Regional Disability Advocacy Service

07/05/2026

Check out our latest edition of InfoTree here - https://mailchi.mp/rdas.org.au/infotree-may2026

05/05/2026

Introducing our Alpine Valleys Community Leadership
scholarship recipient - Denise Pirko.

Denise is already a community leader with current and previous roles spanning local government, school councils and various community organisations, however despite all her training and experiences both personally and professionally, Denise suspected that something about her was a little different.

For reasons she couldn’t understand, Denise struggled in ways that didn’t impact others and felt like she didn’t fit with what leadership training had taught her.

Denise resides in Wangaratta with her partner and two children. Both her children have autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While she was investigating her children’s disabilities and how to best support them, Denise identified it was very likely that she also had autism and ADHD. As it turns out - she did!

Having developed a better understanding of herself and the way
she learns and functions, Denise decided it was time to re-learn what it is to be a leader so that she can broaden her impact in her local community. Denise heard about the 2026 Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program (AVCLP) and was particularly drawn to the program’s emphasis on self-awareness, innovation and relationship-building, as these were areas she was most
excited to develop in.

Denise is all too aware that people with disability often face barriers to participating in programs such as the AVCLP, whether it be the cost, accessibility options, transport or support requirements, however Denise is grateful for the support and is excited about the opportunity to grow through the program, and bring those learnings back to her role with the Rural City of Wangaratta to ultimately benefit the entire community.

Denise confirmed that without the scholarship, she would not have had the opportunity to participate and said, “It means the world to me, and I am very grateful to all of the donors and contributors that made this happen”.

Executive Officer of RDAS, Ben Foley said “We are extremely
pleased to support Denise with this scholarship. Her participation will ensure the leadership shaping our communities reflects the diversity within them".

RDAS received donations from numerous individuals and organisations as part of their scholarship fundraising campaign, including a considerable donation from employees of Crowe Australasia and the Findex Community Fund.

22/04/2026

Our friends at CYDA are currently looking for 12 young people aged 18 to 25 from anywhere in Australia to join their free new Community Leadership Program.

This is a great opportunity to build your confidence and knowledge about leadership in an inclusive and accessible environment. Apply today here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfm3xfk Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5pm AEST on Sunday, 26 April.

19/04/2026

RDAS are looking for past or current Advocacy clients to join our next Client Advisory Committee to help shape and inform our ongoing service delivery.

If you are passionate about human rights, accessibility and person-centred service delivery, we would welcome your application.

Full details, including the application form and committee terms of reference can be found here: https://rdas.org.au/client-advisory-committee/

Applications close Friday 15 May.

01/04/2026

Click here to view our monthly stakeholder e-newsletter, InfoTree - April 2026 Edition - https://mailchi.mp/rdas.org.au/infotree-april-2026

31/03/2026

Check out our Advocates, Super Sarah and Amie Amazing, doing their bit to raise awareness and support for children with autism in the Wagga region. Every year the good folks of Wagga Autism Support Group call on their local superheroes to attend a picnic for the community, which our Advocates are glad to participate in. Courageous Cait was also in attendance on the day.

Did you attend the Superhero Picnic this year? Post a photo to show us!

26/03/2026

SAILS in Wagga and Griffith enjoyed outdoor catch-ups this month. Both groups worked in teams to complete activities, develop skills to speak up while working in teams, and to feel confident in new surroundings.

26/03/2026

This ABC article highlights one of the major challenges rural and regional NDIS participants face, regardless of their disability: travel costs.

When providers need to charge for both their time and their fuel consumption, the further away you live from your supports, the more of your plan gets eaten up by travel costs.

The article focuses on the lived experience of Grace, a vision impaired woman living in a rural area. Our Executive Officer, Ben Foley, was also interviewed and spoke about the need for regional loading in NDIS plans where the participant lives a considerable distance from the specialist supports they need to manage their disability.

NDIS recipients living in regional Australia are calling for the government to provide better care for those who live remotely with travel costs often eating up a large portion of their support budgets.

24/03/2026

Our client in Wodonga was overwhelmed with all their appointments and procedures to follow to be able to get on the DSP. His Advocate helped him negotiate all of it promptly and thoroughly.

19/03/2026

Hey, folks of Wangaratta and surrounds, here's a new, inclusive sport you might like to try - SWISH.

SWISH is coming to Wangaratta!
Come along and experience Swish with us at the launch of our new Swish Table in Wangaratta.

Swish is an adapted version of table tennis designed specifically for people who are blind or have low vision. The game is played on a specially designed table using a ball that makes a sound, allowing players to track it by listening. Swish is fast-paced, inclusive, and a fantastic way to build confidence, coordination, and social connection. The game can be played at a slower pace for beginners.

Join us for some fantastic Swish fun on our new Swish table!

Whether you are curious to learn more, interested in trying the game, or simply want to see how it works, everyone is welcome to attend this exciting launch event. Bring your friends and family and meet others interested in inclusive sport and recreation.

Day: Sunday 29th March
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Wangaratta Table Tennis Association located at 2 Evans Street, Wangaratta.
Cost: This is a FREE event. Light refreshments will be provided.

RSVP: Thursday 26th of March.
Contact: To join in and for catering purposes, please contact Tegan by phone or email:
0478 626 393
tegan@blindsports.org.au

This project is proudly supported by the Victorian State Government.
Thank you to the Wangaratta Table tennis Association and the Wangaratta Woodworkers.

[I.D. Three images: Two Swish players standing at the end of a Swish table. One has their arm lifted holding a bat looking as though they have just returned the ball to their opponent; In an indoor table tennis centre two Swish players stand side by side. One player is about to return the ball. Both players are wearing gloves; Two players are poised ready to return the ball with their bats resting on the table. Event details appear as text with the BSRV logo.]

Wangaratta Table Tennis Association This is Wangaratta

19/03/2026

Another day, another happy client. (Her human was pretty happy too.)