Ferguson Lodge Community Day
Description
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2026 Ferguson Lodge Community Day, the third Community Day we’ve proudly hosted—and each year, it gets bigger, better, and more meaningful.
This special day brings together people living with spinal cord injury and neurological disability, families, support workers, clinicians, service providers, and community partners to connect, learn, and celebrate. Attendees can enjoy a beautifully catered lunch, great coffee, and the opportunity to explore a range of stalls hosted by organisations supporting the disability and spinal cord injury community.
The day will also feature informative speakers, door prizes, and a strong focus on giving back, as we proudly support some wonderful charities. Above all, Ferguson Lodge Community Day is about connection—sharing knowledge, building relationships, and creating a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone belongs.
Whether you’re coming to learn, connect, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is a community event not to be missed.
Lineup
Kelly-Anne Kerley
Kelly Anne Kerley is a mental health advocate, author, and keynote speaker known for her grounded, authentic approach to resilience. A lifelong cyclist, her world changed instantly after a catastrophic accident left her with a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, and a long, uncertain road to recovery. After weeks unable to move and months relearning how to walk, Kelly Anne discovered that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about how we navigate the hard days. Her message is simple and powerful: healing isn’t defined by walking, but by the quiet bravery of moving forward in your own way.
Jolly Duong
Jolly Duong is the Founder and Director of Second Chance Support Services, a disability support service built on resilience, empowerment and community. Following his own life-changing injury, Jolly developed a deep passion for helping others rebuild confidence, reconnect with their strengths, and find new purpose through movement, sport and meaningful support. Second Chance Support Services is committed to delivering warm, person-centred care that empowers people living with disability to live fuller, stronger and more connected lives.
Duncan Wallace
Duncan is Executive Director at SpinalCure, elected to the Board in 2016 after successfully serving the organisation as CEO from 2011. His priority is to ensure that no one suffering from spinal cord injury today needs to spend their life in a wheelchair, as he has done. Originally from the UK, Duncan studied agriculture at Reading University which led to a career in plantation management in Papua New Guinea. Almost 40 years ago, while managing coffee plantations in the PNG highlands, Duncan was hit by a drunk driver, which left him a C4/5 quadriplegic. The prevailing dogma at the time was that a spinal cord injury was practically impossible to fix. However, thanks to the incredible work of people like Duncan, that cure is no longer a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. After his injury, Duncan was transported by truck and then plane to Sydney, where he has lived ever since. He refocused his energies on the emergent IT industry and owned and managed a successful digital media agency. Outside his work life, Duncan is proud to have helped raise some wonderful kids. He lives with his wife and her two young sons who leave precious little time for hobbies other than a glass of fine wine with a good meal.
FAQs
- Who can attend this event?
Everyone is welcome! Forward Ability Support specialises in supporting people with spinal cord injury and similar neurological conditions, including MS, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and stroke. This event will be most valuable for people living with these disabilities, as well as their families, friends and support networks. We also welcome professionals and anyone in the disability sector who supports people with these disabilities or is looking to build their knowledge and skills.
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including entrances, bathrooms, and event spaces.
- Will there be accessible parking available?
There are a very limited number of accessible parking spots available on site. If you require a reserved spot, please email sharis.matevossian@fas.org.au and we will do our best to accommodate. Alternatively, there is plenty of free street parking nearby.
- Do I need to register to attend?
Yes, we recommend registering via Humanitix to help us plan for catering and seating.
- Is there a cost to attend?
This is an entirely free event.
- What can I expect on the day?
The day will feature a lineup of speakers sharing practical information and real-world insights, along with a range of stallholders showcasing services, supports, and resources relevant to the community. You’ll have the opportunity to explore different providers, ask questions, and build meaningful connections.
Catering will be provided, along with a coffee cart available throughout the day. There will also be time set aside for networking, allowing attendees to connect with others who share similar experiences, as well as professionals working within the disability sector.
Overall, the event is designed to be informative, welcoming, and a great opportunity to learn, engage, and feel part of a connected community.
- Will food and drinks be provided?
Yes, catering will be provided along with access to a coffee cart. Please let us know any dietary requirements when registering.
- Can I bring a support person or carer?
Absolutely. Support people, carers, families and friends are all welcome to attend. Please ensure everyone attending registers so that we can organise enough food.
- Are there accessible bathroom facilities?
Yes, accessible bathrooms will be available on site.
- Who can I contact for accessibility or specific needs?
Please contact Sharis Matevossian Doumit on sharis,matevossian@fas.org.au.
Agenda
- 10:00 am
Event Begins
Attendee arrival, registrations, coffee and morning tea
- 10:25 am - 10:35 am
Forward Ability Support and BrightSky Australia CEO, Melissa Decker
Melissa Decker to welcome guests and introduce speakers
- 10:35 am - 11:00 am
Kelly-Anne Kerley
Kelly Anne Kerley is a mental health advocate, author, and keynote speaker known for her grounded, authentic approach to resilience. A lifelong cyclist, her world changed instantly after a catastrophic accident left her with a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, and a long, uncertain road to recovery. After weeks unable to move and months relearning how to walk, Kelly Anne discovered that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about how we navigate the hard days. Her message is simple and powerful: healing isn’t defined by walking, but by the quiet bravery of moving forward in your own way.
- 11:00 am - 11:15 am
Jolley Duong
Jolly Duong is the Founder and Director of Second Chance Support Services, a disability support service built on resilience, empowerment and community. Following his own life-changing injury, Jolly developed a deep passion for helping others rebuild confidence, reconnect with their strengths, and find new purpose through movement, sport and meaningful support. Second Chance Support Services is committed to delivering warm, person-centred care that empowers people living with disability to live fuller, stronger and more connected lives.
- 11:15 am - 11:30 am
Duncan Wallace
Duncan is Executive Director at SpinalCure, elected to the Board in 2016 after successfully serving the organisation as CEO from 2011. His priority is to ensure that no one suffering from spinal cord injury today needs to spend their life in a wheelchair, as he has done. Originally from the UK, Duncan studied agriculture at Reading University which led to a career in plantation management in Papua New Guinea. Almost 40 years ago, while managing coffee plantations in the PNG highlands, Duncan was hit by a drunk driver, which left him a C4/5 quadriplegic. The prevailing dogma at the time was that a spinal cord injury was practically impossible to fix. However, thanks to the incredible work of people like Duncan, that cure is no longer a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. After his injury, Duncan was transported by truck and then plane to Sydney, where he has lived ever since. He refocused his energies on the emergent IT industry and owned and managed a successful digital media agency. Outside his work life, Duncan is proud to have helped raise some wonderful kids. He lives with his wife and her two young sons who leave precious little time for hobbies other than a glass of fine wine with a good meal.
- 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Networking, Tours, Wheelchair Skills Experience and Lunch
• Ferguson Lodge tours (running in small groups) • Wheelchair skills experience • Community stalls and engagement • Enjoy a beautiful Lunch and networking opportunities
- 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm
Event Ends
Wrap up event
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
