OC Connections

31/08/2026

Today, Meridia launched its Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

The plan outlines a clear direction for the years ahead across our Group of social service organisations: The Disability Trust, Ermha, OC Connections, Marriott Support Services, Bedford Group and Embarc Employment - reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting people, families and communities.

Read Meridia’s post below and don’t miss the link to listen to the Get Real podcast. Hear from our Board Chair, Dr Peter Langkamp, and Board member, Carol Heijo, as they share valuable insights informed by their lived experience.

We are proud to launch Meridia's Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

Built through extensive consultation with our workforce, people with lived and living experience, participants, advocates and stakeholders, the strategy sets out our vision for a better-connected social services ecosystem where people remain connected to opportunity, community and purpose at every stage of life.

Guided by three priorities, Strengthen What Works, Build a Sustainable and Diverse Future, and Integrate, Enable and Innovate, the plan provides a clear roadmap for growing our impact while continuing to deliver high-quality, person-centred services.

Together, our service brands, including The Disability Trust, Bedford Group, Ermha, OC Connections, Marriott Support Services and Embarc Employment, will continue working together to create meaningful outcomes for the people and communities we support.

To coincide with the launch, we have also released a special episode of the GET REAL Podcast, featuring Meridia Board Chair Dr Peter Langkamp OAM and Deputy Chair Carol Heijo, who discuss the strategy, the future of the social services sector, and how Meridia is building a more connected approach to support.

Read the strategy: https://meridia.au/news/a-strategy-for-a-better-connected-future/

Listen to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/922639/episodes/19567211

Together, we connect what matters.

07/08/2026

The 30th OC Connections Charity Golf Day was a tremendous success, and we couldn't have achieved it without the incredible support of our sponsors and prize donors.

A sincere thank you to The Metropolitan Golf Club for their generosity in hosting our event and our Gold Sponsors: Amaco Travel, Australian It Group, Blackburn Kia, Eziway Salary Packaging, Lockton, and Perpetual Group. We also acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors: GOLFSelect Travel and Woodards Real Estate for their valued support.

Thank you to our generous prize donors: Amaco Travel, Bunnings Warehouse, Commonwealth Golf Club, Daikin Australia, The Golf Clearance Outlet, Mercon Group, Verve Portraits, Woodlands Golf Club, Yarra Yarra Golf Club and The Metropolitan Golf Club.

Lastly, thank our volunteers who helped make the day such a success!

Your contributions helped create an unforgettable day while supporting OC Connections' programs and services for people with disability.

05/08/2026

What an incredible day on the green!

On Monday 27 July, we celebrated the 30th OC Connections Charity Golf Day at The Metropolitan Golf Club. Bringing together golfers, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for a memorable day of community spirit, connection and fundraising.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, purchased raffle tickets, bid in the silent auction or simply enjoyed the day with friends, colleagues and guests. Your support helps us continue creating meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for people with disability.

We're proud to have reached this significant milestone and grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of the event over the past 30 years. Visit https://occonnections.org/get-involved/golf-day/ to read the full 2026 Charity Golf Day wrap-up.

The countdown is already on for next year and we can't wait to welcome both returning and new players for another fantastic day on the course.

21/07/2026

A national test of AusAlert will take place on Monday 27 July at 2:00pm AEST.

During the test, compatible mobile devices will receive a test alert featuring an on-screen message, vibration and a loud siren-like sound lasting around 10 seconds.

No action is required.

Please note: the alert will sound even if your phone is on silent or set to Do Not Disturb.

If receiving the test may cause stress or harm, you can switch your device off or place it in aeroplane mode before 2:00pm and leave it off for at least one hour.

Learn more about the national test and what to expect: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/community-resources/disabilities-extra-support

09/07/2026

Yesterday, our teams across the country came together to watch the launch of Meridia and celebrate the start of an exciting new chapter.

The energy and enthusiasm shared across our service brands reflected just how proud we are to be part of Meridia and the opportunities ahead.

Importantly, while Meridia is now our parent brand, nothing changes for our service brands or for the people we support.
Our customers, clients and communities will continue to receive the same trusted services, delivered by the same dedicated teams they know and rely on.

We're proud to be part of Meridia, proud of the work we do every day, and excited for what we'll achieve together in the future.

Meridia Group
The Disability Trust
Embarc Employment
Ermha
Marriott Support Services
Bedford Group

08/07/2026

Introducing Meridia.

A connected network bringing together organisations supporting people and communities across Australia.

Same people. Same services.
Stronger connections behind the scenes.

Learn more: www.meridia.au



Meridia Group
The Disability Trust
Embarc Employment
Ermha
Marriott Support Services
Bedford Group

07/07/2026

The connections across our network are becoming clearer — making it easier to navigate support when it’s needed.
Tomorrow, we’ll show you how it all comes together.



The Disability Trust
Embarc Employment
Ermha
Marriott Support Services
Bedford Group

06/07/2026

We’re making it easier to understand how our organisations connect and work together.



The Disability Trust
Embarc Employment
Ermha
Marriott Support Services
Bedford Group

05/07/2026

Support doesn’t always sit in one place.

It spans services, teams and experiences, and that hasn’t always been easy to see.



The Disability Trust
Embarc Employment
Ermha
Marriott Support Services
Bedford Group

05/07/2026

Tee off for a cause at our 30th Annual Charity Golf Day!

Join us at The Metropolitan Golf Club as we celebrate three decades of community impact.

Our afternoon session has officially sold out, and there are now limited spots remaining in the morning round. Start early with registration from 6:20am and shotgun start at 7:30am. All players receive a buffet lunch, with the Clubhouse Bar open for refreshments and post-game celebrations.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone event. Visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1535562 to secure your team’s spot.