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.
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
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Honour Awards, NSW’s premier LGBTQ+ community awards celebration. Community members are invited shine a 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.”
Nominations for the 2026 Honour Awards are now open at honourawards.com.au. Winners will be announced at the Honour Awards Ceremony and Reception on Thursday 8 October at Paddington Town Hall, Sydney.
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.
Parramatta Pride Picnic | Saturday 10 October 2026
Celebrating great vibes, fierce looks, and plenty of community love – don’t miss the return of Parramatta Pride Picnic for 2026 Parramatta Pride Picnic is back for its 18th year serving up a day full of fabulous entertainment, food, activities and meaningful connections for the LGBTQI+ community, their families, friends and community allies.
Proudly a free event, EVERYONE is welcome! As western Sydney’s largest Pride event, Parramatta Pride Picnic is proudly a collaboration between ACON, Inclusive Events and Parramatta Queer Forum, part of ACON’s Inclusive Communities Networks, alongside a dedicated team of volunteer event organisers.
At Parramatta Park Bowling Green and surrounds, we’ll be hosting market stalls featuring a variety of community and corporate partners and a great selection of food all within the lawns and gardens of our licensed bar area, allowing visitors to meander responsibly all afternoon with a curated list of beers, wines and cocktails.
Expect to see on the day many community favourites, stay and enjoy a diverse range of performances and guests, from DJs and Drag Kings and Queens to cultural entertainment and there’s always something for the kids and our four-legged friends.
Returning also for its 4th year, feel-good times continue at the park into the evening with a T-dance inspired after-party – more to be announced!
PARRAMATTA PRIDE PICNIC
11am – 7pm, Saturday 10 October 2026
Parramatta Park in the Bowling Green
Private Lives: Australia’s national LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing survey
LGBTIQA+ adults across Australia are invited to take part in Private Lives 4, the latest iteration of Australia’s longest-running national survey of LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing.
Led by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, Private Lives has been documenting the lives, experiences, strengths and health needs of LGBTIQA+ people for more than 20 years. Private Lives 4 is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and will provide vital evidence to support implementation of the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025–2035, as well as future policy, service planning, advocacy and community-led initiatives.
The survey is open to LGBTIQA+ people aged 18 years and over living in Australia. It asks about a wide range of topics, including health and wellbeing, community connection, safety, discrimination, healthcare access, relationships, employment, substance use, ageing, and experiences across different parts of Australia.
Project lead Dr Ruby Grant said the study is a crucial opportunity for LGBTIQA+ people to be seen, counted and heard.
“The more people who take part, the stronger the evidence will be. Every response helps build a clearer picture of LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing in Australia, and supports better policy, better services, and stronger communities.”
The findings from Private Lives 4 will be used to produce national reports, community resources, policy briefings, academic publications and tailored evidence for governments, health and community services, and LGBTIQA+ organisations. This evidence is vital because many LGBTIQA+ people remain invisible in mainstream data collection, making it harder to identify inequities, respond to emerging needs, and advocate for meaningful change.
Individuals are encouraged to complete the survey and share it with friends, family, peers and community networks. LGBTIQA+ organisations, community groups, health services, local councils and advocacy organisations are also encouraged to promote the survey through newsletters, social media, events and professional networks.
Take part in Private Lives 4: https://now.latrobe/PrivateLives4Survey1
Survey closes: July 1
Promotional materials: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs/work/lgbtiq-health/private-lives-4
For more information, interviews, or media enquiries, please contact:
Dr Ruby Grant
Senior Research Fellow, Private Lives 4 Project Lead
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
r.grant@latrobe.edu.au
Care Coordination
Our care coordination service is practical, down-to-earth support focused on what matters most in your life. We help you find your way through services and get the support that’s right for you.
We can help you to:
- Find and access services like housing, Centrelink, legal support, NDIS, financial services and/or healthcare
- Feel more connected by linking you with the right supports and community
- Get support if you’re experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence
- Connect with HIV and sexual health services
- Look after your mental health and general wellbeing
Our care coordination model is:
- 3-6 months
- Goal focused
We’ll work alongside you to set goals, explore your options, and take the next steps.
