Voices Growing Stronger
May was a meaningful month for P2P Fraser Coast and Hinkler, filled with connection, learning, and powerful conversations. We were proud to host our very first Speak Up in the Bush meeting in Hervey Bay—an inspiring step forward in creating more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to share their voices and experiences.
Held on Tuesday, 27 May at the Urangan Wellness Centre, the event opened with an Acknowledgment of Country from Carol. We explored how to support someone with an intellectual disability when they need to self-advocate and introduced the Loud & Clear Qld group—based on a successful Sunshine Coast initiative amplifying lived experience and personal choice. A highlight was when participants wrote something positive about the person next to them and shared it—building confidence and kindness in equal measure. We also worked through a slide presentation on self-advocacy, discussed real-life examples using the 5Ws and 1H (who, what, where, when, why, how), and talked about the importance of human rights for people with disability.
Looking ahead to June, we’re excited to continue the momentum. Join us for the Let’s Talk Peer Group in Hervey Bay on Tuesday, 10 June, and Maryborough on Wednesday, 25 June—both welcoming spaces to connect, build confidence, and be heard. We’re also offering safeTALK suicide prevention workshops in Hervey Bay on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June, and in Childers on Tuesday 24 June. These free, practical workshops are open to anyone aged 15+ and equip participants with the skills to recognise and respond to signs of suicide.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces—and meeting new ones—at these events throughout June!
To find out more of what’s happening in your local area, browse our Peer Activities and Events here!
