Independent Living Support Association

13/10/2026

ILSA is looking for a Registered Nurse to join our Aged Care team in Cairns!

Make a difference with every visit, supporting older people to maintain their independence and live well at home. Bring your nursing experience and compassion to a caring team that values personalised care and meaningful connections.

View the role and position description here:
https://au.seek.com/job/95223637

To apply, please send your resume, a brief cover letter and an applicant response addressing the position description to [email protected]

Know a nurse who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post!

08/10/2026

What a great event for our Cairns community!

A free morning of connection, activities and local support information for Queensland Mental Health Week.

Happening tomorrow, Friday 9 October, from 10am–1pm at the Healing Gardens, opposite Cairns Hospital.

Check out the details below 👇

💚 Connect for Mental Health this Queensland Mental Health Week

Come together for a morning of connection, community and wellbeing at our free Connect for Mental Health event.

📅 Friday 9 October
⏰ 10am–1pm
📍 Healing Gardens/Northern Events Lawn, opposite Cairns Hospital on the Esplanade

There’ll be plenty to see and do, including:
☕ Free barista coffee and mocktails
🎶 Live music
🎨 Art therapy activities
🧘 Mindfulness sessions
🌭 Free sausage sizzle
🤝 Community stalls, information and support

Mental health is everyone’s business. This event is a chance to connect with others, start conversations and learn more about the support available in our community.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends and join us! 💚

06/10/2026

A beach adventure in Mackay was on the cards today, and we couldn’t have asked for a better morning! ☀️🌊

Specialised beach mobility equipment, including hoists, wheeled walkers and beach wheelchairs, was available at Mackay Harbour, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the sand, the sea breeze and even a dip in the water.

It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying our beautiful coastline, with plenty of smiles all around. 💙

We’re already looking forward to the next one! 🏖️

29/09/2026

Sharing a beach access option for people in Mackay and surrounding areas!
Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay offers a beach wheelchair to borrow at no cost, helping more people enjoy time by the ocean.
Collection and return are from Beaconsfield and must be arranged by the borrower.
Contact Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay directly to check availability:
📱 SMS: 0409 492 084
📧 [email protected]

Exciting News: We have a Beach Wheelchair for people to borrow, at no cost, within the Mackay and District area. Please note that Pick Up and Drop Off in Beaconsfield is to be arranged by yourself as we cannot deliver or collect. Contact Us for further details 🏖️🦽

24/09/2026

Meet Danny - Supported by ILSA Mackay! 🎣🎳

What do you love most about living in Mackay?
Mackay is close to everything I enjoy, including the beaches and shopping centres. I like being able to get out and about and have everything nearby.

What does your dream day look like?
I would love to volunteer at a fishing shop, fixing fishing reels, and then head out fishing for the rest of the day. That would be a perfect day for me!

What’s your favourite thing to do with your ILSA support workers?
I enjoy going ten pin bowling, attending the pool group, visiting op shops and checking out garage sales. I enjoy getting out into the community and trying different activities.

What is something you would love to learn or try?
I would like to learn how bowling pins and billiard balls are made. I’m interested in finding out how they are made and what goes into making them.

What is your favourite food?
Pizza is my favourite, especially Meat Lovers, Butcher’s Block and Hawaiian. 🍕

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy servicing fishing reels. I like working on them, fixing them up and making sure they are working properly.

If you had a superpower , what would it be and why?
I would like to fly like Superman because it would be cool! 🦸

16/09/2026

Silver Shields: Seniors Connected, Confident & Secure

As part of Seniors Month 2026, The Neighbourhood Hub is hosting a FREE workshop to help older Australians stay safe, connected and confident.

The workshop will cover:

• Recognising scams and staying safe online
• Building personal safety skills and confidence
• Staying safely connected with family, friends and services

Friday, 9 October 2026
The Neighbourhood Hub, Mackay

Session 1: 9:00am – 10:30am
Session 2: 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Refreshments provided.
Free event – bookings essential.

Places are limited. To secure your spot, contact The Neighbourhood Hub or Adele Lewis from nbn on 0418 889 507 or [email protected].

A great opportunity to learn practical safety skills and connect with the community.

04/09/2026

What a lovely way to end the week! Who doesn’t love a little bit of appreciation 😊

24/08/2026

CEO Leanne has been taking on the Daffodil Day Dip Challenge this month to raise money for cancer research. Leanne’s motivation for getting on board and taking the plunge is to honour her Aunty Ros who was taken by cancer on Daffodil Day 2005. She’s also doing this for her mum who survived cancer not once but twice. Almost 1 in 2 Australians are diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 – so everyone is likely to know someone who is affected by this horrible disease. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Leanne was able to raise $725! And if you think Leanne is doing it easy taking the plunge in Cairns, you’d be wrong! She’s doing all 4 dips in the chilly Sydney water.
Pictured is Leanne taking the plunge at Coogee Beach!
A fantastic effort for a cause that means so much! 🌼💛🌊

20/08/2026

Cairns Regional Council would like to hear from people with disability, their families, carers, support networks, and the wider community to help them better understand barriers people may experience whento accessing Council managed places, spaces, services, events and activities:
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
The Cairns Regional Council is pleased to advise that the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) survey is now open: Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | Have Your Say Cairns

We are seeking feedback from people with disability, their families, carers, support networks, and the wider community help us better understand barriers people may experience whento accessing Council managed places, spaces, services, events and activities. The information gathered will help inform Council's next Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and future focus areas.

The survey has been developed using the Social Model of Disability, which recognises that barriers within the environment can impact a person's ability to participate fully in community life. It is structured so people are asked questions that are relevant to the types of barriers they face, such as physical access, inclusion and belonging, or both.

We recognise that online surveys are not accessible or suitable for everyone. A simplified printable version is available on Council's Have Your Say page: Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | Have Your Say Cairns

Printed copies can also be collected from and returned to:

Council Chambers Customer Service, Cairns
Hambledon House Community Centre, Edmonton
Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre, Smithfield

To help us hear from as many people as possible, we would appreciate your support in sharing the survey link and promotional materials through your networks.


https://haveyoursay.cairns.qld.gov.au/disability-access-and-inclusion-plan

Participants and providers, please share the link on your pages !

Council is developing its next Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2027. Your feedback will help identify barriers that people face when accessing Council places.

19/08/2026

Yesterday, ILSA’s NDIS Team had the pleasure of attending the Cairns Disability Expo!

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with people living with disability, families, carers and local service providers while learning more about the valuable supports available throughout the Cairns region.

Pictured is Deb, ILSA’s NDIS Team Leader, proudly representing our team.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat. We loved connecting with our wonderful community!