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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

    About the forums:

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

    Now, and into the future—by including 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.

    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:

    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/

    Tanya Scott 

    Director of Communities, leading a diverse portfolio spanning Tourism and Museums, Childcare, Libraries, Parks and Gardens, Major Projects, Communication and Engagement, Events, Funeral Services and Public Facilities. Passionate about inclusive community development, Tanya works to create accessible, connected and resilient communities where people of all abilities can participate and thrive. With extensive local government experience, she is committed to embedding accessibility and inclusion across services, infrastructure, public spaces and community engagement processes. Tanya brings a practical leadership perspective on how councils can partner with communities to drive meaningful and lasting change.

    Bronwyn Moloney

    Having started work in the late 70s at an institution which had just changed from a medical model to a residential model, Bronwyn has been fortunate to be involved in creating different living options for people with disabilities. She has particularly worked with people leaving institutions to return to the community, and families wanting something other than congregate care for their adult children with disability, knowing that group homes are not the answer.

    Debbie Erswell 

    Debbie is responsible for leading the selectability team in Longreach and overseeing the day-today operations to ensure the delivery high-quality, person-centred services across the central west. Echoing selectability’s commitment to regional Queenslanders, Debbie believes access to high-quality support is everyone’s right.
    “I believe all rural and remote communities should have access to flexible, responsive services regardless of location.”

    Daisy Walton

    Daisy is a proud First Nations Woman who has been living in the Longreach community for most of her life. Daisy convenes the QDN Longreach Gidgee Yarning circle, a monthly meeting where people with disability living in Longreach, are able to meet, connect and talk about the things that are happening for them in life and community. Daisy is an artist and attends the Red Shed weekly to work on her art and connect with her community

    Sandra Warren 

    CEO of Outback Independent Living, Sandra is passionate about people, community and creating meaningful change across regional and remote Queensland. Across every role, and through her volunteer commitments, Sandra has found herself drawn to the same things: bringing people together and empowering them, strengthening communities, advocating for better outcomes and finding practical ways to make a difference.

    Online Inclusion Matters Forum #6 - Health and Wellbeing

    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.