Close to 30 Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) participants have helped shape a local social inclusion initiative, sharing their experiences and insights during SRS’ third Disability Advocacy Group meeting for 2026.
The quarterly Disability Advocacy Group meeting provided participants with an opportunity to discuss SRS programs and services, while also contributing to Mildura Rural City Council’s Social Inclusion Action Group’s (SIAG) community needs analysis.
The session featured presentations from Council’s Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC) and SIAG, with participants learning more about local initiatives designed to improve accessibility, inclusion and community connection across the region.
SIAG, a Victorian Government-funded initiative established as part of the State’s mental health and wellbeing reforms, is currently undertaking a needs analysis to better understand local strengths, challenges and opportunities relating to social inclusion and community participation.
As part of the consultation process, attendees were invited to share their thoughts on three key questions:
- What helps people feel welcome and part of our community?
- What can make it hard for people to feel welcome or part of the community?
- What would help people feel more welcome and included in the future?
Participants discussed a range of ideas and experiences, with feedback collected by SIAG members to help guide future community-led initiatives and investment decisions.
Their feedback highlighted that participants felt most welcome and connected when they have opportunities to build relationships, participate in community life and contribute in meaningful ways, with sports, recreation, creative activities, community groups and social connections with family and friends identified as important factors that help foster a strong sense of belonging.
Participants also emphasised the importance of being treated with kindness, respect and inclusion, as well as having access to meaningful employment and activities that support personal wellbeing.
The group also identified a range of barriers that can make it difficult to feel connected and included. These included accessibility challenges such as inadequate disability access and unsafe footpaths, as well as transport and distance-related issues that limit participation.
Social anxiety, discrimination, exclusion and a lack of awareness about available services and opportunities were also highlighted as factors that can prevent people from fully engaging with their community.
Looking ahead, participants called for greater investment in access, while inclusion and opportunities for participation, improved transport, accessible infrastructure, inclusive services and better information sharing were also identified as key priorities.
Feedback also highlighted the need for more opportunities to connect through community groups, activities, employment and learning, alongside a continued focus on creating safe, respectful and supportive environments where everyone feels valued and has a genuine sense of belonging.
Council’s Social Inclusion Facilitator Melissa Kennelly, who attended alongside SIAG members Rita Simmons, Katherine Olivares Belmar and Lucie Uhlarova, praised the contribution made by SRS participants.
“SRS Disability Advocacy Group members were simply amazing, and we can’t thank everyone who attended enough for their engagement, enthusiasm and interest in the survey questions,” she said.
“Consultation is key to learning more about what our community sees as being the real barriers and opportunities to feeling welcome and connected, and it was wonderful to meet so many SRS participants and hear their thoughts and opinions.”
The group also heard from DIAC Chair Chris Riordan, who has more than 55 years of lived experience with disability.
Chris spoke about the committee’s role in helping ensure the region remains accessible and inclusive for residents and visitors. He also provided an overview of Council’s recently adopted Disability Action Plan, which outlines a range of projects and initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for people with disability.
SRS Services Manager Bethany Simpson said it was vital that people with disability were given opportunities to contribute to decisions that affect their lives and communities.
“Our mission at SRS is to provide services and programs that empower people to live meaningful, connected and independent lives,” she said. “Our Disability Advocacy Group meetings ensure participants have a genuine opportunity to share their views, raise issues that matter to them and help shape future initiatives.
“We thank Council and SIAG members for taking the time to engage directly with our participants and look forward to continuing this important partnership as projects and opportunities emerge.”
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