ABCD for Inclusion - Lunch Box Conversation Session

This will be a participatory 1 hour, bring your lunch and a cuppa  conversation session.

In this one our session we will explore and discuss how we intentionally introduce community centred work as a legitimate and important part of person centred work. Understanding the opportunities for strengthening circles of support, mapping relationships and building capacity for inclusion in our communities.

ANYONE wanting to explore and understand the importance of an inclusive society

• People working with individuals and supporting their engagement into community

• Community members and not for profit leaders

• Community organisers and their teams

• Business leaders and social entrepreneurs

• Next generation leaders and other young activists

• Department leaders, policy officers and program managers

• NDIS directors, team leaders, planners

Your hosts for this event are:

Chontelle Jannese - Chontelle Jannese is an experienced and passionate facilitator with a diverse background spanning 20 years in disabilities, mental health, sexuality, and supporting remote communities. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to person-centred approaches that empower individuals and build stronger, more inclusive communities. As a Project Officer under the Partners in Recovery (PIR) initiative, Chontelle demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating complex service landscapes to connect people with the supports they need. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector has been further enriched by her leadership in the Together Home program, where she worked to provide stable housing and wraparound supports to those experiencing homelessness across Western and Hinter NSW.

Chontelle’s extensive experience also includes working within the NDIS, where she has focused on ensuring people with disabilities can exercise choice and control over their supports. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy shines through in her facilitation work. She creates safe, inclusive spaces for conversation and learning, helping participants explore new ideas and solutions that foster resilience and wellbeing.

Beyond her professional life, Chontelle is an adventurous spirit with a love of cameleering and swimming. She enjoys exploring the Australian bush, always ready for a new adventure or a quiet moment reading by a campfire. These hobbies keep her grounded and inspired, bringing a unique energy and perspective to her facilitation style.

Fiona Miller - Fiona is a creative conduit with a diverse back ground that includes community development, creative & visual arts, early years, education, bushfire recovery, inclusion, community houses, community gardens and more. Having worked within a variety of organisations/agencies and local governments she has a broad understanding of the diversity of organisational structures.

As a facilitator, graphic harvester or community member, contributing to community for making great places and participating in community led projects that are sustainable are her focus. She loves nothing more than watching people and projects grow and uses creative arts, ABCD and strengths based practices as platforms for discovering and exploring community futures.

Supporting our young people to explore their own place within community is something she sees as particularly important. Everyone deserves to feel safe and be included and we can build relationships and have fun while we do it.

Steph Bitter is a young and enthusiastic individual, passionate about supporting people to realise and express the most authentic version of themselves. With a background as a writer, performing musician and songwriter, they studied a Diploma of Community Services to align their passion for rights and social justice with a love of connecting with people. Steph blends Asset-Based Community Development, Participatory Community Development, and Person-Centred practices to support individuals and communities to find belonging and create authentic meaning in their lives.