Queenslanders with Disability QUEENSLANDERS WITH DISABILITY NETWORK Network nothing about us without us 2017–2018 Annual Report
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INFLUENCE INFORM
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© 2018 Queenslanders with Disability Network INFLUENCE Contents
Part 1: Introduction 5 About us...... 5 Our vision ...... 6 Our motto...... 6 Membership...... 6
Chairperson’s report ...... 7
Chief Executive Officer’s report...... 11
Part 2: Our achievements 2017-18 16
Goal 1: To promote and maintain active, vibrant networks that inform our work 17 QDN Celebrates 15 years...... 17 Reflections of QDN’s 15 Years...... 18 15th Anniversary Award recipients...... 21 State wide member network...... 22 Building capacity of QDN members...... 23 Building capacity: Leadership development ...... 24 QDN’s website and Member Hub...... 25 Building capacity: information and communication with members...... 26 Disability Support Organisations – Local Support Groups (LSGs)...... 27 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network Queensland...... 32 QDN’s Peer leaders – Communities of Practice...... 34 Local Support Group Convenors...... 34 Ready to go Peer Facilitators...... 34 Getting on the NDIS Grid Peer Leaders...... 35 Building capacity – Peer Leaders communication and information...... 35 Goal 2: To let people know about the lives of people with disability and how to best talk with us 36 Community and stakeholder education...... 36 Presentations...... 36 Conferences, forums, workshops, and key events attended by QDN ...... 37 Information and Referral...... 38 Media Engagement: Summary of media releases and interviews ...... 39 Member e-blasts...... 40 Social media ...... 40 Communications, marketing and media...... 40
Nothing about us without us page 3 Project delivery...... 41 Ready to go project – NDIS Participant Readiness...... 41 NDIS Targeted Strategies: Getting on the NDIS Grid...... 41 Griffith University – Digital Stories Project...... 42 Inclusion Ready Strategic Project – By Self-Advocates...... 42 Understanding your role in the NDIS – GP Toolkit...... 42 QDN Business Streams...... 43 QDeNgage...... 43 Fee for Service Workshops...... 44 Information, Linkages and Capacity Building – successful grant as part of National Readiness Round ...... 45 Goal 3: To influence governments and others to bring about full and equal participation and citizenship 46 Engagement with Government...... 46 Engagement with members of Parliament...... 48 Engagement with Departmental staff...... 48 Peak body collaboration...... 48 Policy leadership by and for people with disability...... 49 Policy Submissions...... 50 Goal 4: Grow an independently sustainable, effective, and accountable organisation that reflects our values, vision and mission 54 QDN Office relocation to Turbot Street, Spring Hill...... 55 Official Office Opening...... 55 Board of Directors Strategic Planning...... 56 Board of Directors Business Planning ...... 56 Quality Management System ...... 56 Board development...... 56 Staff recruitment and retention...... 58 Casual staff...... 59 Consultants/contractors ...... 59
Part 3: Financial overview 60 Income...... 60 Expenditure...... 60 Deficit...... 60
Part 4: Appendix 61 Organisational structure 2017-2018...... 61
page 4 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Part 1: Introduction
About us Queenslanders with Disability Network Limited (QDN) is a Company Limited by Guarantee, governed by a Board of Directors, who are all people with disability.
QDN receives funding from State and Commonwealth Governments for undertaking activities around information, referral and systemic advocacy, and for specific projects that align with our work and values.
QDN’s work includes: gg informing people about important issues and working together to create change; gg referring people onto other Government and community agencies; gg supporting local groups of peers to lead a good life in their community; gg helping people with disability to have a voice in disability policy; gg projects that help improve the lives of people with disability; and gg connecting organisations to people with lived experience of disability to help grow their business.
QDN is a member organisation. All Ordinary Members are people with disability. QDN also has:
gg Supporters – family and others who support QDN’s goals
gg Supporting Organisations – corporate organisations and community
organisationsConsent for collection, that use support & disclosure QDN’s of personal goals information OnlyBy signing Ordinary this application Members to become a member, have you voting authorise and consent to Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) to collect, use and disclose Membership Application Form rightspersonal and information are for eligible the purposes for provided election under this to form, the privacy notice and privacy policy. This form must be signed by, or at the direction of Boardthe applicant. of Directors. New members are Who are we? Queenslanders with Disability Network welcome.Applicant Signature: Membership is free. (QDN) is an organisation of, by and for people with disability. Date:
If signed by someone other than the applicant please print name: Type of membership Please tick the type of membership that you would like to apply for: Name: Type of membership Our contact details Who Ordinary member* Voting Right person with QDN Reply Paid 87283, Spring Hill QLD 4000 (free postage) Cost or you can sign up on our website www.qdn.org.au disability Supporter Yes** support person $0 Support 3252 8566 or 1300 363 783 (local call) No Organisation $0 082017 FORM APPLICATION MEMBERSHIP QDN organisation *By this application you are applying to be a member of the companyNo and agree$35 to be (tax [email protected] bound by its constitution. **Ordinary members have the right to vote and to be an Elected Director of thedeductible) QDN Board. QDN is covered for $20 000 000 in Public Liability insurance coverage. Ground Floor Nothing about 338us Turbotwithout Street us Nominee page 5 Spring Hill Qld 4000 Applications for new QDN Membership need a QDN Member to nominate them. www.qdn.org.au Please tick whichever option below applies to you:
I know a QDN member and they have agreed to nominate me. Queenslanders with Disability Network Their name is
I don’t know a QDN member but would still like to apply for QDN Membership. QDN will contact you and a QDN Director will act as your nominee. Our vision Our mission
People with Empowering people with disability disability are active to be fully included as citizens in and valued citizens. the social and economic life of the community.
Our values Our motto
AUTHENTIC VOICE: Nothing about us without us We are with, and for, all people with disability and ensure those with limited or no voice are heard and Our strategic priorities include: successful valued. implementation of the NDIS; accessible, quality COLLABORATIVE and affordable housing, health, education, aids ACTION: and equipment and transport. We work together to learn from the collective experiences, values and Membership wisdom of people with QDN has the following membership numbers: disability. gg 895 Ordinary Members – RIGHTS: and an additional 821 members of the We believe in and model Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability a human rights approach Network who identify as Aboriginal people or that recognises disability Torres Strait Islanders as a social issue. gg 581 Supporters RESPECT: We value human gg 40 Corporate Members difference and diversity There are also an additional 148 organisations and build mutual respect or individuals who receive our e-Bulletin. There through openness and have been 111 new members and supporters fellowship. added to our network in this financial year and RESILIENCE: we celebrate this growing membership base. We are hopeful, even about the most complex challenges, and are here for the long term. page 6 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Chairperson’s report
Nigel Webb QDN Board of Directors – Chairperson
Influencing change and a strong voice by and for people with disability are key fundamental building blocks to our work here at QDN. The last 12 months have seen many positive changes for Queenslanders with disability, but along with that, we have seen many changes and challenges that still need to be addressed to deliver better outcomes for people with disability.
On 28 October 2017 QDN celebrated our 15 year anniversary at Brisbane City Hall following our annual general meeting. It was a wonderful event with over 120 people in attendance and we celebrated the past, present and future of QDN and the achievements of people with disability coming together as a strong network to inform, connect, influence and lead change. I would like to thank QDN members, Board Directors, staff and supporters, both past and present for their contributions, efforts and commitments to this organisation and helping to shape QDN into who we are today. We were also very pleased to have Commonwealth Disability Assistant Minister Jane Prentice and Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Kevin Cocks to award life membership, honoured supporter and recognition of service awards on the day.
Our thanks also to Deputy Director General Michael Hogan (Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability) who represented Hon. Coralee O’Rourke, Minister for Disability Services on the day.
On 11 September 2017, we also saw another significant milestone in QDN’s history – our move from our home for over a decade in Bowen Hills to our new office in Turbot St, Spring Hill. Whilst our hand was forced in the respect that one of the buildings we leased was sold, it gave us the opportunity to find new digs that give us the place and space to continue to do our work. It was great to be able to have both our State and Commonwealth Disability Ministers, Hon Coralee O’Rourke and Assistant Minister Jane Prentice as part of our new office opening on 18 January 2018, Minister O’Rourke to officially open the office and Assistant Minister Prentice to launch our Getting on the NDIS Grid digital story.
Nothing about us without us page 7 “QDN is committed to ensuring that every Queenslander with disability who is eligible can access the scheme and the supports they need to participate economically and socially in their community.”
The Queensland State Election was held 30 June 2018, we had 16,704 active on 25 November 2017. In the lead up to the participants with approved plans including election, QDN engaged with all candidates Early Childhood Early Intervention in the and political parties to share our policy NDIS in Queensland. This is a significant platforms across six areas of priority, number of people with disability who are informed by our 2017 state-wide member able to exercise choice and control over survey with QDN members. QDN focused how, when, where and from whom they on the responsibility of the Queensland purchase their supports. However, it is Government in delivering and funding important to note that it only represents essential accessible, affordable and quality 59% of the bilateral agreement estimates. Government and community mainstream This means that there are still 40% of services to people with disability, and its people who are either standing back critical role in fostering full inclusion and hesitant about accessing or people who participation of people with disability in don’t know about the NDIS yet and how it the economic, social, civic and cultural might support them. As we go into this final life of Queensland. I was pleased that year of transition where 60,000 people are QDN was funded as part of the election due to enter the scheme, it is critical that commitments for the NDIS Peer to Peer we increase this percentage of the bilateral Advocacy project which commenced on agreement estimates. QDN is committed 1 July 2018. This project has grown out of to ensuring that every Queenslander with QDN’s extensive work with people with disability who is eligible can access the disability in getting ready for the National scheme and the supports they need to Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and is participate economically and socially in much needed as people navigate their way their community. through the NDIS. This year we have seen the offices Queenslanders with disability represent of the National Disability Insurance almost 1 in every 5 Queenslanders Agency (NDIA) around Mackay, South which is almost 900,000 people, of which West, Ipswich, and Bundaberg and more 91,000 are expected to enter the NDIS. recently in the south east corner open Queensland is in a unique position as and start working with people. I was 50% of NDIS participants, that is 45,000, pleased to attend the official opening will be people who haven’t ever received of the NDIA office in Chermside on 15 formal disability supports before. As at May 2018. The NDIS Partners in the
page 8 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 “1 in 5 Queenslanders has a disability. Making business, government and community more accessible and inclusive makes good sense.”
Community are also up and running and I the end of the day are leaving people with welcomed the announcement of the Local disability in a vulnerable position whilst Area Coordinators and Early Childhood Governments negotiate who is responsible Early Intervention providers for the last for what. People with disability are not year of rollout. While this was a delayed concerned with who provides what, but announcement, which has impacted need to know when they turn up at the upon both people with disability and their hospital, or to get on a train, or at the families/carers as well as the workforce employment service, that they can get a tasked with the responsibility of getting quality service that is able to meet their people into the scheme and developing needs and deliver the right outcomes for plans, we are working with all parties them. It is important that we continue to to ensure we get the right outcomes for find solutions to these issues, particularly participants. the continuity of the Taxi Subsidy Scheme beyond June 2019, and the issues with Queenslanders with disability, regardless the cost shifting of the maintenance of of if they are NDIS participants or not need equipment within the Medical Aids Subsidy access to quality, affordable, accessible Scheme and the impact on vulnerable and safe services across health, transport, people with disability who are on fixed housing, education, employment, digital incomes. technology, sport, recreation and culture. We vote, we want jobs, we want good QDN has also been pleased to work with education, quality healthcare, accessible Community Services Industry Alliance and affordable transport, we want quality through QDeNgage on a series of Digital services and we want to fully participate Stories. Through the Inclusion Ready socially and economically as equal citizens. project, there are a range of stories With the changing policy landscape of the of inclusion by QDN members in their NDIS and a national approach to disability, community and the impact it can have for the role of the Commonwealth, State business, government, groups and people and Territory Governments remains clear with disability. 1 in 5 Queenslanders has to deliver mainstream and community a disability. Making business, government services to people with disability. QDN has and community more accessible and continued to raise these issues across inclusive makes good sense. It enables all our work, and particularly around the businesses to grow their customer base, it interface issues with the NDIS which at enables services and systems to deliver
Nothing about us without us page 9 better services to everyone and it enables community to enjoy the benefits of diversity and the social and economic outcomes. QDeNgage is QDN’s engagement consultancy, working with organisations, businesses, and Government to provide a range of services such as speakers, consultants, workshops and training by people with lived experience of disability.
It is a great initiative and I look forward to common goals and outcomes. I would also this work growing and developing this year like to thank our CEO Paige Armstrong and into the future. and the staff of QDN for all of your work this year, on delivering on the projects and I am also pleased to announce my contracts, and the strategic direction and appointment from August 2018 – November focus of the organisation. QDN is lucky 2019 as Co-Chair of the National Disability to have a dedicated group of staff and on and Carers Advisory Council (NDCAC). behalf of the Board, thank you for your The Council is an Australian Government work. commitment and I am Co-Chair along with the Hon Sarah Henderson Assistant Finally, I would like to thank the Board of Minister for Social Services, Housing and Directors for their tireless efforts this year. Disability Services. The Council provides I acknowledge the retiring Directors, Philia advice on issues of strategic importance in Polites, Mathew McCracken and Grahame relation to the disability and carer sectors, Robertson. The Board play an important is focused on driving the implementation of role in setting the strategic direction of the the overarching National Disability Strategy organisation and the governance. In these (NDS), the National Disability Insurance changing times, this requires a great deal Scheme (NDIS), the Integrated Plan for of thought, consideration and planning. It Carer Support Services, and proposed has been a momentous year, particularly reforms to disability employment. NDCAC around celebrating our 15 year anniversary is an exciting opportunity to have input into and continuing to maintain a focus on the these national reforms and I look forward importance of having people with disability to seeking input from members as well as connected, sharing information and updates about progress to achieve real supporting each other. change in these important areas. I look forward to continuing to work with I would like to thank all of QDN’s members each of you to ensure people with disability across the state. Your engagement, are active citizens in their communities, feedback, voice, experiences, efforts and influencing and leading change. energy is the heart of QDN. To our allies and supporters also I extend my thanks for Nigel Webb our work in partnership and delivering on QDN Board of Directors – Chairperson
page 10 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Chief Executive Officer’s report
QDN has achieved a significant amount Paige Armstrong of work in this past 12 months which is Chief Executive Officer a testament to the hard work, efforts and determination of our members, peer leaders across all of QDN’s work, our staff and our Board of Directors. I am proud of what the organisation has been able to deliver on, the quality of the outcomes we have achieved, and the strategic opportunities we have been able to harness to be able to influence the policy environment and the systems to deliver better outcomes for people with disability.
June 30 2018 sees the end of three of QDN’s major projects, many of which QDN has been undertaking for a number of years. This includes:
gg Disability Support Organisation funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency
gg Participant Readiness – Ready to go project funded by the Department of Communities, Disability and Seniors A booklet for people currently without funded disability support who may be eligible for the National Disability gg Targeted Strategies – Getting on the NDIS Grid Insurance Scheme. funded through the Sector Development Fund To assist people and organisations to: u Learn more about the NDIS and what’s in it for them under the Commonwealth Department of Social u See if they may be eligible u Find out how to access it Services and administered through the State Department of Communities, Disability and Seniors.
Nothing about us without us page 11 “We were able to deliver 574 activities, reaching 11,040 participants in total in locations across the state.”
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the work of Ready to go. People as leaders in efforts and work of the Ready to go project. their own lives is critical to the successful This work started as a pilot project in implementation of the NDIS, and I am 2014, with a small group of peer facilitators pleased that QDN’s Ready to go project delivering our series of three “Plan Ahead” has focused on building the leadership workshops in Ipswich, Gold Coast and and individual capacity of people with Brisbane specifically for people with intellectual and learning disability across intellectual disability. I was pleased when Queensland. Thank you to all our peer QDN was one of the 11 organistations facilitators, past and present staff, our funded as part of the Participant Advisory Group, QDN’s Board of Directors Readiness Initiative to deliver this work and to all the participants at our workshops. across Queensland. Members had told Secondly I would like to acknowledge the us that they were worried about people work of the Disability Support Organisation with intellectual and learning disabilities (DSO) initiative which has established 21 missing out on accessible, fun and local support groups across the diverse interactive information to help them learn geography of the state of Queensland about the NDIS. So this is what the Ready and supported growth and development to go project delivered in bucket loads, of a strong group of leaders. This group co-designed and co-facilitated by our of leaders are QDN members who have group of 14 peer facilitators. We were able taken up the challenge of forming and to deliver 574 activities, reaching 11,040 leading groups of people with disability, to participants in total in locations across the share information, ideas, and learnings state, including regional and rural areas. to support each other in preparing for The project also developed an online the NDIS. QDN’s Group Convenors have resource “My learning passport” which risen to this challenge and as at the end made the workshop content accessible of June 2018, we had over 2000 people to people who couldn’t make it to a participating in face to face or virtual workshop or who didn’t feel comfortable forums. Many of our local support group in a workshop environment. The team members who have transitioned to the was pleased to have a celebration of this NDIS have reported positive outcomes project with peer facilitators, present and with their NDIS plans, and attributed the past staff, advisory group members and ideas, information and tips they learnt from Board representatives to reflect on the others at local support group meetings as great achievements, and celebrate the
page 12 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 the most helpful and practical information. The power of peers has shone through and the benefits of peer leadership and peer support have been demonstrated across Art of participatory leadership. all our local support groups in many and diverse ways. The local support groups 30 June 2018. I would like to thank the have also been QDN’s eyes and ears on Queensland State Government and the the ground, raising important systemic Department of Communities, Disability policy issues as they start to impact upon and Seniors for their continued investment people’s lives and enabling us to raise in this work post 30 June 2018 for an these with the policy makers and put additional six months. Getting on the NDIS forward suggestions of how this can be Grid has been instrumental in engaging improved. The Board of Directors have with people with disability who are given their commitment to continuing to considered hard to reach and marginalised, support the local support groups as they and who are not currently receiving go forward. Local support groups are a disability support. As has been mentioned key part of their community and we look by Nigel, Queensland’s bilateral agreement forward to continuing to work with each commits to an additional 45,000 people and every member to continue to shape with disability as new participants to the and lead change by and for people with NDIS. We know that there is historical disability. My thanks to each and everyone unmet need in Queensland for people who has been involved in this work, for with disability and this provides a great your commitment to peer support and peer opportunity for this cohort to be able to networks and efforts in making it work. access the reasonable and necessary I would like to acknowledge the work of support they need around their disability the Getting on the NDIS Grid project. This for the first time. We know that this project has delivered information and group does not engage with traditional engagement to almost 5,500 people with engagement approaches and won’t turn disability and workers from mainstream up at a workshop, information session or services during its 18 months of operation. initiate research themselves. The “Getting This project was funded through the on the NDIS Grid” has been able to work Sector Development Fund through the in a creative and innovative way to get Department of Social Services until the message out there about the NDIS,
Nothing about us without us page 13 to engage with people where they are and detailed information relevant to their at, and assist people to understand what role all in the one document. steps they need to take to make an access I was pleased to be appointed as the request to the NDIS. My thanks to our Deputy Chair of the Queensland NDIS peer leaders, past and present staff, the Transition Advisory Group (QTAG) on 23 Consortium who works with us on this April 2018, which has been established to project – Community Living Association, provide advice to the Minister of Disability Community Resource Unit, Queensland Services, Coralee O’Rourke who is Council of Social Services and Micah for the Chairperson of the committee, on your assistance, guidance and efforts. Queensland’s transition to the NDIS. QTAG One of the critical areas that QDN provides a source of advice to ensure the members and the work in our project voice of people with disability, families “Getting on the NDIS Grid” has highlighted and carers and sector representatives are is the access process, particularly the informing the Government’s planning and paper work for access request forms decision making during this time. I am completed by General Practitioners or also pleased to have been appointed to Allied Health Professionals. Queensland the NDIS Independent Advisory Council is in a different position to the other states, Intellectual Disability Reference Group as given our bilateral agreement includes a Queensland representative. This National 45,000 new participants to the scheme. Advisory Group is chaired by Rhonda This is 45,000 new people who need to go Galbally (NDIA Board Director) and reports through the full access process, including to the Independent Advisory Council. Both paperwork required by the agency around of these committees provide an opportunity the person’s disability and the functional for the voice of Queenslanders with impact it has on their day to day life. This disability to be represented and influencing means 45,000 new participants going to what is important and solutions for the the doctors and allied health professionals future that deliver the right outcomes and to assist them with completing this support for people with disability. paperwork with limited information and QDN has also been working as one of training in this process. I am pleased that 14 peak organisations to progress key QDN was able to work with the Brisbane issues within the policy environment in the North Primary Health Network funded Queensland context. At the 2018 Budget through the North Brisbane Partners in Breakfast, the 14 organisations shared a Recovery, to develop the “Understanding position statement outlining the 4 shared your role in the NDIS: GP toolkit”. The priority areas for action in this coming year. Toolkit was launched in May 2018 and is a I am pleased to report to QDN members great resource that is being used across that all are important issues for people with the state and Australia to give practical disability and areas we have been actively information about the access process, working on including the NDIS, affordable what GPs or Allied Health need to focus on, and accessible housing, the Human Rights Act for Queensland and the Family Matters
page 14 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 campaign with regards to child protection I would like to take this opportunity to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait thank QDN’s Board of Directors for islander children and families. the leadership, strategic oversight and foresight in guiding the organisation I am also pleased that QDN in partnership forward over this past year and into the with QCOSS has been successful in future. I would like to thank QDN’s staff receiving a grant for a project “Changing for their work and efforts and commitment Lives, Changing Communities”, under to the organisation and our members. My the Information, Linkages and Capacity thanks also to our incredible group of QDN Building National Readiness funding round. leaders across all of QDN’s work including The work builds upon the successful work our group convenors, Ready to go peer undertaken in Townsville over the past 3 facilitators, Getting on the NDIS grid peer years with QDN’s Townsville Local Support leaders and those who have contributed Group, QCOSS, and the Townsville City as policy champions and leaders. Finally Council. The project involves working to each and every QDN member, for being in partnership with QDN, QDN’s Local part of this organisation and commitment Support Group Convenors and the group to ensuring that people with disability have members, and QCOSS to bring together a strong voice at the table and that we are a broad cross section of the community leading and influencing change to deliver a in community led work to bring the more inclusive Queensland community. opportunities of the NDIS to life. QDN looks forward to delivering on this project over the next two years and I look forward Paige Armstrong to the outcomes of this important work. Chief Executive Officer
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni with key community stakeholders.
Nothing about us without us page 15 Part 2: Our achievements “Nothing 2017-18 about us without us”
QDN’s Strategic Plan guides our work along with our vision, mission, values and motto.
There are 4 key goals in the strategic plan Goal 1: To promote and maintain active, vibrant networks that inform our work
Goal 2: To let people know about the lives of people with disability and how to best talk with us
Goal 3: To influence governments and others to bring about full and equal participation and citizenship
Goal 4: To grow an independently, sustainable, effective and accountable organisation that reflects our values, vision and mission
This Annual Report provides an overview of the activities, outputs and outcomes achieved by Queenslanders with Disability Network over the 2017-2018 period, reporting against our 4 key goals.
QDN also has 4 key areas of focus as we go about delivering our work, the goals of the organisation and ensuring that it is nothing about us without us.
Inform Connect Lead Influence
page 16 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Goal 1 To promote and maintain active, vibrant networks that inform our work
QDN continues to undertake work QDN Celebrates 15 years to promote and maintain an active, vibrant member network that informs In 2017 QDN celebrated 15 years since its incorporation. Our anniversary celebration our projects, key activities and our was held at Brisbane City Hall and was systemic policy work. a great opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future of QDN in grand style. A core element of the work of QDN It was positive to have so many members, is connecting people with disability supporters, and allies able to join us to together to share information, connect, celebrate our achievements over the last influence, and build leadership. QDN 15 years in leading and influencing change. supports members with disability to come together in different ways and locations We would like to acknowledge and thank across Queensland. QDN’s state-wide the following QDN members who played a network is a diverse range of people with special role in the event: Alex Baker, Alison disability with varying life experiences who MacLean, Willie Prince and Tony Dee. contribute to informing QDN’s work and We also thank the dignitaries key policy issues that impact directly on who presented our awards on the people in their day to day lives. day: Commonwealth Disability Assistant In addition, 2017 marked the 15-year Minister Jane Prentice and Queensland anniversary of QDN’s incorporation – a Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Kevin great opportunity to promote our active, Cocks. Thanks also to Deputy Director vibrant network and its achievements. General Michael Hogan (Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability) who represented Hon. Coralee O’Rourke, Minister for Disability Services.
QDN’s 15th anniversary serves as a testament to the outstanding work, commitment and vision of many members, staff, allies and supporters over the organisation’s history.
QDN members and supporters enjoy the 15th anniversary lunch.
Nothing about us without us page 17 (1) Guests in Ithaca room at QDN 15th Anniversary Celebrations (2) Masters of Ceremony Alex Baker and Alison MacLean Reflections of QDN’s 15 Years
QDN produced a Facebook series called 15 years in 15 weeks leading up to the 15th anniversary celebration. There are many poignant comments and reflections.
“QDN always push to involve being an inaugural staff “It was a wonderful period of ourselves as deeply as member. I think now more time, it was based around possible in any process that than ever, it is time for people people….people with affects people with disability” with disability to have a say disability as valued people”. John McPherson a founding in the policies and decisions Judy Collins member of QDN that affect their lives…..QDN makes this a reality.” “In 2000 I was involved “Persist and hold your ground, Karin Swift, Life Member, QDN in facilitating one of the Member and current staff like minded people are the first gatherings for QDN member key, build collective vision of people with disability and values before acting”. in Queensland, at the “Congratulations QDN. In Bill Garsden (life member) Convention centre. We chaired the first Steering 1998, great excitement and created a map of Committee. expectations that QDN Queensland and asked would be the voice for all people to move to where “I remember sitting in a room Queenslanders with disability, they were from. I vividly at CRU many years ago with including the silent and remember a moment when a a group of people talking hidden people who have no woman from out west got on about the importance of an family and no one to speak a chair and spoke up about organisation of, by, with and on their behalf. Thank you her life. It was so powerful. for people with disability. I am Bill Garsden, Kevin Cocks We then passed a woollen proud to have been a part AM, Judy Collins et al, the thread around the room and of this organisation from its current Board and Staff and everyone was connected by humble beginnings to today. the Network for speaking up this piece of thread. It was We started out sharing office for us all”. messy, chaotic and fun. This space with QAI in Roma St Mary Kenny QDN Founding gathering helped develop and it was a proud moment Member QDN’s vision and still
page“Keep 18 going and keep empowering!” QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 (1) Cutting the 15th anniversary cake (2) The table set-up for guests
symbolises for me what QDN to improve their offerings. there was a need, and we stands for and continues QDN played a vital role in were pleased that QDN to develop – connected partnering with NDS and were supportive and helped networks where all people service providers to develop in starting the Aboriginal with disability have a voice”. and finesse the Blue Skies and Torres Strait Islander Jen Barrkman vision that became the Disability Network of blueprint for the NDIS. In Queensland (ATSIDNQ) this celebration year I wish by giving us some funding, “It’s been a joy to watch QDN all the best in its work meeting room, office space the voices of people with as a DSO facilitating input and help with an application disability with QDN build into from people with disability for our own funding. It was such a powerful message as Queensland transitions great to be there at the of TRUTH to POWER over to the NDIS. The importance beginning along with Byron these years. They did it!” of an independent voice Albury and Alan Parsons and Bobby Bright to support people with other key people to start a disabilities to direct their network that is still growing “In the 4 years that I was lives and supports can stronger every day with over at QDN the organisation not be underestimated. 700 members now to share grew to engage members Keep going and keep information and ideas and more broadly from Cairns empowering!” be a voice for Aboriginal and to the Gold Coast. With Fran Vicary – QDN’s CEO from Torres Strait Islander people the help of many members, 2009-2013 with disability.” the regional facilitator led Willie Prince (One of the original groups provided a space for “I was one of the many founders of ATSIDNQ) members to come together people at the inaugural and have their say. The Hot meeting at QAI to formally Topics groups were facilitator create QDN. As time moved led and created a discussion “I am proud on, we started to get space in which people were questions about advocacy to have been supported to discuss issues organisations wanting a part of this that were impacting on them. to know more about the This increased engagement organisation needs of Aboriginal and made QDN valuable to Torres Strait Islander people from its humble government developing with disability in culturally beginnings to policies and processes and appropriate ways. I saw service providers looking today.”
Nothing about us without us page 19 “The idea behind QDN was “As a Mackay based member “QDN’s strength lies in twofold: firstly, to provide a of QDN, Regional Facilitator its ability to be a strong vehicle for the many voices and Local Support Group and consistent voice, its of people with disability Convenor, it is great to be statewide spread of to take a rightful place at able to access a state-wide members with diverse the policy table to ensure network of people with lived experiences and our the lived experience of disability. supporters, allies and staff people with disabilities were The diversity of QDN’s who have a passion and reflected in government membership means that commitment to making policy; and secondly, to if I have a question about sure that it is ‘nothing provide leadership and disability or any other topic, about us without us.’ Our advocacy for building I can get answers from history reflects enormous inclusive and welcoming people with a wide range achievements due to the local communities.” of lived experience. I can efforts and input of many Kevin Cocks past Anti take that knowledge back people over the past 15 Discrimination Commissioner to members of my local years and I am privileged for Queensland. Kevin community and contribute to to be part of QDN’s journey was fundamental in the addressing local issues. Just over the past 4 years. establishment of the network as information flows through I am excited about the and QDN. to the local level it also opportunities for QDN into flows up. With members the future and know that “Hot Topics was formed in across Queensland, QDN a strong, member driven 2002 by a small group of has a strong voice on organisation that represents people with mild intellectual issues affecting people the voice of people with disability because there with disability. QDN speaks disability is critical to was nothing around that with one voice to policy achieving an inclusive gave us a voice. We’ve makers and influences them community.” worked on housing, policy on matters of concern to QDN’s Chief Executive Officer issues, connecting with individuals and communities. “ Paige Armstrong governments and councils, Gary Matthews QDN strategic plans, “QDN today is a bustling Roundtable discussions as “Anything is possible with network of people doing well as many other areas. QDN and not limited by the ordinary activities Hot Topics has given all disability” everyday importantly, in their members an opportunity to communities. QDN’s work talk about issues that matter QDN member Ted Jones is guided by our mission, to them”. values, beliefs, principles Donna, Hot Topics Group and is demonstrated by Convenor who has been goals and priorities. Each is involved with QDN since it detailed via the link to our began. website” Nigel Webb, Board of Directors – Chairperson “Anything is possible with QDN and not limited
pageby 20disability” QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 (1) Jane Prentice MP presenting Kevin Cocks with Honoured Support award (2) QDN Life Membership Award recipients
15th Anniversary Award The QDN Board acknowledged the recipients following current QDN Ordinary Members of long standing who have a history of At the 15 year celebration the QDN Board supporting QDN through service and acknowledged a number of QDN ordinary commitment over a period of at least 5 members with QDN Life Membership years with QDN Life Membership awards: awards, and a number of supporters and gg Anthony Baguley staff were recognised with Honoured gg Donna Best Supporters and Recognition of Service awards. As John McPherson, founding gg Fran Vicary member, life member and current Board gg Judy Collins Director said: gg Lyn Coyle
“The inspiring thing about QDN’s gg Rachel Matthews beginning was how a small group of gg Robert Ellis people could craft a network model gg Peter Parkes that gave a voice to people with gg Peter Tully disability and appealed sufficiently to gg Ted Thorburn government that they funded it. Mary gg Wesley Walker Kenny was particularly instrumental in this process, which was of course gg Willie Prince shaped by the values of the interim steering committee. Doing much with The above members join our existing QDN little, while always adhering to its core Life Members Bill Garsden, Mary Kenny, values, is an enduring QDN talent”. Karin Swift and John McPherson. The Board also acknowledged people who are not QDN members but who have made a significant and sustained contribution to QDN with QDN Honoured Supporter awards:
gg Kevin Cocks gg Lesley Chenoweth gg Margaret Ward
Nothing about us without us page 21 QDN Recognition of Service awards State wide member were awarded to the following employees network or past employees of QDN in recognition of sustained and diligent service to QDN, QDN’s state-wide network is a network in leading and influencing organisational of people with disability who live in all change and/or improvement, or in areas across metropolitan, regional, rural recognition of an exceptional contribution and remote locations across Queensland. or parcel of work. It is a network and knowledge base by and for people with disability, exchanging gg Greg Wagner information about important issues, and gg Jen Barrkman offering an opportunity for people to have gg Julie Granger a voice around key systemic policy issues gg Karin Swift and experiences to deliver better outcomes gg Michelle Moss for people. gg Paige Armstrong Key issues for members in 2017-2018 gg Russell Flynn have been transport, housing, health, g g Sarah Holbert employment, rights and advocacy, gg Valmae Rose essential services like energy, NDIS, and key to NDIS issues have been the interface QDN’s motto “Nothing about us with these mainstream services. without us” has been at the QDN’s active engagement across the state foundation of our work over the has seen an increase in membership, and past 15 years and is testament to this continues to be a focus – to strengthen the power of people coming the voice of people with disability and the together about what is important diversity of lived experiences so we can and having a collective voice. ensure Queensland is inclusive for all its citizens, and everyone can have a voice and be heard.
Recognition of Service award recipients QDN at Health Consumers Queensland Forum in Brisbane page 22 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 QDN has undertaken many activities to Building capacity of QDN grow and build the state-wide network members: including:
Stalls holding promotional material at Event Participation and events such as: Development Opportunities gg 6 September 2017 stall at the Ipswich Enabling people to engage and influence Fresh Futures Market Expo to promote public policy is built on the foundations of QDN events and projects, hosted by access to information, skills development, Ipswich Local Group Convenors Peter and capacity building opportunities. QDN and Linda Tully sees this as an essential way of growing the capacity of people with disability to be gg 6 September 2017 North Lakes Local active contributors to public policy – across Support Group hosted a stall at North design, development, implementation and Lakes Shopping Centre evaluation. gg 13 September 2017 Deception Bay Local Support Group – Highlighting our One of the ways QDN supports this is Abilities in Disability Action Week through sponsorship of members to attend stall at Deception Bay Market Square, a variety of events including ones that highlighting the arts and crafts abilities QDN has led, and others that QDN has of members partnered with other organisations. gg 23 September 2017 Stall at Brisbane Pride, Brisbane gg 23 November 2017 Getting on the NDIS Grid stall at the Brisbane Homeless Connect event gg 16 March 2018 ATSIDNQ attended and held an information stall at Punyahra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health expo at Beaudesert Project Open Doors gg 23 March 2018 ATSIDNQ stall at the 2018 Cairns Disability Expo gg 14-15 June 2018 Stall at the Health Consumers Queensland forum Brisbane
North Lakes Local Support Group members at Westfields
Nothing about us without us page 23 During 2017-2018, some of these events Building capacity: have included: Leadership development
gg Queensland Disability Housing Local Support Group Convenor Training: Showcase in partnership with August and October 2017, Brisbane. QShelter, 24 July 2017 Ideas development and information gg Renting Fairness Forum, sharing Department of Housing and Public On 15 August 2017, QDN brought together Works, Springwood, July 2017 new Group Convenors for training and gg Disability Housing Showcase, this was an important event to provide Department of Housing and Public leadership development to the 10 new Works, July 2017 groups which were established.
gg Micah Projects Moonlight Magic On 5 October and 27 October, QDN held Dinner Dance, August 2017 two training days for all Group Convenors gg 2017 Speak Out conference, across the 21 groups that were established Hobart, Tasmania, September 2017 as part of the Disability Support Organisation (DSO) initiative. As QDN now gg QCOSS State Conference, has 30 Group Convenors, the group were September-October 2017 split into two around geographical areas. gg Relationships Australia The training was to workshop with Group Consultation, December 2017 Convenors on how to reflect on learnings, share knowledge and experiences as a gg Summer Foundation Supported state-wide community of practice, and Disability Accommodation Insights, look at ways of continuing to make groups March 2018 sustainable into the future including gg Sunshine Coast Access Advisory possible funding sources. Network, April 2018
gg Health Consumers Queensland Peer Leadership training, Brisbane, 1 2018 Annual Forum, June 2018 December 2017: Getting on the NDIS Grid peer leaders gg QCOSS State Budget Breakfast, June 2018 As part of the ongoing development of the Getting on the Grid Peer leaders, the group came together to share learnings, refine and co-design strategies to inform the work going forward, and plan for the next 6 months of work of the project.
page 24 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Peer Leadership training, Brisbane 5 April 2018: Getting on the NDIS Grid Peer leaders
As part of the ongoing development of the Getting on the Grid Peer leaders, the group came together to share learnings, have input into the final evaluation of the project and the outcomes from the perspective of Peer training day peer leaders.
Peer Facilitators NDIS planning QDN’s website and development: 2 December 2017: Ready Member Hub to go project
On 2 December Ready to go Peer Facilitators took their leadership skills they developed over the last four years, to translate their teachings of others, into their own practical application and their own lives. Part of being a good leader is testing what you have been saying to others, and applying in your own life – “walk the talk”. So peer leaders came together for a learning and development day to workshop their own NDIS planning journey. Peer Facilitators and their families shared their knowledge and experience about how to QDN launched a new website on 30 prepare for an NDIS planning meeting, June 2018. The website complies with using their skills to support and inform Web Content Accessibility Guidelines each other to get ready for their own NDIS (WCAG) standards and delivers enhanced planning meeting. As part of the leadership accessibility and improved navigation. development, the peer facilitators reflected A Member Hub was also launched as a on this experience to inform their learnings component of the website. The Member and development in working with others in Hub, for QDN Ordinary Members only, the future. provides a hub for offering member-specific and tailored information, news, events and opportunities to continue to develop the capacity of members. The website
Nothing about us without us page 25 continues to be QDN’s primary medium Building capacity: of communication with members and we information and often channel member input and feedback on consultations, representation and policy communication with papers. members
QDN website visitor traffic averaged 4,889 e-Bulletin and Member Hub per month in 2018 compared to 3,829 per month for the same period last year – an During the 2017-2018 year, QDN increase of 27.2% in visitors to our website. produced six e-Bulletins to inform The number of website pages people members, supporters and allies of the viewed each time they came to our website work of the organisation. also increased. Page views increased from Distribution to 1462 people across 17,154 per month to 21,847 page visits per Queensland month.
The number of pages people visited on QDN’s range of information and average was 5.93 pages per visit. communication with members has expanded this year to include the Member The number of people who chose to Hub, an information hub only for QDN convert (subscribe, sign up, email us) ordinary members. The member hub when visiting our website increased to provides member tailored information on 54.25 per month on average in the past 12 topics including what’s new around policy months. issues, accessible events, opportunities Accessibility improvements to QDN’s to have a say, engagement consultant website include a more user friendly opportunities, invitations to complete interface, text to voice, text resizer, surveys, volunteer opportunities and a buy, translation, large clickable tabs, use sell and trade of disability related items. of graphics to support text, mobile The e-Bulletin is an external publication accessibility, one touch call QDN and distributed by email to 1152 people and AskQDN contact. organisations and posted to about 310 people. This publication is also available through our website on a bi-monthly basis. The e-Bulletin includes messages from the Chairperson and CEO, updates on policy work and projects, policy news, a member profile, news from our allies and events information. The target group for the e-Bulletin is people with disability, families, supporters and Government representatives.
page 26 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 (1) Brisbane Local Support Group (2) Brisbane Hot Topics – Madelyn on TV at the ABC Studio
Disability Support Organisations – Local Support Groups (LSGs) In 2015, QDN was funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to be a Disability Support Organisation (DSO) to connect people with disability with peers and be a collective voice to help people move towards the life they want. The NDIA funding to QDN was provided to establish and support LSGs across Queensland QDN is grateful for the work Group and provide an opportunity for people Convenors and LSGs have done since with disability to connect with each other the beginning of the project. QDN looks to help prepare for the NDIS. Not only forward to working with the continuing have members supported members, and groups and has committed to providing groups from different locations supported ongoing secretariat support and working other groups to prepare for the NDIS with the groups in our policy, engagement rollout, LSGs have also contributed to and capacity building work. and influenced systemic policy change, inclusion and disability awareness in It has been another fantastic year for their own communities. There are 19 the LSGs, with many groups focusing LSGs across Queensland, with another on supporting each other through the two virtual groups connected to QDN’s NDIS application and planning process. Facebook page. Groups have also been engaging with their communities broadly, advocating for Whilst funding from the NDIA ceased their rights within their local communities, as of 30 June 2018, QDN’s Board is sharing key issues for members on the committed to the groups, their value in ground and informing the policy work of their communities and to Queensland. QDN, attending and organising community QDN considers the work of LSGs and their expos, and sourcing interesting guest Convenors as integral to the continuing the speakers to share their knowledge big picture policy work of QDN – LSGs and further build the capacity of both are the eyes, ears and heart of QDN. individuals and the groups.
Nothing about us without us page 27 (1) Gladstone Local Support Group (2) Cairns Local Support Group
The following provides a summary of some to develop individual stories and a group of the highlights and key activities of the story about Hot Topics. groups for 2017 – 2018. Deception Bay Brisbane Eileen Goodenough and Rebecca Bellis The Brisbane LSG has been meeting co-convene the Deception Bay LSG, with regularly and is a small but consistent assistance from supporter Roger Read. group, facilitated until recently by Rachel The group has been busy supporting each Matthews and Geoff Cooper. Rachel and other through the NDIS planning process, Geoff have now both stepped back, and working through access requests and the group now has rotating facilitation pre-planning together. The group held a between all members. This has been a successful Expo during Disability Action positive move, giving other group members Week in 2017 and are busy planning an opportunity to develop their facilitation the next Expo for 2018. They have been skills. The group has been focusing successful in receiving funding support primarily on preparation for the NDIS, and from the Disability Action Week funding general information sharing. Thanks to round, and from local councillors. Rachel and Geoff for their invaluable efforts in facilitating and promoting the group. Kallangur Kallangur LSG was established in June Brisbane Hot Topics 2017 and has been led by new Convenor Brisbane Hot Topics, facilitated by Donna Elisha Wright since April 2018. The group Best, has engaged with a variety of has primarily focused on supporting each speakers and topics, including accessing other with NDIS planning. It has also the NDIS, transport, housing, employment heard from Council about how to provide and relationships. The group contributed feedback on accessibility issues in the their ideas to the naming and content community. of the National Self-Advocacy Website being developed by the Self-Advocacy Mackay Resource Unit (SARU). Members have The Mackay LSG meets bi-monthly and also been involved in the digital storytelling is facilitated by Gary Matthews. This year project, working in partnership with Griffith the group has participated in Workability University and University of Queensland Workforce Evaluation research and
page 28 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 (1) Caboolture Local Support Group (2) Jane Prentice and the North Lakes Local Support Group
provided feedback and ideas around what April. Peter Gurr, Convenor of the Townsville is needed under the NDIS to best support LSG, attended one of their first meetings, workers. The group also heard about sharing the Townsville LSG’s knowledge healthy eating and discussed with Council of the access and planning process for the the best way to communicate with them NDIS. The Cairns group has been focusing about issues members are concerned on supporting each other through the NDIS about, such as safety and accessibility. process and is looking to grow the group over the coming year. Ipswich The Ipswich LSG, convened by Peter and Sunnybank Linda Tully, has been steadily growing The Sunnybank LSG has had a busy over the past year. They have contributed year, attracting new members to the their thoughts and ideas to the Workability growing group. They have had consistently Workforce Evaluation research, sourced informative meetings, hearing from Fair interesting guest speakers, and engaged Trade around consumer rights, continuing with the community promoting the group to support each other with their NDIS and QDN at expos and other events. planning, and sharing information around employing your own support worker and Sunshine Coast NDIS pricing. The Sunshine Coast LSG welcomed David Thomas as their new Convenor. Toowoomba Thanks to Peter Parkes for his work in The Toowoomba LSG, convened by Sharon previously facilitating and leading the Boyce, has focused primarily on planning group. The group has discussed a variety for the NDIS. The group has been attended of interesting topics including advocacy, by the local LAC and has been active in assistive technology and NDIS planning. sharing information with each other. Members also continue to have lunch together and spend time together socially Logan following their monthly meeting. Led by David Swift and Esperance Kalonji, the Logan LSG has been meeting Cairns regularly throughout the year. The Group The Cairns LSG, led by new Convenor Convenors have been busy engaging Wayne Maitland, held its first meeting in with the broader community, attending
Nothing about us without us page 29 expos, and promoting the group. They Gold Coast Hot Topics were both interviewed for the local ‘Our Robert Ellis is the Group Convenor for Logan’ magazine, where they shared their Gold Coast Hot Topics, occasionally thoughts and experience so far of the assisted by Judy Richardson. Gold NDIS. David Swift has now stepped back Coast Hot Topics enables people with as Convenor, and the group is taking a intellectual disability on the Gold Coast to break at present. Thanks to David for all his get together and discuss issues of shared work. importance. Main issues discussed by the Caboolture group this year included employment, the Open Doors Project (in collaboration with The Caboolture LSG is going strong and journalism students at Griffith University), has had a strong group of committed nutrition, and preparing for the NDIS. The members, keen to share information and group was successful in securing a grant learn more about the NDIS and other from the Gold Coast City Council to assist topics of interest. The group regularly has with meeting costs in 2018-19. guest speakers. Members of Caboolture LSG are looking forward to the rollout of Maryborough the NDIS starting from January 2019. Maryborough LSG ceased having regular Fitzgibbon meetings in December 2017. QDN extends our appreciation to QDN and ATSIDNQ Fitzgibbon LSG is ably facilitated by Group member Ted Thorburn for all his efforts Convenors Bernadette Scalora and Meriel in facilitating a local support group in Stanger. The group of regular attendees Maryborough and being a valued Regional get together to discuss issues of shared Facilitator. importance. Topics this year included the NDIS, planning for the group, NDIS Normanton pre-planning approaches and housing. Led by Tony Melksham, the Normanton Gold Coast Linkin’ Up Local Support Group connects a small group of people including Aboriginal Bev and Warwick Best are the Group and Torres Strait Islander people with a Convenors for the Gold Coast LSG. The disability. In 2018 the newly appointed LAC group met regularly during 2017-2018. This Georgia Dray began attending meetings. year Gold Coast LSG were successful in Denise Robertson from People With getting a local government grant to assist Disability Australia (based in Mackay) has the group with transport, catering and also begun supporting the group from the some support costs. The group have met sidelines and occasionally linking by phone. to discuss issues of shared importance The group looks forward to continuing to such as preparing for the NDIS and the grow and learn more about services and impact to the local community of the networks in the area. Commonwealth Games. Occasional guest speakers added to an interesting group.
page 30 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 North Lakes each other through online conversations and provides a mechanism for people to Rebecca Bellis and Eileen Goodenough connect across the state. facilitated the North Lakes LSG in 2017- 2018. The group spent time reaching out in Group Convenors their community, learning about the NDIS and the NDIS appeals process, having fun Group Convenors are supported by QDN and getting creative, and working on their through monthly teleconferences where NDIS Plans. they can share information and ideas about facilitating groups and issues Townsville LSG people with disability around Queensland are experiencing with the NDIS. They Townsville LSG is co-facilitated by Peter also share their insights about what Gurr and Daniel Flynn. Preparing for NDIS is happening in their local area. This Plan Reviews was a main topic among information has been critical to informing group members, alongside other NDIS QDN’s policy work and QDN’s capacity to topics of interest. The LAC and staff from lead and influence change. the NDIA were regularly in attendance at meetings to answer questions from group QDN has held 11 Group convenor members. teleconferences throughout the 2017-2018 financial year and has had 3 opportunities Women’s Virtual Local Support to bring QDN Group Convenors together Group for training and information updates, one in The QDN Women’s Virtual Local Support August 2017 for new Group Convenors and Group is an online closed Facebook two in October 2017. Group open to all QDN women members. The group shares information on issues important to women with disability and A snapshot of highlights for 2017-2018 provides a way to connect with others for Local Support Groups people who find getting to meetings difficult. gg 2029 attendees across all the The group currently has 32 members and groups at meetings throughout the is facilitated by QDN member and staff year person, Karin Swift. Throughout 2017-18 the group has shared 58 posts and had gg 152 face to face meetings held 148 reactions to our posts. The group across Queensland by peer led shares information on a diverse range of local support groups topics affecting women. gg 21 established groups – 18 groups QDN Virtual Local Support meet regularly in geographical Group locations and 2 virtual groups connect through Facebook QDN’s Virtual Local Support Group is an online closed facebook group open gg Group Convenor Community of to all QDN members. The group shares Practice teleconference held every information, tips, ideas, and supports month
Nothing about us without us page 31 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network Queensland QDN has auspiced Aged and Disability Advocacy (ADA) Australia (formerly known as Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy – QADA) to operate and ATSIDNQ staff engaged with communities support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait at a range of events including NAIDOC Islander Disability Network Queensland events in Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville, (ATSIDNQ). QDN receives funding from the Musgrave Park (Brisbane), Toowoomba, Department of Communities, Child Safety Gold Coast and Stradbroke Island. and Disability Services for this network. ATSIDNQ was successful in securing a Disability Action Week grant to host a Network event ‘Deadly Options Which Way’ A snapshot of 2017-2018 highlights: – a one-day event held for members and the public in Mackay. gg 821 members (a 34% increase) ATSIDNQ has participated in a range of gg 5 newsletters produced and industry consultations, providing input on distributed the issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres gg 484 posts to ATSIDNQ Facebook Strait Islander people with disability in pages Queensland.
gg Engagement with an estimated Over the past year ATSIDNQ reflected 3,000 people across a wide range member feedback and experience through of communities across Queensland participation in the following:
gg 9 yarning circles gg A joint discussion paper with ADA gg 28 email blasts Australia commenting on the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) gg 127 referrals for members and proposal ‘Improving the delivery of service providers advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait gg 5 email distributions via Aboriginal Islander People with Disability’ Social Media and Communication gg The Network was represented at the Network of Australia which has NDIS Careers reference group to membership of over 5000 people provide input on the development of the gg ATSIDNQ Facebook page has 1101 Queensland NDIS workforce marketing followers campaign. The Network offered insight into how to attract workforce recruitment from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and culturally appropriate story messaging for proposed campaigns page 32 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 gg The Network was represented in the QDN looks forward to continuing to work NDIS training requirements reference with ADA Australia, and the work it is doing group. to increase member communications and engagement facilitating a stronger voice gg Feedback was provided to the for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Public Guardian Community Visitors people with Disability in Queensland. Program staff on how to enhance their engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander clients around the state. ATSIDNQ gg A joint submission in partnership with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander ADA Australia to the Queensland Disability Network of Queensland Productivity Commission’s Professor Bronwyn Frederick’s draft report on service delivery in remote ATSI communities. gg The ATSIDNQ Project Officer was a witness at the Joint Standing Committee on NDIS Marketplace Readiness hearing in Cairns on 14 March. gg Provided input to Communities, Disability Services and Domestic Violence Prevention Committee public Willie Prince hearing into the Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2018. gg ATSIDNQ was able to provide input to an ADA Australia staff member who participated in the Roundtable on Violence against people with disability undertaken by the Human Rights Commission. gg Participation in various disability network groups to provide input gg A question was raised by the Network live on the ABC Brisbane Focus Program with Emma Griffiths (available on podcast).
Nothing about us without us page 33 QDN’s Peer leaders – Local Support Group Communities of Practice Convenors QDN’s leaders demonstrate the power Local Support Group Convenors come of peer support and peer leadership as together via teleconference for monthly a way of influencing change in individual meetings to assist each other in peer lives and local communities. QDN’s work mentoring, offer mutual support, and in 2017-18 focused on an approach of peer create space for reflective practice about leadership and peer support. their work in their local communities. It is also an opportunity for members to QDN identifies the need for community discuss and action local issues and to to invest deeply in leaders with disability, provide feedback on big picture policy through training and development issues in line with QDN’s Strategic Plan. opportunities and through communities of practice – to share information, ideas and learnings as leaders in their own lives as Ready to go Peer well as the community. Facilitators
To facilitate this, QDN provided regular QDN’s Ready to go peer facilitators opportunities for our peer networks across were a group of 15 people with disability, the different projects to come together in including intellectual disability, who 2017-18. This included: worked together from 2014-mid 2018. They delivered workshops and activities Local Support Group Convenors – peer led across the state, helping other people with networks to enable people with disability to disability learn about the NDIS and what it learn about NDIS, and bring about change means for them. in their local communities;
Ready to go peer facilitators – peer led education and mentoring through the provision of workshops and learning activities focused on people with intellectual disability getting ready for NDIS
Getting on the NDIS Grid – co-design of project activities by peer leaders, and delivery of engagement activities with 11 organisations participants of the project involved in the Participant Readiness Initiative. Providers 2014-2015
page 34 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Getting on the NDIS Grid Peer Leaders The 14 Peer Leaders on the Getting on the NDIS Grid Project came together to co-design and co-deliver the varying activities of this project which focused on engagement with marginalised people with disability who are not connected to the formal disability service system.
Community of Practice Activity Total
Local Support Group convenors Teleconference 11
Training and development 3
Ready to go facilitators Training and development 1
Getting on the NDIS Grid Training and development 2
TOTAL 17
Building capacity – Peer Leaders communication and information QDN has continued to produce a publication to assist in building the capacity of QDN Leaders through QDN’s Community of Practice. The publication, QDN Voices, is a bi-monthly publication. QDN Voices is an internal communication emailed to over 60 people and its primary audience is regional facilitators, group convenors, policy champions, peer leaders, and board members. The purpose of QDN Voices is building the knowledge of emerging leaders about key policy issues, and provision of important messages and content information to support them in their work. It gives members key information when they are taking on their different voluntary roles, including giving people information about the NDIS, the changing policy environment, and what is important to people with disability. QDN Voices helps to empower our leaders through knowledge and peer leaders are encouraged to contribute content to this publication.
From June 2018 the QDN Voices publication was superseded by the Member Hub which is now the depository for content which builds the knowledge of emerging leaders and supports them in their work.
Nothing about us without us page 35 Goal 2 To let people know about the lives of people with disability and how to best talk with us
QDN has undertaken a wide range Presentations of activities to raise awareness about g the lives of people with disability and g Speak Out Conference 2017 “Queensland Self Advocates & the how to engage with us. Journey Out of the Shadows”, Hobart, Samantha Matheson and Donna Best, gg 10 QDN led and/or partnership events September 2017 g g 17 presentations at conferences or gg Queensland Domestic and Family forums Violence Implementation Council gg Participation and attendance at 34 “The needs and barriers for women with conferences, forums, workshops and disability in accessing safety and justice”, events Brisbane, Michelle Moss, July 2017
gg NDIS Industry Briefings, “The Community and Participant Perspective”, Brisbane, stakeholder education Rockhampton and Cairns, Paige Armstrong July 2017 QDN led and partnership events: gg Griffith University’s Project Open Doors Panel members, Brisbane, July gg Queensland Disability Housing 2017 Showcase in partnership with QShelter g gg Changing Lives, Changing Communities g Queensland Community Alliance in partnership with QCOSS and Brisbane, Nigel Webb, August 2017 Townsville City Council gg Metro South Health Disability and gg Creating Peer support networks Health Symposium – “Leave No-one – forums in Cairns, Brisbane and Behind”, Brisbane, Paige Armstrong, Toowoomba funded through a grant from October 2017 JFA Purple Orange gg National Self-Advocacy Forum gg QCOSS Budget Breakfast Melbourne, “QDN’s work in Self- gg My Housing Matters Workshops x 2 Advocacy and DSOs”, Melbourne, Donna gg QDN 15th Anniversary celebration Best, Alison MacLean and Michelle Moss, October 2017 gg Making Theory of Change accessible for self-advocates page 36 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 gg Disability Support Workers Conferences, forums, Conference, Brisbane, Paige Armstrong, workshops, and key October 2017 events attended by QDN gg Community Legal Centres State Conference Brisbane, Paige Armstrong, Housing Roadshow, Department of Alison MacLean and Paul O’Dea, March Housing and Public Works, Brisbane, 2018 18 July 2017. gg Offenders Re-Entry Conference – Renting Fairness Forum, Springwood, Department of Corrections, Brisbane, 20 July 2017 Paige Armstrong and Morrie O’Connor, All Abilities State Plan 2017-2020 March 2018 Launch, Brisbane, 20 July 2017 gg Queensland Health Consumer gg Disability Housing Showcase, Collaborative – Special Meeting NDIS, 24 July 2017 “Opportunities and gaps: the interface between health and disability under the gg Gold Coast Homelessness Connect, NDIS”, Brisbane, Paige Armstrong, 24 July 2017 May 2018 gg NDIS systems planning workshop, gg Queensland Health NDIS State-wide Brisbane, 24 August 2017 Steering Committee, “GP Toolkit”, gg Corporate Rebels Masterclass, Brisbane, Paige Armstrong, May 2018 Brisbane, 25 August 2017 g g South Australian Council of Social gg Queensland Community Alliance Services (SACOSS) “Bright Sparks” Founding Assembly, Brisbane, Adelaide, Michelle Moss, May 2018 30 August 2017 g g Sunshine Coast Access Advisory gg Check Up Forum, Brisbane, Network (SCAAN) “Universal Housing 8 September 2017 Design” Sunshine Coast, Wendy Lovelace, May 2018 gg Brisbane Pride, Brisbane, 23 September 2017 gg Anglicare Southern Queensland Leadership forum for Managers gg NDIS Industry Briefing, Brisbane, Brisbane, Paige Armstrong, November 25 September 2017 2018 gg Sexual Violence Awareness Month – Sexual Violence, Consent and law symposium, Brisbane, 5 October 2017
gg Speak Out Conference, Hobart, 14-16 October 2017
gg QCOSS State Conference, Brisbane, 31 October-1 November 2017
gg National Self Advocacy Conference Melbourne, 26-27 October 2017
Nothing about us without us page 37 gg Investing in the Future: What One gg QCOSS Movement for Change Person Can Do, Brisbane, 3 November conference, Brisbane 16-17 May 2018 2017 gg Department of Housing and Public gg Summer Foundation Roundtable SDA Works Housing with Shared Support Housing, Brisbane, 6 November 2017 NDIS transition – Brisbane, 7 June 2018 gg National Housing Conference, Sydney, 29 November – 1 December 2017 gg Health Consumers Queensland Annual Forum, Brisbane 14-15 June gg QDN’s official office opening, 2018 Brisbane, 18 January 2018 gg QCOSS State Budget Breakfast, gg PHN Brisbane North – NDIS GP Brisbane, 15 June 2018 Readiness Event, Brisbane, 5 February 2018 gg Metro North Health Forum, Brisbane, 19 June 2018 gg Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Brisbane, 13 February 2018 Information and Referral gg Disability Support Worker’s Conference, Brisbane, 21 February QDN has continued to receive funding to 2018 provide information and referral to people requesting assistance. Across 2017-2018 gg NDIA presentation, Brisbane, QDN has provided information and referral 23 February 2018 to 266 individuals, including people with gg QAMH Forums – Queensland disability, family members, services and Transition to NDIS for Mental Health government departments. Assistance has Strategic Forum & Queensland been provided over the telephone, via Health NGO Mental Health Services email or face-to-face. Forum, Brisbane, 15-16 March 2018 The following is a summary of the issues gg Housing Ministerial Advisory Council, on which people have sought information Brisbane, 27 March 2018 and referral:
gg Summer Foundation SDA insights, gg Accessibility: community venues and Brisbane, 27 March 2018 parks gg TDSA Think Big Symposium, Brisbane, gg CALD issues – translating information 4 May 2018 into other languages gg Disability Services gg Creating Thriving Communities in Queensland – Townsville Roundtable, gg Education: inclusion Townsville, 9 May 2018 gg Employment: discrimination, changing providers, job seekers gg Opening of National Disability g Insurance Agency Chermside Office g Housing – affordability, alternatives, Brisbane, 15 May 2018, QDN invited as information, public housing policy official guests gg Human Rights – discrimination
page 38 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 gg NDIS – access, appeals. complaints, 13 November 2017 – Queensland State contact details of Local Area Coordinator, Election: A call to action for all candidates eligibility, information, interface 10 May 2018 – Federal Budget 2018 issues: continuity of care, health and transport, pre-planning assistance, self- May 2018 – QDN and QCOSS Successful management information, waiting times, ILC Grant – Changing Lives, Changing workshops Communities g g Neglect 02 June 2018 – Action to address the gg NDIS: access, appeals, eligibility, NDIA/ abuse, violence and neglect of people with LAC contact details, pre-planning disability assistance, self-management, waiting times gg QDN member issues and projects Bright Sparks, Getting on the NDIS Grid, Local Support Groups, Ready to go gg Recreation gg Service provider issues gg Social support/ isolation gg Transport Ready to go participants
Media Engagement: Summary of media Summary of media related interviews and releases and interviews comments from across newspaper and radio: QDN has been proactive in engaging with the media and has published 6 July 2017 – Toowoomba Chronicle News media releases around key issues. QDN article; Plans to establish local support published 41 news items on our website group for NDIS. Sharon Boyce covering a wide range of topics specific to April 2018 – Digital Capability Development, the interests of our members during the Department of Housing and Public Works – past 12 months. Digital Champion Video series A summary of media engagement activities May 2018 – Courier Mail – Community during this financial year include: Care magazine insert. Paige Armstrong
Media Releases: May 2018 – ABC North Queensland: 13 July 2017 – Open Doors paves way for Multiple sclerosis diagnosis takes life in better reporting on disability new, positive direction. Peter Gurr
15 July 2017 – Taxi Subsidy Scheme June 2018 – ABC Focus Program “An Reinstated for NDIS participants Evening with Focus” – live radio interview.
Nothing about us without us page 39 Nigel Webb, Paige Armstrong, Michelle Communications, Moss, Peter Tully marketing and media June 2018 – Cathy Pilecki interview - NDIA Through a consistent and robust approach office opening. Paige Armstrong to communications and marketing QDN July 2018 – Train enquiry to examine why has strengthened our public profile. Brand NGR carriages don’t comply with disability awareness continues to grow, particularly laws. John McPherson in the Brisbane region. Our social media footprint has increased and website traffic A group of five representatives from QDN and incoming call volumes have steadily were involved in a very successful live increased month by month. Our marketing ABC radio Focus Program in June 2018 and branding programs have contributed where the topic was ‘An evening with focus to our raised profile through physical – NDIS’. The evening was an interactive presence of marketing and branding, our panel discussion, on which QDN Board communications, and our branding across member Sharon Boyce was a panelist. programs. Member e-blasts During 2017-2018, we are proud to have launched a new website, which meets the As well as regular e-Bulletin WCAG2 standards. Along with the many communications bi-monthly to members accessibility and navigation enhancements and supporters, QDN pushes out e-blasts we have also included a Member Hub in to members as critical issues or news the website. The Member Hub is a QDN arises important to people with disability. Ordinary member only password protected During 2017-2018, QDN delivered 41 section of the QDN website. This provides e-blasts to members and supporters. a place for QDN to share information, accessible events, surveys, news, buy sell Social media and swap, and opportunities just for people with disability. QDN posted over 300 Facebook posts this year. We have 1356 people following QDN has produced a number of resources, and regularly interacting with our page. including workbooks and a board game, QDN continues to post all events on our across our projects which are receiving Facebook page. very positive feedback from both end users of the resources and community As at 30 June 2018, the QDN organisations. Facebook page had 1,345 likes, the Ready to go Facebook page had 806 likes, and QDN’s Member Facebook page (Virtual Network) had 498 members.
Getting on the Grid game page 40 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Project delivery NDIS Targeted Strategies: Getting on the NDIS Grid Ready to go project – NDIS QDN has been delivering the Getting on Participant Readiness the NDIS Grid project since December QDN continued to operate the state- 2016 with a consortium of partners – wide Ready to go project until 30 June QCOSS, Micah Projects, Community 2018. The project had been funded by the Living Association (CLA), and Community Department of Communities, Disabilities Resource Unit (CRU). and Seniors since 2014 as an NDIS The project was funded by the Department Participant Readiness Initiative. The of Social Services and was to end on 30 project engaged a wide range of people, June 2018. The Queensland Department of including people with intellectual and Communities, Disabilities and Seniors has learning disabilities and their families and provided funding to continue the project supporters across Queensland. until 31 December 2018. Over the life of the project 2014 – 2018, The Getting on the NDIS Grid project QDN delivered over 570 activities across is to connect with people who may not the state, reaching over 11,000 people. otherwise engage with services and assist Interactive and accessible workshops were them in understanding what the NDIS held in two parts (3 hour sessions over 2 is and how it may support them. The days) or adapted to suit the requirements target group is people with disability who of participants. currently do not receive disability support The Ready to go project was co-designed services, live in the South East corner of and delivered by peer facilitators. 14 Peer Queensland and who are: facilitators facilitated workshops across gg Transient, in supported accommodation, Queensland, travelling many miles at times living in caravan parks and/or to rural and remote communities. experiencing housing challenges
QDN appreciates the work of all people gg Homeless, or at risk of homelessness who have been involved in this project and gg Exiting the child safety, juvenile justice the support for this work to occur. or criminal justice systems gg from the LGTBIQ community In 2017-18, Ready to go delivered: Over the past 18 months, the Getting on gg 67 activities across Queensland, to the NDIS Grid project has engaged with gg 1383 participants including people a total of 5,497 people from the target with disability and their supporters audience, community, voluntary and mainstream organisations, faith-based groups, social housing services, caravan parks, supported accommodation facilities, neighbourhood/community centres, health professionals, support staff and friends and family.
Nothing about us without us page 41 Griffith University – Digital and the consortium have been working Stories Project hard to develop their ideas for Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) The Brisbane Hot Topics group has been grants. Based upon this, the group have involved in an action research project, been working with Community Services partnering with Griffith University and Industry Alliance (CSIA) who has been University of Queensland to develop a funded in partnership with National number of Digital Stories. Hot Topics Disability Services (NDS) to undertake members worked collaboratively with QDN provider readiness in Queensland for ILC and the Griffith project team in developing grants. The group of self-advocates from the skills to lead the development of their QDN’s Hot Topics, WWILD, CLA, Loud and own story. Over a period of three months, Clear and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait the group developed eight individual Islander Disability Network Queensland stories and one group story about Hot (ATSIDNQ) worked with The Australian Topics. Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) to The individual stories were personal develop an accessible Theory of Change stories, of how people have impacted for people with intellectual disability to others and their communities, and dealt be in the driver’s seat to create their with challenges in their lives. The group own projects, and resources to assist story focused on the history of the Hot organisations to support self-advocates Topics group, their achievements, and in this work. These will be available in late what the group means for individuals and 2018. people with intellectual disability from the perspective of the Hot Topics members. Understanding your role in the The stories are set to be launched at NDIS – GP Toolkit the Griffith University Film School in QDN was pleased to be contracted September 2018. by Brisbane North Primary Health “Stories which highlight the personal and Network to develop a toolkit for General positive impact people with intellectual Practitioners (GPs) to assist them in disability have on our community”. supporting people to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The toolkit Inclusion Ready Strategic contains a range of information for GPs, Project – By Self-Advocates Allied Health professionals and practice staff with tips to assist in completing As a consortium, QDN, Community access request documentation for patients. Living Association (CLA), WWILD-SVP, This toolkit will assist GPs and Allied Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia Health professionals in the critical role they (ADA), Parent to Parent, and Queensland play in assisting eligible participants to Advocacy Incorporated have been working provide evidence of their disability and the together with a group of self-advocates functional impacts on their day to day life. over the past 5 years around the voice of people with intellectual disability in Queensland. The group of self-advocates
page 42 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 QDN Business Streams
QDeNgage Through QDeNgage, QDN is pleased to provide a range of services including speakers for key events. This year, QDeNgage has provided speakers/ presenters and/or resources for the following engagements and contracts
Primary Health Network Brisbane North NDIS GP Readiness Event
National Disability Services NDIS Workability Jobs Roadshows Digital Story
Community Services Industry Alliance Interviews and Digital Stories and Workability Jobs Roadshows
National Disability Services Employment Marketta, Sunshine Coast, Redlands, Logan, Brisbane, Gold Coast
Office of Small Business NDIS Small Business Roundtable
Health Consumers Queensland NDIS Information session
JFA Purple Orange 3 x workshops in Cairns, Moorooka and Maryborough with focus on Local Support Groups
Metro North Primary Health Network GP Toolkit
CSIA/National Disability Services ILC Provider Readiness Workshops videos
QDeNgage Consultants have lived experience of disability and are available to share their experiences and specialist knowledge. This helps to empower organisations and enable products and services to be more inclusive, accessible and what people with disability want.
QDN will be raising the profile of our QDeNgage Consultancy work, moving into the market place ensuring there is a strong voice and focus on the issues that are important to people with disability. The consultancy work very much compliments our other work streams. The consultancy work will create opportunities for members to engage in new ways, and lead to consultancy opportunities for QDN peer leaders.
Nothing about us without us page 43 A flyer outlining what QDN offers in its Fee for Service Workshops business streams, which includes: QDN also trialled the delivery of fee Knowledge Network, QdeNgage, Our for service workshops for people with Voice and Lead Institute was released disability, organisations and supporters in during the year and can be accessed on 2018. the QDN website. This strategy focuses on QDN’s desire to build a sustainable and effective OUR WORK: organisation that builds on our core QUEENSLANDERS WITH DISABILITY NETWORK nothing about us without us Knowledge Network strengths and existing skills as we enter QDN’s Knowledge Network is a Queensland state-wide network of over 1000 members who are people with disability, and include this new NDIS market economy where we people with a range of disability including physical, intellectual and cognitive, sensory, neurological and psychosocial. It links can no longer rely on government funding people with disability together, get up to date information, have a voice, influence change and provide policy leadership to drive service LEAD Institute sources alone. and system change. It includes 24 local The LEAD institute develops the skills, support groups in local communities across knowledge and confidence of people with Queensland. disability to actively contribute to leading, shaping and influencing community and “My Housing Matters” workshops were held system level change. The Institute is building leaders across Queensland, by and for people with disability. in Brisbane on 31 January and 30 May 2018. QDeNgage Our Voice QDN’s voice of influence and representation Consultancy, engagement, around policy development and policy training and speakers 56% of attendees were people with submissions. This is also QDN’s member only provided by QDN’s hub channel. Engagement Consultants who are people with lived lived experience of disability and 19% of disability experience and qualified professionals to attendees were their supports. Feedback help organisations, business, services, researchers and Government Departments about the take home workbook and other plan, design, deliver and evaluate services, products, environment and
LEAD resources was very positive and 92% of policy to deliver on quality, accessibility, affordability, inclusion and innovation. attendees said the digital stories used in INFORM the workshop were very useful. CONNECT INFLUENCE
page 44 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 We exceeded our participant capacity with Information, Linkages and over thirty people attending to discuss, Capacity Building – successful listen and learn. Most attending were grant as part of National people with a disability, early in their Readiness Round housing journey, who were able to consider QDN, in partnership with QCOSS, was what was important to them, identify the successful in receiving an Information, pros and cons of different housing options Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grant and to imagine what they want in their as part of a recent national round. The home. project is called Changing Lives, Changing Anita, one of the attendees, proudly Communities, and it builds on the great created her vision for her home. work that QDN has been involved in over the past two years in Townsville with “Thanks for everything today I had a great QCOSS, Townsville City Council and the day”. community. Changing Lives, Changing Other feedback from participants Communities will host community forums in six communities across metropolitan, “I like the fact that we were able to listen regional, rural and remote areas of to the digital stories and connect with Queensland. The forums will be led by others on the day” people with disability, local community “I thoroughly enjoyed the forum and leaders and work in partnership with Local connecting and sharing of information” Councils. The forums aim to showcase people with disability as leaders and bring all parts of the community together to exchange information about community and mainstream services, talk about challenges and barriers and work together to co-create local community-owned solutions. This will delivered from July 2018 – June 2020.
WORKBOOK My Housing Matters
Housing matters for people with disability. Brisbane, 31 January 2018 www.qdn.org.au page 1
Nothing about us without us page 45 Goal 3 To influence governments and others to bring about full and equal participation and citizenship
QDN continues to influence across Engagement with Local, State and Commonwealth Government levels of Government through its activities of systemic policy and State Election advocacy to ensure the voice of QDN engaged strongly in the 2017 people with disability is represented Queensland State Election, delivering and heard. a comprehensive QDN platform to candidates and parties and a shared 2017-2018 was a significant year in policy election platform with Community Services reforms affecting people with disability. peaks. QDN also issued a joint press QDN’s members, supporters and allies release with People with Disability Australia. have played a critical role in informing The QDN platform focused on the our systemic policy work and providing responsibility of the Queensland grass roots information to inform decision Government in delivering and funding makers about the direct impacts of policy essential accessible, affordable and quality decisions in the day to day lives of people Government and community mainstream with disability. services to people with disability, and its critical role in fostering full inclusion and During 2017-2018, QDN made participation of people with disability in the contributions at economic, social, civic and cultural life of gg 18 policy consultations/forums and Queensland.
gg Submitted 15 policy submissions. The platform was deeply informed by the 2017 state-wide member survey with QDN members which identified the key priority QDN also engaged regularly and frequently policy areas and critical issues impacting with members of parliament, departmental upon their lives. The six priority areas and representatives, candidates for election calls to action under those priorities were: and key decision makers about issues important to our members and the lives of people with disability.
page 46 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 National Disability Insurance Scheme Justice (NDIS) gg Develop and implement a Human Rights gg commit to re-negotiation of existing Act for Queensland and bilateral arrangements with the gg Commit to ending violence, abuse and Commonwealth around NDIS neglect of people with disability and to implementation in Queensland ensuring that people with disability can gg commit to further investment in a range achieve their rights through the justice of participant and sector readiness system. initiatives, independent advocacy gg QDN emailed the Election Platform support and marketplace stewardship. document to all candidates, where an email address was available, across the Leadership and participation 93 electorates including candidates from gg invest and prioritise the leadership, all parties and independents. QDN also inclusion and participation of people emailed each political party’s secretary/ with disability in the economic, social president or leader; seeking a response and civic life of Queensland. to QDN’s election platform.
Housing gg QDN provided members with a State Election Advocacy Kit, which included gg commit to funding accessible, affordable, key platform points, suggestions for well-located housing solutions for effective advocacy and sample letters people with disability; and for local candidates and teleconferenced gg to adopt QDN’s 4 guiding principles and with group convenors to engage them in recommendations to guide decisions following up with the critical issues in the relating to housing policy and practice Advocacy kit with their local candidates.
QDN also issued a joint press release Transport with People with Disability Australia, g g commit to fund and provide accessible which called on the future Queensland and affordable public and community Government to deliver and invest transport for people with disability in in essential, affordable, and quality Queensland Government and community mainstream gg create a culture of meaningful services for people with disability. engagement and consultation with The QDN Board, staff and members had people with disability within Transport many meetings and communications and Main Roads (TMR) and QRail that with candidates and parties during the goes beyond information provision campaign, with a key outcome being an election promise announced on 15 Health November 2017 of $750,000 funding to commit to addressing the significantly QDN for peer-to-peer support across poorer health outcomes of people with the state. QDN thanks members for their disability. advocacy during the campaign.
Nothing about us without us page 47 Engagement with Engagement with members of Parliament Departmental staff QDN has met members from major parties QDN meets regularly with Departmental (the Liberal National Party, The Australian Directors General, Deputy Directors Labor Party Queensland) including Hon General, Executive Directors and other Sterling Hinchliffe, Minister for Local public servants to advocate on key issues. Government, Minister for Racing and In addition, QDN continues to strengthen Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon working relationships with the NDIA Coralee O’Rourke, Minister for Disability, the and this year has met with the National Hon Mick De Brenni, Minister for Housing, Director and Deputy Director, Internal the Hon Anthony Lynham, Minister for Communications and Engagement, Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Participant Change Management, and Dr Christian Rowan, Shadow Minister for Regional Manager, Regional Directors Disability Services, the Hon Chris Whiting of Community Engagement across MP, and the Hon Steven Miles MP. At the Queensland. Commonwealth level, QDN has met with Assistant Minister for Social Services, Peak body collaboration Jane Prentice on several occasions, Luke Howarth MP and Terri Butler MP. QDN has continued to engage with Queensland peak organisations to work QDN also attended the QCOSS and Peaks collaboratively around key issues, projects Budget Breakfast, with a highlight being and collective influence on Government QDN mentioned in the Treasurer’s speech around key priorities during 2017-2018. in relation to the Peer to Peer Advocacy Support project funding promised during At the State Budget presentation at the election campaign and delivered in the the QCOSS Budget breakfast, priority Budget. areas for joint action were decided and disseminated in a joint communique by These meetings and events have provided fourteen community service peak bodies QDN with the opportunity to raise the including: issues brought forward by members and ensure that the voice of people with QDN, Queensland Council of Social disability is heard within Governments. Services, Council on the Ageing, Volunteering Queensland, National Disability Services, Community Services Industry Alliance, QShelter, Community Legal Centres Queensland, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, Peak Care, Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Child Protection Peak, Tenants Queensland, Health and Community Representatives from 14 peak organisations at Services Workforce Council. 2018 Budget Breakfast page 48 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Key issues that QDN members have been of disability. Housing Champions active in – the NDIS, accessible, affordable finalised QDN’s statement of housing housing and a human rights act are three priorities which formed part of QDN’s of the four priorities members identified, election platform and was used with key and importantly for QDN members from stakeholders such as Queensland Shelter Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Tenants Queensland. Priorities backgrounds, Family Matters is the fourth. included: Speaking points were developed and Universal Housing Design: Housing shared and used by peak body staff at the for Life for all Queenslanders. Aiming for QCOSS Budget Breakfast, at which QDN at least gold standard for all new housing hosted two tables. development. QDN will continue to work together with Fair Rental for all: Supporting the Tenants other peak bodies, believing that we are Union Campaign for all tenants’ rights. better together and that collectively, we can make a difference. #powerofpeaks Inclusive Approaches: Housing that provides real alternatives to congregate Policy leadership by and care and ensures people with disability are for people with disability included in their local communities. Home ownership: Innovative finance QDN believes that it is essential that solutions and shared equity approaches people with disability are leading the policy and partnerships. changes and reforms that affect them in their lives. Good governance is derived Accessible social housing: Call to from having all parts of the system involved increase the provision and availability. in planning, designing, delivering and Housing Hub: Central hub required to evaluating policy and services. QDN has promote efficiencies, inform and educate continued to actively work in a number of people with disability and families, develop policy areas, including housing this year. cross-sectoral partnering and encourage Housing policy champions innovation. QDN’s Housing Policy Champions are NDIS and Housing: Ensuring up to date, a group of people with disability with a easily understood information and referral key interest in achieving better housing is available. outcomes for people with disability, and strong collective knowledge about issues Advance Queensland and solutions for housing by people with Community Digital Champions varied lived experiences. As part of Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative, the Housing Champions came together in a Advance Queensland Community Digital Community of Practice during the year Champions program aims to encourage to talk about and share integral housing Queenslanders to explore and enjoy issues for people with lived experience the benefits of the digital age through
Nothing about us without us page 49 the stories and activities of inspirational disabled persons’ self-determination, self- champions. respect and dignity.
Geoff Cooper (Brisbane Local Support The leadership exchange has provided Group Convenor) and Nigel Webb QDN with a range of learnings and (Chairperson QDN Board of Directors and reflections to incorporate into future Convenor QDN Facebook closed page) planning, initiatives and the development of are, again, QDN’s two community digital international relationships with a range of champions in 2018. Nigel recorded a series Government and community leaders. of 4 videos in which he shared his tips around engaging with social media. Policy Submissions Digital literacy and digital access are In 2017-18 QDN has made policy critical issues for people with disability and submissions and representations and has this project is bringing awareness to people been represented in consultations and on about the need for increasing people’s committees across key policy areas: knowledge and skills of the digital world. National Disability Insurance All Abilities Plan Launch Scheme 26 July 2017 saw the launch of All Abilities Queensland: Opportunities for All — State Consultations, committees and Disability Plan 2017–2020. QDN members representations were key figures in the development of the gg Ministerial Advisory Group member: plan, attending consultations and providing QTAG – Queensland Transition Advisory feedback over the past several years, and Group, National Disability Insurance feature in the accompanying awareness Scheme (NDIS) campaign “Everybody has a role to play”. gg Appointment of Paige Armstrong as International Leadership QTAG Deputy Chairperson to the Exchange Minister the Hon Coralee O’Rourke, Chairperson Michelle Moss attended the International Initiative for Disability Leadership in gg QTAG NDIS Industry Briefing planning May 2018 in Sweden. The program working party member included a two day ‘match’ which is a gg Department of Communities, Child learning exchange with an organisation Safety and Disability Services of the delegate’s choice and then a 2 Partnership forum member day conference – this year with over 460 gg Queensland NDIS Workforce Strategy delegates from over 24 countries. Advisory Group – Workability Strategy The match chosen (with a similar gg Senate Joint NDIS Standing Committee purview and constituency to QDN) was – comments at Townsville meeting the Independent Living Institute (ILI) in March 2018 Stockholm – a policy development centre specialising in consumer-driven policies for page 50 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 gg National Disability Insurance Scheme violence action Recommendation 10 National Advisory Group on Intellectual Workshop October 2017 Disability Member gg Department of Premiers and Minister for gg Queensland Health Consumer Health – Roundtable on Child Sexual Collaborative – Special Meeting NDIS Abuse in Institutions Queensland Government Response April 2018 gg Queensland Health NDIS Statewide Steering Committee representation gg Australian Human Rights Commission – Roundtable on abuse of people with gg National Disability Insurance Agency disability in institutional settings April – Psychosocial Disability consultations 2018 with invited stakeholders to inform review Submissions g g National Disability Insurance Agency – gg Feedback to Queensland Anti-Cyber Complex Needs Brisbane and Sydney Bullying Taskforce, May 2018 g g Queensland Audit Office NDIS gg QDN Submission on the National Implementation review Redress Scheme on Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill, Queensland Submissions Parliament, June 2018 gg QDN Response to the Productivity Commission Position Paper on National Digital Technology Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Costs, July 2017 Consultations, committees and representations gg QDN Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Commission on the Submissions National Disability Insurance Scheme gg QDN Submission on Solutions to tackle (NDIS), September 2017 Cyber-bullying, Queensland Anti-Cyber gg QDN Response to the National Disability bullying Taskforce, May 2018 Insurance Scheme Amendment (Quality Employment and Safeguards Commission and Other Measures) Bill 2017, December 2017 Consultations, committees and gg QDN Submission on Market Readiness representations for the Provision of Services under the gg Department of Social Services Disability NDIS, February 2018 Employment Services Initiative Consultation July 2017 Abuse/ Neglect/ Violence Submissions Consultations, committees and gg QDN Submission on Discussion Paper: representations Ensuring a Strong Future for Supported gg Not Now Not Ever – People with Employment, Department of Social disability and domestic and family Services, March 2018
Nothing about us without us page 51 Government gg Liveable Housing Working Group Member Consultations, committees and gg Queensland Building Plan consultation representations Department of Housing and Public Minister’s Roundtable, Creating Thriving Works Communities, Townsville May 2018
gg Feedback on Department of Submissions Communities, Disability Services and gg QDN Response to Social Services Seniors Strategic Plan, May 2018 Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, November 2017 gg Queensland State Budget Briefing June 2018 gg QDN Response to the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation Bill 2018, January 2018 Submissions gg QDN e-Bulletin Summary Home gg QDN State Election Platform, November Modifications under the NDIS, May 2018 2017
gg QDN Submission on Department of Mobility Communities, Disability Services and Seniors Draft Strategic Plan, May 2018 Submissions gg QDN Submission on the Senate Housing Inquiry: The need for regulation of Motor Scooters, also known as Consultations, committees and motorised wheelchairs, Senate Standing representations Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs gg National Housing and Homelessness and Transport, Australian Parliament, Agreement Roundtable (Department of March 2018 Housing and Public Works) September 2017 Transport
gg Department of Housing and Summer Consultations, committees and Foundation Roundtable November 2017 representations gg Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Roundtable on gg Queensland Rail DDA Advisory Group SDA Housing gg Transport and Main Roads Access gg Member Ministerial Housing Council Reference Group
gg Australian Network for Universal gg Brisbane Airport Corporation Housing Design (ANUHD) Accessibility Reference Group
gg Queensland Action for Universal gg Public Transport Focus Group Housing Design gg Opportunities for Personalised Transport (OPT) Review Taskforce Panel
page 52 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 gg Queensland Rail Assisted Boarding Advocacy and human rights Member delegation with Queensland Rail Consultations, committees and representations Submissions gg Disability Forensic Service System gg QDN Submission in response to the Review Advisory Group member joint application from the State of Queensland and Queensland Rail Energy for an exemption under the Disability Consultations, committees and Discrimination Act 1992, January 2018 representations gg QDN Submission on Brisbane Metro gg Tariff Reform Working Group – Bus Project, May 2018 Department of Energy and Water gg QDN Submission on Draft Transport Supply, member Plan for Brisbane, Brisbane City Council, gg Energy Queensland Customer Council May 2018
Health
Consultations, committees and representations gg Queensland Transition to NDIS for Mental Health Strategic Forum working group member gg NDIS Training Requirements Workforce Advisory Group gg Metro South Hospital and Health Disability Advisory Committee gg Metro North Hospital and Health Service Community Board Advisory Group gg National Roundtable for Mental Health of People with Intellectual Disability March 2018
Nothing about us without us page 53 QDN’s Board of Directors and staff Goal 4 Grow an have continued to deliver on the strategic goal of the organisation, independently growing an independently sustainable, effective, sustainable, effective, and accountable organisation. In the and accountable decision making and delivery of the core work and the various projects, organisation that QDN continues to deliver work reflects our values, reflective of the goals, values, vision and mission of the organisation. vision and mission QDN has continued to have a focus on growing its profile and reputation, and building upon the four pillars of the business plan to strengthen our work and harness opportunities for growth. The four pillars include inform, connect, influence and lead. As the organisation moves into its 16th year, QDN acknowledges the work and contribution of previous committees, board, staff and New office opening members who have strived to ensure that it really is ‘nothing about us without us.’
During 2017-2018, QDN’s Board of Directors have undertaken the role of corporate governance with rigor and commitment, contributing each of their skills and expertise to position QDN now and into the future.
Minister Coralle O’Rourke, Nigel Webb, Paige Armstrong and Hon Jane Prentice MP
page 54 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 QDN Office relocation to The Bowen Hills office became the central Turbot Street, Spring Hill hub of our state-wide network activities. It saw the development of QDN’s Regional In September 2017, QDN relocated to our Facilitators located around the State who new premises in Turbot St, Spring Hill. It met regularly via teleconference with was a significant move for the organisation, the Brisbane office, feeding back local but one based upon the need to have to issues and perspectives that informed find alternative premises due to one of the QDN’s systemic policy work. Hot Topics leased spaces at Bowen Hills being sold. (Brisbane) also started meeting in Bowen This situation offered opportunities to find Hills. It became a regular meeting space a new space that enabled adequate space, for many people with disability to discuss within the same working environment for policy, have a voice on important issues, the number of staff, and an accessible meet with policy makers and Ministers, office space within the inner city area. This develop leadership skills and celebrate search compounded what the organisation our collective wins. already knew about the challenges of the End of an era…all remember the Bowen built environment around accessibility, Hills office affectionately as our first move closeness to public transport, and an out of home. We take these memories accessible office building that met all with us as we move on to Spring Hill, onto our business needs. After 5 months of the next phase of the QDN journey. searching, we were successful. The following article from Karin Swift Official Office Opening (QDN founding member and current staff QDN was very pleased to have the member) provides a reflection on the end Hon. Coralee O’Rourke, Minister for of an era and the new beginnings. Communities and Minister for Disability Friday 8 September 2017 marked the end Services and Seniors, officially open the of an era for QDN as we closed the doors new QDN office on 18 January 2018. of our Bowen Hills office. We re-opened Nigel Webb said “The new office the following Monday 11 September at represents a new chapter in QDN’s history our new offices in Spring Hill. and reflects its growth and the positive Moving into the office in Bowen Hills future ahead”. marked a significant point in QDN’s QDN was also pleased to welcome Hon development as a state-wide network Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for of, by and for people with disability as Social Services and Disability Services it heralded our ‘coming of age’ as a to launch the Getting on the NDIS Grid newly incorporated association and was Project Digital Story. It was a great event the start of us being an independent and we wish to thank everyone for your organisation. Prior to this we were support. co-located with our auspice organisation Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI).
Nothing about us without us page 55 Board of Directors A two page flyer outlining these key Strategic Planning elements was produced and launched at the QDN office opening on 18 January QDN’s Board Directors held their annual 2018. This communication collateral has strategic planning day on 18 January been promoted at all QDN events and 2018 to reflect on our achievements and opportunities. identify our priorities and strategic actions Work to develop processes, templates for the year ahead, our governance and and workflows has been undertaken, and stewardship of the organisation and this has been consolidated in an ‘action implementation of the strategies of our research’ approach as we have been business plan. developing, while delivering a range of activities within the business streams. Board of Directors Business Planning Quality Management QDN Directors and senior management System have been developing and implementing QDN was required to transition from ISO business planning for several years. 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 this year and This year has seen QDN consolidate its completed an audit on 8 May 2018. We business streams to build on this important received the report noting that we have work for the future sustainability of the successfully transitioned to ISO 9001:2015. organisation. The auditor was highly complimentary of A range of activities have been undertaken the work QDN does and the integrity with in the 2017-2018 financial year to progress which it does its work. the work and promote the range of business opportunities that QDN can offer Board development under the 4 areas of the business: QDN’s Board of Directors met regularly gg Knowledge Network during the year to make decisions on gg QDeNgage strategic direction, governance, staffing and financial matters. gg LEAD Institute During 2017-18, several Board members gg Our Voice experienced health and personal QDN’s communication and branding has circumstances that kept them out of focused on delivery of these activities, built action for periods of time. Because of upon the 4 key pillars of our work to: this, the Board directed the Nominations and Performance Committee to gg Inform review applicants who nominated for gg Connect Board Director elections at the 2016 gg Lead Annual General Meeting to make recommendations for an appointed director gg Influence in line with QDN’s constitution. On review page 56 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 (1) AGM 2017 (2) Peter and Gary
of skills and experience, the Nominations and Performance Committee recommended the appointment of Gary Matthews as an Appointed Director of QDN. Gary, Group Convenor for Mackay and an active QDN member, was duly appointed and welcomed by the Board.
Three Board Directors are not re-nominating for election at this year’s AGM. QDN thanks Philia Polites for her contribution and leadership of the Board during her time since 2015. Philia has taken on the roles of Deputy Chairperson and Chairperson of the Audit and Compliance Committee and shared her wisdom, experience and knowledge generously in these roles. QDN also thanks retiring Director Matt McCracken for his service and contribution to the Board since 2014. Matt’s leadership, knowledge, skills and experiences have greatly contributed to the governance, growth and work of the organisation in service to the members and the community. QDN also thanks retiring Director Grahame Robertson. Grahame has served as Chairperson of the Audit and Compliance Committee for the past year and been an active member of the Board since 2015. Grahame’s leadership, knowledge and corporate experience he has brought to the Board has enriched and supported the organisation’s growth and development.
The Board of Directors have worked alongside staff, assisted by the Company Secretary, to develop strong plans for the future of QDN.
Name Position Location Board Director member since
Nigel Webb Chairperson Brisbane 2009
Philia Polites Vice Chairperson Brisbane 2015
Peter Gurr Board Director North Qld 2015
Grahame Robertson Board Director Brisbane 2015
Sharon Boyce Board Director South West Qld 2013
Matt McCracken Board Director Caboolture 2014
John McPherson Board Director Brisbane 2002 Colleen Papadopoulos Company Secretary Brisbane 2015
Nothing about us without us page 57 Staff recruitment and retention QDN has had some changes to our staff team during 2017-2018 as projects wound up. QDN’s staff team have worked collaboratively to deliver on a wide range of outcomes and the achievements reported on in this document. QDN farewelled several staff members during 2017-2018 including Olivia Spadina, Troy Wolski, Paul Gabbert and Julie van Oosten and we welcomed and farewelled Jennifer Barrkman who was undertaking short term contract work for QDN. All staff have contributed greatly to the outcomes that QDN has achieved, and we thank them for their hard work, efforts and role in delivering on QDN’s outcomes during this year. We also welcomed new staff during the year including Louise Abson, Lisa McDermott, Rebecca Wesson, and thank you for being part of the team and the work of QDN.
Chief Executive Officer Paige Armstrong Current
Business Development and Michelle Moss Current Operations Manager
Project Support Officer Margaret Micale Current
Project Support Officer Louise Abson Current
Project Officer (Networks) Karin Swift Current
Project Officer Olivia Spadina To 16 March 2018 (Local Support Groups)
Marketing and Comms Officer Sharyn McManus Current
Project Officer/Projects Lead Troy Wolski To 6 July 2018
Projects Lead Jennifer Barrkman From 6 November 2017 to 29 June 2018 Contractor prior
Project Officer Paul Gabbert To 29 June 2018
Project Officer Julie van Oosten To 3 March 2018
Finance and Admin Coordinator Mark McKeon Current
Admin Officer Sharon Turner Current
page 58 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Project Officer Lisa McDermott From 30 April 2018 (Getting on the NDIS Grid)
Project Officer Rebecca Wesson From 30 April 2018 (Getting on the NDIS Grid)
Projects Lead Denise Sands From 28 November 2018 Prior working as Ready to go project officer
Casual staff
Acting Finance Officer Joanne Galvin Current
Administration Support Cindy Hannam Current Officer
Project Support Officer Maree Fairbanks From 18 January 2018- Current
Consultants/contractors A number of consultants worked alongside QDN staff during 2017-18 and we thank them for their valuable contribution, and for their dedication and commitment to QDN and our members for producing quality work:
Elissa Farrow (About Your Transition), Rebecca McElroy (Bright Films Productions), Clare Locke (Clocke Designs), Geoff Trappett (Inclusion Moves), Jane Geltch (Purpose Partners), Peter and Linda Tully (ASD), ArtPartner and Staffing Options.
Full room at the 15th Anniversary celebrations Peter Gurr at HCQ forum
Nothing about us without us page 59 Part 3: Financial overview
Income QDN’s total income for the 2017/18 financial year was $1,464,864 (2016/17: $1,413,520). This was primarily comprised of:
$406,252 QDN core business
$320,000 Ready to go project
$466,666 Getting on the NDIS Grid project
$130,000 Disability Support Organisation and Local Support Groups
$141,946 Other income
Expenditure QDN’s total expenditure for the 2017/18 financial year was $1,598,538 (2016/17: $1,505,716).
Deficit QDN incurred an operating deficit of $133,674 for the 2017/18 financial year (2016/17: $92,196 deficit), principally as a result of QDN’s investment in business development activities.
page 60 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 Part 4: Appendix
Organisational structure 2017-2018
Board
Company Secretary
Chief Exective Officer
Finance & Business Projects Administration Development Lead Coordinator Manager
Administration & Networks Project Community Project Communications Project Support and Policy Officers Connector Officers Officer Officers Officer
Getting Ready Statewide Disability on the to go Network and Support Grid Project Policy Organisation Project
Nothing about us without us page 61 QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 QUEENSLANDERS WITH DISABILITY NETWORK nothing about us without us
Vision People with disability are active and valued citizens
Policy Contributions Community and g 18 policy consultations and forums Stakeholder Education g 15 policy submissions g 8 stalls QDN promotional materials g Peak Body Collaboration g 10 QDN led and partnered events g 17 presentations at conferences or forums Leadership g 34 key events attended g 6 Leadership development Information and by QDN events Communication g 226 information referrals g 14 peer facilitators Getting on g the NDIS Grid New website released g g 15 peer facilitators ready to go Member Hub launched Membership g 6 e-Bulletins g 23 LSG facilitators g 895 Ordinary Members g 6 QDN Voices g 12 appointed Life Members g 581 Supporters g 41 e-blasts g 3 appointed Honoured g 40 Corporate members Supporters g 58,668 visitors to QDN website g 11 events with QDN member g 27% increase in visitors to website sponsored attendance g 148 subscribers to e-Bulletin Governance and g QDN Housing Policy Champions Community Of operations Practice g Board governance and renewal g Attendance at International strategic planning Leadership exchange g Quality Management System g Advance Queensland recertification to ISO 9001:2015 Community Digital Champion g Board of Directors Business Planning
Local Support ATSIDNQ Social media Groups g Over 300 posts g 21 established groups g 1356 likes on QDN facebook page maintained g 806 likes to Ready to go Facebook page g 2029 members across all g Instagram page established g 821 members groups g 9 Yarning Circles g 152 face to face meetings held g 5 newsletters Peer Leaders – g Group convenor Community g 28 e-blasts Communities of g Participation in 10 events/ of Practice teleconference Practice monthly forums g Regional facilitators, Ready to go Peer Facilitators, Local NDIS Targeted Media Support Group convenors g 11 state wide teleconferences strategies Engagement g 6 training and development days g 14 Peer facilitators g 6 media releases g 6 QDN Voices g 18 months - engaged with g 7 media articles/interviews 5497 people from target audience Engagement with Ready to Government go NDIS QDN g QDN election platform announced Participant Consultancy g State election Advocacy Kit for members Readiness – QDeNgage g $750,000 funding to QDN for Peer to Peer g 67 activities across support g 10 QDeNgage speakers/presenters Queensland g Engagement with members of Parliament and g 2 Fee for Service Workshops g 1383 participants including departmental staff g Information, Linkages and Capacity Building people with diability and - Changing Lives, Changing Communities their supporters community forums g 2014-2018- 570 activites g Contracted to develop General Practice Toolkit Nothing about us without us delivered QDN Annual Report 2017-2018 QUEENSLANDERS WITH DISABILITY NETWORK nothing about us without us
Vision People with disability are active and valued citizens
Policy Contributions Community and g 18 policy consultations and forums Stakeholder Education g 15 policy submissions g 8 stalls QDN promotional materials g Peak Body Collaboration g 10 QDN led and partnered events g 17 presentations at conferences or forums Leadership g 34 key events attended g 6 Leadership development Information and by QDN events Communication g 226 information referrals g 14 peer facilitators Getting on g the NDIS Grid New website released g g 15 peer facilitators ready to go Member Hub launched Membership g 6 e-Bulletins g 23 LSG facilitators g 895 Ordinary Members g 6 QDN Voices g 12 appointed Life Members g 581 Supporters g 41 e-blasts g 3 appointed Honoured g 40 Corporate members Supporters g 58,668 visitors to QDN website g 11 events with QDN member g 27% increase in visitors to website sponsored attendance g 148 subscribers to e-Bulletin Governance and g QDN Housing Policy Champions Community Of operations Practice g Board governance and renewal g Attendance at International strategic planning Leadership exchange g Quality Management System g Advance Queensland recertification to ISO 9001:2015 Community Digital Champion g Board of Directors Business Planning
Local Support ATSIDNQ Social media Groups g Over 300 posts g 21 established groups g 1356 likes on QDN facebook page maintained g 806 likes to Ready to go Facebook page g 2029 members across all g Instagram page established g 821 members groups g 9 Yarning Circles g 152 face to face meetings held g 5 newsletters Peer Leaders – g Group convenor Community g 28 e-blasts Communities of g Participation in 10 events/ of Practice teleconference Practice monthly forums g Regional facilitators, Ready to go Peer Facilitators, Local NDIS Targeted Media Support Group convenors g 11 state wide teleconferences strategies Engagement g 6 training and development days g 14 Peer facilitators g 6 media releases g 6 QDN Voices g 18 months - engaged with g 7 media articles/interviews 5497 people from target audience Engagement with Ready to Government go NDIS QDN g QDN election platform announced Participant Consultancy g State election Advocacy Kit for members Readiness – QDeNgage g $750,000 funding to QDN for Peer to Peer g 67 activities across support g 10 QDeNgage speakers/presenters Queensland g Engagement with members of Parliament and g 2 Fee for Service Workshops g 1383 participants including departmental staff g Information, Linkages and Capacity Building people with diability and - Changing Lives, Changing Communities their supporters community forums g 2014-2018- 570 activites g Contracted to develop General Practice Toolkit Nothing about us without us delivered nothing about us without us
Queenslanders with Disability Network is an organisation by and for people with disability.
ph/tty 3252 8566 or free call 1300 363 783 INFORM www.qdn.org.au
/QueenslanderswithDisabilityNetwork Ground Floor CONNECT 338 Turbot Street Spring Hill QLD 4000
QUEENSLANDERS WITH DISABILITY NETWORK nothing about us without us