Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc.

01/12/2025

With summer on our doorstep, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast increased chance of extreme heat. Many people will face heat stress and related health issues.

Cooling homes this summer is essential to keep people safe. That’s why we’re spreading the word about two Victorian Government initiatives helping people pay energy bills, making it easier to keep homes cool this summer:

· $100 Power Saving Bonus: A $100 payment available to households with a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, and a recent electricity bill.

· Energy Assistance Program: A free phone service helping Victorians having trouble paying their energy bills. The service covers energy debt, getting the best offer, saving energy, and negotiating with energy companies.

Both initiatives are open now. The Power Saving Bonus is scheduled to close at the end of March 2026.

25/11/2025

SENSITIVE SANTA! - Ho Ho Ho

The first is 'Sensitive Santa' hosted by the East Gippsland Library. This is a holly-jolly event where children who may be overwhelmed by the noise and hustle and bustle of queueing to visit Santa are able to immerse themselves in their visit to Santa, in a quiet, and relaxed setting that is all about their enjoyment - See flyer attached for further details

COLOUR FUN EVENT!!!

The second opportunity, to acknowledge the 16 Days of Activism, is the 'Colour Fun Event'. A family friendly event at Davisons Oval, where children, teenagers, families can come together to enjoy free activities and join in the colour fun

Friday 5th December 4pm - 7pm
Davisons Oval, Bairnsdale

25/11/2025

FREE WEEKEND PT FOR CARERS AND DISABILITY PENSIONERS
The Allan Labor Government is delivering free weekend public transport – everywhere – for carers and Disability
Support Pensioners, and we’ve built the Metro Tunnel so it’s easier to visit our hospitals.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today joined carers and nurses to celebrate free public transport for carers and disability pensioners – also marking the opening of the new Parkville Station pedestrian underpass.

Free public transport will be available every weekend for every Victorian, everywhere, from the opening of the Metro Tunnel this Sunday until Sunday 1 February 2026, when the new stations will be fully integrated into the
wider network.

Now, after 1 February, close to 300,000 carers and disability support pensioners who use public transport will be able to catch a train, tram or bus anywhere across the state for free on weekends – saving carers who travel morethan $360 per year.

Currently carers enjoy free travel on weekends in any two neighbouring zones, allowing for short trips. This expansion will extend free travel to carers anywhere across the state on weekends – from Wodonga or Warrnambool to Parkville and everywhere in between.

Carer Card Holders and those on a Disability Support Pension will be able to use their myki to touch on and off as usual – but their cards won’t be charged. They will need to carry proof of their concession when they travel.
This is another way the Labor Government is making public transport more affordable for Victorians – from next year kids will be able to travel for free every single day and seniors will be able to travel for free on weekends.

18/11/2025

17/11/2025

On behalf of Gippsland Regional Sports Assembly (GippSport), we are writing to invite your staff, volunteers, and participants to a free, inclusive community event celebrating the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) in collaboration with Wellington Shire
This event is designed to promote accessibility, movement, community, and fun for all abilities in the Gippsland region.
Event Details
• What: International Day of People with Disability 2025 Celebration
• When: Wednesday, 3 December 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Activities)
• Location: Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Sale
Program
We have curated a range of accessible activities to ensure everyone can get involved, followed by complimentary food and refreshments:
• Fun Sports: Walking Basketball, Frisbee Target Throw, Co****le (Bean Bag Toss), and Vision Impaired Table Tennis.
• Creative Corner: A dedicated Painting Canvas Handprints area for engaging creative expression.
• Food: Free food and refreshments will be available immediately following the activities.

We would be grateful if you could share this invitation directly with your participants and support network. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Gippsland community to come together. I will also drop by some physical flyers this week
To help us manage catering and activity resources, please RSVP the estimated number of attendees (staff and participants) to this email or the contact below.
We look forward to celebrating IDPwD 2025 with your organization and your participants.
Kind Regards, Mehul J.

mehul@gippsport.com.au
0476 000 304

16/11/2025

Victorian Self Advocacy Network Protest – Wednesday 3rd December, 11am-1pm
Disability is Not a Target!

Join us at Parliament House to end the violence everywhere and speak up for respect and safety for people with disability.

After the protest, come for lunch to: 210 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Vic 3000

RSVP by Monday 1st December
Email: office@saru.org.au
Phone: 03 9639 6856

We will have the banner we made together to share our message "Disability is Not a Target - Speak up against Violence"

14/11/2025

What is IDPwD?

International Day People with Disability is a United Nations day recognised around the world on 3 December each year. The day aims to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, businesses and individuals.

We encourage conversations around IDPwD to:
• challenge stereotypes and negative attitudes
• recognise the contributions of people with disability
• build a more inclusive community

To find out more:
https://www.idpwd.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IDPwD-Community-Conversation-Guide-ONLINE_Final.pdf

13/11/2025

Lakes Entrance Unveils New Changing Places Facility

East Gippsland Shire Council, disability advocates and community representatives came together on Thursday 6 November to celebrate the opening of a Changing Places facility, designed for people with high support or mobility needs, on the Lakes Entrance foreshore.

The ribbon was cut by upper house member for eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, joined by East Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr John White, Councillors Tom Crook and Arthur Allen, representatives from the Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association including Bruce Hurley and Sharen Cameron, Gippsland Disability Advocacy Executive Officer Leanne Wishart, and Council staff and community members.

The new facility provides fully accessible toilets and changerooms for people with disabilities and their carers. Features include a height-adjustable adult change table, ceiling hoist, accessible shower, Braille signage, and extra space for carers.

Bianca Bassett, a wheelchair user and Lakes Entrance local, noted that the Changing Places facility represents far more than just a bathroom.

"It means not having to choose between comfort and participation. It means not having to stay home," Bianca said.

"Disability inclusion isn't just a moral imperative, it's an economic opportunity."

"When we stay home, our families stay home. Our friends stay home. Our communities miss out on our presence, our contributions and our stories."

Mayor Cr John White said the facility will make a big difference for residents and visitors alike.

"This is about dignity, inclusion and making sure everyone can be part of community life," he said. "It means families and carers can enjoy a day at the beach or a walk along the foreshore without the stress of not having suitable facilities nearby."

The Lakes Entrance facility was jointly funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and Council, as part of a statewide program to improve access for people with disability.

The Lakes Entrance Action & Development Association welcomed the project, saying it complements the town's ongoing efforts to make the foreshore more welcoming for everyone.

The facility is open 24 hours a day and can be accessed using a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK).

"Everyone deserves to be part of community life," John said. "This is another step in making that happen - one facility at a time."

Council is creating another Changing Places facility in Cann River, with completion anticipated around December. Until then, a Marveloo portable accessible facility is available in the town.

12/11/2025

Unfortunately we have to cancel this month’s Latrobe Valley Friday Friendship Group (Friday 14th November) due to unexpected events.

We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

Kind regards,

Group Worker
Positive Powerful Parents


Positive Powerful Parents Self Advocacy Group is run by and for parents with intellectual disability.

My work days are: Wednesday & Friday

03) 9639 9106
0493 309 484

10/11/2025

Disability self help grants now open

Dear all,
We are pleased to let you know that a new round of Victorian Government grants to support disability self help groups is now open.
You can find out more on the disability self help grants webpage. Please share information about the grants with anyone who may be interested to apply.
About the grants
Grants of up to $7,000 per year for 1 or 2 years are available to help disability self help groups to run (a total maximum of $14,000 over 2 years).
Disability self help groups provide valuable peer support for people with disability, and their families and carers. They boost social connection, mental health and wellbeing.
The grants can assist with administrative costs, communications and activities that strengthen the group.
We're interested to hear from groups representing diverse communities and those in regional areas.
Information session
The Office for Disability is holding an online information session on Thursday, 27 November 2025. This session will provide more information about the program for groups that are interested to apply.
For more details and to register for the session please visit the disability self help grants webpage
More information
Applications are open for 10 weeks, closing at 4.00 pm on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
To find out more and apply go to the disability self help grants webpage
If you have any questions please email the Office for Disability
Thank you for your support.

Office for Disability
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
ofd@dffh.vic.gov.au
www.dffh.vic.gov.au

22/10/2025

International Day of People with Disability celebrations at Latrobe Leisure

Free All Abilities Walking Basketball and Community Lunch. Local Advocacy Organisations will also be present. No registration required.

Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium Traralgon
Monday 1st December 2025
All Abilities Walking Basketball: 10.30am-11.30am
Community Lunch: 11.30am-12.30pm

Moe Newborough Leisure Centre
Friday 5th December 2025
All Abilities Walking Basketball: 11.00am-12.00noon
Community Lunch: 12.00noon-1.00pm

Gippsland Disability Advocacy, New Wave Gippsland, Latrobe Community Health Service, Carers Victoria and Latrobe City Emergency Management are supporting these events.

If you have any accessibility or dietary requirements to support your participation, please contact Hayley Hall, email: hayley.hall@latrobe.vic.gov.au, phone: 0437 964 54. Latrobe Leisure offers step-free entry, accessible parking and Changing Places toilets.

16/10/2025

Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc. – GDA - is seeking
additional Board members.

GDA is a not for profit, community based Incorporated Association,
funded to provide advocacy support, advice, and referrals for people
with disability.

GDA provides outreach support to people with disabilities across the six
local government areas of Gippsland.

GDA is governed by a Board of management made up of
voluntary/unpaid board members. The Board has a variety of lived,
industry, health, disability, and community backgrounds.
GDA is seeking prospective Board members who have values consistent
with our Mission and Vision, including social justice and upholding the
rights of people with disability.

A GDA board member’s role is a strategic position in the organisation
and a board member is responsible for governing the organisation. This
should not be confused with the management and operational aspects of
the organisation (that is, the everyday running of the organisation).
Meetings are held on the third Monday of the Month either Face to face
or online via Microsoft Teams.

For more information and/or to discuss becoming a Board member of
GDA please contact the Board Chair: Rosalie O’Neil, please contact
Rosalie via email board.chair@gdai.org.au

You can find out more about GDA by looking at our webpage
Web page: https://gdai.com.au/ and our page