Top international gong for SA-based NDIS provider

South Australian NDIS provider Utopia Care has won its second major award — being recognised at the International Enablement Awards in London as the Most Outstanding Provider of Personalised Support in the Disability Sector in the World in 2024.

Recognising Utopia Care for its provision of services to people within the community and its commitment to supporting people living with disability, the international awards recognise the growth of the sector worldwide — including outstanding performances in senior housing/care, healthcare innovation/IT and medical tourism; creation of new business models; contrarian thinking; market leadership; and the elevation of the customer experience.

Utopia Care was founded in 2019 and has grown to become a leading NDIS provider in South Australia and Broken Hill. Over the past five years the team has grown to more than 150 staff, with expansion plans into other areas of care in 2025.

The South Australian organisation provides in-home support services, social and community support services, supported independent living, short- and medium-term accommodation, specialist disability accommodation, individualised living options and voluntary out-of-home care — stretching from the Barossa Valley to Victor Harbor.

Founder Tony Smith said he was incredibly proud of the international recognition, recognising the commitment of every one of the company’s workers to make the lives of people living with disability not only easier but fulfilling.

“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do — we’re there to make their lives easier and to give them peace of mind that we can support them when and where they need it. We work to understand their strengths, their needs and personal situation to build complex plans based on the services they needed the most,” Smith said.

Smith said Utopia Care offers personalised support to empower people to achieve greater independence and quality of life, and the award recognised the commitment from his entire team.

The company works closely with the Department of Human Services, including child protection workers and other allied health support workers.

Smith said while many providers in the sector are struggling with cost burdens and additional scrutiny, it is important to recognise the companies that put their clients first — ahead of profits and growth for growth’s sake.

Image caption: Utopia Care’s Jane and Tony Smith. Image: Supplied.