This year's Nepean Disability Expo, held on September 16 and 17, was one of the most successful events in the expo’s twenty year history.

The biannual expo is largely driven by the community for the community. It brings together people with disabilities, families, caseworkers, teachers, carers, specialist organisations and product and service providers from the Nepean, Hawksbury, Blue Mountains, Western Sydney and broader Sydney areas.

The free event included:

• Staff from NDIA and government agencies
• A range of advocacy groups
• 116 disability service providers and product exhibitors

• A variety of entertainment catering for children and adults with disabilities
• A cafe run by workers with a disability from Sylvanvale
• Live stage performances, including performances by Club Weld (an initiative supporting budding musical artists) and a number of local signing choirs
• Guest speaker Graeme Innes AM (former Disability Discrimination Commissioner)
• Major Sponsors Nova Employment, Coloplast and Australian Unity

Aimed at enhancing the lives of people with a disability, the 2016 expo theme was: “Get National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Ready!!” As with all major industry reforms, both providers and consumers are grappling with the implications of the NDIS. Not surprisingly, the Q&A session that received the most attention was local National Disability Insurance Agency manager Mary Hawkins. Ms Hawkins gave a brief presentation about the rollout of the NDIS and how it changes the current system for people with a disability, then fielded questions from service providers and consumers about the new scheme. 

Now becoming a reality for almost 14,000 Nepean residents, their families and carers, the NDIS aims at giving individuals with a disability greater control over their lives and the services they use. The expo played a significant role in educating people about the latest products, technologies, aids, equipment and services so that they can make more informed decisions about the support they need and desire. 

Social Impact Institute is extremely proud to manage and market this event every year. We support the dedicated committee members who come from local disability service providers such as NADO, Afford, and includes the National Disability Coordination Officer for the Western Sydney Region and Penrith Council.

Our marketing strategy utilises the service provider network, extensively promoting the expo through local community networks in the Western Sydney area. We also implement a multi-channel marketing campaign, including high profile social media promotion to engage exhibitors, attendees and the local community. This year, we launched an event app (Whova), and progressively harnessed local print advertising, email distribution, radio advertisements and outside banners leading up to the event. 

Social Impact Institute services are available throughout Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and regional areas. Call us on 1800 822 763 to have a chat and book your consultation. 

Share this page