This year marks Lion and Mouse’s first year, and what a year it has been.

When we started Lion and Mouse, we knew the disability space was challenging. What we didn’t fully realise was just how much uncertainty, change and pressure families would be under as the NDIS continues to shift and reform. Almost from day one, the rules, language and expectations around the NDIS have been changing, sometimes quickly, sometimes without much clarity, and often in ways that directly affect people’s everyday lives.

Families have come to us confused, exhausted and worried. They’ve been dealing with reassessments, funding uncertainty, long waitlists and systems that can feel overwhelming or impersonal. Many people simply want to do right by their child or loved one, but are forced to navigate a system that keeps moving beneath their feet.

Through it all, Lion and Mouse has stayed focused on what matters most: people.

In our first year, we’ve supported families who were nowhere near NDIS access, helped people take the first steps toward getting assessments and supports, and walked alongside those trying to make sense of changing plans and pathways. Our charitable work has allowed us to fill gaps – giving people access to services and guidance when funding or systems weren’t yet in place.

At the same time, we’ve seen the need to speak up more than ever. The changes happening across the NDIS impact real lives, not just policies or budgets. That’s why our advocacy and white paper work continues alongside our direct support, pushing for disability policies that work better, are fairer, and above all, respect the dignity of the individual.

Lion and Mouse exists because no one should have to face this system alone. We are still learning, still growing, and still listening, but we remain committed to being steady, human and values‑driven, even when the system isn’t.

Thank you to every family, supporter and community member who has trusted us in our first year. We’re here for the long haul, and we’ll keep showing up, even when the landscape keeps changing.