Rights In Action

03/06/2026

A new regional crisis hub is coming, but will it be accessible to those who need it most? 🛑💜

The latest State Budget has delivered a massive win for our region: a new, dedicated 24/7 Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) crisis response hub is set to open in North Queensland by July 2026.

We know that people living with a disability are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing violence and abuse.

For this new hub to truly serve our community, it must move beyond standard care.

True safety means no one is left behind because an escape route wasn't accessible ✅

If you are experiencing violence or neglect, you deserve to be safe. Visit our website: https://rightsinaction.org.au or call us on 1800 887 688.

For more resources, check out our free QCAT toolkit and quick webinar. It is a simple guide to guardianship, administration, and decision-making — for people with disabilities, their families, and the people who support them: https://rightsinaction.org.au/module-three-qcat-public/

If You Need Immediate Support:
DVConnect- 1800 811 811 | https://www.dvconnect.org
Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
QLife (LGBTQI+ Support) – 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au
Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
13YARN (for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples) – 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

02/06/2026

It's more than just a parking spot; it's a gateway to the community. 🛑🅿️

The Queensland Government has officially started reviewing the Disability Parking Permit Scheme in 2026.

They are looking at everything from eligibility and permit duration to how the scheme is actually enforced.

We know that in North Queensland, finding an accessible park can be a nightmare 😥

From poor local enforcement to the unfair harassment faced by people with invisible disabilities who hold legitimate permits, the system needs an overhaul.

Have you faced barriers with accessible parking, you don't have to fight it alone, visit our website: https://rightsinaction.org.au or call us on 1800 887 688

Or another resource to look into is the Disability Support Pension (DSP), which is an income support payment from Centrelink for a person who is unable to work due to long-term illness, injury, or disability. Visit here for the free resource https://rightsinaction.org.au/module-one-dsp-public/

01/06/2026

💙 At Rights in Action, hearing positive feedback from the people and communities we support is always rewarding.

We are proud to share this feedback and thank the individual for taking the time to share their experience and support for the North Queensland Disability Alliance (NQDA) Launch.

As an independent advocacy organisation, Rights in Action believes that people with disability should be at the centre of conversations, decisions and solutions that affect their lives. The success of the NQDA launch demonstrated the value of bringing together people with lived experience, advocates, community members, services and government representatives to listen, learn and work collaboratively.

We are proud to support NQDA as it grows into a community-led alliance focused on strengthening inclusion, self-advocacy, community education and systemic change across North Queensland.

The feedback received following the launch reinforces why this work is so important and why community voices must continue to be heard.

As we move through the end of the financial year, we look forward to continuing our partnership with NQDA and will share details of upcoming community meetings and activities in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported and contributed to the success of the launch.

Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and belong.

26/05/2026

Rights in Action would like to sincerely thank the North Queensland Disability Alliance (NQDA) for allowing us to host the NQDA Open Day & Launch.

It was a privilege to support such an important grassroots, community-led initiative focused on strengthening inclusion, collaboration and community capacity across regional, rural and remote North Queensland.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated staff members and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help make the event such a success. From planning and coordination through to community engagement and event support, your hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed.

As an independent advocacy organisation, Rights in Action understands the importance of ensuring people with disability have a voice, are heard and are supported to navigate barriers impacting their lives.

While independent advocacy focuses on supporting individuals, the NQ Disability Alliance represents an exciting opportunity to work alongside communities to address the larger systemic and social barriers that continue to impact people with disability across North Queensland.

Through collaboration, community education, resource sharing and partnership-building, NQDA will help strengthen:
✔ Self-advocacy
✔ Citizen advocacy
✔ Systemic and social advocacy
✔ Community awareness and education
✔ Intersectional collaboration between services, organisations and communities

Most importantly, the launch reinforced the importance of ensuring people with lived experience remain central to decision-making, policy discussions and future planning.

We look forward to continuing to collaborate with NQDA, community members, services and stakeholders to build stronger, more connected and inclusive communities across North Queensland.

Strength in Unity. Building Community Capacity Across North Queensland.

What an incredible and successful day for the North Queensland Disability Alliance (NQDA) Open Day & Launch 🎉

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, supported and contributed to making the event such a positive and meaningful success.

We would especially like to thank our guest speakers:
• Trish Wallace – International Para Powerlifting Champion
• Mayor Nick Dametto - Mayor of Townsville
• Max Wise – Deputy Director-General Disability Services

Thank you for sharing your time, experience and support for a stronger and more inclusive North Queensland.

One of the greatest highlights of the day was seeing people with disability represented within the audience and actively participating in conversations that directly impact their lives and communities. For NQDA, this is what true inclusion looks like — ensuring people with lived experience are central to decision-making, advocacy, collaboration and future policy discussions.

The launch reinforced the importance of building a community-led alliance that connects regional, rural and remote communities across North Queensland.

We are excited to announce that NQDA will now move forward with:
✔ Quarterly community meetings
✔ Future annual conferences
✔ Ongoing collaboration and community engagement across North Queensland

Thank you again to everyone who joined us at the beginning of this journey. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen community capacity, inclusion and collaboration across our region.

👉 Follow our page for updates
👉 Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected

Strength in Unity. Building Community Capacity Across North Queensland.

25/05/2026

A small change to a rental property can make a massive difference to someone's independence. 🏠

For people living with a disability in the private rental market, getting approval for essential home modifications can feel like an impossible battle.

That's why the new "Small Changes Big Difference" campaign launched in May 2026 is so vital.

The campaign highlights the critical role that real estate agents and property managers play in either creating barriers or empowering tenants.

We need local property managers in North Queensland to step up, support their tenants, and streamline the process for minor, life-changing modifications.

An accessible home is a right, no matter who owns the property.

Are you facing discrimination from a landlord or struggling to get approval for necessary modifications? Visit our website: https://rightsinaction.org.au or call us on 1800 887 688

Also, if you need help with understanding NDIS Appeals, check out the event below:

The Event Details:
📅 When: Thursday, 28th May 2026, 11am – 1pm.
📍 Where: Community Room 14 Macrossan Avenue, Ingham and also Online via Microsoft Teams.
🙏 Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2008903160506101
☕ Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
📲 Register now by scanning the QR code or visit this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/mBhzwEqa2H?origin=lprLink

21/05/2026

Rights In Action are proud to host the Strength In Unity – NQDA Community Gathering Tomorrow 🙌

This is NQDA’s official meeting in public, and we warmly invite you to be part of this important conversation.

Guest Speakers Include: Max Wise and Nick Dametto 📢

This inclusive gathering is about listening, connecting, and building strength together. We want to bring people together from across the disability community in rural, remote and regional areas to create a space where everyone feels welcome.

💬 Who is this event for?
We especially welcome:
• People with disability
• Family and loved ones
• Carers
• Formal and Informal supports
• NDIS providers
• Mainstream supports
• Advocates and allies

Whether you are new to NQDA or already connected, your voice matters.

🧩 What to expect:
• A welcoming and inclusive environment
• Introduction to NQDA and its purpose
• Special guest speakers
• Information session
• Open conversation and sharing
• Opportunities to connect with others equally
• A chance to help shape the future direction

♿ Accessibility & Inclusion
We are committed to making this gathering accessible and inclusive as possible.
Please let us know any access requirements when you register so we can support your participation.

👉 Registration
Registration is required
Please register via ticket URL link. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TGGKZrun3R?origin=lprLink

20/05/2026

Human rights shouldn't be put on hold. 🛑⚖️

Did you know that vital reforms to modernise Queensland's Anti-Discrimination Act were paused by the government?

These reforms were set to introduce a "positive duty", meaning businesses, organisations, and government agencies would be legally required to take proactive steps to prevent discrimination and harassment before they happen.

The changes would have also finally extended protections to victim-survivors of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness.

We cannot accept delays when it comes to equality.

Waiting for discrimination to ruin someone's livelihood before taking action is unacceptable.

If you have experienced discrimination at work or in public life, you still have rights. Visit our website: https://rightsinaction.org.au or call us on 1800 887 688

Looking to connect with others and help build a stronger, more inclusive community in North Queensland, check out the event below:

📅 When: Friday, 22th May 2026, 10am – 12pm.
📍 Where: 1-3 Barlow St, Sth Tville QLD 4810
🙏 Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2504537810052642
☕ Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided.
📲 Register now by scanning the QR code or visit this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TGGKZrun3R?origin=lprLink

20/05/2026

Every child has a fundamental right to learn and belong in their classroom. So why are so many being pushed out? 🛑🎒

Alarming state data reveals a devastating systemic failure in our education system: Queensland schools are suspending students with disabilities at shocking rates, and the trend is worsening.

By relying on exclusionary discipline, the system is actively denying students with disabilities their right to learn.

A suspension does not fix an inaccessible classroom or a lack of teacher support, it simply pushes the burden onto families and isolates the child.

We need our local schools in North Queensland to focus on practical solutions and genuine inclusion, rather than using suspensions as a quick fix for unsupported students.

Is your child facing unfair suspensions or a lack of support at their school? Visit our website: https://rightsinaction.org.au or call us on 1800 887 688

For additional resources, check out our Inclusive Education Toolkit and webinar that can assist you to advocate for your child or a child in your care. It also offers ideas on how to communicate with your child’s school or education service: https://rightsinaction.org.au/module-two-inclusive-education-public/

18/05/2026

Rights In Action are proud to host the Strength In Unity – NQDA Community Gathering this Friday 🙌

This is NQDA’s official meeting in public, and we warmly invite you to be part of this important conversation.

Guest Speakers Include: Max Wise and Nick Dametto 📢

This inclusive gathering is about listening, connecting, and building strength together. We want to bring people together from across the disability community in rural, remote and regional areas to create a space where everyone feels welcome.

💬 Who is this event for?
We especially welcome:
• People with disability
• Family and loved ones
• Carers
• Formal and Informal supports
• NDIS providers
• Mainstream supports
• Advocates and allies
Whether you are new to NQDA or already connected, your voice matters.

🧩 What to expect:
• A welcoming and inclusive environment
• Introduction to NQDA and its purpose
• Special guest speakers
• Information session
• Open conversation and sharing
• Opportunities to connect with others equally
• A chance to help shape the future direction

♿ Accessibility & Inclusion
We are committed to making this gathering accessible and inclusive as possible.
Please let us know any access requirements when you register so we can support your participation.

👉 Registration
Registration is required
Please register via ticket URL link. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TGGKZrun3R?origin=lprLink