The Armidale Disability Summit is an annual, peer-led community initiative that strengthens the independence, confidence, and community connection of people with disability, their families, and carers in regional NSW.

Following the success of our 2025 Summit, we are building on strong foundations. Last year’s event brought together a diverse mix of regional providers, sector leaders, and people with lived experience, with feedback highlighting both the quality and relevance of the discussions:

100% of attendees rated the content as relevant
Average content rating of 4.6 out of 5
100% said they would attend again
Strong engagement across keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking

Participants consistently emphasised the importance of collaboration, community connection, and hearing directly from lived experience, reinforcing the need for practical, regionally grounded conversations.

This year’s theme, “Balancing the Equation: Sustainability, Quality, and Choice” reflects a critical moment for the NDIS and the broader disability support system. With significant reforms underway, the sector is navigating complex tensions between financial sustainability, service viability, and the rights and experiences of participants—particularly in regional and rural communities.

We are bringing together leaders from across policy, service delivery, advocacy, and lived experience to explore what must change, what must be protected, and what the future should look like for regional Australia.

Our draft program includes keynote sessions, panels, and small-group workshops covering areas such as:

Sustainability and provider viability in thin regional markets
The future of foundational supports and system integration
Workforce challenges and capability development
Participant rights, voice, and access to justice
Innovation, digital tools, and community-led models

This summit is intentionally designed to be practical, honest, and regionally grounded—not just a policy discussion, but a space for genuine exchange and actionable ideas. We are currently inviting speakers and partners who can contribute meaningfully to this conversation and we would value your support for our event.

The Armidale Disability Summit provides a scalable regional model that:

Builds sustained peer networks beyond one-off events
Strengthens community-led solutions to local challenges
Elevates lived experience voices into decision-making
Reduces isolation in regional areas

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