Advocacy WA

Advocacy WA Advocacy WA (AWA) provides advocacy for anyone with a disability or mental illness who lives in the southwest region of Western Australia.

Advocacy WA assists, supports and advocates in partnership with people with disabilities
to achieve social and individual change, empowerment, justice and human rights,
including where rights have been compromised We Believe in human rights for people with disabilities, irrespective of age, gender, cultural or linguistic background, religious beliefs, geographic location, sexuality or the nature, origin or degree of disability. We support the importance of choice, equality of opportunity, and inclusion in society. All people should be empowered to exercise independence over their choices and direction in their life. We aim to encourage, empower and support the civic participation of people with disabilities.

We know that real change happens when people come together, share ideas, and lead with purpose.It is great to see this w...
31/03/2026

We know that real change happens when people come together, share ideas, and lead with purpose.

It is great to see this work happening across the sector, with strong leadership, clear direction, and a focus on what matters most. Our CEO, Stuart Schonell, was proud to be part of these conversations.

As a disability led organisation, this is what meaningful inclusion looks like. People with disability not just being part of the conversation, but leading it.

Together, this is how we move closer to making the South West the most inclusive and accessible region.

Big ideas often start when we come together 🤝

Recently, our Board and leadership team spent several days in strategic planning. Creating space for thoughtful discussion, shared perspectives, and connection is an important part of how we work.

We left with:
✨ Clear priorities for the future
✨ Stronger alignment across leadership
✨ A renewed focus on what matters most

As a disability-led organisation, this means ensuring people with disability are not only shaping our work, but leading it.

We’re grateful for the time to reflect, reconnect, and focus on what comes next.

📸 Photo from our recent planning session

Image description:
A group of around 19 people are gathered in a well-lit conference space, smiling at the camera. Most are standing, with one person seated at the front. They are dressed in business and smart-casual clothing, with a large artwork on the wall behind them.

Creating a more inclusive and accessible South West means removing barriers so everyone can take part in community event...
31/03/2026

Creating a more inclusive and accessible South West means removing barriers so everyone can take part in community events.

Shout out to Blackwood D&D Winterfest for creating low sensory spaces this year to help ensure more people can attend, participate, and feel included.

A few moments from our CEO Stu’s time in Vietnam 🇻🇳1. Stu on a boat in Hoi An about to head up the delta toward the ocea...
30/03/2026

A few moments from our CEO Stu’s time in Vietnam 🇻🇳

1. Stu on a boat in Hoi An about to head up the delta toward the ocean. Not really any disability suitable tourism in Vietnam however the locals are so friendly and helpful that they come from everywhere to help get on and off boats, buses, cars, or in and out of hotels, shops and cafes. They also don’t expect to be paid, it is just in their nature.

2. Stu speaking to a local wheelchair user. Limited opportunities for people with disabilities to work in Vietnam so he sells books from his wheelchair, which is propelled by him pushing the handles back and forth.

3. Stu stopping for a rest and trying a salt coffee. Amazing coffee in Vietnam and many are iced due to the temperature. Have tried black, condensed milk, egg and salt coffees. Salt is so far my favourite.

A reminder that while access looks different around the world, kindness, resilience and community are universal. ✨

📣‼️ FOR SALE Rapid line Boost Crank Flip Tables1800 × 750$150 each - 3 for salePick up South Bunbury ASAPMessage us to s...
26/03/2026

📣‼️ FOR SALE

Rapid line Boost Crank Flip Tables
1800 × 750
$150 each - 3 for sale
Pick up South Bunbury ASAP

Message us to secure!

See you tomorrow!!
26/03/2026

See you tomorrow!!

Looking for a place to connect? 👀

D-Connect Bunbury is on tomorrow at .southwest ☕️✨

A welcoming space to meet new people, have meaningful conversations, and feel part of community. Whether you have a disability, support someone who does, or just want to meet new people - you are welcome here.

📍 Gather & Co
🗓 Friday 27 March
⏰ 10am

We meet every 4th Friday of the month - come check it out & bring a friend 🤍

Thank you Margaret River for having us!So far in 2026 we have traveled to 11 communities, and each one has brought somet...
25/03/2026

Thank you Margaret River for having us!

So far in 2026 we have traveled to 11 communities, and each one has brought something unique, honest, and important. Every conversation, every story shared, and every moment of connection reminds us why this work matters so much.

A big theme we keep seeing is the importance of being your own cheerleader. Backing yourself, knowing your rights, and feeling confident to speak up is not always easy, but it is powerful. And being able to explore that together in community spaces like Margaret River makes it even more impactful.

We are now taking a short break over the school holidays, but the show doesn't stop join us online on 15 April for our live Roadshow session:
https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-wa-roadshow-online

We cannot wait to see you all again soon, both online and back out in community.

Next stop: Balingup on 22 April. See you there 💬

We are 4 days away ⏳This Summit will focus on the growing and often unaddressed challenge of care succession and long-te...
23/03/2026

We are 4 days away ⏳

This Summit will focus on the growing and often unaddressed challenge of care succession and long-term planning, particularly for ageing carers but relevant for all families at all stages. Early, legally sound planning is essential for peace of mind, community inclusion, and better outcomes for individuals, families, and the broader system.
We will be running this face-to-face session at the Advocacy WA office in Bunbury in conjunction with the Perth Summit.
We would be honoured to have you join us and contribute to this important conversation that will then be taken to the government and other key stakeholders ensuring perspectives grounded in lived experience and expertise are being heard and actioned.

🎟 RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/dawa-march-summit-2026

🎲 Think you know the rules… or are you missing your $200? 👀Self advocacy is something we use every day, often without ev...
20/03/2026

🎲 Think you know the rules… or are you missing your $200? 👀

Self advocacy is something we use every day, often without even realising it.

But when you don’t know the rules… things get tricky.

It’s like Monopoly.
You pass Go, you get $200… right?

Well, not everyone is getting their $200.
And some people don’t even know they are supposed to.

That’s what this session is about.

🚨 Margaret River Roadshow, made for people with disability and support workers 🚨

✨ Learn what your rights are
✨ Build confidence to speak up
✨ Walk away with tools you can use straight away

For support workers, if you want to be the best you can be, this is for you.
Come and learn what great support actually looks like from people who receive it every day.

💬 Led by Emma, who breaks it all down in a fun, interactive, real way, no jargon, just practical skills.

🧭 Because everyone deserves to know the rules… and get what they are entitled to.

👉 Save your spot now:
https://events.humanitix.com/advocacy-wa-roadshow-margaret-river

Come along, learn together, and be part of building better, more inclusive support in our community.

Address

4 Plaza Street
South Bunbury, WA
6230

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+61897216444

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