ConneXtions

01/04/2026

True inclusion starts with listening to people, including those with autism 🌈

World Autism Awareness Day is a chance to reflect, learn and take steps - big or small - towards a more understanding world.

30/03/2026

✨𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄✨

Samantha Barlow has joined us as an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner, leading our children's services team in Wodonga.

With more than 10 years of experience in the disability sector and a Psychological Science degree, Samantha brings both expertise and passion to her role.

Samantha also brings valuable lived experience of autism, ADHD, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—something she now embraces as a strength. Her openness helps create genuine connections with participants and fosters a more inclusive, understanding environment.

Samantha was drawn to ConneXtions for our shared values and is passionate about delivering a connection-based, trauma-informed approach to supporting young people and their families.

We’re also proud that Samantha will be a keynote speaker at the Behaviour Support Practitioners Australia Conference this May.

Please join us in welcoming Samantha to the team 👏

25/03/2026

☀️Welcome to the Autumn edition of 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝑿𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔☀️

In this edition you'll find details about:
👨‍🍳A major upgrade for our children's services building
✨Our new Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner
🏉How you can catch the action live
🏠Respite available in Shepparton
And more!

We’re excited to kick off the year by sharing some great updates with you. In this edition, you’ll find news about upgrades to our children’s services building, the introduction of our new behaviour support practitioner, and details about planned group trips to the football.

24/03/2026

"People with disability deserve certainty, respect and support, not fear about what comes next."

Our forum made one thing painfully clear.

People with disability are not just concerned about the new NDIS framework. They are scared.

One participant asked: “When can we stop worrying about the fact that we might not get that funding again in future?”

This is the human impact of a system people are losing trust.

People with disability deserve certainty, respect and support, not fear about what comes next.

Watch the forum recording: https://youtu.be/2OhQ8oVHhXM

[Image description: Graphic from Every Australian Counts featuring a quote from the community forum: “When can we stop worrying about the fact that we might not get that funding again in future?” Below the quote it reads: “EAC Community Forum: Your Voice on the NDIS framework rules” with a red “Watch Now” button.]

21/03/2026

💙💛 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 💙💛

Every year on March 21, people around the world come together to celebrate people with Down syndrome and speak up for their rights, inclusion, and wellbeing.

This year’s theme is Together Against Loneliness — because everyone deserves to feel connected, valued and included.

19/03/2026

🏠 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 - 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒐𝒏 🏠

Are you in need of a break? We have spots available at our new respite house in Shepparton.

The service includes:
✅ Short-term;
✅ Medium-term; and,
✅ Emergency accommodation.

🚶 Adults or children
💲 NDIS rates apply

Message to book or for further information.

16/03/2026

✨𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄✨

Liarna Rosevear has joined our 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒐𝒏 office as a Support Coordinator.

Liarna has four years of experience working as a Support Coordinator and three years as an NDIS Plan Manager. This has given her a strong understanding of the NDIS framework from both the coordination and financial management perspectives.

Servicing communities throughout the Goulburn Valley, Liarna aims to offer supports that are well coordinated, participant-centred and responsive to individual needs.

“I’m looking forward to building positive relationships with participants and their families, helping them navigate their plans and supporting them to achieve the goals that are important to them,” she said.

“I’m also excited to work as part of a supportive team and contribute to the positive impact ConneXtions has in the community.”

Outside of work, Liarna enjoys spending time with her family, including her 13-year-old daughter and five-year-old step son, as well as her gorgeous nephew who recently made her an aunty for the first time.

Please join us in welcoming Liarna to the team 👏

13/03/2026

Footy season has officially kicked off, and we’re hitting the road for group trips to catch the action live! 🏉🚐

Whether you’re backing your AFL team or cheering on your favourite rugby side, come along for a supportive, fun day out at the game. 🙌

🚌 Wheelchair-friendly minibus departing from 𝑾𝒐𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒂
📅 You choose the match! Tell us which game you want to be part of
🤝 Good company, great vibes, and all the footy excitement
📩 Keen to come along? Comment below or send us a message with:
👉 Your name
👉 AFL or Rugby
👉 The game you’d love to attend

05/03/2026

Ever thought about having a go at wheelchair rugby? Well, here is your chance! 👨‍🦽👩‍🦽

Wheelchair Rugby League will host a free come and try event at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 28.

Men, women, boys and girls, with or without a disability, are encouraged to come and try this all-inclusive activity.

For further details or tickets 👉

Get tickets on Humanitix - FREE Come N Try Wheelchair Rugby League Wodonga hosted by Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Limited. Wodonga Sports & Leisure Centre, Hedgerow Ct, West Wodonga VIC 3690, Australia. Saturday 28th March 2026. Find event information.

26/02/2026

🏉🚐 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩 – 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝!

Footy season is just around the corner, and we're planning group trips to get in on the action. Whether you’re an AFL fan or love your rugby, this is your chance to cheer on your team in a friendly, supportive environment! 🎉

🚌 Wheelchair-friendly minibus departing from Wodonga.

📅 You choose the game! Let us know which match you’d love to attend.

🤝 Great company, good vibes, and a day full of sporting action!

📩 Register your interest now – comment below or send us a message with:

👉Your name
👉Preferred sport (AFL or Rugby)
👉The game you’d like to see

19/02/2026

The last 12 months saw significant changes to the NDIS, along with delays and uncertainty for participants and advocates. With so many moving parts, understanding what's changed can be overwhelming.

That's why the Justice and Equity Centre has released NDIS Insights 2025-26, an explainer designed to help people with disability and disability advocates make sense of recent developments.

Topics include:
🟣 New NDIS support lists
🟣 The introduction of funding periods
🟣 The announcement of the Thriving Kids program
🟣 Efforts to improve regulation and oversight of providers
🟣 How the NDIA is engaging with the community

The report also explores emerging themes in decisions from the Administrative Review Tribunal and Federal Court, following a surge in NDIS funding and access appeals.

Find out more👉 https://jec.org.au/publication/ndis-insights-2025-26/

17/02/2026

Here's a good explanation of how local area coordinators help people with a disability 👇

Local area coordinators help NDIS participants work towards their goals, including connecting to informal, mainstream and community supports.

They can help you to find relevant information about the NDIS, understand and access the NDIS, support and implement your NDIS plan and apply for any changes to your plan if required.

Learn more at 💻 https://ow.ly/EZ8H50YeCFZ