Voice for Choice

27/08/2026

New laws making significant changes to the NDIS start taking effect today, Thursday 27 August.

Most NDIS participants do not need to do anything differently right now. You can continue to use your current NDIS plan and supports as usual.

A series of changes will be introduced over the coming years, including changes to plan reassessments, funding, planning and access.

We have put together a short overview of what is changing now and what is coming next, as well as a new NDIS changes page that will be updated with new information.

Read the what's now and next article: https://pwd.org.au/ndis-changes-start-today-what-you-need-to-know/

For a more detailed timeline of changes, visit our NDIS changes information page: https://pwd.org.au/disability-rights/2026-ndis-changes-what-the-new-laws-mean-and-what-happens-next/



Image description: Timeline of key NDIS reform dates. Seven days after the laws are signed, changes begin to plan reassessment requests, record keeping requirements, information-gathering powers and civil penalties, pricing determination powers and automated administrative action. From 1 October 2026, some support budgets begin to be progressively reset. From 1 December 2026, a 90-day claims timeframe begins. From February 2027, plan renewals and reasonable and necessary changes begin. From April 2027, New Framework Planning begins to be introduced. Mandatory registration requirements for some providers expand from July 2027, followed by a panel for plan management from October. New access arrangements begin in January 2028, with existing participants reassessed over three years. A new commissioned support coordination and connection function begins in July 2028. Much of the detail is still being developed, and PWDA will continue listening, sharing information and advocating for change.

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

20/08/2026

🌱 Gippsland emerging artists — this one’s for you!

We're excited to launch the Gippsland Emerging Artists Mentorships, supporting early-career visual and multimedia artists to take their project ideas from a spark to a strong, fundable plan.

Up to six emerging artists will receive:
✨ $5,000 towards their time
✨ $500 for research and development materials
✨ A tailored mentor or advisor
✨ Support to develop the creative rationale, materials, technical requirements, partnerships, timeline and other key elements of their project

The mentorships are designed for artists developing place-based, outdoor or other placemaking projects, helping you build the groundwork needed for future funding applications, partnerships and commissions. You don’t need a polished proposal to apply; just bring your idea.

Applications open today and close midnight Monday 21 September 2026.

Find out more and apply: rav.net.au/grants/gippsland-emerging-artists-mentorships

Supported by the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia.

Image:
East Gippsland Winter Festival
photograph by Eclipse Photography

Latrobe City Council Wellington Shire Council East Gippsland Shire Council East Gippsland Art Gallery Baw Baw Shire Council West Gippsland Arts Centre Bass Coast Shire Council South Gippsland Shire Council Regional Arts Victoria: Gippsland

09/08/2026

Telling someone you have a disability can be daunting. Asking for disability accommodations or support – a nightmare! So how can women and gender diverse people with disability disclose their needs on their terms? Join us at the next Online Victorian Leadership Hub where we will be talking about choice and control in disclosing disability. Ask questions and share your experiences at home, work or wherever support and understanding is essential. Wednesday August 12. Free to attend. Register now via the link: https://wwdv.wildapricot.org/event-6418595 Or email: [email protected]: 03 9286 7813.

Image Description Sandy social media tile with WDV’s regional logo and the heading: “Coming up at the Online Victorian Leadership Hub” along the top. A woman with medium-light skin tone and black curly hair sits at a table with a laptop open facing her. She is listening to a woman who we see from the back. She has light skin and gestures with her hands like she is talking. Over her head is a green organic shape with the text: “Disclosing Disability: telling people about your disability.” Along the bottom says: “Wednesday August 12. 6.30-7.30pm”. Free event. Register now!”

30/07/2026

Love art but find busy galleries overwhelming? The National Gallery of Victoria's Relaxed Sessions offer a quieter way to experience the CARTIER exhibition, with fewer crowds and reduced sensory stimuli.

See nearly 400 iconic Cartier jewels 💎 and design pieces at NGV International, Melbourne, in a setting created with your comfort in mind.

📅 Sat 5 Sep, 8–10am
📅 Tue 22 Sep, 5.30–7.30pm

📍 NGV International, Ground Level

🎟️ Booking required – head to ngv.vic.gov.au/program/relaxed-sessions-4/

20/07/2026

Advocacy in action! Uber reverses disability tax.

Following advocacy from the disability community, Uber has reversed its decision to impose a $5 fee on passengers requiring extra assistance.

The company confirmed it has removed the surcharge after meeting with key disability groups.

Additionally Uber said it would establish an ongoing "Accessibility Advisory Group" involving advocacy organisations.

Read Uber reverses 'disability tax' after outcry : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-17/uber-backflips-on-assist-charge-after-criticism/106917484

13/07/2026

Australia's next Census is on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

The Census is a snapshot of the country, and the data collected shapes the services people use every day. It helps us understand what Australia needs now and into the future.

There are lots of ways to fill out the Census – online, on paper or with help from the Census team. Every answer matters.

An easy read fact sheet and other accessible resources are available here: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/help/resources

09/07/2026

This past Sunday marked the beginning of NAIDOC Week (July 05 – 12) and the theme, ’50 Years Deadly’. WDV is proud to celebrate this important week and wonderful milestone. In our advocacy as a disability-led representative organisation we must continue to acknowledge the past and present impacts of colonisation on First Nation’s communities and acknowledge why recognition of this week remains vital for our shared futures. For more information on ’50 Years Deadly’ and NAIDOC Week events go to https://www.naidoc.org.au

Image Description: NAIDOC week official 2026 poster logo. A traditional piece of artwork using oranges, purple and black. Heading: "NAIDOC
WEEK 50 YEARS DEADLY. 5-12 JULY 2026. Caption: "Paralpi by Zaachariaha Fielding. Paralpi extends Zaachariaha's acclaimed Inma series and reflects a deeply cultural and immersive narrative grounded in Country. The artwork depicts the sounds of Paralpi, a significant place just outside Mimili on the eastern APY Lands in South Australia. As Zaachariaha describes, Paralpi is a place where people come to embrace and celebrate children, where they are taught by Elders to move and mimic their Clan emblem — for Mimili, this being the maku (witchetty grub). facebook.com/NAIDOC Aboriginal Flag designed by Mr Harold Thomas. Torres Strait Islander Flag reproduced by kind permission of the Torres Strait Island Regional
Council, designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok.”