Bendigo, Thursday, 06/11/2025:
Two of regional Victoria’s most trusted disability service providers, Amicus Community Services and Lifely, are in discussions about joining forces through a potential merger.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is changing, and disability services need to change as well. By joining forces, both organisations can better support regional and rural communities, give the best help to people with disabilities and their families, and keep services strong for the future.
Lifely Chief Executive Officer Janette Martin, a nationally respected disability sector leader with more than 30 years of experience, said now was the right time to look ahead.
“The NDIS is evolving quickly, and we want to make sure our participants, and their families, continue to get the very best support,” Ms. Martin said.
“By bringing our ideas, skills and resources together, we could offer smarter, more flexible services that respond to local needs and help both organisations grow sustainably.”
Over the coming months, the organisations will complete a due diligence process to review how each operates, identify strengths, and explore opportunities for improvement. They will also conduct an operational review, listening to participants, families, and staff before making any decisions.
Amicus Managing Director Stan Liacos, who has held CEO or senior leadership roles across Victoria with Queen Victoria Markets Pty Ltd, City of Greater Bendigo, Federation Square, Geelong Waterfront and Regional Development Victoria said the organisations shared history and values make the discussions a natural fit.
“Amicus and Lifely both began in Bendigo in the 1980s as grassroots, community-led organisations. We have grown and adapted over the years, but our focus on people has never changed,” Mr. Liacos said.
“This is about building on that legacy, keeping what works, strengthening what we offer and making sure our services remain strong and sustainable for the future.”
Lifely and Amicus will continue operating independently during this process. Services for participants and carers will continue without interruption and there are no current changes to staffing or roles.
Media contacts:
Amicus General Manager, Business Services, Stacie Wright (swright@amicus.org.au or 0400 509 451) or Lifely Business Relationship Manager Stephanie Flynn (stephanie.flynn@lifely.org.au or 0409 414 188)
Frequently Asked Questions for Participants and Carers
Amicus and Lifely are exploring a possible merger. This means we are looking at how we might join together as one organisation in the future. No decision has been made yet.
You will keep receiving your supports in the same way you do now. The people you know and trust will continue to work with you, and your choice and control remain.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is changing, and disability services need to change as well. By working together, we can support you and your family better, keep country disability services strong, and make sure you get the support you want in the way that suits you.
Due diligence is the name for a careful look at how both organisations work. We are checking what we do well, where we could improve, and where there are opportunities to grow.
There are no immediate changes to staff. If any changes happen in the future, we will talk with you early and explain what it means for your supports.
We will keep you updated along the way. If any changes affect you, we will give you plenty of notice and speak with you directly.
You can:
- Call Lifely on 1300 799 421 or Amicus on (03) 5441 2666.
- Email Amicus at future@amicus.org.au or Lifely at future@lifely.org.au.
There is no set date for a decision. We will take the time needed to make sure that this is the right move for everyone.
