NDIS Services

At Ironbark Adventure Mentoring, we recognise that no two people or support needs are the same. We provide personalised outdoor mentoring for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, as well as private clients, to support wellbeing, confidence, independence, and quality of life through real-world outdoor experiences.

Ironbark is currently operated solely by founder Reed Buckley (more information on Reed here), allowing participants to build a consistent, trusted relationship with the same mentor over time. Unlike high-turnover support models, participants work with one qualified professional who develops a deep understanding of their goals, communication style, and support needs.

Our approach is practical, relationship-driven, and non-clinical. We use outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, camping, bushwalking, and nature-based recreation to support confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, independence, social connection, and community participation.

Many participants experience challenges relating to autism, ADHD, PDA, RSD, anxiety, depression, school disengagement, emotional regulation, or psychosocial disability. Outdoor mentoring provides a low-pressure bridge between formal supports and everyday community life. Natural environments can reduce pressure, overstimulation, and social intensity common in traditional settings, allowing participants to engage more comfortably and build confidence through shared experience and achievement.

Ironbark was created as an alternative to clinical, indoor, or inconsistent support models, focusing on genuine connection, capability, and confidence through consistent outdoor mentoring.

All activities are risk-assessed and delivered in line with the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and relevant Good Practice Guides (GPGs), with safety and individual capacity central to planning. We also work collaboratively with families, support coordinators, schools, and allied health professionals where appropriate, with progress supported through outcome-based reflections, communication, and goal-focused documentation.

Disclaimer:

While we strive to support a diverse range of people, our services may not be suitable for everyone. We assess each individual’s needs and circumstances to ensure we can provide safe, effective, and meaningful support. This helps us maintain quality and a positive experience for all clients.

Safety & Compliance

Already in place:

NDIS Worker Screening Check
Blue Card (Working with Children)
National Police Check
First Aid & CPR certified
Public & Products liability insurance
Local council & government permits
Outcome measurement framework to track participant progress, goals, and session outcomes over time
Safety framework aligned with Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and relevant Good Practice Guides (GPGs)

Relevant Qualifications:

Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
Certified Eco Therapist
Certified Mountain Bike Coach (PMBIA)
Certified Wilderness Survival Instructor
Autism specific training (Certificate)
4+ years disability support (NDIS)

Please Note:

We are not a registered NDIS provider.

We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants only.

How We Can Support You

Each participant’s journey is different, but common benefits of our sessions include:

A consistent outlet for stress, emotional regulation, and routine
A low-pressure way to engage in outdoor environments
A trusted and consistent mentoring relationship
Confidence building through practical outdoor experiences
Opportunities for social connection in 1:1 or small group settings
Time for reflection, conversation, or quiet presence in nature
Increased motivation, independence, and community access

Some common NDIS goals we support include:

“I want to build confidence leaving the house and trying new things”
“I want to improve my physical and mental wellbeing”
“I want regular contact with someone I trust”
“I want to increase my independence and decision-making”
“I want to participate in my community more comfortably”
“I want to learn new skills in outdoor environments”
“I want to have fun in safe, supported settings”

Want to check if Ironbark is a good fit for your NDIS plan?

Reach out and we’ll happily chat through options with you and your support team.

Contact Page

Enquire Now

How Progress Is Supported

Progress is supported through individual goal setting, structured reflection, and regular wellbeing check-ins over time. This allows meaningful changes in confidence, independence, engagement, and functional skills to be observed through real-world outdoor experiences.

Where appropriate, simple evidence-informed wellbeing tools are used to support consistent tracking of progress and provide additional insight for participants, families, and support coordinators. These may include structured goal tracking and validated wellbeing measures used at set intervals to review progress over time.

Outdoor Experiences

Real-world learning | Skill development | Engagement in nature

Goal Setting

Personal goals | Interests | Preferences

Wellbeing Check-ins

Simple reflections over time

NDIS Funding

Our process for NDIS funded participants

1. Initial enquiry & discovery call

Reach out via our contact form or phone. We'll have a relaxed chat to learn about your goals, interests, and what you're hoping to get out of the experience and to make sure we're a suitable fit for each other.

2. Service agreement

We'll put together a personalised service agreement outlining your adventures, session frequency, supports, and pricing, so everything is clear and agreed before we begin.

3. Onboarding, funding & payment setup

A one-off $50 onboarding and service planning fee sets up your secure payment gateway, keeping billing smooth and hassle-free from day one.

If you're plan managed, we'll reach out directly to your plan manager or support coordinator to get everything aligned with your funding.
If you're self managed, payment is handled directly as outlined in your service agreement.

4. Adventures Begin!

Once your service agreement and waiver are signed, you're all set. We'll lock in your first adventure, send you the details and a list of any essentials before we get out there together.

Service Pricing

As a non-registered provider, we are not bound by NDIS price limits. We offer a range of flexible pricing options and packages, and can accommodate split billing where required.

NDIS Line Items

Depending on the participant’s plan and goals, our adventures may be funded under several different categories. These are discussed with each family/support team individually, but the most commonly used are outlined below:

Core Supports:

04_210_0125_6_1 – Community Social and Recreational Activities
For outdoor mentoring, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and nature-based recreational experiences that support community participation.

Capacity Building / Community Participation:

09_008_0116_6_3 – Innovative Community Participation
Skill-building in real-world environments that support confidence, independence, and social participation.
09_011_0125_6_3 – Community Participation Activities
One-off or structured sessions supporting engagement and inclusion in community settings.

Note: We invoice clearly and transparently, and are happy to work with your plan manager or support coordinator to ensure the right category and line item is used based on your individual plan.