Local area coordinators: support, planning and your choices
LACs and the NDIS: What do you need to know?
By Feros Care · Originally published 23 April 2018
Original article and dated context
The NDIA has partnered with a number of different organisations across Australia to deliver the NDIS. These partners are known as Local Area Coordinators (LAC). Feros Care is a LAC, working in Townsville, Mackay, the Barossa, Northern Adelaide and the ACT.
The Feros Care LAC team have been in the ACT for almost 12 months and have the satisfying experience of assisting people with disability to understand and navigate the NDIS and actively participate in their community. They’ve seen that participants, their carers and support people sometimes have worries and reservations about working with a LAC, and they’ve created this guide to help put those worries to rest.
Worries NOT to have when working with a Local Area Coordinator
Pre-Planning Pain
Pre-planning isn’t like homework or an assignment, and we won’t be marking you on how well you’ve prepared for your planning meeting. That said, pre-planning will definitely help you get things moving quickly! All the usual paperwork and reports are a good starting point. The fun stuff, though, is to start thinking about your goals. That’s a buzzword you’ve no doubt heard a bit in relation to the NDIS – and there’s a reason for that. The NDIS is very much person-centred, and focusing on _your _goals helps make sure that you’re the person the support is centred around.
[Clickability update, October 2026: Preparation can help explain needs; it does not guarantee a faster decision or particular funding.]
Give some thought to what you’d like your life to look like in 12 months. Where would you like your health to be? Where would you like to be living? Would you like to be doing something in your community? Playing sport? Your LAC will help you to clarify your goals if needed, then work with you to plan how to get there.
__Who Are These People? __
Working with a LAC ensures you have the information you need about the NDIS, what services are available to support you in your community and your point of call should you have any questions about your Plan. Our Coordinators come with a wide range of expertise and years of experience in the community.
Just Me, Myself and I?!
You’re not alone in this. Bring a carer, family member, or trusted friend with you to your appointments. Our LACs are a friendly bunch, and love to meet new people. If you’re feeling comfortable, it makes their job easier too.
Location Frustration
Although our LAC offices are bright, friendly spaces – we totally get that some people shudder at the thought of coming for their planning appointments in an office environment. So we can make it happen where it best suits you. Your home, our office, or even a service provider’s location. Let your LAC know what works for you.
[Clickability update, October 2026: This describes the contributor’s historical meeting options. Confirm current availability, communication preferences and access requirements with your actual contact.]
Our LAC’s are often at community events and spaces, including local hospitals, community centres and open days. They run workshops and information sessions to help you at whatever stage of the NDIS journey you’re at. For more information, visit our Events page.
Your LAC’s job is to make it easy for you to access the NDIS, reach your goals and take an active role in your community – so there’s no need to be worried! If you’re in any of our areas (Townsville, Mackay, the ACT, Barossa or Northern Adelaide), contact us on 1300 986 970, email [email protected] or visit our website.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
How participants can use their contact without handing over choices
Ask what the contact can help with, who makes the decision and what evidence is needed. Explain the format, setting or communication assistance that works for you. Bring a trusted supporter if you want one and agree their role before the discussion.
Check the details in your plan or current my NDIS contact guidance. Local arrangements and partner regions can change; a historical provider article is not a current service-area directory.
Help the meeting stay accessible and participant-led
With permission, help prepare questions and relevant observations. Allow time for the participant to respond in their preferred way. Clarify what happens next and who to contact, rather than treating a partner’s advice as a funding approval.
Questions readers ask
Is every my NDIS contact a local area coordinator?
No. The contact can be a partner or a person at the NDIA, depending on the situation. Official guidance
Tell Clickability where you need help putting services in place. Compare support coordinator profiles and reviews, then ask about communication, independence and practical assistance.
