Bright Sparks Workshops
QDN is running 48 Bright Sparks workshops across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay. The workshops focus on practical ways to reduce electricity bills without compromising health and wellbeing. These workshops are open to people with disability and will be delivered both in-person and online. An additional 12 workshops will be delivered by Multicultural Australia. The Bight Sparks project is funded by the Department of Energy and Climate.
If you would like to attend a Bright Sparks workshop, follow the link below to find one near you.
https://qdn.org.au/our-work/bright-sparks-2024-25/
Disability Reform Action
Make your voice count at the upcoming Disability Reform Forum
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with Queensland Government, invites you to a Disability Reform Community Forum in Queensland.
You are invited to attend the forum if you are:
- a person with disability
- a family member or carer
- a service provider
- work or volunteer at a community organisation
- an advocate for people with disability.
What’s happening at the forum?
Hear what people have said in earlier forums and how it is informing reform work.
Share what is important to you and your community in shaping targeted foundational supports for children under 9 in Queensland.
Why attend?
The forum is a chance for you to:
- make your voice count – help shape outcomes that will work in your region
- connect with community – meet others working toward change in the disability sector
- ask questions and hear from the team.
Forums are being held between 19 May and 13 June 2025 in locations around Queensland, as well as online.
To find a forum near you, click the following link: https://qdn.org.au/community-forums/
Final report from first round of disability reform community reforms released
We are pleased to share with you the final report and presentation slides from the forums. The report includes themes that emerged from our discussions and the data collected during the activities around reform priorities and timeframes. These documents can be accessed here: https://qdn.org.au/qld-disability-reforms/
Unlock opportunities with QDeNgage: Become a consultant
We are actively seeking Queenslanders with disabilities to join our team of consultants.
QDeNgage connects organisations with expert consultants who bring both professional skills and lived experience of disability. Our consultants are Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) members engaged by organisations to develop strategies and implement plans that foster a culture of inclusivity.
Our services include:
- Disability inclusion reviews
- Customer consultation and focus groups
- Product and experience testing
- Disability awareness and inclusion training
- Policy development
- Disability action plans
- Service and facility co-design
- Filming and photo shoot talent for campaigns, websites, and documents
Why Join QDeNgage?
Becoming a QDeNgage consultant means getting paid to make a real difference. You’ll connect with new people, have fun, and use your lived experience and expertise to help organisations become more inclusive and accessible. Every engagement is a paid opportunity, and we reimburse any related expenses, because your time and voice matter.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Identify as a person with a disability
- Be a member of QDN (membership is free)
- Demonstrate or have the ability to acquire skills to share your experiences and knowledge
Joining QDeNgage is free, and we provide support and professional development opportunities to help you succeed in your consulting role.
For more information and to apply to become a consultant
Visit QD-eNgage - Queenslanders with Disability Network
If you are interested in making your organisation more accessible and inclusive, or you’d like to bring your experience to our team of consultants, get in touch to find out more.
Contact us at engage@qdn.org.au or call 1300 363 783.
Together, we can build a more inclusive Queensland
Coming Soon! - New Inclusion Matters Forums
This new series of in person and online workshops will commence in June, showcasing what good inclusion looks like and why it matters.
The first forum is an Online Forum on Thursday 26th June, to be followed by an in-person forum on Monday 30th June in Brisbane. More forums will follow around the State and online over the next two years. Stories and speakers will focus on topics including employment, safety, rights and justice, education, inclusive homes and communities, support, health and wellbeing and community attitudes.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety – have you say
QDN recently held a Member Online Forum on E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety where we heard from members what their experience has been with E-Mobility devices. There was a great range of ideas and suggestions that came from people with disability across the state.
We spoke about a whole range of topics including:
1. Safety & Accessibility – Challenges and potential infrastructure improvements.
2. Regulatory & Enforcement Improvements – Effective rules and enforcement measures.
3. Collaboration & Accountability – Strengthening stakeholder engagement for safer e-scooter practices.
To enter your own submission to the inquiry into E-scooter and E-bike safety, you can read more and submit here: SDIWC - Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland - Submission
The closing date for written submissions is 12:00pm (midday) on Friday 20 June 2025
Issues that matter
QDN members are encouraged to reach out to the policy team to be involved in our submission writing. Email qdn@qdn.org.au or call 1300 363 783 to have a conversation with the policy team.
Submissions the policy team is working on:
- Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
- Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland
NDIS updates
Changes to NDIS funding periods
From 19 May 2025, the NDIA will start changing how participants receive their funding. Funds will be available in smaller amounts - usually every three months. This will apply when participants receive a new or updated plan. You can learn more here: Changes to NDIS funding periods | NDIS
Delay in Foundational Supports Rollout
The government was planning to start new support on July 1, 2025, for people with disabilities who do not qualify for the NDIS. But now, it looks like this will not happen on time. The government is still talking with state and territory leaders to work out the details. The plan will probably happen later in the year. People who support disability rights are worried that this delay means some people won’t get the help they need. Government delays rollout of promised fo... | Disability Support Guide
Have your say: NDIS Commission Survey is now open
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has a yearly survey. They want to hear from people with disability, disability workers, and the community. This is a chance to share your ideas and help make the NDIS better. Many WWDA members have used the NDIS Commission and can give helpful feedback. The survey takes about 10 minutes and will close on June 13, 2025. Read more here
NDIS Quarterly Report
The NDIA’s new report (January - March 2025) shares updates on how the NDIS is helping people. It shows that 8 out of 10 people who have been in the NDIS for more than two years feel they have more choice and control, which is 13% better than before. More people are also getting jobs - 23% of young people (aged 15–24) and 52% of families and carers have paid work. More people aged 15 and older are joining community activities, going up from 35% to 43%. The report includes personal stories from NDIS participants. NDIS Q3 Quarterly Report.
Participant First
Participant First is a group for NDIS participants, families and carers to share their experiences and help improve the NDIS. Members can take part in activities like focus groups, surveys, workshops, or research projects—some of which are paid. A newsletter is sent every two weeks with opportunities to get involved, and participants can choose what they want to join. Your information stays private and won’t be added to your NDIS file. To learn more, watch the video here or email participant.engagement@ndis.gov.au
