If you’re looking to purchase equipment like pool hoists, accessible pool steps, aquatic wheelchairs, or IBIS Wheelchair to Car Access funding usually falls into two broad buckets:
- Individual funding (a person is funded for equipment to support their disability/ageing needs)
- Facility funding (a council, school, club, or aquatic centre is funded to upgrade community infrastructure)
Because Para Mobility products can be used in public aquatic facilities, commercial settings and therapy centres as well as homes, there are often multiple funding pathways. It’s worth matching the pathway to the buyer (individual vs facility) and the setting (private vs public).
National funding options (available in every state/territory)
NDIS
Many disability-related equipment purchases can be funded under NDIS supports (often via Assistive Technology and, where relevant, home modifications). The applicable category and evidence requirements depend on the person’s plan goals and needs.
My Aged Care
For older Australians, assistive technology can also be funded through aged care pathways. The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme sets out how assistive tech and modifications can be approved and the evidence typically required.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Eligible veterans may access aids, equipment and modifications through DVA programs such as the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).
Insurance & workplace injury pathways (all states)
Depending on the situation, equipment may also be funded through motor accident / CTP schemes, workers compensation schemes, or public liability insurers (facility-related incidents). These vary by state and insurer, but the idea is consistent: if equipment reduces risk or supports safe participation, it can be part of a rehabilitation or risk-control plan.
State-by-state facility funding pathways (Councils, clubs, aquatic centres)
Below are common, state-specific grant avenues that can be used for inclusive facility upgrades. These are typically relevant when the buyer is a council, club, school, or facility.
New South Wales (NSW)
- ClubGRANTS Category 3 – Infrastructure Grants (often used for community infrastructure that benefits disadvantaged groups, including people with disability).
- Other NSW sport/community facility programs may also support accessibility upgrades depending on the round and guidelines.
Best fit: Public aquatic centres, community pools, surf life saving clubs, sport & rec precincts looking to upgrade access (e.g., hoist install points, accessible entries, change spaces).
Victoria (VIC)
- Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (guidelines explicitly include upgrades to outdoor aquatic facilities that improve accessibility/participation).
- Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (includes streams for aquatic facilities and “all abilities” infrastructure).
Best fit: Councils and clubs planning upgrades to aquatic facilities, change rooms, entries, or broader inclusive infrastructure.
Queensland (QLD)
- Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) – large, regular grant rounds that can cover equipment and facility improvements. Current round timing and program details are published by QLD Government.
- Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund – targeted at accessible, safe and inclusive community sport and active recreation spaces.
Best fit: Clubs and community organisations and sport/active recreation facility upgrades (inclusive facilities fund).
Western Australia (WA)
- Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund – supports new or upgraded community sport and recreation facilities (commonly used by local governments and clubs).
- Lotterywest grants – a major funding source for community benefit projects, including disability access and inclusion outcomes.
Best fit: Councils and community facilities upgrading inclusive access, particularly where the project has strong community benefit and participation outcomes.
South Australia (SA)
- Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing – Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program (focuses on inclusive, fit-for-purpose facilities).
Best fit: Councils and sport/community facilities with an infrastructure scope (build/upgrade) that improves inclusion and participation.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmanian Active Infrastructure Grants Program – aims to build or upgrade infrastructure that is safe, inclusive and accessible.
Best fit: Community facilities and local councils with infrastructure projects that improve access and participation.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Community Sport Facilities Program – supports sustainable and accessible places and spaces for sport and active recreation, including new builds or upgrades.
Best fit for: community organisations and clubs improving accessibility and inclusion in facility infrastructure.
Northern Territory (NT)
NT Government grants directory (a central place to find active NT grant programs).
Best fit: Community organisations seeking current NT rounds that align with inclusive participation, equipment, or facility improvements.
Matching Para Mobility products to the right funding story
When you’re writing an application (or helping a council/club write one), the strongest angle is rarely “we want to buy equipment.” It’s:
- Inclusion & participation: “More people can access our aquatic programs.”
- Safety & risk reduction: “We reduce manual handling and transfer risk.”
- Dignity & independence: “Patrons can enter/exit the water with privacy and confidence.”
- Operational resilience: “Less reliance on staff lifting; consistent access regardless of staffing.”
That story applies well to pool hoists, pool steps, aquatic wheelchairs and IBIS especially when tied to measurable outcomes (program numbers, school groups, therapy users, community demand, ageing demographics).
Remember, our team are available to answer your questions and are full of practical advice to help with funding support.