Inclusion Matters Forums – Putting inclusion into action
Join us at QDN’s Inclusion Matters Forum to explore how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened—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:
- 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.
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:
- Employment and financial security
- Inclusive homes and communities
- Safety, rights and justice
- Personal and community support
- Education and learning
- Health and wellbeing
- Community attitudes
Upcoming Forums
Mackay
Wednesday 8 October, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Shamrock Hotel, 165 Nebo Rd, Mackay
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-forum-mackay
William Stafford - Community Accommodation Support Agency (CASA), General Manager
William is originally from the UK and moved to Mackay with his wife and children. Making Mackay his home has shaped not only his personal journey but also my professional one, giving him the opportunity to contribute to a community he cares deeply about. William's career began in finance and business, but over time he felt called to use those skills in a more people-focused way. That path led him into the community services sector, and today he serves as General Manager of CASA, which has been serving Mackay for 43 years as the region’s leading specialist homelessness service.
Every night in Mackay, hundreds of people have a roof over their heads because of CASA. Together with an incredible team, William has had the privilege of guiding the organisation through a period of renewal — doubling staff capacity, building a management team, modernising systems, expanding housing portfolio, and delivering a five-fold increase in brokerage funding distributed directly into the community. His work is an expression of his connection to Mackay — a reflection of the community his family and him are proud to live in, grow in, and belong to.
Nina Swara - Manager & Advocate
Born in Mackay, and single parent, Nina has been working with Mackay Advocacy Inc for the past 20 years and has enjoyed upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of vulnerable people with disability in the Mackay, Isaac & Whitsunday regions. Her role rapidly emerged from an Outreach Advocate supporting people to achieve housing modifications, bank fee refunds and revocation of financial administrators to Manager/Advocate providing a voice for people with disability in the Child Safety system (primarily the parents), mental health tribunals and anti-discrimination hearings. Independent individual advocacy ensures a fairer power balance between people who are being suppressed, exploited and discriminated and the more powerful entities both in the community and corporate spheres. Substantial cases, even against those with crown legal representatives, have been won – the truth prevails! Many injustices were submitted to the Disability Royal Commission with the valuable contribution of the people significantly affected. Nina and her team continue to provide one on one independent advocacy support and contribute to systemic advocacy and policy reforms, both state and federal.
Kristy Bugeja
Kristy Bugeja is proudly Mackay born and bred, completing her schooling locally before undertaking university studies in Mackay and Rockhampton. With her family still based in Mackay, Kristy returned home after university and is passionate about giving back to her community. Kristy is the new Sport4All Inclusion Coach, working in partnership with Mackay Regional Council. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be included in whatever they choose to do, free from barriers or limitations. In this role, her focus is on increasing opportunities for people with disability to participate in community sport.
Sport has always played a central role in Kristy’s life. Growing up, she played tennis, netball, athletics and touch football. At age 15, a blood clot on her spine led to a nerve condition called transverse myelitis, which gave her a lived understanding of the barriers people with disability face. Returning to sport became a vital outlet for Kristy, and she embraced the buzz of being back on court alongside her teammates. Since 2007, she has played wheelchair basketball, competing at a national level since 2008 with the Queensland Comets and more recently with the Gold Coast Rollers. Kristy holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Communications) and a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources). Alongside her professional career in government, she has volunteered extensively with Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, helping improve the lives of people with disability.
Robert Ryan
Robert Ryan is a senior leader in local government with over 26 years of experience in community development. He began his career working at the grassroots level as a Community Development Officer for 10 years, where he built strong community connections and delivered place-based initiatives tailored to local needs.
Now as Senior Coordinator of Community Programs, Robert leads a team of 23 dedicated professionals across a broad and integrated portfolio. His areas of responsibility include:
· Locality-based and system-level community development
· Sarina Neighbourhood Centre
· Community grants programs
· Museums, arts and cultural development
· Youth engagement
· Sport and recreation planning
Robert brings a systems-thinking mindset, excels in cross-sector collaboration, and is deeply committed to inclusive, community-led change.
Teresa Anderson - Project Officer, Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3)
Passionate about shaping a strong future for the region and its communities, Teresa brings focus and dedication to her role as Project Officer at Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3). In leading workforce development initiatives, she draws on her expertise in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination to support workforce growth and economic development across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. Since joining GW3 in 2024, Teresa has contributed to key projects, including the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, the Future Finder website, Greater Businesses events, and regional workforce forums. With more than a decade of experience connecting people with careers and supporting workforce development solutions, Teresa brings expertise in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery. Teresa’s role at GW3 allows her to champion initiatives that align with the region’s strategic goals, strengthen employment pathways, and support the prosperity of the Greater Whitsunday community now and into the future.
More Upcoming Forums
Online #3 (Safety, Rights and Justice)
Thursday 20 November, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-forum-online-3
Past Forums
To see past forums, please follow this link: https://qdn.org.au/our-work/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.
