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WDV eNews
30 April 2026
WDV News and Updates:
Hear From Our Hubs:
Community News and Events:
Additional Updates:
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We have had another busy month at WDV. Earlier this month, WDV gave evidence at the Victorian Government’s Electoral Matters Committee’s inquiry into voting centre accessibility. You can read our submission here. I am really pleased to note the expansion of low-sensory voting centres across Victoria and that there will be mobile voting facilities in 88 lower-house districts. These were some of the key recommendations in our written submission and from our evidence at the hearing. We also worked on a two-part workshop series, Pleasure for Every Body: Accessible & Inclusive Intimacy for People with Disabilities which began in April as well. This series is facilitated by WDV in partnership with Women’s Health in the North, Sexual Health Victoria and Women’s Health in the South East. The series supports women and gender diverse people with disability to explore pleasure, consent and communication in an inclusive and accessible space.
This week over six thousand feminists, First Nations leaders, and lived experience advocates gathered in Melbourne for the 2026 Women Deliver Conference. WDV is proud to support 18 women and gender diverse people with disabilities to attend the event, from 99 applications received. Our 18 scholarship recipients reflect diverse and intersectional experiences, including First Nations, culturally diverse, regional and rural, and LGBTIQA+ communities, as well as a broad range of disability experiences. Women Deliver is an international event bringing together advocates, decision-makers, community leaders and grassroots activists from over 170 countries. Follow along on our socials to see how our delegates are contributing to these conversations and championing disability voices on a global stage. We thank the Victorian Government who supported WDV’s Women Deliver 2026 Conference Scholarship Program.
Internally, earlier this month we welcomed back our Head of Workforce Dr Soizic Brohan and our Policy Research Lead Dr Brigid Evans from Parenting leave. We also bid a warm farewell to Lauren Zappa, our Acting Head of Workforce. Lauren has been a valued member of our leadership team and acted in the CEO role whilst I took some leave this month, we thank her for her commitment and passion. We also bid a warm farewell to Dr Lena Molnar - our former Research and Evidence Lead. Dr Molnar Lena joined us in 2022 and has worked across multiple portfolios. A particular highlight has been her leadership of the practitioner resources for Changing the Landscape- Australia’s National Framework to prevent violence against women with disabilities. Through the years, Lena has made a significant contribution to WDV, positioning our organisation as a thought leader and a subject matter expert in the prevention of gender-based violence. The impact of her contributions will be felt for years to come. Thank you to both Lauren and Lena for their legacies.
Finally, I want to acknowledge Minister Butler’s speech at the National Press Club last week, in which he announced a series of proposed changes to the NDIS. I recognise this news may feel distressing, confusing, or overwhelming. For many in our community, this isn’t just about one announcement. It reflects a longer period of uncertainty, with the constancy of reforms and ongoing public debate that has too often been confusing, and at times harmful toward people with disabilities. The impact of that builds over time, and I acknowledge how heavy that can feel.
In the words of Brene Brown, “Clear is Kind and Unclear is Unkind.” I hope that Government will continue to work with our community to provide clarity- there are many unknowns at this stage.
What we know (for now) is that the Government has outlined a series of reforms to the NDIS that would be introduced in stages over the coming years. The stated aims of the reforms include reducing spending growth, reshaping service providers, tightening how supports are accessed and used, and changing eligibility criteria. Much of the detail about how these changes will work in practice has not yet been made clear, but we know that when systems become more restrictive, the impacts are not distributed evenly. Reforms that reduce flexibility, limit reassessments, or narrow eligibility have the potential to worsen existing disparities for women and gender diverse people with disabilities.
This is an evolving situation, and we are actively seeking clarity while continuing to advocate strongly for the rights, safety, and inclusion of our community.
We are also working to put in place ways to hear directly from you- our valued members and allies, so your experiences and priorities can better shape our response and advocacy. In the meantime, please know you are not alone in navigating this. We will share updates as we learn more, and we remain committed to standing alongside women and gender diverse people with disabilities every step of the way.
In solidarity,
TMK |
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Image description: The image is of WDV CEO Trishima Mitra-Kahn leaning against a brick wall, looking at the camera. She is wearing a scarf as a headband, dangly silver earrings and red lipstick. |
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From Ableism to Allyship: Bendigo and Surrounds Inclusive Community Forum |
WDV’s Bendigo Leadership Hub along with RIAC and local self-advocacy group Have a Say Bendigo are excited to come together for the; From Ableism to Allyship - Inclusive Community Forum next month.
Where: Larnangurrak - Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre (Our Place) Golden Square VIC, Australia
When: Monday May 18
What time: From 10:30am
Cost: FREE
Locals from Bendigo and surrounds with disability will lead this innovative forum with local legend Stephanie Sayer as MC. They will explore ableism, identifying the barriers people with disability experience and together building inclusive solutions with the community. The event will feature a keynote address from author and advocate Sam Drummond, a panel discussion featuring Bendigo Individuals with disabilities, and workshops.
You can also email Emma King emma.king@wdv.org.au for more information or any questions. |
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Image Description: Sandy social media tile. It features a photo of 5 people with diverse appearances and disabilities. Over it the graphics of two arrows in purple and orange pointing in opposite directions. The top arrow says “from Ableism” the bottom says “To Allyship” RIAC, WDV Regional and Have a Say Bendigo logos run along the bottom. Text says: Monday May 18, 2026 Bendigo and Surrounds: Inclusive Community Forum. Larnangurrak (Our Place), Golden Square. 10am for 10.30am start. FREE EVENT. Register via the link in comments.” |
Gender and Disability Experts by Experience |
Advocates Available for Training and Consultation in 2026 Women with Disabilities Victoria’s Gender & Disability Experts by Experience Advocates are a group of women and gender diverse people with different experiences of disability.
They are available for consultations to support the development of gender and disability inclusive policies, products, and services.
They also offer one-hour introductory training that covers aspects of gender equality, disability inclusion and prevention of violence against women with disabilities.
Consultations:
Consultations take place monthly via Zoom, on Thursdays between 11am and 2pm. You will be supported throughout the process, enabling you to get the most from your consultation time.
Consultation fees:
1 consultation session (60-minute session) = $880
2 consultation sessions (120-minute session) = $1,660
Please note if booking 2 consultations, both consultations do not need to be conducted on the same day. Session length can be negotiated.
Training:
Our Introduction to Preventing Violence Against Women with Disabilities is based on research, evidence and the lived experience of women with disabilities.
1-hour sessions can be held online or in person and content may be adjusted to meet your group’s training needs.
Training cost: $600
Please note: The cost may vary if there are requirements in addition to our standard sessions.
How to book:
Contact the Gender and Disability Workforce Development Team at gandd@wdv.org.au for further information or to book a session.
Generally a minimum of 8-weeks' notice is required. |
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Immense Art Project The Melbourne Outer East Leadership Hub are collaborating with Knox Council on an exciting arts project, Immerse. It is a wonderful opportunity for hub members to showcase their skills and explore their creative sides. The group are working alongside artist Angharad Neal-Williams.
Immerse started in 2015 as an annual arts program. It has grown into a well-loved event in Knox that brings together many different art forms.
The month-long festival takes art out of galleries and into public spaces. It features interactive works, performances, projections and other creative surprises.
Immerse shows how public art can bring people together, spark imagination and create shared experiences. Its unique approach makes each year memorable and inspiring.
Immerse 2026 will be held from Friday 26 June to Sunday 26 July across various locations in Knox. More information coming soon. |
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Image description: A photo of two large bird sculptures against the night sky. The birds are lit up with psychedelic patterns in blues and greens, and have eyes that appear like a mandala with concentric circles. The artist is named Angharad Neal-Williams. |
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Coming up the Online Victorian Leadership Hub |
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Image
Description:
Graphic of a woman wearing dark glasses sitting at a table with an open laptop
computer.
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May 6 – Have your say about Victoria’s State Disability Plan
WDV’s policy team will be consulting with Hub attendees about what should be included in the 2027-2031 Victoria State Disability Plan.
Discussions from this consultation will help WDV with our submission to the Victorian Government.
May 20 – Special guest Elizabeth Wright
We will be joined by Elizabeth Wright – 3 time Paralympic medalist, and reporter with ABC Sport. She is a strong advocate for disabled athletes. Elizabeth also has experience as an artist, academic writer and magazine editor.
June 3 – Special guest Anthea Skinner
Dr. Anthea Skinner is a musicologist - specialising in disability music culture and adaptive technology. She has worked on multiple projects related to making music more accessible for disabled people.
Register for individual Hub meetings here - https://wwdv.wildapricot.org/event-6418595
Or email Hubs@wdv.org.au / Call 03 9286 7813 if you need assistance, or have any questions.
New members always welcome! |
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Image description: A stylised icon against a transparent background. A part of the new WDV branding, this silhouette shows two people 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 person's sternum, like a heart. This icon represents Members, and is shown above the relevant updates for WDV Members. |
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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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COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS |
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2026 National Pain Survey
Chronic pain doesn't happen in isolation – neither does change.
Pain takes a nation to fight, and it all starts with you. In 2025, more than 4,500 Australians shared their experiences in the National Pain Survey and made sure those voices were heard by our politicians in Canberra.
The 2026 National Pain Survey allows every Australian living with pain to have their voice heard. Whether you've been managing pain for months or decades, whether you've found support or are still searching for it, your story is part of Australia's pain story.
We're calling on every person living with chronic pain to share their experience. The survey takes around 15 minutes, but the impact lasts far longer. |
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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 Nadia 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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