Grampians disAbility Advocacy

🌈 Happy Pride Month from Grampians Disability Advocacy 🌈

This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, diversity, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people in our communities.

We recognise that many people proudly identify as both LGBTQIA+ and as people with disability. Their voices, experiences, and leadership are essential in creating communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

At Grampians Disability Advocacy, we are committed to promoting the rights, dignity, and self-determination of all people with disability. We stand alongside LGBTQIA+ individuals in advocating for equality, accessibility, and belonging.

Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered to live authentically.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This month and every month, we celebrate diversity and support inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

“Our human rights safety net has holes in it. This is why we need an Australian Human Rights Act.”

Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser has spoken about rising polarisation and racism at the National Press Club, stating that the best response is to place human rights at the heart of our laws.

An Australian Human Rights Act could’ve prevented many of the problems highlighted in the Disability, Aged Care, and Robodebt Royal Commissions. An Act is currently under consideration by the Albanese Government and would empower people to take action when their human rights are breached.

Join the call for a Human Rights Act: https://www.humanrightsact.org.au/

BREAKING: Independent MPs have mounted a push for a Human Rights Act in Federal Parliament. The Bill was introduced to the House of Representatives this morning by Andrew Wilkie MP and seconded by Dr Helen Haines MP.

An Australian Human Rights Act would articulate what fundamental human rights are available to people, center people in government decision-making and ensure respect and dignity for all.

More than 170 organisations are backing the call for a federal Act.

Join the call for an Australian Human Rights Act: https://www.humanrightsact.org.au/sign-up

**National Sorry Day – 26 May**

Today, Grampians disAbility Advocacy acknowledges National Sorry Day — a day to remember and recognise the strength, resilience, and healing journey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially the Stolen Generation.

We honour the survivors, their families, and communities, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of past government policies and practices.

At Grampians disAbility Advocacy, we are committed to listening, learning, and advocating for a future built on respect, inclusion, truth, and reconciliation.

🖤💛❤️

This National Volunteer Week, Grampians disAbility Advocacy proudly celebrates the incredible people who volunteer their time, knowledge and voice to support our community. 💙

Our volunteers help create stronger, more inclusive communities by standing alongside people with disability and advocating for fairness, choice and connection.

To every volunteer who supports GdA — thank you for your dedication, kindness and commitment. Your contribution truly makes a difference. 🌟

Together, we continue building a community where every voice matters.

On IDAHOBIT Day (May 17), Grampians Disability Advocacy stands against discrimination and supports LGBTQIA+ people with disability.

Some people face extra challenges because of both their disability and their gender identity or sexuality. They may feel left out, unsafe, or not understood.

At Grampians Disability Advocacy, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, included, and heard. We aim to be welcoming and accessible for all people.

IDAHOBIT Day is a time to speak up for equality, inclusion, and human rights for everyone.

❓About this event 👇

Carers Victoria warmly invites you to enjoy a complimentary catered lunch - an opportunity to take some well-deserved time out, relax and connect with others who understand your journey.

Join us in the heart of Ararat at Vines Cafe & Bar for a relaxed and welcoming lunch dedicated to our wonderful carers. Enjoy a creative canvas session where you can explore fun and interesting techniques as you create your very own masterpiece!

A hearty three-course meal will follow as we relax, laugh and connect with others.
Who can attend This event is designed for carers who live in Ararat and surrounding areas.

Join us for a relaxed lunch to connect with other local carers, share experiences, and learn about supports available in your community.

REVIVE and THRIVE

❓How easy is it to use public transport ❓

Our Horsham R.A.I.S.E Your Voice group is wanting to know how you find using public transport in the Wimmera.
🚉
Scan the QR code to answer some questions. This is in the comments 👇
🚌
We really appreciate you taking the time to answer the questions.

We will not collect any information that can identify you personally.
If you have any concerns, please contact GdA on 1800 552 272.

Raising voice advocating for better transport access - The Weekly Advertiser By Bronwyn Hastings Horsham s RAISE Your Voice branch is advocating for more frequent and accessible public transport options across the state The Regional Action for Inclusion Self-Advocacy and Empowerment RAISE group members all of whom live with a disability meet to discuss issues that affect the...

Have your say on the next State Disability Plan and the next Victorian Autism Plan! 📢

The goal is to work towards a more inclusive, accessible, and fair Victoria.
The Victorian Government wants to hear from people with disability, Autistic people, families, carers, allies and advocates about their views and ideas for the next plan.

Want to be involved? You can:
🟣 take part in a face-to-face workshop or online forum
🟣 take part in an online survey
🟣 share feedback and ideas on Engage Victoria
🟣 send a voice or video recording to [email protected]
🟣 mail a picture, document or recording with your ideas to Office for Disability, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

While consultation on the new state disability and autism plans is happening together, they are separate plans.

For more details on how to take part, visit:
https://engage.vic.gov.au/disabilityplan

Have your say on the next State Disability Plan and the next Victorian Autism Plan! 📢

The goal is to work towards a more inclusive, accessible, and fair Victoria.

The Victorian Government wants to hear from people with disability, Autistic people, families, carers, allies and advocates about their views and ideas for the next plan.

Want to be involved? You can:

🟣 take part in a face-to-face workshop or online forum
🟣 take part in an online survey
🟣 share feedback and ideas on Engage Victoria
🟣 send a voice or video recording to [email protected]
🟣 mail a picture, document or recording with your ideas to Office for Disability, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

While consultation on the new state disability and autism plans is happening together, they are separate plans.

For more details on how to take part, visit:
https://engage.vic.gov.au/disabilityplan

The Federal Court has made a landmark ruling clarifying that NDIS eligibility does not require people with disability to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs.

Victoria Legal Aid were proud to represent Sherri Sutherland in the matter. Sherri said she was relieved by the court’s decision.

‘I first applied for the NDIS five years ago. This case has gone on for a long time, but I have continued to fight to have the disability supports I need because without them I cannot look after my health and hygiene or live a life of dignity,’ she said.

People with disability already experience a range of barriers to living with dignity in the community.

They shouldn’t be burdened with having to show that their support needs cannot be met by other services just to access the NDIS.

Read more about the ruling on our website https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/access-ndis-safeguarded-federal-court-win

The Federal Court has made a landmark ruling clarifying that NDIS eligibility does not require people with disability to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs.

We were proud to represent Sherri Sutherland in the matter. Sherri said she was relieved by the court’s decision.

‘I first applied for the NDIS five years ago. This case has gone on for a long time, but I have continued to fight to have the disability supports I need because without them I cannot look after my health and hygiene or live a life of dignity,’ she said.

People with disability already experience a range of barriers to living with dignity in the community.

They shouldn’t be burdened with having to show that their support needs cannot be met by other services just to access the NDIS.

Read more about the ruling on our website https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/access-ndis-safeguarded-federal-court-win

A severe heatwave is expected over the next few days, with extreme heatwave conditions forecast to be the worst we’ve seen since the Black Summer bushfires.

It won't hurt to give the gardening a miss, or save that long run for another day – stay out of the sun and make a plan to stay cool.

💨 Use air conditioning and fans.

👒 Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and slide on those shades.

🌡️ Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.

🚿 Use a wet towel, put your feet in cool water and take cool showers.

💧 Stay hydrated. If your urine is dark, you definitely need more fluids.

⛔ Skip leg day, that Tan Track run, and trimming those bushes – it can wait.