What makes an inclusive community? Spaces, supports and everything in between
What makes a community truly inclusive?
And what if the everyday places where people spend time – from sporting clubs or art groups to the local library or community gardens – were accessible and welcoming for everyone? What if people with disability could genuinely participate, build relationships, and feel part of their communities?
Everything from how local organisations plan and run their activities to who feels welcome and supported to take part would look different. And everyone would benefit.
The Federal Government recently announced the creation of an ‘Inclusive Communities Fund’ to support mainstream community organisations to be more accessible and inclusive of disabled people.
We want to talk about what an inclusive community means and hear how you think this fund could and should be used to get good outcomes for people with disability.
This is also an opportunity to have a say about what you think a truly inclusive, accessible community looks like. No idea is too big or small!
This session will be recorded and submitted directly as our contribution to the government’s consultation, so what you say on the day goes directly to the people making the decisions. RSVP to join us, we’d love to see you there.
Join our co-hosts
Skye Cusack
Skye is a Naarm-based, queer and disabled Dulgubarra-Yidinji writer, journalist, and comedian. She explores mental health, disability, and identity with humor and heart, and is set to publish two novels in 2027 with Penguin Random House Australia and Magabala Books.
Todd Winther
Todd is a political scientist, writer, and NDIS participant with a background in teaching political leadership, party politics, and disability policy. Combining lived experience with NGO sector work, he brings deep expertise in policy, housing, and systemic advocacy to Team DSC.
Our speakers
Dr. Marlene Krasovitsky
Dr. Marlene is a human rights consultant and registered psychologist with extensive executive and public inquiry experience, currently leading attitudes and inclusive employment work at The Achieve Foundation.
Melissa Hale
Melissa Hale (she/her) is a proud Deaf woman and Policy and Advocacy Manager at DANA with 15 years of leadership across the disability advocacy sector. A Williamson Leadership Program valedictorian, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable spaces where people with lived experience lead decision-making.
Riley Buchanan
Riley is the Policy and Advocacy Manager at Inclusion Australia, the peak national body representing people with an intellectual disability and their families. She is lucky to have worked with many self-advocates over the years across projects and policy. Riley lives and works on Whadjuk Noongar boodja.
Sonia Hume
Sonia is an Inclusion Advisor at Inclusion Australia and a member of the Disability Dialogue Steering Committee.A former Speak Out Members President, she served on key advisory committees and represented civil society at the United Nations CRPD in Geneva.
Register here
If you’re having trouble registering, you can send us your details and ask to be registered by emailing info@disabilitydialogue.com.au