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NDIS Cooking Classes at Blue Tongue Adventure: Building Independence, Confidence and Life Skills in the Kitchen

Cooking is about so much more than preparing a meal. Knowing how to cook nutritious meals, follow safe food practices, and make choices about what we eat is an important part of living a full and independent life.  

At Blue Tongue Adventure, our weekly cooking program gives participants the opportunity to build valuable life skills in a fun, supportive, and hands-on environment at Blue Tongue Kitchen. 

Every Monday, our BTA crew step into our professional bayside kitchen, learn new recipes, work together, and develop skills that support greater independence both inside and outside the kitchen. 

A cooking program designed to build confidence and independence 

Our NDIS cooking classes are designed to help participants develop practical skills that they can use every day. 

Through our cooking program, participants learn how to: 

  • Follow recipes and cooking instructions 
  • Prepare healthy and nutritious meals 
  • Understand food choices and nutrition 
  • Practice kitchen hygiene and food safety 
  • Safely use kitchen equipment 
  • Build confidence trying new skills 
  • Work as part of a team 
  • Develop greater independence at home 

Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when someone has never had the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. 

Our program creates a space where participants can learn at their own pace, celebrate their achievements, and gain confidence with every new recipe. 

A unique learning experience at Blue Tongue Kitchen 

One of the things that makes our cooking program so special is the environment where it takes place. 

Participants don’t cook in a traditional classroom setting. They get to experience Blue Tongue Kitchen, our modern bayside commercial kitchen equipped with professional cooking equipment and everything needed to create amazing meals. 

The change of environment helps participants feel like they are part of something exciting and meaningful. It creates a real cooking experience where they can learn, explore, and enjoy being in a professional kitchen. 

Blue Tongue Kitchen provides a unique opportunity for our BTA crew to develop skills in a space that feels authentic, welcoming, and inspiring. 

10-week cooking programs with a new theme every block 

Our cooking programs run in 10-week blocks, with each block exploring a different theme. 

This gives participants the opportunity to continuously learn new skills, discover new cuisines, and keep building their confidence in the kitchen. 

Our current 10-week block has an Around the World theme, where participants explore the food and culture of different countries through cooking. 

So far, the group has travelled through: 

🌏 Australia – creating a classic Aussie Meat Pie from scratch, complete with a rich savoury filling and golden flaky pastry. 

🇮🇹 Italy – learning how to make Homemade Pasta Primavera, including fresh pasta and a colourful, flavour-packed primavera sauce. 

🇲🇽 Mexico – building a delicious Nachos Bake, layered with seasoned beef, crunchy corn chips and melted cheese. 

There’s still plenty more to come, with participants set to explore: 

🇻🇳 Vietnam – Rice Paper Rolls 

🇺🇸 United States – Mini Cheeseburgers 

🇹🇭 Thailand – Thai Fried Rice 

🇮🇳 India – Butter Chicken with Rice 

🇧🇷 Brazil – Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) 

🇪🇸 Spain – Spanish Frittata 

🇯🇵 Japan – Sushi 

…with every session introducing new flavours, cooking techniques and cultural experiences from around the world. 

Each week brings a new opportunity to learn, taste, create, and share experiences together. 

Meet Chef Claudio: Bringing passion and experience to every class 

Leading the cooking program is our amazing Chef and Program Coordinator, Claudio, who brings nearly 10 years of culinary experience to Blue Tongue Kitchen. 

Claudio began his culinary career in Brazil before continuing his journey through a wide range of kitchens across Australia, including resorts and remote hospitality environments. 

His cooking style is inspired by his Brazilian heritage and Mediterranean influences, focusing on simple, honest flavours that bring people together. 

However, what makes Claudio such a valued part of the program is not just his culinary expertise. It is his ability to create a calm, welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable learning, experimenting, and building confidence. 

Claudio believes cooking is about much more than recipes. It is about connection, skill development, and creating experiences that help people feel capable and proud of what they can achieve. 

From handmade pasta and focaccia to seasonal comfort dishes, Claudio’s cooking celebrates flavour, creativity, and the joy of sharing food together. 

Supporting NDIS participants to develop real-life skills 

Cooking is a key life skill that supports independence. 

While it can be easy to overlook, knowing how to prepare meals, understand nutrition, and safely use kitchen appliances plays an important role in helping people live more independently. 

At Blue Tongue Adventure, our goal is to support our crew to live their lives to the fullest. 

That means creating opportunities where participants can: 

  • Learn new skills 
  • Build confidence 
  • Try new experiences 
  • Make choices for themselves 
  • Become more independent 

Our cooking program is a fun and practical way to develop these skills while being surrounded by a supportive community. 

How can participants use their NDIS funding for cooking classes? 

Blue Tongue Adventure cooking programs may be accessed using NDIS funding under several categories, depending on a participant’s individual plan and goals. 

Funding options may include: 

CAPACITY BUILDING
Skills Development And Training 09_009_0117_6_3

COMMUNITY ACCESS
Innovative Community Participation 09_008_0116_6_3
Centre Capital Cost 04_599_0136_6_1

CORE
Group Activities – Standard – Weekday Daytime 04_102_0136_6_1
Centre Capital Cost 04_599_0136_6_1

Funding eligibility depends on each participant’s individual NDIS plan, goals, and available funding. 

If you are unsure whether the program is suitable for you, our team can help answer your questions. 

Want to join the Blue Tongue Adventure cooking program? 

If you’re part of the Blue Tongue Adventure crew and would like to take part in our cooking program, we’d love to have you join us! 

If you’re not currently part of Blue Tongue Adventure but would like to become a participant and explore our programs, we’d love to hear from you too. 

Speak with your Blue Tongue Adventure Coordinator or contact our team: 

📧 hello@bluetongueadventure.com.au
📞 1800 949 249 

If you’re interested in joining NDIS cooking classes at Blue Tongue Kitchen but aren’t currently part of the Blue Tongue Adventure crew, you can submit an enquiry through Blue Tongue Kitchen to register your interest. Our team will be happy to discuss your options and help you understand how you can get involved. 

Our coordinators are here to answer your questions and support you through every step of the process. 

FAQs

The program is available for members of the Blue Tongue Adventure community who want to build cooking skills, confidence, and independence. 

Not at all! Our program is designed for all skill levels. Whether you are new to cooking or already enjoy spending time in the kitchen, everyone can learn something new. 

Participants learn practical skills including meal preparation, nutrition, food hygiene, kitchen safety, teamwork, and following recipes,  designed to provide a fun and engaging cooking experience. 

Cooking classes are held at Blue Tongue Kitchen, our modern bayside kitchen in Thorneside. 

Each cooking program runs for 10 weeks, with every block featuring a new theme and new recipes to explore. 

Many participants access the program using their NDIS funding. Funding depends on individual plans, goals, and available supports. 

Speak with your Blue Tongue Adventure Coordinator or email hello@bluetongueadventure.com.au, and our team will help you get started. 

 

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NDIS Pricing Changes 2026–27: What They Mean for Your Core Supports & Day Programs

Every year, the NDIA updates its Pricing Schedule, and every year, we take the time to understand the changes so we can share the important facts with you. Our role is to break it down into clear, practical information to provide clarity on what it means for you. 

The 2026–27 NDIS Pricing Schedule is now in effect, bringing several important changes for participants accessing disability day programs and School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). We’ve broken down the key updates, what they mean for you, and how the Blue Tongue Adventure team is here to support you every step of the way. 

A quick note about the terminology 

You might hear two different terms used throughout this article: Core Supports and Social, Community and Civic Participation (SCCP). 

For most participants, Blue Tongue Adventure day programs are funded through your Core Supports budget, under Assistance with Social and Community Participation. In the NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review (APR), these same supports are grouped under the technical pricing category Social, Community and Civic Participation (SCCP).

Throughout this blog, we’ll mostly refer to Core Supports, while using SCCP when we’re explaining the specific pricing changes introduced by the NDIA. 

First Up: What Funding Covers Day Programs and SLES in the NDIS? 

Most of what we do at Blue Tongue Adventure sits under two NDIS support categories: 

Social, Community and Civic Participation (SCCP) covers disability day programs, group activities, community access and centre-based supports – adventure days, art, cooking, ceramics, woodwork, urban outings and everything in between. 

Capacity Building – Employment covers School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) – the funding that helps school leavers build the independence skills, job skills and work experience they need to take their next big steps. 

Both categories have updates for 2026–27. Here’s what you need to know. 

What’s Changed for Day Programs (SCCP)? 

Support Worker Rates Have Increased 

The hourly rates for SCCP supports have increased from 1 July 2026, reflecting the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review and updates to the SCHADS Award. Support workers deserve fair pay, and this year’s review has delivered that. It does mean, though, that if your plan was calculated on 2025–26 rates, your funding may not stretch quite as far. 

The new maximum hourly rates for community access and group activities (national rates) are: 

Standard Supports: 

Time  Rate 
Weekday Daytime  $73.58/hr 
Weekday Evening  $81.07/hr 
Saturday  $103.54/hr 
Sunday  $133.50/hr 
Public Holiday  $163.46/hr  

High Intensity Supports: 

Time  High Intensity Rate 
Weekday Daytime  $79.60/hr
Weekday Evening $87.70/hr
Weekday Night $89.32/hr
Saturday $112.01/hr
Sunday $144.42/hr
Public Holiday $176.84/hr

Group Programs Are Great Value 

One thing worth understanding is how shared support pricing works in your favour. In shared support arrangements, such as 1:2 or 1:3 support ratios, the hourly NDIS rate remains the same, but the cost of the support worker is shared across participants according to the level of support being delivered. This means your individual cost is lower than receiving the same number of hours of one-to-one support. Our programs are designed to maximise this approach, allowing participants to enjoy engaging, social days of adventure and skill building while making their NDIS funding go further than it would with individual support alone. 

The Bigger Shift: Different Pricing for Registered and Unregistered Providers from January 2027 

One of the most significant changes announced in the 2026–27 NDIS Annual Pricing Review comes into effect from 1 January 2027. 

Currently, registered and unregistered providers delivering Supports in a Community Setting (SCCP) can charge the same maximum NDIS price. 

The NDIA has announced that: 

  • Registered providers (like Blue Tongue Adventure) will continue to charge the current maximum price limits, with annual indexation to reflect rising wages and operating costs. 
  • Unregistered providers will have their maximum price limits reduced by 10%, and these prices will no longer receive annual indexation. 

Why is the NDIA making this change? 

The NDIA recognised that registered providers operate under a very different cost structure to unregistered providers. 

As a registered NDIS provider, Blue Tongue Adventure meets strict quality and safeguarding requirements, including regular NDIS Commission audits, worker screening, staff training, governance, quality assurance systems, award wages, and ongoing compliance obligations. These measures are in place to help ensure participants receive safe, high-quality supports from skilled and accountable providers. 

Many unregistered providers operate as sole traders or very small businesses with fewer regulatory requirements and lower overheads. The NDIA determined that the previous pricing model did not adequately reflect these differences, and the new pricing aims to create a fairer and more sustainable system across the sector. 

What does this mean for Blue Tongue Adventure participants? 

The good news is that very little changes if you’re already attending Blue Tongue Adventure.

As a registered provider, our pricing remains aligned with the NDIA’s published price limits and will continue to receive annual indexation. These changes help ensure providers like Blue Tongue Adventure can continue investing in experienced support workers, engaging community programs, participant safety, and high-quality services for years to come. 

The changes also create a more level playing field between registered and unregistered providers by recognising the additional standards and protections that registered providers deliver. This means families can have greater confidence that registered providers are being appropriately funded to maintain the quality, consistency and safeguards participants rely on. 

What About SLES? Here’s the Good News 

SLES is funded under Capacity Building – Employment, and the Annual Pricing Review data tells a genuinely encouraging story about this category. 

Capacity Building – Employment was one of the fastest-growing support categories in the NDIS in the six months to December 2025, with payments increasing by 36.2% compared to the same period the previous year. That growth reflects more young people accessing employment pathway supports, exactly the kind of meaningful investment in futures that SLES is designed to enable. 

SLES funding is annualised (rather than a set hourly rate), which means it offers flexibility in how it’s used across a program year. This suits the way Blue Tongue Pathways works, with workshop mornings, hands-on afternoons, work experience placements, travel training and industry exploration all building toward your goals over up to two years. 

There are no major structural changes to SLES pricing or eligibility in 2026–27, but the strong growth in take-up signals that more school leavers are discovering what SLES can do. If you or a loved one is finishing school soon and hasn’t explored SLES funding yet, this is a great time to ask your NDIS Plan Manager or Support Coordinator about it.  

What These NDIS Pricing Changes Mean for Your Plan 

The most important practical point across all of these changes is this: your NDIS plan funding doesn’t automatically increase when prices go up. If your plan was approved under 2025–26 rates, your budget may not stretch as far under the new rates, and it’s worth checking before you run short. 

Here’s what we’d encourage you to do: 

Talk to your support coordinator. Ask them to model what your supports cost at the new rates and whether your current plan is going to cover you through to your next review. 

Think about how you’re using your Core Supports funding. Group programs like Blue Tongue Adventure offer excellent value because the hourly cost of support is shared. If your plan currently funds a large amount of individual support, it may be worth talking to your Support Coordinator about whether adding small group-based programs could help your Core Supports funding stretch further. 

Ask about a plan review if you need one. If your funding looks like it won’t cover your supports, you can request an unscheduled review. The NDIA has processes for this when costs or circumstances have materially changed. Don’t wait until you run out – act early. 

Why Being a Registered Provider Matters More Than Ever 

The NDIS Pricing Changes 2026–27 are beginning to price registration appropriately, and we think that’s the right direction of travel. 

Being a registered NDIS provider isn’t just a compliance badge. It means our team is qualified and screened, our practices are subject to ongoing review and audit, our participants have access to formal safeguards, and we carry the governance and quality infrastructure needed to deliver programs you can genuinely trust – day in, day out. 

At Blue Tongue Adventure, that’s always been how we’ve operated. Thorough staff induction and training, formal quality systems, and a genuine, consistent commitment to the adventurers who walk through our doors. The new pricing framework is starting to reflect that distinction – and for young people navigating the transition from school to adulthood, the assurance that comes with a registered provider really matters. 

We’re Here to Help You Figure It Out 

We know pricing changes can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when your NDIS plan is tied to something as important as building skills, making friends, and finding your way after school. You shouldn’t have to work through that on your own. 

Whether you’re a current Blue Tongue crew member wanting to understand how these changes affect your program, a family member planning ahead for the year, or a school leaver who is looking to transition – we’d love to have a chat. 

Our programs run across Brisbane’s Bayside and Toowoomba, with flexible options to suit a range of goals and funding types, including Core Supports day programs and Blue Tongue Pathways SLES. 

Visit us at bluetongue-adventure.com.au, or get in touch with our Blue Tongue Adventure coordinators – we’re always happy to help!