NDIS State of the Nation – Summit SA

DATE:      Friday, 29 August 2025
TIME:       8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
WHERE:  Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia

Real talk. Real strategy. Real solutions.

At a time of significant reform and tension in the South Australian NDIS sector, this powerful half-day summit offers a space for NDIS business owners, CEOs, leaders, and sector changemakers to gather, learn, and collaborate.

Designed and hosted by SA's own NDIS Strategist and Changemaker Cassie Day, this event brings together bold conversation, strategic insight, and independent thinking — with the goal of strengthening the capacity, confidence, and sustainability of NDIS organisations across SA.  

When providers are strong, resilient and sustainable - participants and families are set up for success with greater continuity, quality and care.

✔️ You can expect:

• Dual keynotes from sector leaders
• Expert panel conversations - real talk, real strategy, real solutions
• Education & information - Sector and Business Specific
• NDIS Data, Intermediary Insights, Participant Perspective, Business Banter & Sector Solutions
• Business Operations, Innovation & Forward Thinking Strategy  
• Networking and collaboration in a high-impact setting

✔️ Your DRAFT Agenda:

7:30am - Doors Open, Coffee & Connect
8:00 am Sharp - Event begins

👉 Opening Keynotes, Cassie Day and The Hon. Nat Cook MP

👉 Reform Recap and the Compliance Piece

👉 Panel One: Reality & the NDIS Beast

👉 Keynote: Sam Boag - The Early Years, Best Practice & Life's Integration

👉 Participant Showcase: "My Life, My Way"

👉 Keynote: Allison Nikula - "Rules Follow, People Lead"

"Rules Follow, People Lead: Designing Tomorrow in a Sector Shaped by Yesterday"
If you design for rules, you'll always be behind. If you design for people, you'll always be ahead.
Rules are written for yesterday's problems. People need solutions for today.
In Aged Care and the NDIS, compliance matters, but it's not the end game.
The organisations that thrive are the ones that ask, 'What human problem am I solving?'
Tick the boxes, yes. But don't let the boxes be your blueprint.

👉 Panel Two: "My Business Rules", Sustainability, Collaboration & Adaptivity

👉 Keynote: "Where to From Here", Cassie Day, FGLF

12:30 pm - Event concludes, networking available up to 1 pm.

✔️ Your Speakers are:

• Sharon Floyd, Owner/Director, Engels Floyd Quality Consulting
• Alison Nikula, General Manager Innovation & CEO/Founder CareApp Group
• Nicole Makin-Doherty, CEO/MD Empowered Livability (SDA) & Wyngate Care
• Sam Boag, CEO/MD I Can Jump Puddles
• Sasha Dragovelic, Team Leader Polaris Business Development Centre & Futurepreneurs Academy
• Brendon Grail, Founder DSX (Disability Services Exchange) & Disability Market Analyst
• Emily Melgar,  TeMD Enable College (RTO), Chairperson SA Skills Alliance
• Justine Hall, State Relationship Manager - Plan Tracker
• Peter Wilson, Managing Director - Determined2 Immersion Therapy
• Narelle Akers, Operations Manager - Communication Extra (Independent Specialised Support Coordination)

This is not a generic conference. It’s a curated space for clarity, courage, and sector-wide connection.

✔️ What's included?

• Entry to Summit - 8 am to 12:30 pm
• Hot Breakfast
• Brewed Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Selection of Teas, Juices and Water
• Light Morning Tea

🎟️ Seats are limited — book early to avoid missing out.

For media, partnership, or speaking enquiries, please contact: cassie@cassieday.com

This event wouldn't be possible without the support of our incredible Partners:

PLATINUM BREAKFAST SPONSOR #1      

Enable College is a leading training provider in South Australia, specialising in accredited courses for the care industry, including aged care, disability support, and early childhood education. With experienced trainers and strong industry connections, we equip students with the skills and confidence to thrive in meaningful careers. Our flexible learning options and supportive environment ensure every student is set up for success. Start your journey with us today and make a real impact in the care sector!

PLATINUM BREAKFAST SPONSOR #2

Engels Floyd: With a team that’s been supporting disability organisations even before the NDIS’s inception, we bring years of experience to every client relationship. We’re here to guide, coach, and empower you to navigate the complexities of compliance and registration with confidence.