The NDIS has launched First Nations Connect — a new phone service, staffed by culturally trained team members, for First Nations peoples and their families, carers, representatives, health workers and community organisations.
If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and you have ever felt talked-over or rushed when dealing with the NDIS, this service was built with you in mind. As an Aboriginal-owned, culturally-safe NDIS provider, we welcome it — and we have put together a plain-English guide to what it does, what it does not, and where a provider like us fits in.
What is First Nations Connect?
First Nations Connect is a dedicated line through the NDIA’s National Contact Centre. Its team is trained to listen and respond with respect and understanding, and to try to answer your questions on the first call.
Call 1800 411 640 to use the service. It is for First Nations peoples and their families, carers, representatives, health workers and community organisations.
What the service can help with
- Clear information about the NDIS, explained in a respectful way.
- Answering your questions on the first call wherever possible.
- Helping you feel safe, comfortable and respected when you contact the NDIS.
It sits alongside the NDIA’s commitment to Closing the Gap and its work to make the participant experience safer and more trustworthy for First Nations people.
What it does not do
Being clear about this saves you time and disappointment:
- It cannot change your eligibility, funding or claims.
- It will not give faster processing or special treatment.
- It does not replace other ways to contact the NDIS.
Think of it as an extra, culturally safe front door — not a shortcut through the system.
Important: it is not a provider line
If you are a provider, coordinator or worker, First Nations Connect is not for your enquiries. Providers must keep using the existing NDIS provider line on 1300 311 675 for participant plans, payments and claims. First Nations Connect (1800 411 640) is only for First Nations peoples and their families, carers, representatives, health workers and community organisations.
Where Tegrity fits in
First Nations Connect is a great place to ask questions. When it comes to actually delivering your supports — a support worker who gets it, or a support coordinator who can wrangle the system for you — that is where we come in.
Tegrity Services is Aboriginal-owned and has delivered culturally-safe NDIS support across NSW since 2021 (NDIS registered provider 4050099017, registered until October 2028). Culturally safe is not a box we tick — it is who we are. We can help with:
- Culturally-safe support work — day-to-day support from workers who respect your culture, community and Country.
- Aboriginal support coordination — someone in your corner to connect your plan to the right supports and deal with the NDIS on your behalf.
You can read more about our Aboriginal & culturally-safe NDIS support, or if you are still deciding, our guide on how to find an Aboriginal NDIS provider in Sydney walks through what to check.
First Nations Connect is run by the NDIA, not by Tegrity. We are sharing it because it is a genuinely good step for Mob — a service that listens. If you would like a yarn about your own supports, we are always here: no pressure, just a conversation about what you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is the First Nations Connect phone number?
First Nations Connect is 1800 411 640. It is a phone service run by the NDIA’s National Contact Centre for First Nations peoples and their families, carers, representatives, health workers and community organisations. Its staff are culturally trained to listen and respond respectfully, and to try to answer questions on the first call.
Is First Nations Connect a provider line?
No. First Nations Connect is for First Nations community members, not providers. Providers must keep using the existing NDIS provider line on 1300 311 675 for enquiries such as participant plans, payments and claims.
Can First Nations Connect change my plan, funding or claims?
No. It gives information and support in a respectful, culturally safe way, but it cannot change your eligibility, funding or claims, and it does not offer faster processing or special treatment. It is an extra front door to the NDIS, not a shortcut through it.
Do I have to use an Aboriginal provider to call?
No. Anyone who is First Nations — or who supports someone who is — can call. If you would like an Aboriginal-owned, culturally-safe provider for your day-to-day supports or support coordination, that is what Tegrity offers, but it is always your choice.
Related guides
Looking for culturally-safe NDIS support in NSW?
We are Aboriginal-owned and we have been doing this since 2021. Call us or make a referral — we respond the same business day.