A curated directory of local disability services, advocacy, health, employment, and community support across Newcastle and the Hunter Region.
Navigating disability services in the Hunter Region can be overwhelming — especially when you're new to the NDIS or dealing with a crisis. This directory brings together the most useful local services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, and the broader Hunter area, organised by category so you can quickly find what you need.
We keep this resource up to date with local organisations Safe Hands Disability works alongside every day. Whether you need an advocacy service, a mental health crisis line, a community transport option, or simply want to know which government office to call first — it's here.
This guide covers NDIS services, allied health, disability advocacy, community groups, government services, and employment support. For services specific to Safe Hands Disability, visit our Services page.
Central contact for all NDIS matters — access requests, plan questions, complaints, and reviews.
1800 800 110 | Mon–Fri 8am–8pmComplaints about NDIS providers and workers. Regulates quality and safety of NDIS supports across NSW.
1800 035 544 | Mon–Fri 9am–5pmLocal NDIS-registered provider offering Support Coordination, community access, daily living, and allied health referrals across Newcastle and the Hunter.
Contact via our contact pageLocal Area Coordinators help participants access the NDIS, understand plans, and connect with community services. Delivered through organisations contracted by the NDIA across the Hunter Region.
Contact NDIA on 1800 800 110 to be connected to your local LACSupport for children under 7 with developmental delay or disability. Access the NDIS Early Childhood pathway through local Early Childhood Partners across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Maitland.
Contact NDIA on 1800 800 110 for referral to local EC PartnerMultiple registered Plan Managers operate in Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Ask your Support Coordinator or LAC for recommendations, or search the NDIS Provider Finder on the NDIS website.
NDIS Provider Finder: ndis.gov.au
Major regional hospital serving Newcastle and the Hunter — emergency, inpatient, and specialist outpatient services. Disability access supports available. Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights.
(02) 4921 3000 | Emergency: 000Public mental health services including crisis assessment, community teams, and inpatient care across the Hunter New England region. Accessible for NDIS participants with psychosocial disability.
Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 (24/7)24/7 crisis support, suicide prevention, and mental health information. Free, confidential telephone and online counselling. Available to anyone in distress, day or night.
13 11 14 | Available 24/7Mental health support, information and referrals for depression, anxiety, and suicide. Telephone counselling, online chat, and forums. Frequently used alongside NDIS psychosocial supports.
1300 22 4636 | Available 24/7GP services across the Hunter with disability-accessible consulting rooms. GPs can provide supporting evidence for NDIS access requests, referrals to specialists, and Mental Health Care Plans for psychology.
Search healthdirect.gov.au for GP clinics near youHunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network coordinates primary health care across the region, including mental health programs, alcohol and drug services, and after-hours GP access.
(02) 4925 2288Cancer care, palliative services, and specialist outpatient clinics. Disability access supports including parking, accessible facilities, and interpreter services on request.
(02) 4921 1211
Free, independent disability advocacy for people with disability across the Hunter Region. Assists with NDIS matters, service complaints, rights issues, and systemic advocacy. Located in Newcastle.
(02) 4969 3333State-wide advocacy organisation with regional presence. Free individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, and information for people with disability. Particularly useful for NDIS appeals and complaints.
1300 365 085Free legal advice and representation for eligible people, including disability-related matters such as NDIS appeals, AAT hearings, guardianship, and discrimination. Based in Newcastle CBD.
(02) 4929 2553Free advocacy and practical support specifically for unpaid carers of people with disability, older Australians, and people with chronic illness. Commonwealth-funded — separate from NDIS.
1800 422 737 | Mon–Fri 8am–6pmServices for people who are blind or have low vision — including AT assessment, orientation and mobility training, reading services, and employment support. Offices in Newcastle.
1300 847 466Advocacy, audiological services, and hearing device assessment across the Hunter Region. Hearing Australia operates a clinic in Newcastle. NDIS-registered for hearing-related AT and therapeutic supports.
Hearing Australia: 1800 020 323
Connects people with disability to sporting clubs, recreational programs, and activity groups across NSW, including Hunter Region. Bocce, swimming, athletics, cycling, and more.
1300 072 222Disability-inclusive arts programs and workshops across the Hunter Region — visual arts, music, performance, and creative writing. NDIS-funded participation available.
(02) 9251 6499Council programs including accessible parks, sensory spaces, pool access programs, and inclusion events. Disability access information for Council venues and events across Newcastle LGA.
(02) 4974 2000Support groups, education, respite information, and counselling for carers across the Hunter. Peer support programs for new carers and carers of children with disability and autism.
1800 242 636Community transport services for people with disability, older residents, and those without access to public transport across the Hunter Region. Door-to-door transport to appointments, shopping, and social activities.
Contact via Hunter region community transport provider networkServices for autistic people and their families across the Hunter Region — including school programs, adult support, early intervention, and family services. NDIS registered.
1800 277 328
DSP (Disability Support Pension), Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, and other income support. Newcastle Service Centre located on Hunter Street. Appointments recommended.
Disability: 132 717 | Carers: 132 717Social and affordable housing applications, disability-accessible housing, and Priority Housing for people with high and complex needs. Newcastle Housing office on King Street.
1800 422 322Opal card concessions for people with disability, taxi subsidy scheme (TSS), and accessible transport information. Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) applications via Service NSW.
131 500 (Transport Info)Independent tribunal for guardianship and financial management decisions, disability discrimination complaints, and tenancy matters relevant to disability. Hearings held in Newcastle.
1300 006 228Financial management and guardianship services for people who are unable to manage their own affairs. Relevant for NDIS nominees and participants with complex support needs.
1300 360 466Support for students with disability in NSW public schools, including Learning and Support Teachers, disability adjustments, and transition planning for students moving from school to NDIS.
1300 679 332
Free Commonwealth employment service for job seekers with disability. Multiple DES providers operate across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Maitland. Covers job placement, workplace modifications, and on-the-job support.
Search providers at jobaccess.gov.au | JobAccess: 1800 464 800Federal government hub for disability employment — finding DES providers, Workplace Modification Scheme applications, employer toolkits, and rights information for workers with disability.
1800 464 800 | jobaccess.gov.auAcademic adjustments, accessible campus support, mentoring, and reasonable adjustments for students with disability enrolled at UON. Located on the Callaghan campus, Newcastle.
(02) 4921 5766Vocational education and training with disability support services at Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, and Kurri Kurri campuses. Reasonable adjustments, support workers, and assistive technology available on campus.
131 601 | tafensw.edu.auSupported employment businesses that employ people with moderate to severe disability. Several ADEs operate in the Hunter Region across industries including manufacturing, packaging, and commercial cleaning.
Search at dss.gov.au/ade for Hunter Region ADEs
Keep these numbers saved. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 000 first.