NDIS Programs Built Around the Person, Not Around a System
Interest-based NDIS programs in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland
Every program at ESports Collective starts with what you care about. From Social Circle groups to supported work experience, we help you build real skills, genuine friendships and lasting community connections. Gaming is the entry point, independence is the destination.
Make an NDIS referral →
Our approach to NDIS support
We don't run separate disability programs behind closed doors. Our NDIS participants are part of the same community hub used by everyone in Bairnsdale - which means the social skills, confidence and friendships they build here are real.
Our peer support workers are neurodivergent themselves. They know gaming culture, they know what it's like to struggle in traditional settings, and they know how to support people without making them feel like they need supporting.
Where it makes sense, our capacity building supports are delivered with oversight from Allied Health Professionals - bringing clinical expertise into a community setting without losing what makes our approach work.
This is what we mean by support without segregation.
Who we support
Our programs are designed for neurodivergent young people - particularly those who are autistic, have ADHD, or both. A lot of our participants have had a rough run in traditional settings: school refusal, social isolation, no clear direction after Year 12.
You don't need to be a gamer to join us. You just need to be willing to show up.
Distance isn't a barrier
We provide transport for participants across East Gippsland, including regular runs to Sale - young people travel to us from Maffra, Stratford, Lakes Entrance and Orbost too. See how transport works on our transport page, or just ask.
What programs does ESports Collective run?
Interest-based support works. When the starting point is something a young person already loves, everything else becomes possible - so we've built every program around that idea, with NDIS supports, allied health and community access included. Sessions run at a range of times across the week, and we're flexible - get in touch and we'll find a time that works for you.
Small group sessions built around cooperative gaming and tabletop play. Participants develop communication, emotional regulation and social confidence through activities they genuinely enjoy - supported by peer workers who get it. Good for young people working on social participation goals, participants who find group environments overwhelming, or anyone looking for a genuine community in Bairnsdale where they belong. Get in touch about session times - we'll find one that works.
Learn moreIndividual sessions built around your goals and interests. Content creation, game development, 3D printing and employment preparation - we design sessions around what matters to the participant and adjust as their goals evolve. Particularly suited to participants with employment or independent living goals, or those who find group settings difficult to start with.
Learn moreHands-on employment exploration for NDIS participants who want to figure out what work could look like for them. Participants try real tasks, discover their strengths and build transferable skills - in a supported environment that doesn't feel like a job they're already failing at. Good for school leavers and young adults without a clear post-school pathway.
Learn moreTerm-time sessions for school-aged participants, built around gaming and tabletop with the same peer support model as everything else we do. Ask us about availability and how it fits your plan.
Learn moreInformation for Support Coordinators in East Gippsland
We work alongside other providers - we're not trying to replace anyone's existing support relationships.
Support workers welcome
Many support workers already bring clients to ESports Collective, and we actively encourage it. Support worker access is free. If you're visiting with a client who isn't using our NDIS supports, a small participant fee applies - there's no out-of-pocket cost for participants accessing our programs.
Honest fit conversations
If you're a support coordinator looking for capacity building options in East Gippsland, get in touch. We'll tell you honestly whether our programs are the right fit.
Everything in one place
Our support coordinator page covers who to refer, funding flexibility and the referral process in detail.
Referrals
The fastest way to refer is the online referral form - or email ndis@esportscollective.com.au.
NDIS questions we hear most
Not sure if we're the right fit? Straight answers to the questions families and coordinators ask us.
What NDIS funding can I use at ESports Collective?
Our programs are funded through Core - Daily Living, Core - Community Participation, and Capacity Building (Social and Community Participation, Increased Daily Living, and Finding and Keeping a Job). Some capacity building supports are delivered with Allied Health oversight. Contact us and we'll help work out the right line items for your plan.
Do I need a support coordinator to access your programs?
No. You can contact us directly. We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.
Is ESports Collective only for NDIS participants?
No. Our hub is open to the whole community. NDIS programs run alongside general community activity - participants are part of the same space as everyone else. Our Supported Work program actually powers that community access, so participants aren't just benefiting from the space - they're helping build it.
Do you offer transport?
Yes. We transport participants across East Gippsland and beyond in our own vehicle. We're in Sale twice a week and happy to discuss travel arrangements for participants further afield - including Maffra, Stratford, Lakes Entrance and Orbost. Get in touch to work out what's possible.
When do your programs run?
Our programs run at a range of times across the week, and we're flexible. Rather than working around a fixed timetable, get in touch and tell us what days and times suit - we'll do our best to make it work, including sessions outside regular open hours where that's the right fit.
Can support happen outside ESports Collective?
Yes. Our staff provide 1:1 NDIS support in the community - wherever makes sense for the participant. If you'd prefer to come to ESports Collective outside of regular open hours, that's also an option. Our staff have keys and are happy to make it work.
How do I get started?
Email us at ndis@esportscollective.com.au or call 0468 009 660. We'll have a conversation, sort out a service agreement, and go from there. No lengthy intake process.
Ready to join the community?
ESports Collective is Bairnsdale's gaming and NDIS community hub - and we'd love to welcome you. Whether you're enquiring about NDIS programs, visiting as a support coordinator, or simply wanting to know more, reach out. We don't do lengthy intake processes.
Make an NDIS referral →or call 0468 009 660