Inclusion Matters Rockhampton 2026
Description
Rockhampton Inclusion Matters Forum – Putting inclusion into action.
Join us at QDN’s Inclusion Matters Forum to explore how inclusive communities are built, lived, and strengthened—by everyone.
Rockhampton Inclusion Matters forum, hosted by local QDN Peer Leaders will connect people with disability, families, allies, local business and organisations to share ideas, solutions and practical actions for building a stronger and more inclusive region.
Where: Rockhampton Leagues Club, Corner of George & Cambridge Street, Rockhampton City
When: Wednesday 29 April
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
About the forum:
Hear from local leaders and changemakers about what works and what’s needed next.
Join conversations about how we can make inclusion stronger across the Rockhampton region.
Turning good ideas into real change – share your insights and shape inclusion in your community.
Guest Speakers:
To view the speakers and read their full profiles follow the link: https://qdn.org.au/ourwork/inclusion-matters/
Click this link to register: https://events.humanitix.com/inclusion-matters-rockhampton-2026/tickets
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Speakers

Anthony Clements
Fitzroy Local Jobs Program Anthony Clements brings over a decade of experience in the employment and training industry and commenced his role as the Fitzroy Employment Facilitator—now Job Coordinator—for the Local Jobs Program in 2021. He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to developing practical pathways that support individuals into meaningful employment while enhancing workforce skills across the region. With a deep understanding of the local labour market and strong regional connections, Anthony applies his experience to support initiatives that drive job creation, inform workforce development, and address local employment challenges.

Damon Morrison
General Manager of Communities and Lifestyle at Rockhampton Regional Council. With a background in law and executive leadership. Damon oversees the essential services, cultural programs, and community partnerships that drive the region’s liveability. He is passionate about expanding local housing opportunities and building an inclusive, resilient Rockhampton.

Dan Smith
Dan Smith works closely with communities across Rockhampton and Livingstone local government areas, supporting inclusive approaches to early childhood, family wellbeing and community life. He currently leads the federally funded Communities for Children initiative that brings together community organisations, services, government and local leaders to work on shared priorities.

Des Ryan
Des Ryan is the Deputy Chairperson of Queenslanders with Disability Network and has a twenty-year history with not-for-profit boards in Central Queensland providing care services to people with disabilities or training. Des has been a board member of Spinal Life Australia’s since 1996, resigning in January 2018, and leading the transition from a community-based board to a mixed board with a diverse skill set from the business and corporate sector.

John Clayton
John Clayton is a Service Integration Facilitator at QShelter with over 10 years of experience in community development and stakeholder engagement. Specialising in cross-sector collaboration and systems change, John works to amplify lived experience and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Currently advancing his research studies at CQUniversity, John is passionate about translating complex challenges into values-driven, co-designed solutions for a more inclusive region.

Stephen Coulter
General Manager of Communication, Engagement and Membership at Queenslanders with Disability Network. Stephen has over two decades of experience working in communication, media and marketing, mostly within the not-for-profit sector. Having worked for Spinal Life, PresCare, Centacare, Brisbane Airport Corporation, QPCU and The Co-Operative Society (UK), Stephen also has a personal connection to people living with disability, which drives his commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equality.

Ruve Kent
Ruve Kent is a Sport4All Inclusion Coach based in Central Queensland, working with schools, sporting clubs, councils and community organisations to build more inclusive and accessible sport and recreation environments for all people.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity














