5 minute read
Welcome!
by dacexpo
This year we are delivering the biggest events Australia has ever seen in the Disability and NDIS sector in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. We are also launching our huge Virtual Connection Expo platform so that Australians can connect with service providers, see updates, watch on demand content, join in with virtual conferences and topic days from leaders all around the word.
The last few years have taught us all more than ever that we need lots of different ways to connect and stay connected. This is why we are partnering with so many great sponsors and building a huge network with participants, families, carers, service providers and Guardians from all over Australia to help us create a disability sector we can all be proud of.
Working with the National Disability Leadership Organisation (NDLO) we are also able to support the Disability Staff Recognition Awards in each state to raise funds and support Paralympics Australia, the Australian Paralympic Team and the next generation of Paralympians. It is a huge night and a great way to take time out and look at how we can all work together.
As we always say, we don’t do halls, stalls and pamphlets alone. We know that getting out and connecting needs to be supported and an opportunity for the community to come together and spend time together. Our Expos are community events held over two days and we make sure there is plenty to do, lots of space, seating, food, entertainment and a great atmosphere so people can enjoy their time connecting. This is why we see many people come on both days just to cover everything that is on offer.
Don’t forget, if you have a burning NDIS question, make sure you swing by the Ask A NDIS Expert - Support Hub.
The last three years we have been featured on hundreds of items of coverage across radio, TV and print media, raising awareness of important issues and changes in the disability sector and NDIS space. We have also had the opportunity to connect media outlets with some amazing service providers and people living with disability to share their stories.
Developing Australian Communities has developing a significant media profile, and is now also able to help time-poor service providers with increasing their capacity via our custom marketing solutions. Please contact us if you’d like to explore this opportunity.
With the Royal Commission and the huge amount of work being done by our Minster the Hon Mr Bill Shorten and his state colleagues we have seen the Government focused on change and improvements. It has been a welcome sight in the last 12 months to see the work of leaders in Australia like Australian Paralympic legend and disability advocate Mr Kurt Fearnley AO, appointed Chairman of the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the work done by our 2022 Australian of the Year Mr Dylan Alcott OAM.
2023 has been a year of enormous growth and change in the sector, and 2024 is already shaping up to be even bigger. With the reccomendations of the Royal Commission expected early in the new year, there is much work for us to do to continue to build a sector we can all be proud of, and keep making a difference.
RIVER NIGHT & MIKE CLARK
DevelopingAustralianCommunities Co-Founders/Directors
Bernadette Alizart
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EVENTS
With more than 15 years in the music and live events industries, Bernadette is excited to be working on an expo that brings such value to participants, families and caregivers.
Roschi De Silva
SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR
With a strong background in private and public sector experience for over 20 years, Roschi is excited to work closely with all the sponsors for the expos and bring value to their journey with DAC.
Bill Poulos
SALES MANAGER
With more than 22yrs experience coaching Sales Teams in the FMCG industry. Bill brings a wealth of experience in delivering great customer service and a customer centric focussed team.
River Night
CO-FOUNDER
River has a 26+ year legacy of implementing change at the highest levels of Disability and Community Services Sectors.
Alma Clark
SENIOR NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER
With a passion for guiding others to make meaningful decisions, Alma is a world-class professional and supports DAC’s clients to the highest levels.
Mike Clark
CO-FOUNDER
Mike has a 17-year history of running events and training companies to over 50,000 people in over 4 continents.
Deon Spann
EVENT DIRECTOR
After being introduced to the disability sector at a young age, Deon uses his significant events experience and attention to detail to craft engaging experiences that help participants connect & enhance lives.
Peter Cockroft
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
A great eye for detail and a commitment to making the expos the best they can be, Pete is DAC’s dedicated operational foreman.
Cassandra Hamilton
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Experienced in nursing and disability sector, and working in aged care and community service projects, Cassandra is passionate to connect providers to participants to help offer solutions and choices.
Naomi Czitan
EVENTS TEAM
Passionate about the sector and helping to create inclusive events focused on connecting people.
Kath Tamayo
FINANCE AND ADMIN MANAGER
Fiercely passionate about accuracy, efficiency and supporting others so they can operate at their best.
Candice Wood
EVENTS TEAM
Having served the disability sector for 21 years, at times as a healthcare worker and provider, but always a full-time advocate.
