Jess, Shaylee, Amy, Shelby, Josh, Dom and Tom take over the microphones to share what they love about performing arts, from singing and dancing to acting, spending time with friends and, most importantly, having plenty of fun along the way.

The group gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at their sessions, which include vocal and physical warm-ups, learning lyrics, singing together and hitting the dance studio to practise their moves. They’re currently working on a huge range of songs, including favourites from Moana, One Direction, Little Mix, High School Musical 2, Taylor Swift and Barbie.

There’s also plenty to look forward to, with the group preparing for upcoming community performances — including Achieve Australia’s Thank You Ipswich event and the Fresh Futures Market.

Beyond putting on a great show, the Performing Arts Group is about building confidence, developing new skills, forming friendships and giving people with disability the opportunity to express themselves and shine on stage.

And judging by the energy around the table this week, they’re certainly ready to put on a show!

Achieve Australia – Performing Arts Group

🌐 Achieve Australia 📱 Patty – 0426 107 647

Interested in joining the Performing Arts Group, or looking for a talented and enthusiastic group to perform at your community event? Get in touch with Patti or Achieve Australia to find out more.

Fresh Futures Market – Ipswich 📅 Wednesday, 2 September 2026 ⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm 🎤 Performing Arts Group expected on stage from around 9:30am.

Peter and Grandel share their involvement in helping participants and support workers navigate the transition from Focal Community Services to Achieve Australia. Through their Embracing Change workshops, they created a safe, interactive space where people could talk openly about the transition, recognise Focal’s 52-year legacy, and look positively towards the opportunities ahead with Achieve Australia.

The pair also explain the work of DCAM, which recently celebrated five years under its current identity. With both Peter and Grandel bringing their own lived experience of cerebral palsy, their focus is on mentoring, capacity building, support work, workshops and helping people understand that no two experiences of disability are the same. Their message is simple but powerful — your story matters.

The episode also looks ahead to the Fresh Futures Market Ipswich, happening Wednesday, 2 September at the Ipswich Showgrounds. The expo connects school leavers and people with disability with employment pathways, service providers, allied health professionals and other opportunities as they transition into adult life. DJ Sparky will also be there showcasing radio and potentially taking the AllAbility Hour on the road!

It’s an uplifting episode about respecting the past, embracing what comes next, and ensuring people with disability have a genuine voice in shaping their future.

DCA Mentoring Support (DCAM) 📧 askus@dcam.com.au 📱 Find DCA Mentoring Support on social media.

Fresh Futures Market – Ipswich 📅 Wednesday, 2 September 2026 ⏰ 9:00am – 2:00pm 📍 Ipswich Showgrounds 🌐 freshfuturesinc.com – select the Ipswich event for further information and stallholder enquiries.

Joining the show is Fiona from Achieve Australia, who shares the organisation's 75-year history of supporting people with disability and explains why the partnership with Focal is such a natural fit. Together, they discuss how both organisations share the same person-centred values and commitment to empowering people to live independent, fulfilling lives.

Listeners will hear what the transition means for current participants, with reassurance that support workers, familiar faces, and existing programs will largely remain the same. The discussion also explores the additional benefits that come with joining a larger organisation, including expanded clinical services, stronger back-office support, enhanced training opportunities, and the potential to introduce new programs to the Ipswich community.

Patty also announces her new role as Customer Engagement Partner with Achieve Australia, where she'll continue working closely with participants, families, providers, and the community to connect people with the supports they need.

While the name may be changing, the mission remains the same — delivering quality, person-centred support and ensuring the voices of people with disability continue to be heard.

Achieve Australia

🌐 Achieve Australia

📞 1300 224 438

For local enquiries in Ipswich and surrounding areas, you can also contact:

Patty – Customer Engagement Partner

📱 0426 107 647

If you'd like to learn more about Achieve Australia, enquire about disability supports, community programs, accommodation services, or discuss how the transition may affect you or your family, the team is ready to help.

Michael shares his personal journey as the father of a young man with Down syndrome and how that lived experience inspired him to move from the hospitality industry into community engagement. The conversation explores the importance of recognising that every person is unique, regardless of their diagnosis, and why personalised support and inclusive opportunities are so important.

Listeners will discover the wide range of free services and programs offered by DSiDQ, including advocacy, information and referral services, inclusive education support for schools, employment connection programs, and the inspiring Hear Me Out program, which helps participants develop confidence, self-advocacy, public speaking, and debating skills.

The episode also highlights the importance of supporting siblings of people with disability, creating truly inclusive workplaces, and helping employers recognise the value that people with intellectual disability bring to their organisations.

Packed with practical information and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for families, educators, employers, and anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive community.

Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland (DSiDQ)

🌐 Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability Queensland

📞 (07) 3356 6655

📧 office@dsidq.org.au

DSiDQ provides a range of free supports and services including:

• Information and referral services
• Advocacy and resources
• Inclusive education support
• Employment Connection Program
• Hear Me Out self-advocacy program
• Support for individuals and families across Queensland

For more information about upcoming programs or to access support, contact the DSiDQ team or visit their website.

Drawing from her own lived experience supporting family members with disability, Kiara shares how a passion for helping others led her from aged care into disability support, eventually becoming the Supported Independent Living (SIL) Manager at iCare Group. She reflects on the lessons learned from working as an independent support worker and how those experiences shaped her understanding of quality care, compliance, and participant outcomes.

The conversation explores the range of services offered by iCare Group, including Supported Independent Living (SIL), community access, and their exciting expansion into allied health services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and psychiatry. Kiara also discusses the importance of collaboration between providers, support coordinators, allied health professionals, and families to ensure participants receive the best possible outcomes.

Listeners will gain valuable insight into the challenges facing the disability sector, the importance of communication across care teams, and why putting people first remains at the heart of quality disability support.

Whether you're an NDIS participant, family member, support worker, or provider, this episode highlights the power of collaboration, lived experience, and community in helping people achieve greater independence and quality of life.

iCare Group

📞 (07) 3050 7191

🌐 Follow iCare Group on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for updates and community stories.

iCare Group provides:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Community Access Supports
• NDIS Services
• Allied Health Services (coming soon)
• Participant-centred support across South East Queensland

Drawing on both her professional experience and her personal journey as the mother of a teenager with cerebral palsy, Ella shares the realities of navigating the NDIS and why truly individualised supports are so important. She discusses the challenges of advocating for a loved one, the importance of lived experience in shaping the Scheme, and why no two people with the same diagnosis have identical support needs.

The conversation then turns to the recent NDIS Price Guide updates, including changes affecting plan managers, registered and unregistered providers, and allied health pricing. Ella explains the move towards greater independence for plan management businesses, how conflict of interest reforms will impact the sector, and why these changes aim to improve transparency and reduce fraud within the Scheme.

Listeners will also gain valuable insight into the role of an independent plan manager, how plan management can help participants better understand and manage their funding, and why having a real person to talk to can make navigating the NDIS much less overwhelming.

Whether you're an NDIS participant, family member, support coordinator or provider, this episode offers practical information and expert insight into the latest changes affecting the disability community.

First2Care Plan Management

🌐 First2Care Plan Management

📞 1300 322 273

If you'd like to learn more about independent plan management, understand your NDIS funding, or receive support navigating the latest NDIS changes, the First2Care team is ready to help.

The conversation explores the growing demand for qualified support workers and why nationally recognised training is becoming increasingly important across the disability and aged care sectors. Philippa explains the differences between the Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate III in Community Services, helping listeners understand which pathway best suits their career goals.

The episode also covers upcoming qualification requirements for support workers, government funding opportunities, vocational placements, and how existing workers can gain formal qualifications while continuing to work in the industry. Listeners will learn how one day of training each week can open the door to rewarding careers supporting people with disability, older Australians, and the wider community.

Whether you're considering a career change, already working in the sector, or you're an employer looking to upskill your workforce, this episode provides practical advice on training pathways and the future of disability support. Pasted text.txt

Ashley Institute of Training

🌐 Ashley Institute of Training

📧 ipswich@ash.edu.au

📍 Ipswich Campus: Bell Street, Ipswich

Ashley Institute of Training offers nationally recognised qualifications including:

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)
• Certificate III in Community Services
• Certificate III in Business
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

If you're interested in starting a career in the disability sector or gaining formal qualifications while working, contact the Ashley Institute of Training to discuss your options and funding eligibility.

Joining the conversation are participant Luke and support worker Kelly, who provide firsthand insight into how the program helps people build confidence, independence, and essential everyday skills through cooking.

Luke shares how the program has helped him develop meal planning, budgeting, shopping, kitchen safety, and recipe-building skills, while also providing a fun and supportive social environment. From learning how to compare grocery prices and stick to a budget to mastering recipes like chicken carbonara, participants are gaining valuable tools that can be applied directly to daily life.

Kelly explains how the program is carefully structured to suit participants with a wide range of abilities, ensuring everyone can contribute, learn, and succeed at their own pace. Beyond cooking, the group focuses on teamwork, social connection, food education, kitchen safety, cleaning up, and building confidence through hands-on experiences.

The episode highlights how something as simple as preparing a meal can become a powerful pathway toward greater independence, stronger social connections, and increased self-confidence.

Whether you're interested in life skills programs, independent living, or simply want to hear some inspiring stories from participants and support workers, this episode is packed with practical insights and heartwarming moments.

With a scheduled guest unable to attend, Patti uses the opportunity to unpack key topics currently generating discussion across the disability sector, including the move towards standardised functional assessments, changes to supports for children aged eight and under, and updates to NDIS eligibility requirements.

The episode explores how future NDIS planning may focus more on a person’s functional capacity rather than diagnosis alone, creating a more individualised approach to funding and support. Patti also explains the introduction of foundational supports for younger children and discusses the importance of seeking information directly from official NDIS sources when navigating ongoing changes.

Listeners will also learn about supports available through the NDIS for life transitions, including education, employment, housing changes, hospital discharge, and mental health transitions. Patti highlights the often-overlooked employment supports available to participants, sharing real-world examples of how the right assistance can help people build independence and maintain meaningful work.

This informative episode serves as a practical guide for anyone wanting to better understand the evolving NDIS landscape and where to find accurate information when questions arise.

🌐 NDIS Website

📞 1800 800 110

If you have questions about your plan, upcoming changes, eligibility, assessments, or supports available to you, the NDIS recommends contacting them directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Brittany shares her personal journey from working in corporate rehabilitation and insurance to creating Stable and Grounded, a service that combines her professional counselling background with the transformative impact horses have had on her own life. After a life-changing experience with an off-the-track thoroughbred, Brittany discovered the unique way horses provide honest, real-time feedback about emotions, behaviour, and self-awareness.

Throughout the episode, Brittany explains the difference between Equine Therapy and Equine Assisted Therapy, clarifying how qualified clinicians use horses as part of therapeutic and capacity-building supports. She discusses how horses help participants develop emotional regulation, social skills, confidence, communication, self-awareness, and resilience through experiential learning.

The conversation explores how horses can provide immediate, unbiased feedback that helps people better understand their emotions and behaviours without the pressure of traditional talk-based therapy. Brittany also highlights how this approach can be particularly effective for people who find it difficult to express themselves verbally, offering a unique pathway to growth, learning, and personal development.

Whether you're a parent, support coordinator, participant, or simply curious about alternative therapeutic approaches, this episode provides valuable insight into how equine-assisted programs are creating meaningful outcomes for people of all abilities.

🌐 stableandgrounded.com

📞 (07) 3156 1239

Brittany encourages anyone interested in learning more about Equine Assisted Therapy, capacity-building supports, or discussing individual goals and NDIS funding options to book a consultation through the website or leave a message via phone for a callback.

First, Sean and Garth from Harmony Centred Care share their passion for helping people with disability achieve greater independence through person-centred support. Sean speaks openly about his own lived experience with cerebral palsy and his ongoing battle to secure Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funding, highlighting the importance of advocacy, persistence, and having the right support network around you. Garth also shares the story behind Harmony Centred Care and explains how the organisation has grown to provide a wide range of NDIS supports while maintaining a strong focus on individual outcomes and community connection.

The conversation then shifts to Dan from Sport 4 All, who shares his personal journey following a life-changing spinal cord injury and how sport became a crucial part of his recovery and wellbeing. Dan discusses wheelchair rugby league, inclusive sporting opportunities, and the importance of helping clubs and schools create environments where everyone can participate, regardless of ability.

The episode wraps up with a powerful discussion about resilience, inclusion, and the importance of never facing challenges alone. Whether it’s navigating the NDIS, pursuing independent living, or finding your place in sport and community life, the message is clear: support, determination, and connection can change lives.

A motivating and uplifting episode filled with practical advice, personal stories, and inspiration for people of all abilities.

🌐 harmonycentredcare.au 📞 0485 879 676

🌐 sport4all.com.au

Sport for All works with sporting clubs and schools to build inclusive environments where people of all abilities can participate, belong, and thrive.

Victor shares his personal journey from immigrating to Australia from Ukraine to finding his passion in the community services sector. He explains how DCC Group has grown from providing residential care for young people with complex needs into a multidisciplinary organisation offering foster care support, allied health services, disability supports, workforce solutions, and culturally responsive programs.

The conversation explores the importance of wraparound care, where therapists, support workers, coordinators, and families work together to achieve meaningful outcomes for participants. Victor highlights the growing need for accessible, culturally appropriate services and how DCC is helping individuals and families through occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech pathology, SIL supports, short-term accommodation, and community participation programs.

One particularly heartwarming story sees DCC helping a young person living with lupus receive a gaming setup through Make-A-Wish, allowing her to reconnect with her sisters and enjoy being a kid again.

It’s an insightful episode about community, collaboration, inclusion, and the power of supporting the whole person, not just their immediate needs.

📞 1300 123 322 🌐 dccgroup.org.au 📧 admin@dccgroup.org.au

Whether you're looking for disability supports, allied health services, foster care information, or culturally informed community services, the DCC team is ready to help.

First, Andrew from Thompson Community Dietitians shares his passion for helping people build better relationships with food, particularly those with complex needs such as dysphagia and enteral (tube) feeding. He explains how dietitians work alongside speech therapists and support teams to ensure meals are not only safe but enjoyable and tailored to each individual.

Next, Penny from Horizon Counselling and Positive Behaviour Support dives into the world of behaviour support, highlighting the importance of understanding the “why” behind behaviours rather than just addressing the symptoms. She explains how a holistic, multidisciplinary approach can improve quality of life and even reduce the need for restrictive practices through the right supports and collaboration.

The conversation then brings both guests together to explore how dietitians and behaviour support practitioners can work hand-in-hand to achieve better outcomes for participants — reinforcing the importance of teamwork across the sector.

Finally, Kyle shares his remarkable journey of survival and recovery following a life-changing car accident that left him needing to relearn basic functions. With resilience, determination, and strong family support, Kyle has rebuilt his life and is now studying law. His message is clear: never give up, and don’t let setbacks define your future.

This episode is a powerful mix of practical advice, professional insight, and raw inspiration.

Andrew – Thompson Community Dietitian 📞 0474 724 189 🌐 Find on Google, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

Penny – Horizon Counselling & Positive Behaviour Support 📞 0435 273 911 📧 admin@horizoncounsellingandbehaviouralsupport

Kyle – Follow His Journey ▶️ YouTube: KyleWarne28 (search “Kyle Warne Journey”) 📸 Instagram: Warnies Feeds

Rufaro shares her inspiring journey into the sector, driven by her own experience navigating complex systems after moving from Zimbabwe, and her passion for supporting culturally diverse families who face additional barriers when accessing the NDIS. Through her work, she’s helping participants and families build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and genuine independence.

The conversation dives into the different levels of support coordination, the role of recovery coaching, and why having the right person — not just the right qualification — is crucial for meaningful outcomes. Rufaro also provides valuable insight into recent NDIS changes, including funding challenges, evidence requirements, and the growing complexity of accessing supports.

The episode wraps with a powerful success story highlighting the long journey through appeals and advocacy to secure the right plan for a young participant — a reminder of the importance of persistence, teamwork, and doing things the right way.

A must-listen for anyone navigating the NDIS or supporting someone who is — full of real-world insights, practical advice, and heart.

https://www.inciteco.au/

First, Ellie from Ellie Jane Support Services shares how her journey through community services and the NDIS led her to create a provider focused on helping young people build independence after leaving school. The conversation explores the gaps many school leavers face, the importance of everyday living skills, and how the right support can help participants work toward goals like getting a licence, finding work, and living more independently.

https://www.elliejanesupportservices.com/

The episode also features Leonie and Georgie from Outcomes Connect Australia, who unpack the role of Positive Behaviour Support and why understanding the person behind the behaviour is so important. They explain how behaviour support plans are developed, how restrictive practices are only used to reduce risk of harm, and why collaboration across the whole care team is essential.

It’s an informative and empowering episode highlighting person-centred support, real-life success stories, and the importance of creating pathways to greater independence and quality of life.

https://www.outcomesconnect.com.au/

Jo shares her powerful personal journey as a veteran, living with life-changing injuries and navigating years without adequate support before the introduction of the NDIS. Through resilience and determination, she rebuilt her life — with dogs playing a central role in her independence, purpose and wellbeing.

The conversation explores the difference between assistance dogs and support animals, how dogs can be trained to perform life-changing tasks, and the incredible ways they intuitively respond to their handler’s needs — often before the person even realises it themselves.

Jo also explains how Malachi Assistance Dogs supports people in training their own dogs, particularly veterans and pensioners, helping make this life-changing support more accessible.

This is an inspiring and emotional episode highlighting resilience, the human-animal bond, and the life-changing impact of assistance dogs.

Contact: wheeliejo@bigpond.com 

0418 740 366

Bree shares her journey from support work into building Soul Support Services, inspired by both lived experience and a passion for doing things the right way for participants and families. The discussion explores the unique challenges and rewards of working with young people, particularly those who are autistic or neurodivergent, and why strong collaboration between families, schools, allied health professionals and support teams is so important.

The episode also touches on the value of diagnosis, identity and self-understanding, with an honest conversation about late autism diagnosis and how the right support can build confidence, connection and better outcomes for children and families.

It’s an insightful and heartfelt episode focused on neuroaffirming care, family-centred support, and helping young people thrive through every stage of life.

First, Julian from Back2You Therapy talks about his journey from traditional physiotherapy into neurological rehabilitation, where every client’s story and goals are different. He shares inspiring examples of the progress people can make with the right therapy and support, including helping someone move from being wheelchair-bound to standing and walking again. Julian also explains the philosophy behind his practice — supporting therapists so they can deliver the best outcomes for participants.

Later in the episode, Andrew and Jordan from Bertram Physiotherapy unpack the science behind vertigo, dizziness and balance issues. They explain what causes vertigo, how the inner ear affects balance, and how physiotherapy techniques can treat certain forms of vertigo by repositioning tiny crystals in the ear.

Packed with fascinating insights and practical information, this episode highlights how allied health professionals help people improve mobility, independence and quality of life.

https://back2youtherapy.com.au/

https://www.bertramphysiotherapy.com.au/

First, Raquel from ACME Support Services shares her personal journey into the industry, driven by lived experience and a deep passion for supporting vulnerable people in the community. She outlines the wide range of services ACME provides across Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan, including SIL, SDA, MTA, respite, nursing support and community access, all grounded in their core values of respect, empathy and dignity.

The conversation then shifts to Tiana from My Solace, an innovative online platform designed to connect NDIS participants, families and providers in one accessible ecosystem. Tiana explains how the free platform helps users find services, events, careers and supports, bridging gaps for those with limited or no support coordination funding.

It’s an informative and inspiring episode highlighting collaboration, new resources, and the growing network of supports available to people of all abilities in the local community.

https://acmesupportservices.com.au/

https://www.mysolas.com.au/

Mick shares how he transitioned from high-pressure corporate roles into support work, discovering a passion for helping people achieve their goals. He reflects on starting as a frontline support worker, moving into support coordination, and now leading business development and growth at Footsteps — a family-run organisation delivering behaviour support, therapy, counselling, SIL support programs, and more.

The conversation also dives into the importance of collaboration between providers, families, and participants, plus the evolving nature of the NDIS and the need for clearer communication and sustainability moving forward.

It’s an insightful discussion about career pathways in the sector, innovative support models, and the value of staying focused on people-first outcomes in disability services.

https://footstepscs.com.au/

They explore the proposed new person-centred and strength-based planning approach, including the introduction of support needs assessments and the ICAN v6 tool, designed to create fairer and more consistent budgets while reducing the need for costly reports. Patti explains what participants can expect from the new process and why meeting with an assessor will be a key step in shaping future plans.

The episode also highlights the Disability Gateway — a valuable one-stop online resource to help people find supports, services, employment options, and local providers tailored to their needs.

https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/

Packed with practical guidance and easy-to-understand insights, this episode helps listeners stay informed, prepared, and confident as the NDIS landscape continues to evolve.

In this feel-good first episode of the year, we catch up with Darelle and Tom, who share their personal goals for 2026 — from building creative skills and performing on stage to joining new programs and even planning a cruise to Hawaii.

Host and regular guest Patty also joins us to explain important updates around short-term respite under the NDIS, including how Focal’s respite house helps people build independence while giving carers a well-earned break.

It’s a warm, inspiring start to the year, celebrating inclusion, ambition, and community — and setting the tone for another great season of the AllAbility Hour.