our Community
We’ve got some exciting news to share with you—Sistability has officially been certified as a Social Enterprise! 🎉
This milestone is more than just a badge for us. It’s a recognition of the way we’ve always operated: putting people and community first while delivering high-quality domestic care services. As one of only a handful of social enterprises in the Northern Rivers, we’re proud to be showing what’s possible when business success is linked directly to social good.
What to Look For in a Home Care Provider: Choosing the Right Support for You or Your Loved One
Choosing a Home Care Package (HCP) provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for yourself or a loved one. The right provider does more than deliver services – they become a trusted partner in helping you live independently, safely, and with dignity. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know who to choose.
To make things easier, here are some key things to look for when deciding on a home care provider.
Deep Clean vs Spring Clean: what’s the difference - and which do you need?
Not sure whether to book a spring clean or a deep clean? You’re not alone. Both leave your home feeling fresher, but they serve different purposes and suit different stages of life.
Here’s a clear guide—written with Northern Rivers homes in mind—to help you decide.
Thinking of Switching Your Home Care Package Provider?
If your Home Care Package (HCP) isn’t delivering what you need—missed visits, long phone queues, or feeling like a number not a person—you’re not stuck.
Switching providers is your right, and done well, it can unlock better support, better value, and a better everyday life at home. Here’s what you stand to gain by moving your HCP to Sistability—and how we make the change simple.
Morning Tea at Oaktree Village in Goonellabah: Connecting with Seniors
On Friday, August 1st, Sistability had the privilege of hosting a wonderful morning tea at Oaktree Village in Goonellabah. It was a fantastic opportunity for local older Australians to gather, learn, and engage with our team on the important topic of aged care.
The morning tea saw a great turnout of residents, all eager to understand how the aged care system works and how they can navigate it. Jenn, our experienced Aged Care Manager, led a highly informative and engaging presentation. She offered valuable insights into the various services available to seniors, how to start the journey with My Aged Care, and the different types of home care packages.
Sistability Takes Home Two Awards at the 2025 Ballina Business Awards!
We’re still buzzing from Saturday night’s incredible celebration at the 2025 Ballina Business Awards—and we couldn’t be more proud of the recognition Sistability received. On that exciting evening, our small but mighty team was honoured with TWO awards:
🏆 Employer of Choice (under 20 employees)
🏆 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
These awards are more than just trophies on a shelf—they’re a reflection of everything Sistability stands for and everything we’ve worked so hard to achieve since our founding. As a company that was built on heart, hard work, and a deep mission to do things differently, this recognition means the world to us.
Understanding Government-Funded Aged Care in Australia (And How to Access It)
Trying to navigate Australia’s aged care system? Whether you need basic help around the house or ongoing support, there are government-funded programmes designed to keep you living safely and independently at home. In this blog, we explain the different types of aged care support — like CHSP and Home Care Packages — and show you exactly how to get started.
Why ADHD Makes Cleaning a Challenge: The Brain Science Behind It
For many people with ADHD, keeping a home clean can feel like climbing a mountain in bare feet. It’s not a lack of willpower or caring about a tidy space—it’s the way the ADHD brain is wired.
Understanding the neuroscience behind these struggles can be the first step toward solutions that work, whether you’re tackling the dust bunnies yourself or calling in professional reinforcements for a specialty or deep clean.
Navigating Aged Care Pathways at the SALT Expo in Ballina
On Saturday, 26 July 2025, the Sistability team joined the SALT Expo in Ballina at the Richmond Room of the Ballina Ex‑Services Club. Jenn, our Aged Care Manager, and Nic, our Services Manager, welcomed over 120 local residents—many of whom were part of Ballina’s ageing community—to explore their aged care options.
Cleaning for Life’s Changes: Understanding Transition Cleaning
Transition cleaning is a deep, supportive cleaning service tailored to people experiencing a major life transition. It might look similar to an end-of-lease or vacate clean on the surface—but the intention, delivery, and client support are very different.
Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Apply Early for a Home Care Package
If you or a loved one are starting to need support to remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home, the most important thing you can do right now is apply early for a Home Care Package (HCP).
With waitlists hitting record highs and a system under enormous pressure, getting in early isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Delays can have serious consequences for health, safety, and quality of life.
Here’s why you shouldn’t wait.