Stories - November 20, 2025
Intereach Connecting Communities for Social Inclusion Week
Pictured above: WARG member Angela Reynolds (left), Wagga Wagga City Council Economic Development Officer Sue Hanrahan; (back) Daniel Searle from Guide Dogs and WARG member Sarah Manley during the walk along Fitzmaurice Street in Wagga Wagga.
Intereach is creating opportunities for people to come together, share experiences, and break down barriers that can lead to isolation as part of Social Inclusion Week.
By hosting inclusive activities and partnering with local organisations, we’re helping to:
- Strengthen community connections by bringing people of all abilities together in welcoming spaces.
- Raise awareness of accessibility challenges and work toward practical solutions that make our towns and cities easier to navigate.
- Celebrate diversity and inclusion, reminding everyone that belonging benefits everyone.
Social Inclusion Week runs from November 22–29 and reminds us of the importance of helping every Australian feel included, valued, and able to participate fully in society.
And this year’s theme –– Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate –– perfectly aligns with our values and vision of strong, connected communities.
Walking the Talk in Wagga Wagga
One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations was a Walk and Talk event this week in Wagga Wagga, coordinated by the Wagga Access Reference Group (WARG) – a collaboration between Intereach, Regional Disability Advocacy Service (RDAS), and Wagga Wagga City Council.
The event invited community members, council staff, and local organisations to walk along Fitzmaurice Street and experience firsthand the challenges faced by people with disability.
Participants used mobility devices provided by Hospital at Home and equipment from Guide Dogs to better understand accessibility barriers.
“Some of the key issues in Fitzmaurice Street, being an older suburb of Wagga Wagga, include high gutters with no laybacks, limited disability parking, and no safe refuges for crossing,” explained Intereach local area coordinator and WARG member Kerein.
Pictured from left: Caitlin Reid (scooter) from RDAS, and WARG members Michael Cummins and Trudy Gunning.
“Experiencing these barriers helps us have meaningful conversations about improving access.”
Community members shared insights on life with a disability, highlighting both obstacles and good examples of inclusive design.
The feedback gathered will inform future improvements and support the council’s All Abilities Inclusion Action Plan, ensuring the city is future-proofed for its growing population of people with disability and older residents.
Wagga Wagga City Council Economic Development Officer Sue Hanrahan said the insights would be considered in the CBD Masterplan.
“The walk was very educational and I appreciate being connected with the right people to help guide council in this work,” she said.
Celebrating Inclusion Across Footprint
Intereach teams are hosting a range of activities during Social Inclusion Week to bring people together and celebrate diversity:
- Seymour office: Community drop-in sessions all week with activities for all ages, a book stall, colouring competition, and an informative display on hidden disabilities.
- Mildura region: Hands-on activities including gardening, inclusion tree art, rock painting, and tai chi in Ouyen, Robinvale, and Mildura (November 25–27).
- Albury office: Activity stations featuring board games, arts & crafts, Lego, Christmas bauble making, cupcake decorating, and sensory play (November 26).
As an NDIS Partner in the Community, Intereach provides Local Area Coordination and Early Childhood services across the Loddon, Murrumbidgee, Mallee, and Goulburn areas.
We link people with disability, their families, and carers to the NDIS, provide information, and work to make communities more inclusive.
Learn more at People with Disability – Intereach
Building Strong, Connected Communities
Social Inclusion Week encourages us to strengthen relationships and networks within our communities, workplaces, families, and friendship circles.
“At Intereach, we believe inclusion starts with listening, learning, and working together to remove barriers that prevent people from fully engaging in community life,” Intereach CEO Yvette Buhagiar said.
Pictured: Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar (right) with staff member Andrea at the Bendigo launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which is another way Intereach is breaking barriers for people with disability.
“These efforts don’t just make life better for individuals — they create stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the chance to participate and thrive.”
Learn more about our commitment to promote an inclusive community and sustain a sense of belonging for diverse communities and people in our Inclusion Action Plan – Intereach.
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