In July 2015, an invitation was sent out to disability service providers on the Sunshine Coast to get together to discuss interest in forming a self-advocacy group. Around 30 people attended and soon after the first meeting was held.
The inaugural members decided on the name Loud and Clear Qld and identified their aim was that members would grow in confidence and speak out about human rights.
Members of the group elected Queensland’s first representative to the Our Voice national advocacy group. Our Voice membership consists entirely of self-advocates who have an intellectual disability.
Since 2015, members have represented people with disabilities at conferences, meetings, a roundtable at Parliament House and at the Disability Royal Commission.
A small Government Grant has allowed the group to continue to develop. The grant also funds a Coordinator for a few hours a week. This role was first held by Julie and Leanne is now in the role.
When Covid closed borders preventing members from attending the Having a Say conference in Geelong, it was decided to hold a conference on the Sunshine Coast in 2021. Click here for details and photos Loud and Clear Qld Conference 2021 and Loud and Clear Qld Conference 2022
Two years on, the third conference and concert is being planned by members and will be bigger and better than the last two years.
This year members decided on ‘Reach for the stars’ as the theme and are looking forward to welcoming people with all abilities to the Sunshine Coast on the 11th and 12th October.
If you would like to know more about the conference and concert go the the Loud and Clear Qld Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/loudandclearqld/ or Click for Conference Tickets or Click for Concert TicketsIf you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Loud and Clear Qld or the 2023 or future conferences, please email Leanne at loudandclear@p2pqld.org.au