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A Message from the WDV Team |
To our wonderful WDV members and advocacy community,
This month Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) announced that Dr Trishima Mitra-Kahn will be resigning from her role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at WDV. “It has been an honour to lead this small but mighty organisation,” she said, “and to work alongside such a dedicated staff team, Board and community.”
In her time leading this “small but mighty” organisation TMK, as she’s warmly known to us all, brought her small but mighty main-character energy to every task and opportunity. Nurturing staff and connecting with members TMK has shown that women and gender diverse people with disabilities make powerful, dynamic leaders; capable of creating change and improving outcomes for our community.
TMK, will remain connected to WDV as a member and advocate and will support Julie Kun as she starts as Interim CEO on August 3. Julie will be a familiar face and voice for many of our members. From 2024 – 25 Julie served as Interim CEO and has continued to work closely with WDV this year. Welcome back, Julie!
TMK will continue her formidable advocacy in the community next month, where she will speak about feminist Disability Leadership at the 2026 Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference on Thursday September 3, 12pm-2pm at Pullman Melbourne on the Park . We will circulate registration details to members soon and we hope to see you there!
WDV Staff again thank TMK for her time and energy guiding, supporting, and empowering us and our work.
WDV’s Board has also thanked Dr Mitra-Kahn for her leadership, service, and commitment to WDV, its members, and the broader community. The full statement from TMK and WDV’s board is available via the link below.
Celebrating the leadership of both TMK and Julie as proud disabled women is a fitting close to what has been 2026’s Disability Pride month. While most celebrations of Disability Pride have come from within the disability community, we will continue to advocate for better mainstream efforts in 2027! In the meantime we invite our members to follow along with us and enjoy the exciting news and events here at WDV.
This enews we have a Youth Expert recap of VALID’s Advocacy in Action conference, a Disability Pride member spotlight and all the latest from our Leadership Hubs.
In solidarity and pride,
Team WDV |
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VALID’s Advocacy in Action 2026Joined by staff members from across WDV’s Community Inclusion (CIWE), Gender and Diversity (G&D) and Policy Teams, Youth and G&D Expert by Experience Bella Fantasia attended VALID’s Advocacy in Action Conference last month. As always Bella loved getting to catch up with friends, colleagues and community in person. “It was really special getting to connect with other WDV staff in person,” she said. “I really enjoyed Villamanta’s Q&A about NDIS changes. I got to learn more about the proposed changes to the NDIS bill and get clarity on my own NDIS problems. It was so fascinating and insightful to hear Kevin Stone's keynote speech about his work and experiences in the sector. I really enjoyed hearing about his journey and learning about how he created change. It was really cool to learn about VALID's public speaking program and understand how it works and how it's helped grow confidence in storytelling for people with intellectual disability (more programs like this are needed in the disability community). Lastly I found it interesting to hear Dan Stubbs, Kate Maddern and Julie Phillip close the conference talking about government regulation and proposed NDIS changes and its effects on advocacy organisations.” Thank you Bella and thanks for having us VALID! |
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Image Description: Bella stands with VALID’s Board Chair and Queer, First Nations, Autism and Intellectual Disability Advocate William Ward-Boas. They are in front of a large screen displaying a slide that says: “Advocacy in Action Conference 2026. Connecting Voices, Creating Change.”
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Image Description: A photo of the WDV team attending the Advocacy in Action conference. Pictured are Saumya K, Libby P, Mel J, Felicity A, Brigitte S, Emma K and Bella F.
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Enabling Women Autumn 2026 Graduation Also last month, Graduates from the Enabling Women Autumn Program celebrated the end of their sessions with an event enjoyed both online and in person at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. It proved a unique and fun day out that had Graduates exercising their many skills including an original song performance and a traditional dance. After weeks meeting to explore empowerment and leadership together it was wonderful to see Graduates and WDV’s expert facilitators come together with family and friends to celebrate their achievements, together.
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Image Description: Photo of a graduate performing an original song. She holds a guitar in front of a lectern. Someone off to the side is holding a microphone to her face as she sings.
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Image Description: Photo of a Graduate smiling alongside her daughter.
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Image Description: Photo of the WDV team. It includes Julia C, Bridget J, Clara C, Libby P and Jay M linking arms in front of a WDV pullup banner. |
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Image Description: A group photo of some of the Enabling Women Graduates. It includes 9 women and gender diverse people with various disabilities and appearances. They are all smiling. One graduate, stands in the middle with her hands in the shape of a W. Photos by WDV member, Sarah Porter. |
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Image Description: duotone 'community' icon - two cups mugs overlap slightlight in the middle. One purple, one orange. |
VALE Leanne WatsonOn behalf of WDV we would like to start our Leadership Hub updates for this month with some sad news, the passing of WDV member Leanne Watson. Over the years Leanne has been a part of the Barwon Leadership Hub, a mentor with the Enabling Women Leadership Program and a guest of our podcast series From the Outskirts. As a radio and podcast host Leanne often championed WDV, our people and our projects. She helped build WDV’s profile in Geelong and we will always remember her impact. Our thoughts are with Leanne’s family and the Barwon Hub with whom she held many cherished friendships.
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Image description: Photo of Leanne. She sits in her powered wheelchair, amongst a sunny garden background. On her lap sits her grey schnauzer dog. |
Melbourne Outer East Leadership HubAfter weeks of preparation and planning the Melbourne Outer East Leadership Hub members excitingly took part in their local art event, Immerse. The month-long festival presented across Knox, aims to take art to public spaces with interactive pieces, performances and other creative projects. Working with local artists our Leadership Hub members enjoyed the opportunity to get creative and get amongst this memorable event. Well done to all involved! |
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Image description: Photo of 4 Melbourne Outer East Leadership Hub members. They gather in front of a mural that features large scale paintings of various plants. |
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Image description: Photo of a Leadership Hub member. They are at the bottom of the photo smiling and pointing upwards to the mural behind them. |
Online Victorian Leadership Hub
July has been an educational and enlightening month at the Online Victorian Leadership Hub. First up they welcomed WDV’s Women’s Health Project Officer, Mel Jolley who led important conversations about pleasure and healthy relationships; exploring rights, communication, boundaries and sexual wellbeing. Mid-month facilitators Bridget J and Teagan M took some time to reflect with Hub members about their meetings so far and what they want to do in the future. Hub members were encouraged to engage with each other, sharing interests in a fun and friendly space. Closing out this month the wonderful and proud Birpiri-Dunghitti woman Renay Barker-Mulholland joined us for a meaningful yarn about parenting. A writer and artist, Renay shared her experiences as a First Nations parent with disability with warmth and pride.
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Graphic of a woman wearing dark glasses sitting at a table with an open laptop
computer.
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Coming up
Looking to August the Online Victorian Leadership Hub continues to cover the important issues and celebrate the diversity and value of our community with meetings on Wednesday August 12 and 26 at 6.30 – 7.30pm.
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New members always welcome!
Hub sessions are free.
Register now via the link above. Or email Hubs@wdv.org.au /Call 03 9286 7813. |
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duotune WDV 'advocacy' icon - a loud speaker in purple and orange
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Policy
July has been a huge month for WDV’s Policy team. We stood with our sister women’s organisations, community coalitions, and fellow feminists in their opposition to the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sex-based Rights) Bill 2026, tabled in the Federal Parliament.
WDV also submitted to the NDIS Bill Inquiry. We are proud that our submission was able to centre our members' voices. Again, a big thank you to all those who shared their voices and expertise. We could not have made this submission without you!
Similarly, our latest submission to the Victorian State Disability Plan further centres and celebrates the lived experience of our members and community. Both submissions will be available on the Submissions page of the WDV website as soon as possible. |
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Experts by Experience Advocates
Who are the Gender and Disability Experts by Experience Advocates?
WDV’s Experts by Experience Advocates (Experts) are a group of 11 women and gender diverse people with diverse experiences of disability. The Experts support the development of policies, products, resources and services by sharing their lived experience expertise through consultations and co design sessions.
“The biggest value of this consultation was the breadth and depth of experiences of the experts… I would very very highly recommend other organisations consult with this team” – Consultant Feedback
Why book a consultation with the Experts?
The Experts are a diverse group of women and gender diverse people, all with significant life experience, who identify as having a disability. The Experts use their lived experience and expertise to offer advice and feedback. Undertaking a consultation with the Experts means you have expert advice on your undertaking, whether that be a project, event, document or something else altogether.
What types of things can the Experts consult on?
The Experts provide an insight into the lived experience of women and gender diverse people with disabilities. Previous engagements have informed government, community and private sector projects, programs, documents, websites, conferences and surveys. The scope of the work that the Experts can undertake is endless.
“Being able to bounce off the experts existing ideas and delve into things more was great. I also mainly enjoyed the overall energy in the virtual room and am so grateful for the sheer amount of contributions.” – Consultant Feedback
How does a consultation work?
We support you throughout the entire process and consultation, to make sure you get the most from your consultation time. The Experts meetings are held monthly on Thursdays, from 11:00am to 2:00pm and have two consultations per meeting. Consultations are currently held over Zoom however in person consultations may be negotiated.
Fees:
1 consultation session (60-minute session) = $970
Long consultation session (90-minute session) = $1,400
2 consultation sessions (120-minute session) = $1,830
Please note if booking 2 consultations, both consultations do not need to be conducted on the same day. Also note other session lengths can be negotiated.
"Incredibly helpful and thorough preparation with Tess. Felt very supported and informed about the process." – Consultant Feedback
To book: Contact the Gender and Disability team at GandD@wdv.org.au for further information or to book a consultation. Generally, a minimum of 8 weeks’ notice is required. |
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Image description: A photo of 6 casual staff (Experts) and three program staff gathered in the WDV boardroom in two rows. The first row from left to right includes Marie (Expert) and their guide dog Shenya, Tess (Gender and Disability Project Officer), Julyne (Expert), Sarah (Expert). In the second row from left to right is Amy, Soizic, Larissa (Expert), Natasha (Expert) and Kat. |
Larissa’s Disability Pride |
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Image description: A graphic of Larissa’s Disability Pride Mural with the background removed. It shows colourised pasteups of different disabled people using their bodies to spell out the words ‘Disability Pride’. |
A long-standing member of our WDV Community, Disability Pride Month is a fitting time to celebrate the works and impact of current Expert by Experience, Larissa MacFarlane. A celebrated creator whose art spans mediums and practices, Larissa has been showing their works since 2006, both here and overseas. Larissa has lived experience of a brain injury and through their deeply personal art explores their disability activism, community identity and pride. This month Larissa shared their pride with others in an event Celebrating Disability Pride month with badge-making. During this month and all year round it’s important to spotlight our staff and members and celebrate their efforts to empower communities and other women and gender diverse people with disabilities across Victoria and beyond. Great work Larissa.
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Image description: A photo of many badges laid out. There are positive and empowering statements about disability pride and identity along with colourful images and iconography.
Art Credits: Larissa MacFarlane |
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Image description: Duotone 'members' icon. Two human shaped graphics, slightly overlapping, one a light shade of purple and one orange. The 'V' from the WDV logo is positioned on the right side of the orange figure like a heart. |
Special General Meeting – 25 August 2026 via Zoom
We are holding a Special General Meeting (SGM) online on 25 August 2026 so members can vote on a proposed change to our external auditor. An auditor is an independent professional who reviews our finances and helps ensure we meet our legal and financial responsibilities.
The Board recommends that members approve the removal of the current auditor and the appointment of a new auditor. This change reflects our commitment to strong governance, accountability and the responsible management of the organisation. Please read the Notice of the SGM for details about the resolution and the voting process.
To attend the SGM, members must register in advance by emailing liza.nadolski@wdv.org.au or calling 0497 186 467.
Your voice and vote are important in helping shape the future of our organisation.
Members will receive information soon about our Annual General Meeting to be held in November 2026. |
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Image description: WDV duotone ‘opportunities’ graphic of an opening door. |
The Observership Program 2027
Applications are now open for the Observership Program 2027. This is an opportunity for people with disability, aged 25-45 ready to step into leadership. Be in the room where it happens - the Boardroom! Professionals with disability are welcome to apply and organisations can nominate talented team members with disability. Application deadline: August 16
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Shape future NDIS funding
NDIS participants are invited to help test the new way of planning before it rolls out in 2027. Participants can share feedback, help improve the process and contribute to fairer, more consistent planning. Taking part is voluntary and will not affect current or future plans, funding or supports. Participants will be paid for their time. Find out more or express your interest with the link below. |
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Transport and Planning Accessibility Advisory Committee (TPAAC)
The Hon. Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport and Minister for Women and Girls is inviting applications for appointment as member of the Transport and Planning Accessibility Advisory Committee (TPAAC). Its aim is to amplify the voice of people with disability in the development and delivery of transport and planning policy and projects in Victoria. Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 9 August 2026.
An information pack for applicants regarding the position is available on the Victorian Government’s Join a Public Board website via the link here. |
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Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) Peer Support Program YDAS are working on a project about peer support programs in schools. And are wanting to hear from disabled young people who have multicultural, migrant or refugee backgrounds. - What: Expression of Interest to make peer support programs more accessible
- Who: disabled young people who have multicultural, migrant or refugee backgrounds (12 to 25)
- When: Form closes 19th Aug, workshops are Weds 2nd of Sep to 21st Oct 2026.
- Where: Zoom,
- Pay: $100 per workshop
Find out more and access the Expression of Interest Form. |
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Darebin Council Disability Reference Group Darebin Council are recruiting community members for their new Disability Reference Group. The council is establishing a Disability Reference Group to guide and inform the development of Darebin’s new Disability Action Plan 2027-2030. The Disability Reference Group will be made up of people with disability and carers who bring lived experience, community insight, and leadership to the Group. |
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Research Opportunity: To better understand how people with intellectual disability access emergency information on social media.
This research aims to better understand how people with intellectual disability access emergency information on social media. After speaking with people with intellectual disability many participants identified support workers and carers as a key way they access information. They want to talk to support workers and carers about how they share information with people with intellectual disability in emergencies.
Email hpeart@student.unimelb.edu.au for more information. |
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Community News and Events |
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Image description: Duotone 'diversity' icon featuring 3 different shapes in orange and purple. |
Wear it Purple Day: August 29
Lilac, lavender or indigo there are lots of purpley options to pull out of your wardrobes this August 29. You can even take inspiration from the WDV Logo! Wear It Purple was created to ensure every LGBTQIA+SB young person knows they are seen, supported and never alone. So get your purple planned, show your support and help create a safer, more inclusive and empowering environment for LGBTQIA+SB young people. |
Reasonable or Necessary? Debating Changes to the NDIS.
Women With Disabilities Australia’s CEO Sophie Cusworth will speak at the National Press Club as part of a discussion titled Reasonable or Necessary? Debating changes to the NDIS. Sophie, joins Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO of People With Disability Australia, and Dr Martin Laverty, Chief Executive of Aruma. The event will be held at the National Press Club in Canberra on 10 August, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. |
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Image Description: Photo grid featuring Megan Spindler-Smith, Sophie Cusworth and Dr Martin Laverty. |
Easy Read NDIS Updates from Inclusion Australia
Inclusion Australia regularly provide Easy Read versions of all the latest news and updates about the proposed NDIS changes.
Stay up to date with the link here. |
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Redress for Historical Institutional Abuse
Did you or someone you love experience abuse or neglect in a Victorian institutional setting, such as orphanages, children’s homes, foster care or kinship care before 1990? You can apply for Redress by 31 December 2026 for, which can assist with: - payments
- counselling
- a personal acknowledgement or apology
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing can help you to apply or provide more information, you can call 1800 716 870, email victorianredress@dffh.vic.gov.au or visit the website. |
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Free pads and tampons across Victoria Free vending machines with pads and tampons are being installed at up to 700 public places across Victoria, with more on the way. This includes:
- public hospitals
- TAFEs
- courts
- libraries
- staffed train stations
- major cultural institutions like Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria.
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Are You a WDV Member? WDV members get access to: - Our exclusive events, consultations and workshops
- Get involved in our programs
- Opportunities to network in the community
Members can also contribute to WDV by representing women and gender diverse people with disabilities on Boards, Committees and forums. These opportunities are circulated to members who have an interest in a particular field, and there is also an opportunity to contribute to government submissions and representations to government.
If you identify as a woman or gender diverse person with a disability or chronic health condition and you would like to get involved, it only takes a minute to apply for our free membership by clicking the button below:
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If you are not sure if you are a member or not and would like to find out, or have any questions about membership, please contact us via email at membership@wdv.org.au.
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Important Disclaimer
With the rise of online scamming and fraudulent emails, it is becoming increasingly important to be wary of suspicious emails. We would like to remind you that WDV will not ask for financial donations via email.
In certain cases, scammers can send emails or text messages coming from a different email. For instance, a spam email which appears to be from WDV Staff asking for donations via email. Due to the fraudulent nature of scammers posing as someone else online, please note it is best to never give away any personal or financial information unless you have had a verbal conversation with one of our staff members.
If you receive these types of emails, please delete these from your inbox and do not click on any of the links.
If you have any questions, please contact wdv@wdv.org.au. |
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Are Your Contact Details Current?
If you have recently changed any of your contact details; address, phone number or email address, please let us know. Email wdv@wdv.org.au and we will update our records.
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Do You Have News, Comments, Questions or Feedback For Us? We love to hear from the WDV community. If you have something you think should be included in this newsletter, please contact WDV at wdv@wdv.org.au. |
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Copyright 2026 Women with Disabilities Victoria
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