NDIS Leadership Forum 2026: Building Stronger Disability Organisations

Hosted by Independent Disability Services (IDS) & The SALT Foundation

Many disability organisations are operating under increasing financial pressure while striving to deliver exceptional support to people with disability. This leadership forum brings together CEOs, executive teams, board members and senior leaders from across Victoria to explore practical strategies for building financially sustainable organisations that can continue creating lasting community impact.

Rather than focusing on the challenges alone, this forum is designed to equip leaders with practical ideas, proven strategies and valuable connections to help organisations move from financial uncertainty toward long-term sustainability.

Join disability sector leaders for a day of practical learning, collaboration and networking as we explore:

• Building financially sustainable disability organisations
• Improving operational performance and financial management
• Innovation, diversification and future growth opportunities
• Collaborative approaches to strengthening the sector
• Lessons and insights from experienced industry leaders
• Panel discussions and audience Q&A
• Networking with CEOs, executives and decision-makers

This forum is designed for leaders across the disability sector, including:

• CEOs
• Executive Managers
• Board Members
• Finance and Operations Leaders
• Senior Managers
• Leaders responsible for strategy, growth and organisational sustainability

• Adrian Hunter – Partner, Restructuring & Recovery, RSM Australia

Adrian brings more than 30 years of experience in insolvency and restructuring. He works closely with SMEs, family-run businesses and large corporate entities, as well as their trusted advisers, including accountants, legal counsel and financiers. Known for his collaborative style and ability to troubleshoot under pressure, Adrian is focused on helping organisations navigate challenging circumstances and achieve the best possible outcomes for stakeholders.

• Kirsty McGovern-Hooley – Senior Manager, Business Advisory & National NDIS Sector Lead, RSM Australia

Kirsty works closely with disability, aged care and healthcare providers on financial sustainability, business transformation, compliance and NDIS sector reform. She has extensive experience in financial reviews, turnaround engagements, governance and supporting providers through periods of financial pressure and change.

• Roger Donnelley - Founder & CEO, The SALT Foundation

Founder and CEO of The SALT Foundation, a not-for-profit NDIS provider, with more than a decade of experience building a purpose-driven organisation that delivers quality disability support while reinvesting profits into community initiatives. Passionate about sustainable leadership, he will share practical insights on creating resilient disability organisations that can thrive in a changing NDIS environment without losing sight of their mission and values.

• Mark Watt AM – CEO, Independent Disability Services

Mark Watt has more than 30 years of experience working with young people across Australia, including through his work establishing Whitelion and his involvement in Youth Justice. Passionate about creating opportunities and meaningful relationships, Mark is committed to helping young people reach their full potential and creating positive social impact through leadership, social enterprise and community partnerships.

Session Topics

• The current state of the NDIS market
• Structural and acute triggers affecting providers
• Regulatory action and understanding payment holds
• Four factors behind NDIS providers that thrive and survive
• Early warning signs of financial distress
• Safe Harbour and Small Business Restructuring
• Director obligations and exposures when insolvency looms
• Options for businesses in distress

$35 per person + booking fee

Registration includes:

• Morning tea
• Networking lunch
• Full-day forum attendance
• Access to presentations and panel discussions
• Opportunities to connect with sector leaders

This forum is more than a one-day event. It's the beginning of an ongoing conversation across Victoria—bringing disability organisations together to share knowledge, strengthen one another and build a more sustainable future for the disability sector.

Together, we can build stronger organisations that continue delivering outstanding services and creating better outcomes for people with disability.