Disability service providers eye merger

REGIONAL Victorian disability service providers Lifely and Amicus Community Services are currently in discussions about a potential merger.

Over the coming months, the organisations will complete a due diligence process to discover how each other operates, identify strengths, and explore opportunities for improvement.

They will also conduct an operational review.

Amicus and Lifely believe that by joining forces they can better support regional and rural communities, give the best help to people with disabilities and their families, and keep services strong for the future.

Lifely CEO Janette Martin said now was the right time to look ahead.

“The NDIS is evolving quickly, and we want to make sure our participants, and their families continue to get the very best support,” she said.

“By bringing our ideas, skills and resources together, we could offer smarter, more flexible services that respond to local needs and help both organisations grow sustainably.”

Amicus managing director Stan Liacos said Amicus and Lifely’s shared history and values make the discussions a natural fit.

“Amicus and Lifely both began in Bendigo in the 1980s as grassroots, community-led organisations,” he said.

“We’ve grown and adapted over the years, but our focus on people has never changed.

“This is about building on that legacy, keeping what works, strengthening what we offer and making sure our services remain strong for the future.”

Lifely and Amicus will operate independently during the process and services for participants and carers will continue without interruption.

There are no current changes to staffing or roles.