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    Inclusion Matters

    Text Inclusion Matters, putting inclusion into action. Logo QDN, Queenslanders with Disability Network, Nothing About Us Without Us

    Inclusion Matters Forums – Putting inclusion into action

    You can help to strengthen disability inclusion in your community across housing, employment, education, health and transport.

    Now, and into the future—by everyone.

    Inclusion Matters forums, hosted by local QDN Peer Leaders showcase what real inclusion looks like across the seven outcome areas of Australia’s Disability Strategy. Join people with disability, families, allies and organisations as we share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building stronger, more inclusive communities – together.

    About the forums:

    In 2025, we held Regional in-person community forums and online forums that brought together over 450 attendees. These attendees included people with disability, family members and careers, community and peak organisations, members of local and regional councils and community members and advocates. All who saw the need for community collaboration to tackle the inclusion barriers we are facing in our local communities.  

    • Hear from local leaders and changemakers about what works and what’s needed next.
    • Join conversations about how we can make inclusion stronger across housing, employment, education, health, transport, and community life.
    • Turning good ideas into real change – share your insights and shape inclusion in your community.

     These key community events continue into 2026 and are now live!  

     Join the conversation by registering for your local Inclusion Matters Forum or an Online Forum today. 

    Upcoming Forums:

    Roma Inclusion Matters Forum

    Where: Roma Explorers Inn, 44778 Warrego Highway, Roma 4455
    When: Wednesday 17 June
    Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
    Click this link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-roma-2026/

    Speakers for Roma

    A woman with blonde hair wearing glasses and gold earrings.
    Christina Waldron
    Stride Mental Health and Community Support Services – Roma and St George

    Stride supports people living with mild to moderate mental health issues to manage their social and emotional wellbeing in the community. In 2025, Stride also added Universal Aftercare, a peer-led program supporting people experiencing suicidal crisis or following a suicide attempt.

    Christina has had an interesting pathway that led her to working in mental health. After arriving in Australia as a backpacker nearly 40 years ago, she met her husband and settled in Roma.

    When her sons started school, Christina returned to work as a Disability Support Worker with a local disability employment provider. This sparked a lifelong passion for the sector, where she spent much of her career in various roles.

    In 2014, Christina joined Aftercare as Coordinator of a newly funded community-managed mental health program. She has continued with the organisation through its rebrand to Stride in 2019 and has now worked in the service for more than 11 years.

    Online Inclusion Matters Forum - Education and Learning

    Topic: Education and Learning
    Where: Online via Zoom
    When: Thursday 16 July
    Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
    Click this link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-forum-5-online/

    Longreach Inclusion Matters Forum

    Where: Longreach Civic Centre, 96A Eagle St, Longreach, 4730
    When: Wednesday 16 September
    Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
    Click this link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-longreach-2026/

    Online Inclusion Matters Forum - Health and Welbeing

    Topic: Health and Wellbeing
    Where: Online via Zoom
    When: Thursday 15 October
    Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
    Click this link to register: 
    https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-forum-6-online/

     

    What is Australia’s Disability Strategy?

    Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 (ADS) is a national framework that all Australian governments have signed up to. It sets out a plan for continuing to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over 10 years.

    The topics for the Forums are linked to the Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) 7 outcome areas:

    1. Employment and financial security
    2. Inclusive homes and communities
    3. Safety, rights and justice
    4. Personal and community support
    5. Education and learning
    6. Health and wellbeing
    7. Community attitudes

    Past Forums

    To see past forums, please follow this link: https://qdn.org.au/ourwork/inclusion-matters/inclusion-matters-past-forums/

    If you have any questions or need support, please contact Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) on 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au.