SKILL Barossa

06/11/2025

Everything you do makes an impact everything you do can be a benefit, everything we do can tell the story of us, who we are and how we wish the world to be.

When visiting Hamilton, Hamish would gift his drawings to staff at the local art gallery – where they are featured in their new exhibition 'Hello Hamish'.

Practicing art allowed Hamish, who has autism and schizoaffective disorder, to communicate in a way that came naturally to him. His father remarks that his art 'allowed him to structure his thoughts in ways he could communicate with the rest of us.'

The exhibition houses over 250 of Hamish's original sketches, meticulously collected by Hamilton Art Gallery staff over the years. They are thrilled they can now celebrate their 'secret artist-in-residence'.

Read more at 💻 https://ow.ly/hT3U50Xk7bA

📷 Image: Emily Bissland at ABC News

05/11/2025

🌟 𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂!
Chat with us in person about how we can make our region more inclusive and accessible for people with disability.

Community Workshop Sessions:
🟢 Berri – Monday, 17 November, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Berri Senior Citizens Club
🟠 Renmark – Tuesday, 18 November, 9.30am to 11.30am at the Renmark Paringa Civic Centre
🟣 Waikerie – Wednesday, 19 November, 1pm to 3pm at the Waikerie Football Club
🔵 Loxton – Thursday, 20 November, 9am to 11am at The Precinct.

Every effort will be made to ensure the workshops are accessible and inclusive. If you have access needs that need to be fulfilled to take part in the workshop, please contact Alice Hyde (AliceH@purpleorange.org.au or 08 8373 8324).

Learn more about the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan: engagement.berribarmera.sa.gov.au/DAIP

03/11/2025

Do you want to have your say for the 2025 Review of the Disability Standards for Education is underway, and you’re invited to have your say. 📣
We are holding focus groups this Wednesday 5 November in the Barossa. Online 10am-12noon and in person 5-7pm in Nuriootpa (only 2 spots left)

To book in to the focus group please reach out to Alice at aliceh@purpleorange.org.au

The Standards help to make sure students with disability can access and participate in education and training on the same basis as students without disability.

For more information about the review, and more ways to have your say, visit www.education.gov.au/dsereview2025.

31/10/2025

Consultation for the 2025 Review of the Disability Standards for Education is underway, and you’re invited to have your say. 📣

The Standards help to make sure students with disability can access and participate in education and training on the same basis as students without disability.

You can have your say by attending a regional focus group. 💬

To find out more about regional focus groups, contact us at aliceh@purpleorange.org.au

For more information about the review, and more ways to have your say, visit www.education.gov.au/dsereview2025.

29/10/2025

⭐️

Zara Stewart is our inspiring 2025 Kicking Goals Scholarship recipient.

Kicking Goals is the scholarship for a young person with a disability to help them into further education or employment. It includes mentorship from John Hughes. John, who has mild cerebral palsy, established Kicking Goals with an understanding of the barriers faced by people with a disability trying to enter the workforce.

Zara has Ushers Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes a combination of hearing loss and vision loss due to an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa.

In Zara’s application she said “For a long time I refused to think about the future because I thought it would be a waste of time because a ‘DeafBlind’ girl can’t achieve anything. After meeting a group of people like me, I realised I can do many things and that my disability shouldn’t stop me. I really want to go to Uni and study sociology to eventually become an advocate for women and people with disabilities.”

On receiving the scholarship Zara said, “This scholarship means a lot to me, knowing that I don't have to worry about school resources costs and that I will have help with figuring out my future"

Zara is one of those people that leaves a lasting impression on you with her quiet drive and passion for advocating for other who face discrimination or disadvantage. We are very proud to be able to support Zara on her journey.

[Photo: Matt Webster, The Leader Newspaper - Barossa Valley]

29/10/2025

Want to work in hospitalty? Real employment with real wages!

Blending Our Futures is currently hiring mainstream wage, paid supported employees for their cafe in Gawler, SA

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for people with disabilities only and requires the correct goals and NDIS funding line availability.

More information can be found at:
Blendingourfutures.com.au

27/10/2025

Free Adelaide Metro Event.
Taking place at Mawson Lakes, details are below.

Public transport try before you ride event!

This is a free event.

You can try out using an Adelaide Metro bus.

You can ask questions and find out how to use buses for your transport.

Details:
Friday 21 November, 10am to 2pm.
Mawson Lakes Interchange.
You can register to come or just join on the day.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/try-before-you-ride

This event is run by Feros Care , Torrens Transit, Keolis Downer Adelaide, Guide Dogs SA/NT, and John Fullbrook MP.

14/10/2025

Something great for the little ones and families.
💛

Child and Family Expo.
Free Event this Saturday 18th October, at Tanunda show hall.
Details are below

I will also post pictures of the providers who have been confirmed so far, some others will be there on the day.

Do you have a truck loving little one in your household?

The Barossa Child and Family Expo is an opportunity for families to meet and mingle with a range of local service providers, with the added bonus of a mini touch-a-truck experience for kids!

The Expo is targeted at families with kids aged 0-5y; booking is highly recommended at barossa.sa.gov.au/events or call us on 8563 8440.

📅 Saturday 18 October
🕙 10.00am – 1.00pm
📍 Tanunda Show Hall - Elizabeth Street, Tanunda
🎫Free event

What's included?
🌭 Free sausage sizzle for ticket holders
🚛Mini Touch a Truck experience
🎉Yellow Brick Road trail
📚Book giveaways
See you there!

12/10/2025

Shout outs for all the carers and supporters.

With more than 245,000 unpaid Carers in South Australia, chances are you are a Carer, know a Carer, or will be one at some point in your life.

This National Carers Week, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the Carers around us. This year’s theme is You are one, know one or will be one.
Caring is everywhere. Carers are our neighbours, work mates, family and friends, many are often quietly providing vital support.

Here are a few simple ways you can make a difference:
💙 Check in regularly — a quick message or chat can mean a lot.
💙 Offer them a break so they can take time to recharge.
💙 Acknowledge & recognise - Use your words to recognise and thank a Carer for what they do.
💙 Encourage them to look after their own wellbeing, too.
💙 Host an event in your workplace to raise awareness

https://www.carerssa.com.au/whats-happening/national-carers-week/

05/10/2025

Registrations closing soon!
Your next great hire might be someone you’re unintentionally overlooking 👀

Many recruitment processes still create barriers for people with disability — not because of their capability, but because of outdated systems and assumptions.

If you’re a hiring manager or business leader, join JFA Purple Orange for a free Inclusive Recruitment Training on Wednesday 15 October, 10am - 11:30am ACDT (online via Microsoft Teams).

Learn how to:
- Attract diverse candidates by designing inclusive job ads and accessible processes
- Identify barriers in your current hiring practices
- Tap into underutilised talent and fresh perspectives

Registrations close Monday 13 October at 9:00am ACST, so be sure to register now to avoid disappointment!

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know upon registration.
👉 Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/jfa-purple-orange-inclusive-recruitment-training
Let’s shift the way we hire — and open more doors to talent.

03/10/2025

🎧 New episode: “You Don’t Look Sick”: Living with Invisible Disability

When Nicole became unwell, doctors said it was all in her head. But she knew her body — and she kept pushing for answers.

In this deeply personal episode, Nicole shares what it’s like to live with an invisible disability in a world that demands performance and dismisses pain.

You’ll hear about medical gaslighting, chronic fatigue, identity, and finding your voice when others don’t believe you.

Whether you have an invisible disability or want to understand how to be a better ally to someone who does — this story is for you.

🔗 Listen now on your favourite platform -
Podbean: https://buff.ly/JaTUEjO
Spotify: https://buff.ly/ndvQXn9
Apple Podcasts: https://buff.ly/PP3H1n7
Amazon Music: https://buff.ly/VdvIJv0
iHeartRadio: https://buff.ly/lfYdccn

Read the show notes on our website for the resources that Nicole has shared 👉 https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/purple-orange-podcast-series


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ID: Smiling woman seated by the beach, framed in purple and green circles. Australian Podcast Awards “Nominee 2024” badge and the Purple Orange logo appear on the left.