About the Event

The event is about promoting inclusivity and recognising the valuable contributions people with disabilities make to society. It's about honouring their strengths, resilience, and achievements, while also advocating for equal opportunities and accessibility. From highlighting their talents to supporting their rights, there are many ways to celebrate and uplift individuals with disabilities.

Highlights

Inspiration: Hear powerful stories of success and commitment from our panel speakers.
Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your business network.
Support: Contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community for people with disabilities.

Event Details

Date: 26 September, 2024

Time: 12:00PM - 2:30PM

Venue: Western Sydney University - Bankstown City Campus Auditorium - 74 Rickard Road

Special Guest Speaker

The Hon. Bill Shorten MP

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme of Australia.

Parliamentary Service

Elected to the House of Representatives for Maribyrnong, Victoria, 2007. Re-elected 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022.

Parties Represented

Australian Labor Party. Served: 24.11.2007 to present

Ministerial Appointments

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services from 3.12.2007 to 14.9.2010.

Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction from 25.2.2009 to 14.9.2010.

Assistant Treasurer from 14.9.2010 to 14.12.2011.

Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation from 14.9.2010 to 1.7.2013.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations from 14.12.2011 to 1.7.2013.

Cabinet Minister from 14.12.2011 to 18.9.2013.

Minister for Education from 1.7.2013 to 18.9.2013.

Minister for Workplace Relations from 1.7.2013 to 18.9.2013.

Cabinet Minister from 1.6.2022.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme from 1.6.2022.

Minister for Government Services from 1.6.2022.

Leader of the Opposition from 13.10.2013 to 27.5.2019.

Shadow Cabinet Minister from 13.10.2013 to 23.5.2022.

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from 23.7.2016 to 2.6.2019.

Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme from 2.6.2019 to 23.5.2022.

Shadow Minister for Government Services from 2.6.2019 to 23.5.2022.

Parliamentary Party Positions

Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party from 13.10.2013 to 27.5.2019.

Party Positions

Delegate to the Australian Labor Party State Conference (Vic.) from 1987.

Member of the Australian Labor Party Administrative Committee (Vic.) from 1989.

Delegate to the Australian Labor Party National Conference from 1998.

Member of the Australian Labor Party National Executive from 2004.

President of the Australian Labor Party (Vic.) from 2005 to 2008.

Qualifications and Occupations

MBA (University of Melbourne).

BA (Monash University).

LLB (Monash University).

Director of Australian Super from 1998 to 2007.

National Secretary of the Australian Workers' Union from 2001 to 2007.

Director of the Funds Management Corporation (Vic.) from 2005 to 2007.

Honours

Awarded the Centenary Medal, 1.1.2001.

Publications

For the common good: reflections on Australia's future, Melbourne University Publishing, Carlton, Vic.: 2016.

Military Service

Australian Army Reserve 1985-86.

Moderator

Philip Petrie

Philip Petrie (M.Ed.Stud., B.Nursing, RN, JP, MAICD)

CEO of Allevia Limited (NDIS Registered provider, Bankstown NSW).
43 years of work in the disability, health and community services sectors.
Registered Nurse.
Director and Chair – Community and Disability Support Circles Pty Ltd.
Director – National Disability Services (NDS) and Chair – NSW NDS Divisional Committee.
Justice of the Peace, NSW.

And currently looking for a new accessible office space in the Canterbury Bankstown or Liverpool LGA. About 250sq m so talk to him if you can assist.

Panel Speaker

The Hon. John Ajaka

The Hon. John Ajaka began his distinguished career in law, being admitted as a solicitor in 1982. He entered the NSW Parliament in 2007 as a Member of the Legislative Council, bringing with him years of legal experience and a commitment to public service. Mr Ajaka quickly became a leading advocate for disability rights and inclusive communities.

From 2013 to 2017, John served as the NSW Minister for Disability Services, Ageing, Volunteering, and Multiculturalism. During his tenure as Minister for Disability Services, John was instrumental in driving major reforms for people with disabilities. In 2014, he introduced the Disability Inclusion Act, which enshrined the rights of people with disabilities into NSW law. He also spearheaded the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan, focusing on building inclusive communities. In 2016, John announced the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in NSW, ensuring that people with disabilities would receive the support they need to live independently with choice and control.

After serving as President of the NSW Legislative Council from 2017 to 2021, John Ajaka stepped down from politics but continued his leadership in various sectors, including serving as Chair of the Board for the Sydney Local Health District.

In 2024, John was appointed Chairman of My Guardian Group, an organisation that has cemented itself as the leader in the Aged & Disability Care Industry.

Panel Speaker

Ben Fioramonte

Ben Fioramonte is an executive leader with extensive experience spearheading multi-disciplinary teams in the not for profit-sector.

Driven by a passion for social justice, Ben has worked closely with marginalised communities for much of his career to create greater access to mainstream and community supports. He has led equally passionate teams through several domains including children’s services, home care, social support, sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, media and the arts, and the Local Area Coordination Program (LAC) as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Since joining SSI in 2018, Ben has built divisions from the ground up, using his 16 years of experience in the sector to focus teams on community development, social inclusion, and co-design.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Diploma of Project Management, Diploma in Disability Work and Diploma in Management. As the General Manager – Children, Families and Disability Support, he oversees SSI’s LAC Program and the Multicultural Child and Family Program.

Panel Speaker

Bruno Calfapietra

Bruno Calfapietra is a seasoned real estate agent with over 30 years of experience specialising in property investments. In recent years, Bruno has expanded his focus to the Specialist Disability Accommodation market, working to provide high-quality, purpose-built properties for people with disabilities. His expertise helps investors navigate the SDA sector, ensuring both successful investments and the creation of homes that meet the specific needs of the community.

Panel Speaker

Mona Salem

Mona Salem is the director and founder of Hope and Care, a dedicated organisation that advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Inspired by a deep personal connection and a desire to honour her daughter’s legacy, Mona established Hope and Care to create a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can flourish.

With over 15 years in the field, Mona has been at the forefront of driving positive change, ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, has access to the support and resources they need to thrive. Under her leadership, Hope and Care has grown into a trusted source of compassion, education, and empowerment for countless families and individuals. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive society is both personal and professional, as she believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

Tickets

Members: Free

Non-Members: $10

Dress Code: Business Casual

Attendees/Capacity

250

Food & Beverage

Light Refreshments

Flyer

Major Sponsors

My Guardian

Event Sponsors

Disability Forever Homes

Hope and Care

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