What a milestone! Our 10th Anniversary of Loud and Clear All-Abilities Conference and Concert brought together hundreds of people from across Queensland for two unforgettable days of learning, connection, and celebration.
Our biggest conference yet
Queensland’s only all-abilities conference designed by people with intellectual disabilities, for people of all abilities took place October 9-10 at Meridan Plains, Sunshine Coast. Under the powerful theme “Rights, Voices and Choices,” the event showcased a decade of self-advocacy.
Our political panel with Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Federal MP Andrew Wallace gave our community the chance to ask tough questions and get direct answers from decision-makers. We were also joined by Dr Michelle Browning from Decision Agency, who transformed the room with her supported decision-making workshop, showing attendees practical ways to take control of their own decisions.
Our other inspirational speakers included:
- MC Wheels (Nathan Tessman), Aussie hip-hop artist living with SMARD 1, shared the transformative power of music
- Ky and Tee Lovell moved everyone with “Unplugged: Soundtrack of my Mind”
- Sarah Warner demonstrated using your voice to make choices with a range of communication tools
- Rebecca Vizi closed the conference with “Strong Body, Strong Mind,” sharing her journey as an FND advocate, Zumba instructor, disabled bodybuilder, and aspiring para-powerlifter
Loud and Clear QLD members led multiple sessions throughout, embodying the authentic leadership that makes this event so special.
The afternoons came alive with hands-on workshops: Limitless Soul Dance Class, Equity Works Bongo Beatz, Special Olympics Bocce, Connect Rugby League, NAYILS Martial Arts, Ballroom Dancing, and a Chill-Out Room for mindfulness and quiet time. The laughter, energy, and connections showed exactly what inclusion looks like in action.
An unforgettable concert
Friday night’s All-Abilities Concert was the perfect celebration closer! Marshall Hamburger (Australian Idol Winner 2025) headlined with an incredible performance. MC Wheels brought powerful hip-hop energy, and Redcliffe Peninsula Drum Circle and Jammalong with Ky Lovell created interactive musical magic that united everyone through rhythm.
Thank you to our community partners
We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors: Bendigo Bank Woombye, Jasper Dental Centre, Sunshine Coast Council, and Queensland Government. We also thank all organisations and workshop facilitators who shared their expertise.
This conference proved what we’ve known for ten years: when people with intellectual disabilities lead, real change happens. The connections made, skills learned, and friendships formed will continue creating change across Queensland.
Here’s to the next ten years of walking the walk, amplifying voices, and ensuring everyone has rights, voices, and choices!
Photos and videos of our All-Abilities Conference and Concert are available on our Loud and Clear Qld Facebook page.
