BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//VALID - ECPv6.5.1.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:VALID X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://valid.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for VALID REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20200404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20201003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20210403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20211002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210311T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210311T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004155 CREATED:20210207T044113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210207T044113Z UID:5414-1615455900-1615467600@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Online Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/online-families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-3/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Families-photo-scaled-e1607562445611.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210310T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210310T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20210207T042640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210207T043433Z UID:5410-1615369500-1615381200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Online Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/5410/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Families-photo-scaled-e1607562445611.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210308T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210308T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20210207T040936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210207T040936Z UID:5407-1615225500-1615237200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Online Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/online-families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Families-photo-scaled-e1607562445611.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210224T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210224T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201224T013030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201224T013030Z UID:5272-1614193200-1614200400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Online Workshops for Families DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/online-workshops-for-families/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Families-photo-scaled-e1607562445611.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210209T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210209T100000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20210120T030932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210120T030932Z UID:5324-1612864800-1612864800@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Bairnsdale Peer Action Group DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/bairnsdale-peer-action-group-2/ LOCATION:The Hub\, 27 Dalmahoy Street\, Bairnsdale. CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PAG-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210208T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201223T235058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210207T032649Z UID:5273-1612806300-1612818000@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Online Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/online-families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Families-photo-scaled-e1607562445611.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210119T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20210119T120000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20210118T060053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210120T030215Z UID:5316-1611050400-1611057600@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Bairnsdale Peer Action Group DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/bairnsdale-peer-action-group/ LOCATION:The Hub\, 27 Dalmahoy Street\, Bairnsdale. CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/PAG-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201203T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201203T150000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201126T051344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201128T055136Z UID:5174-1607000400-1607007600@valid.org.au SUMMARY:International Day of People with Disability Celebration DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/international-day-of-people-with-disability-celebration/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Community-attending-an-event-01.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201202T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201202T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201126T011600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201126T011837Z UID:5168-1606935600-1606942800@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Fantastic Flicks DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/fantastic-flicks/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fantastic-Flicks.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201201T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201201T120000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201125T042841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201125T225231Z UID:5158-1606820400-1606824000@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Bairnsdale Peer Action Group Launch DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/bairnsdale-peer-action-group-launch/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/thumbnail_IMG_9303-e1606344718100.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201119T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201119T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20200922T231058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200922T232853Z UID:4601-1605779100-1605790800@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-5/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201118T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201118T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20200922T232810Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200922T232810Z UID:4605-1605692700-1605704400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-6/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201116T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201116T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201101T225422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201102T033000Z UID:4922-1605548700-1605560400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-8/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201116T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201116T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20200922T234243Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200922T234243Z UID:4608-1605548700-1605560400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-7/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201112T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201112T114500 DTSTAMP:20260629T004156 CREATED:20201102T045608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201102T045608Z UID:4957-1605175200-1605181500@valid.org.au SUMMARY:2020 Dulcie Stone Writers Competition Award Ceremony DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/2020-dulcie-stone-writers-competition-award-ceremony/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WatsWriting240518Dunn-18-scaled-e1592372844849.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201029T153000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201029T170000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20201022T044753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201022T044901Z UID:4816-1603985400-1603990800@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Inclusive Community Development Network Online Forum DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/inclusive-community-development-network-online-forum/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IAEmpForum080218Dunn-26-scaled-e1603341996376.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201022T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201022T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200917T051339Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200922T230900Z UID:4573-1603359900-1603371600@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201021T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201021T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200917T052941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200917T052941Z UID:4578-1603273500-1603285200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-3/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201019T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201019T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200917T054101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200917T054101Z UID:4580-1603129500-1603141200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-4/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201009T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201009T110000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20201005T043154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201007T233341Z UID:4665-1602237600-1602241200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:VALID Performing Arts Peer Action Group DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/valid-performing-arts-peer-action-group-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HAS2020RedFacesDay1Dunn-49-Copy-e1592453024748.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201008T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20201008T123000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200917T043504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200917T043504Z UID:4569-1602153000-1602160200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:VALID Family Online Workshop: Getting the best our of your NDIS funding DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/valid-family-online-workshop-getting-the-best-our-of-your-ndis-funding/2020-10-08/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/family.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200909T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200909T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200704T045052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200705T071953Z UID:3977-1599644700-1599656400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners - day course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-morning-session/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200908T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200908T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200704T043128Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200705T071607Z UID:3973-1599558300-1599570000@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course - day course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-morning-session/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200907T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200907T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200704T051903Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200705T071223Z UID:3982-1599500700-1599512400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course - evening course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-evening-session/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200903T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200903T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200704T051019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200705T070902Z UID:3980-1599126300-1599138000@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course - day course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-morning-session-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200828T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200828T110000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200820T045333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200820T045333Z UID:4483-1598608800-1598612400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:VALID Performing Arts Peer Action Group DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/valid-performing-arts-peer-action-group/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HAS2020RedFacesDay1Dunn-49-Copy-e1592453024748.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200820T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200820T103000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200811T041308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200812T041238Z UID:4437-1597919400-1597919400@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Inclusive Community Development Network Webinar DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/inclusive-community-development-network-webinar/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Building Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Employment-around-the-table-group-shot-20202.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200812T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200812T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200716T021547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200716T021547Z UID:4287-1597254300-1597266000@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course - evening course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-evening-course-3/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200811T094500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200811T130000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004157 CREATED:20200704T053312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200705T070609Z UID:3984-1597139100-1597150800@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course - day course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-day-session/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200810T174500 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20200810T210000 DTSTAMP:20260629T004158 CREATED:20200704T061447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200705T065943Z UID:3990-1597081500-1597093200@valid.org.au SUMMARY:Families as Planning Partners NDIS Course - evening course DESCRIPTION:Register Now:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026Program now availableVoices must be heard. The future must include us. In response to growing concern across the disability community\, VALID will reframe our 2026 Advocacy in Action conference to focus squarely on current and planned changes to the NDIS. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   “The conference is a powerful opportunity to help plan and drive VALID’s defence of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our self advocates fought long and hard for inclusion – and will fight to keep it! Their families also fought for adequate supports and freedom from lifetimes of caring – and we will not allow them to go back in the box!” Fionn Skiotis\, CEO of VALID \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join us for an action-focused event featuring a great line-up of speakers\, plus debate\, info sharing and strategising for the struggle that clearly lies ahead.   VALID invites members of the disability community\, the advocacy sector\, people with and without disability\, their families and supporters to participate in this critical forum for the future of the NDIS and lives of people with disability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 2026 Advocacy in Action Conference will be held on June 22 & 23\, 2026 from 9.00am to 4.30pm each day at the Novotel Hotel Function Centre (formerly Rydges Bell City) 215 Bell St. Preston VIC. An optional Social Event will also be held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on the Monday afternoon. More details below.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Follow the link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Key ThemesAfter robust consultation with self advocates and sector experts\, the upcoming Advocacy in Action Conference will now directly respond and prioritise conversations around the NDIS and proposed changes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As part of the Conference’s updated line-up Maeve Kennedy\, CEO of Inclusion Australia will share the National representative organisation’s position on the proposed NDIS changes and how our community can coordinate our concerns and mobilise our impact. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Conference will also welcome VALID founder and former CEO Kevin Stone AM. As a powerful figure who relentlessly advocated for the implementation of the NDIS\, Kevin will critique what the NDIS has become\, where it went wrong and the changes that will gut what people with disability and their allies fought so hard for. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n More information about the evolving Conference will be shared in the coming days. Follow VALID’s on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates as they happen. Guest Speakers Guest Speakers will include: Maeve Kennedy – CEO of Inclusion AustraliaKevin Stone AM –  VALID Founder and Disability Advocacy and Policy Expert Sara Gingold – Disability Services Consulting\, Editor-in-ChiefIwan Walters MP – Parliamentary Secretary for DisabilityDan Stubbs – The new Victorian Public AdvocateNaomi Anderson – Villamanta\, Legal Practice ManagerJulia Hawkins – National Centre for Excellence in Intellectual HealthThe ProgramThe Advocacy in Action Conference Program is now available. Download the full program here: Program.  Monday Afternoon Social EventThis year we are hosting social event on the first day of Novotel Hotel Function Centre the conference. This is optional. Held from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on Monday June 22Includes drinks and nibblesCost $40 per personMust be booked when you registerRegistration Information   All the details including refunds are available in the Easy Read info in the  Terms & Conditions so don’t forget to read or download this doc. Catering: lunch and morning and afternoon teas are providedPlease advise of your dietary requirements when you registerRegistration is not confirmed until it is paidRegistrations not paid by June 15th 2026 will be cancelledPlease advise of access and support needs upon registrationTicket TypesWe’re extending the Early Bird discount\, and adding significant discounts for NDIS participants and family members to attend. We also have some sponsored (free) tickets – but you need to be quick! For more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Concession Monday June 22                            Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Tuesday June 23                           Early bird $100 / Regular $150 / NDIS Participants $20 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $180 / Regular $280   Social Event Only                          $40 / NDIS Participants $20 Concession registration fees are available to people who have Pension Concession Cards or Health Care Cards. Full Rate Monday June 22                            Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Tuesday June 23                             Early bird $150 / Regular $200 Both Days not inc. Social Event   Early bird $280 / Regular $370 Social Event Only                           $40  / NDIS Participants $20 Catering Only (Support Worker or Family Member) Monday June 22                            $40 Tuesday June 23                             $40 Both Days not including Social Event           $80 Social Event Only                           $40  / Family members $20 Support workers do not pay a registration fee\, only a catering fee of $40 per day. Please Note: to be eligible for Support Worker catering only fee the worker or family member needs to be providing direct care\, supervision\, and support\, without which the participant with disability wouldn’t be able to attend. ParkingParking is available in the Novotel underground carpark during conference hours as part of your registration fee. To make sure you go into the correct carpark\, please read the parking info sheet. Public Transport Tram You can take the Number 86 tram to 45 Bell St/Plenty Road Preston\, which is a 5-minute walk to the hotel.  Train Bell Station is the closest train station\, a 10-minute walk from the Novotel hotel\, or Preston Station is a 17-minute walk. Bus Buses like 251\, 513\, 514\, 552\, and 553 also stop near the Novotel More InformationFor more information\, please contact Christine on Phone: 0475 698 884 or Email: christine@valid.org.au or the VALID Office on Phone: (03) 9416 4003 or Email: info@valid.org.au Thankyou to our Sponsors   Follow the link to register:  https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-in-action-conference-2026 URL:https://valid.org.au/event/families-as-planning-partners-ndis-course-evening-session-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://valid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/16_02_11-Having-a-Say-2-4374-scaled-e1592453261742.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR