Your NDIS application was successful – What next?
Preparing for your planning meeting
“Learn to think beyond the money you think you’ll need, think yes I’ve got these impairments so I’ll need these supports to live out my dreams. Think about what are the most important things that I want to work on in my life right now” – Cath (she/her), Cath is blind.
Once you are approved to use the NDIS, you become what is called a participant.
- When you become an NDIS participant, you will be put on a plan. Usually a plan lasts for the next 12 months after it has been approved.
- What goes in your plan will be worked out between you and your plan manager during a planning meeting.
- The NDIS aims to help you meet your goals. What are the things you would like to achieve in the next 12 months, and what equipment and/or supports can help you to achieve them? These supports could be specific support to assist you in achieving your goals, or assistance with the tasks of daily living so that you can focus on what’s important to you.
“When I first accessed the NDIS I didn’t realise how many ways I could use that funding. I was just like, ‘I need a wheelchair’. Having my NDIS plan and learning how to use it has meant that I could find supports I didn’t even know I needed. – Robin (they/them), is a multiply disabled wheelchair user.
“My funding covers support I might need as a person who’s blind. This includes software on my computer that means I have access to the screen, it reads out to me in speech what’s on the screen. I also have a braille computer. If I need help learning new places, like moving to a new house, I do work with orientation and mobility instructors.” – Cath (she/her), Cath is blind.
“I have someone who helps around the house, with odd jobs, the dishes, but he also helps me with my uni work and computer stuff, goes shopping with me – all those things might not seem like a lot, but they’re foundational for me to go on and do other things.” – Debbie (she/her) lives with a psychosocial disability.
ACON Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Plan
An important recommendation of ACON’s Reconciliation Action Plan was for ACON to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Plan to strengthen how we work with, listen to, and are accountable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including sexuality and gender-diverse mob, Sistergirls, Brotherboys, and trans mob. The ACON Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Committee, the ACON Board and Senior Leadership Team, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities we work with have endorsed the development of an Engagement Plan.
The Engagement Plan will respond to the need for more genuine, community-led engagement that recognises culture, lived experience and self-determination. It will guide how we design programs, build partnerships, support culturally safe services, and advocate for investment in community-defined priorities – helping shape:
- Our programs and services: making sure they’re designed with community, and that they’re accessible, affirming and culturally safe.
- Our community partnerships: with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+SB people, to shape responses that reflect real needs and priorities.
- Our partnerships with other Aboriginal organisations: genuine, equitable relationships that strengthen referral pathways, workforce and advocacy.
- Our advocacy to government: using our voice to advocate for community-led, culturally responsive models of care and investment.
Our Commitment
We know that serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is not the same as being accountable to them. Too often, engagement has happened on our terms. We want to change that.
The Engagement Plan is a shared commitment: to listen first, to share decision-making, and to be guided by community priorities and community-defined measures of success. It is about ACON working differently and being held to account for it.
We recognise the strength, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including sexuality and gender diverse mob, Sistergirls, Brotherboys and trans mob. We acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonisation and systemic racism, and we commit to supporting community-led responses and solutions.
What We’re Hearing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will shape this plan. We are starting with conversations, listening and building trust before we formalise anything. What we’ve heard already is that this work needs to:
- Be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, centred on their perspectives, priorities and ways of working
- Build relationships and trust first, before structures and processes
- Be genuinely shared, co-designed, not consulted on after decisions are made
- Be properly resourced, culturally safe and appropriately remunerated
- Be followed by real action, not just words on a page
How We’ll Work
An Advisory Committee will guide the Engagement Plan with shared decision-making authority. The majority of members will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including Elders, young people, community leaders and LGBTQA+SB mob. We will invite community members through an open process, and respect and remunerate their time and knowledge.
Together, we’ll map what’s working and what’s not, hold community-led yarning circles and listening sessions across the process, and shape a plan that reflects what community tells us matters most.
What Happens Next
- Now, establishing the Advisory Committee and beginning community conversations
- Late 2026 into 2027, reviewing what already exists and gathering community ideas and priorities, and working with community to prioritise what matters most
- Late 2027 into 2028, finalising the Engagement Plan and reporting back to the community
We’ll report back openly and regularly. This is the beginning of a longer commitment, and we want to walk it with you.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Plan or the Advisory Committee, please contact: policy@acon.org.au
Artwork: ‘Community Coming Together’, Bindi Bindi Art
Click with Care: LGBTQA+ Safety & Empowerment Online
ACON is facilitating workshops for the LGBTQA+ community on technology-facilitated abuse. These workshops are designed for LGBTQA+ people to learn from others in the community to:
- Learn more about how technology-facilitated abuse impacts LGBTQA+ communities
- Talk about strategies around staying safe online with LGBTQA+ peers
- Understand the actions we can take to help prevent technology-facilitated abuse
Click with Care workshops have been running monthly since April 2026 in various locations around NSW. We are currently offering three different workshop streams that will cover different topics you can choose from in the form below (you are welcome to attend all of them should you wish to). The topics are:
- Exploring Digital Consent and App Safety
- Digital Safety: Devices, Accounts and Tracking
- Online Discrimination
Please provide your details below to register your interest and the date of the workshop you would like to sign up for.
There will also be workshops for LGBTQA+SB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These workshops will be facilitated for Mob by Mob.
Who are Click with Care workshops for?
- Anyone who identifies as LGBTQA+.
- People of all genders. Trans people of all genders are welcome and encouraged to join.
- People over 18 years old.
- People living in NSW.
- This workshop is not designed for partner/s to attend together.
Who is involved with the group?
Two ACON LGBTQA+ facilitators will facilitate each workshop. The First Nations specific workshops will be facilitated by LGBTQA+SB Mob.
Safety and Confidentiality
- Your safety is our biggest priority. We understand that taking part in this kind of workshop can create feelings of vulnerability and raise concerns about confidentiality and safety in small communities. We can speak with you about any concerns you may have to make sure this will be an appropriate and safe space for you.
Masculinity Workshops
ACON invites you to our Masculinity Workshops!
About the workshop:
There will be 4 workshops total, you can come to any you like! The aim is to explore what masculinity means to you in a safe, fun, and transformative way, and to build friendships, and community connections.
Who are these workshops for?
These workshops are for LGBTQ+ people of all genders who would like to explore what their own masculinity means for them in a safe, fun and transformative way. This includes cis and trans men, non-binary people, and masc/butch women. If you want help to explore your relationship with masculinity, then this workshop is for you.
Who is involved with the workshops?
These workshops were informed by LGBTQ+ community consultation and developed by ACON’s sexual, domestic and family team. Each workshop will have one ACON LGBTQ+ facilitator and one subject matter expert external to ACON.
How do I register?
Please fill in the below expression of interest form.
Where and when will these workshops be held?
- Physical + Mental Health Workshop: Thursday, 17 September 2026 in City of Sydney, venue TBC
- Masculinity + Story Workshop: Thursday, 24 September 2026 from 6pm to 8:30pm, Kings Cross Library, Level 2
- Hooking Up + Dating Workshop: Thursday, 1 October 2026 from 6pm to 8:30pm, Kings Cross Library, Level 2
- Drag Workshop: Thursday, 8 October 2026 from 6pm to 8:30pm, Kings Cross Library, Level 2
Safety and Confidentiality
Your safety is our biggest priority. We understand that taking part in this kind of workshop may create feelings of vulnerability, or raise concerns about confidentiality and safety in small communities. Please reach out if you would like to chat through any of these concerns.
Pride in Practice Conference | 23 & 24 November 2026
The Pride in Practice Conference is Australia’s leading national event dedicated to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Each year, it brings together over 900 delegates from across the country to connect, learn, and shape the future of inclusion in workplaces nationwide.
In 2026, we’re thrilled to return on 23 & 24 November at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, with a program designed to inspire, challenge, and empower.
Over two dynamic days, delegates will:
- Hear from industry leaders and subject matter experts on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Learn from award‑winning initiatives led by Platinum and Gold Tier organisations.
- Gain practical strategies and insights to create safer, more inclusive workplaces.
- Explore key topics including Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ Women, Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion, First Nations LGBTQ+ Voices, Resilience, and International Perspectives.
In 2026, as global anti‑DEI narratives continue to emerge, this conference is your opportunity to strengthen inclusion strategies and make a lasting impact.
Find out more about the Pride in Practice Conference on the Pride in Diversity website.
NSW Regional Rainbow Forum | 27-28 August 2026
NSW REGIONAL RAINBOW FORUM
27-28 August 2026
Wagga NSW
The NSW Regional Rainbow Forum will bring together community leaders, advocates, service providers, and stakeholders from across regional New South Wales to highlight current research, priority issues and best practice case studies. Professional facilitators will guide opportunities to create more connected communities and more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ people.
MEET & GREET LAUNCH
5:30pm – 7:30pm, Thursday 27 August
Tilly’s on Baylis – Wagga
FORUM
8:30am – 4:30pm, Friday 28 August
Tilly’s on Baylis – Wagga
Featuring:
• Cr Dallas Tout– Mayor, Wagga Wagga City Council
• Michael Woodhouse– CEO, ACON
• Cr Will Miller– Hay Council & Rainbow on the Plains
• Vickie Burkenshaw– Wiradjuri Drag Pageant & Pride in the Paddock
• Professor Cliff Lewis– Charles Sturt University
• Denise McGrath– Leeton Rainbow Collective and ‘78er
• Brendan Barlow/Shelita Buffett– Rainbow on the Outback, Broken Hill
The Regional Rainbow Forum coincides with the Wiradjuri Drag Pageant and Queens High Tea events continuing over the weekend. ACON warmly encourages Forum attendees to stay for the weekend and enjoy the festivities!
Honour Awards | Thursday 8 October 2026
Tickets are now available for the 2026 Honour Awards, NSW’s premier LGBTQ+ community awards celebration. The annual event shines a powerful light on those who have made remarkable contributions to the wellbeing and advancement of LGBTQ+ communities.
Organised by ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTQ health organisation, Honour recognises exceptional leadership, achievements and contributions to rainbow communities in NSW.
“Every day, people from all walks of life and many community groups and organisations do incredible work that improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families,” says ACON CEO Michael Woodhouse. “The Honour Awards are all about celebrating outstanding community service, leadership and excellence.”
Award categories cover the health, entertainment, community, HIV business, arts, youth and community service sectors. This year, a new award will recognise volunteers and their contributions to rainbow communities.
“Honour recognises well-known achievers and also those whose contributions are less widely recognised,” Woodhouse said. “The new Volunteer Hero category celebrates the quiet, consistent work that often happens behind the scenes but is essential to community wellbeing. Volunteers are the glue that holds many of our community organisations, groups and initiatives together.”
First held in 2007, the Honour Awards have served as a platform to acknowledge individuals and organisations whose leadership and commitment have created lasting positive change for LGBTQ+ communities.
This year’s ceremony moves to the historic Paddington Town Hall on Thursday 8 October, marking a significant step toward greater community accessibility. The venue change comes alongside more affordable ticket options, ensuring that celebrating our community champions remains accessible to all who wish to participate.
The 2026 Honour Awards are proudly supported by community partners Equality Australia, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Twenty10, Pride Business Association, Rainbow Giving Australia and Positive Life NSW. Event partners include OUT@NBCUniversal, dplr, Universal Hotels, Star Observer, DBMedia and Adge Hotel & Residences.
“Our ability to come together and celebrate our communities’ achievements is made possible by the generous support of our partners and sponsors. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to celebrating with you all at the 2026 Honour Awards.”
Peer Work
Peer work is a form of support provided with people drawing on their own lived experience Peer workers walk alongside you, offering understanding, hope and connection through shared experience.
- Support is usually provided for up to three months
- Peer Work can be accessed via telehealth anywhere in NSW, or face to face at our offices in Sydney, Newcastle or Lismore
ACON peer workers offer support through:
- Drawing on their lived experience of suicide, service use, substance use and/or trans and gender diverse identities
- Delivering relational role modelling, emotional support, advocacy, harm reduction approaches, and support with system navigation
- Connection to community and relevant services, building meaning, solidarity, trust and hope through genuine relationships
Get Support
ACON offers a range of free and/or low-cost support services, including trauma-informed counselling, care coordination, peer work support & group support options.
We deliver services in via telehealth across NSW and in person at our Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore offices
Eligibility:
- Over 18 years of age (Under 18? Please contact Twenty10)
- Living in NSW
- LGBTQ+ and/or questioning
- Living with HIV (as well as family, carers, partners, and friends of someone living with HIV)
We Provide Support for People:
- Living with or at risk of HIV as well as their family, carers, partners, and friends
- At risk of suicide or following a suicide attempt
- Experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence
- Who are questioning or wanting to discuss their sexuality
- Who are trans or gender diverse
- People who want to manage, reduce, or stop their use of alcohol or other drugs, and the people who support them – such as family members, carers, partners, and friends.
How To Access Our Support Services:
- You can make an enquiry yourself, or someone can do it for you
- There are no Medicare requirements – You do not need a referral
- If you or someone you know needs support or have any questions you can email or call.
What To Expect:
- Once the enquiry form is submitted, an ACON worker will be in contact within 1-5 business days
- An intake appointment will be booked, which takes approximately 20 minutes either over the phone or in person at one of our offices
- During the intake appointment, the ACON worker will ask questions about your mental and physical health and discuss support options
Deaf Awareness and Communication Training
Want to learn the fundamentals of Deaf Awareness and Communication?
ACON’s Disability Community Leadership Project is hosting Expression Australia’s training for our LGBTQ+ community in NSW.
Details:
- Free online workshop
- Monday 6 July, 12-2pm
Who is this for?
Perfect for LGBTQ+ individuals or community groups new to Deaf awareness & communication.
What you’ll learn
- Understanding Deaf culture and community values
- The importance of respectful language and terminology
- Common communication barriers and how to overcome them
- Tips for improving accessibility in day-to-day interactions
- Introduction to Auslan greetings and basic signs
Please contact program staff via email at disability@acon.org.au if you have any questions.
LGBTQ+ Pride Festivals Across NSW
Many cities and towns across New South Wales have LGBTQ+ Pride festivals showcasing their unique local LGBTQ+ arts, culture and communities. Look out for ACON’s team at the events, and find out more about our work in Regional NSW here.
Mark your calendars! NSW’s Pride Festivals are listed below, in order of the months of the year they traditionally take place. This page can be updated as new information comes in. For additions and inquiries, contact regionaloutreach@acon.org.au.
Tropical Fruits – Lismore – New Years
Held every year since 1988, this elaborate New Years Eve festival runs over four days around Lismore in northern New South Wales, providing creative, welcoming and fun opportunities to celebrate in the beautiful Rainbow Region. Info at TropicalFruits.org.au.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – Feb/Mar
Sydney’s huge and world-famous Mardi Gras features a huge array of events so suit every taste and style. Look out for ACON’s stall at Fair Day and our float in the Mardi Gras Parade! More info at MardiGras.org.au.
Rainbow City Festival – Orange – March
The Rainbow Festival transforms the city of Orange into a colourful celebration promoting diversity and inclusivity. Visit the Orange City Council website for all the details.
Bathurst Pride – April
The Bathurst community come together for Pride ‘n Stride at the Bathurst Library for a day full of stalls, music, food and more. Please follow HeadSpace Bathurst for more information.
Pride in the Park – Moruya, South Coast – June
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in the Eurobodalla Shire with a free family day at Moruya Riverside Park. Live music, self-expression, learning and resources, community, fun activities, yoga, art and more. See all Queerobodalla events here.
Rainbow on the River – Laurieton – June
Rainbow on the River aims to raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities on the Mid North Coast of NSW. More details here.
Winter Blooming Festival – Armidale – August
The Winter Blooming Festival is a vibrant, inclusive arts and cultural event held in Armidale, New South Wales, celebrating First Nations, multicultural, and LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies. Program details coming here.
Tamworth Pride – Tamworth – September
Annual festival that takes place in Bicentennial Park to celebrate and promote inclusivity, equality and diversity between the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Info on Facebook here.
Rainbow in the Outback – Broken Hill – September
A bold celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and visibility in Broken Hill, shining a light on community, resilience, and joy in regional New South Wales. Find all the details on RainbowInTheOutback.com.
Leeton Rainbow Pride – Leeton – September/October
A safe space for queer members and allies in Leeton to connect, converse and have fun – providing information, social groups and activities in Leeton. Find out more on the Leeton Ranbow Pride Facebook page.
Coastal Twist Arts & Culture Festival – Central Coast – October
Central Coast NSW’s annual arts-based weekend festival. Burst into spring with a bumper weekend of Queer happenings from cabaret night and dance party to Fair Day & the “Puparazzi” Pooch Parade. Coastal Twist is the ultimate Queer Spring into Spring weekend getaway. Find out more at CoastalTwist.org.au.
Newcastle Pride Festival NSW – October
Newcastle’s annual Pride Festival showcases to locals and visitors that Newcastle is a city of diversity, culture and beauty. Find out more at NewcastlePride.com.au.
Lake Macquarie Pride – October
Lake Macquarie Pride is an initiative of Newcastle Pride Inc, aiming to showcase to locals and visitors that Lake Macquarie is a city of diversity, culture and beauty. Discover more via its Facebook group.
Parramatta Pride Picnic – October
Created by ACON, this is a massive day of community and pride in western Sydney, packed with community stalls, a rainbow kids activation area, dog shows, food trucks, Q&A panels, drag queens, dancers, buskers, choirs, a fully licenced area for purchasing craft beers and wine, a charity sausage sizzle, music, performances, exhibitions and a chill zone. Keep on eye on @parrapridepicnic on Instagram for announcements!
Rainbow on the Plains Festival – Hay – November
The Rainbow on the Plains is a festival of fun, support, inclusion and celebration of LGBTQIA+ community, people from culturally diverse communities and anyone who loves to celebrate inclusion. See festival details here.
Far South Coast Rainbow Wave Festival – Pambula – November
A youth led LGBTQ+ pride event on Yuin Country in the Bega Valley. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
Tropical Fruits – Lismore – New Years
Held every year since 1988, this elaborate New Years Eve festival runs over four days around Lismore in northern New South Wales, providing creative, welcoming and fun opportunities to celebrate in the beautiful Rainbow Region. Info at TropicalFruits.org.au.
