Melbourne Firm Ensures Entitlement Usage
Must Have Maintenance (MHM), a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne, is addressing the challenge faced by many National Disability Insurance Scheme participants who struggle to access their funded garden maintenance entitlements.
More than 739,000 Australians are eligible for funded garden maintenance under the NDIS. However, many find the scheme too complex, resulting in unspent funds. These funds do not carry over, and underspending risks reduced budgets in future plans.
MHM provides NDIS-compliant garden services, including lawn mowing, pruning, and green waste removal, at rates between $54.30 and $65.47 per hour. These services are classified under Core Supports, specifically in the ‘Assistance with Daily Life’ category.
Simplifying the Process for Participants
Lukas James, owner of MHM, emphasises the importance of using garden maintenance entitlements, stating, “It’s genuinely frustrating, because a lot of people don’t realise that garden maintenance isn’t a grey area. It’s there because safety, dignity, and being able to use your outdoor space without a hazard every two steps is exactly what this scheme is supposed to address.”
MHM liaises directly with plan managers and support coordinators to simplify the process, ensuring participants and their families can easily access their services without confusion or delay.
Participants and coordinators interested in MHM’s NDIS gardening services can find more information or request a quote at musthavemaintenance.com.au.
Founded in 2018 by Rory Cushnahan and Lukas James, Must Have Maintenance operates with 54 trained professionals across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs, offering a range of garden maintenance solutions.
The Department of Health and Ageing acknowledges a lack of clarity around what supports qualify, creating confusion and inconsistency. This leaves a gap between what participants want and what they can access.
Unspent funds do not carry over to a new plan, and consistent underspending can lead the NDIA to reduce a participant’s budget at their next review. This makes it essential for participants to use their entitlements effectively.
Must Have Maintenance, by working directly with plan managers and support coordinators, helps participants navigate the complex system, ensuring they do not lose out on their entitlements.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:03 pm
