Disability Advocates often operate quietly initiating projects and forming community networks that significantly benefit people with disabilities. These initiatives include research projects focused on specific disabilities, community service linkage networks that enhance access to support services and funded projects that build the capacity of individuals with disabilities in their advocacy journeys.
In anticipation of once in a lifetime disability reform in Australia, this year’s conference theme focuses on the impact of disability advocacy within local communities, showcasing successful projects, community networks, and strategies that improve access to services and empower people with disabilities. It highlights the importance of person-centred disability advocacy, collaboration and the sharing of best practices to create positive change and build capacity in communities.
Keep up to date with the latest conference news on X (formerly twitter)
Location: NAB Arena
Location: NAB Arena
Location: NAB Arena
Location: NAB Arena
Location: NAB Arena
Location: NAB Arena
Location: NAB Arena
National Australia Bank have created a hub in Melbourne’s CBD with a range of meeting rooms and technologies available to NAB customers in a modern, architecturally interesting building.
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The building design incorporates access features including talking lifts with tactile buttons, accessible toilet on the same level as The Arena and safe taxi drop off and pick up point. Being located right next to Southern Cross station with entrance directly from the Bourke Street concourse further adds to the access credentials.
This event will be Auslan Interpreted and will have live captioning available on screen.
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The Arena is an accessible space with floors that have both steps and wheelchair access that has been personally checked and tested. If you need assistance on the day, please see a staff member with the VCOSS lanyard and they will do their best to direct you.
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The conference program will be available online and accessible via QR code. The MC of the Conference will also be verbally describing the proceedings of the day. We know that this is not accessible to everyone, so please contact us if you require a large print version of the conference program or to discuss an alternative format.
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There will be a quiet room available for those who need this. Please see a staff member wearing a VCOSS lanyard for assistance for directions to this room.
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Assistance Animals: there is a space outside the NAB revolving door on the concourse level for toileting assistance animals. To get there go directly across the concourse and find a grass area in front of the Medibank building. Please ask VCOSS staff for directions if required.
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While the DARU team makes every effort to ensure that the event is inclusive, accessible and comfortable for all participants, we know that sometimes things do not go as planned. Please let us know if there is something you need to talk to us about to make your experience as comfortable and inclusive as we can.
The Arena is located on the Concourse level (C). There are two main entrances:
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Bourke Street concourse (the pedestrian bridge extension of Bourke Street) – level 2
Taxi drop off – level P1 (see taxi information below for details)
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From the P1 entrance there is lift, escalator and stair options to take you to The Concourse. Look out for our friendly volunteers to ask directions. They’ll be wearing VCOSS lanyards.
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If you need assistance at either Southern Cross or Flinders Street stations, get in touch with Travellers Aid. They provide a buggy service, mobility aid hire and companion assistance amongst other things.
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Here’s information to assist your journey in getting there…
Southern Cross Station is virtually on the doorstep which is very convenient as most metropolitan lines, and all regional lines, go through Southern Cross.
Coming from a train platform at Southern Cross Station:
Head to the northern end of the platform (the Etihad stadium end).
Take the lift up to the Bourke Street concourse.
Once you reach the concourse, turn left.
You should see the NAB building almost immediately as it is the first building on the right over the tracks. Once inside the very impressive atrium, look for our registration desk which will be to left of the stairs as you enter the building. Also look out for our friendly volunteers to ask directions. They’ll be wearing VCOSS lanyards.
Trams that stop at Southern Cross station include:
Spencer Street routes – 12, 48, 75, 96, 109 & City Circle
Collins Street routes – 11, 12, 42 & 109
Bourke Street routes – 86 & 96
The taxi drop off point at 700 Bourke Street is located opposite the Channel Nine studios. The taxi rank located outside Platform 28 night club can also be used as a drop off point. The Platform 28 rank is recommended as the pick up point when booking taxis for return journeys home.
Getting to NAB from the Platform 28 rank:
Cross at the pedestrian lights.
Turn right and follow the footpath to the NAB entrance. You have arrived at level P1.
Go to level C (Concourse) using either the lift or escalator.
On level C, The Arena is located to the right of the escalator.
Etihad Stadium’s car park provides 24-hour security and surveillance seven days a week. The fully covered and underground facility is located only a short walking distance from NAB.
Visit the website for information on rates or to book your space in advance online:
http://etihadstadium.com.au/car-park-options/
Note: Event discounts are only applicable for events held at the stadium.
Credit Card: This is the preferred payment method. The platform used to manage secure transactions is PayPal.
Invoice: You can request to pay via invoice, we will send you an invoice separately once you have booked your tickets through Humanitix.
Cash: Will not be accepted for this event.
Tickets are NOT available at the door on the day and entry will be denied to anyone who is not on the attendee list. We need to be strict because the room capacity is dictated by OH&S restrictions.
On the day, go to the registration desk to check-in and receive your pass and program.
Tickets for this event are not refundable. However, tickets are transferrable. If you can no longer attend, contact DARU to change the details on your ticket.
Companion Card is accepted for this event. Contact DARU to arrange:
E: [email protected]
Where:
NAB Arena, 700 Bourke Street, Docklands
When:
Thursday 18th September, 2025
Cost:
$15-$30
Status:
Registrations open!
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