Illawarra Advocacy

03/09/2026

Illawarra Advocacy and ADACAS Advocacy are coming together to build a stronger, more sustainable disability advocacy service. Guided by our shared values, culture and practice, we can have a greater impact on the communities we support in NSW and the ACT.

Simply put, we’re ‘Stronger Together’.

We bring more than 70 years of combined advocacy experience, strong local relationships, and a shared commitment to supporting people with disability. We ensure their rights are upheld, their voices are heard, and they have equitable access to the supports and services they need.

Joining our organisations enhances our capacity while preserving the local knowledge, relationships, and community connections central to effective advocacy. Our combined team will provide greater workforce depth and broader expertise, and we will continue to value the strengths and histories of both organisations.

Our approach remains person-centred, rights-based and locally responsive. Our particular focus is on reaching people who face barriers to accessing advocacy or are at greater risk of exclusion, disadvantage or discrimination. Shared knowledge and practice experience increase our ability to respond to diverse and complex advocacy needs across the regions.

‘Stronger Together’ means greater capacity, stronger local advocacy and a sustainable service for the future. Most importantly, people with disability remain at the centre of everything we do.

Illawarra Advocacy contact details remain unchanged during the transition.

You can also reach us at ADACAS Advocacy on adacas.org.au or by phone at 02 6242 5060.

Contact us in the way you prefer to discuss an issue and find out what help is available.

07/08/2026

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello to us at the Need a Feed Mini Service Expo!

It was great to be part of the day, connecting with people with disability, families, carers and members of our local community.

Events like this are a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about disability advocacy, talk with people about their rights, choice and control, and make sure people know where they can turn when they need support to have their voice heard.

We enjoyed catching up with familiar faces, meeting new people and having some important conversations about the issues affecting people with disability in our community.

30/07/2026

There's still time to join us at the Need A Feed Australia Mini Service Expo on Tuesday, 4 August!

If you're looking for information about disability advocacy, want to learn more about your rights, or would simply like to meet the Illawarra Advocacy team, we'd love to see you there.

With more than 20 local support services attending, it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with organisations, explore what's available in our community, and enjoy a free lunch.

Don't forget to come and say hello!

We are fully booked!!
20+ support services attending
Lunch provided on the day

Are you joining us??!
It will be a great day!

29/07/2026

A positive step towards more equitable transport.

Uber has announced it will remove the additional $5 fee for Uber Assist rides following strong advocacy from Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Australia and the disability community. Uber has also committed to reviewing the Uber Assist service and establishing an Accessibility Advisory Panel to help shape future decisions affecting people with disability.

This is a great example of how advocacy can lead to meaningful change. Accessible transport should never come at an additional cost, and everyone deserves fair and equitable access to essential services.

Read more in the LINK article below:

https://linkonline.com.au/ubers-decision-to-remove-its-5-per-ride-assist-charge-welcomed-by-vision-australia/

Vision Australia welcomes Uber’s decision to remove its $5 ‘assist fee’, in consideration for people with disability.

28/07/2026

New research highlights the ongoing challenges faced by young Australians with disability.

A new study from Flinders University has found that, despite decades of policy reforms, the gap between young people with disability and their peers has remained largely unchanged in key areas such as education, employment, health, safety and social inclusion. The findings highlight that while some progress has been made, significant barriers and inequities still exist.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community, access quality education and employment, and receive the supports they need to thrive. Continued advocacy and meaningful reform remain essential to achieving a more inclusive Australia.

Read the full article here:

https://phys.org/news/2026-07-conditions-unchanged-young-people-disability.html

The level of inequity experienced by young people with disability has remained largely unchanged since the turn of the century, according to new research led by Flinders University. Using data from the Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia Survey (HILDA), researchers examined the extent....

27/07/2026

Understanding your rights when seeking review of an NDIS decision.

A recent ABC News article highlights one family's experience after the NDIA reduced a participant's funded supports from dedicated one-to-one support to shared supports. The family has indicated they intend to seek review of that decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Every NDIS participant has the right to seek review of decisions that affect their supports. Independent review processes play an important role in helping ensure decisions are fair, transparent and based on the available evidence.

At Illawarra Advocacy, we regularly support NDIS participants through our NDIS Appeals program, assisting people to understand their review rights and navigate the Administrative Review Tribunal process.

While every participant's circumstances are unique, understanding your rights and the review process can help people make informed decisions when seeking review of an NDIS decision.

Read the ABC News article here:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-16/ndis-ndia-failing-lucy-muggeridge-disability-care/106897144

Experts say the National Disability Insurance Scheme is failing people like Lucy, whose one-on-one care for severe disability has been deemed "not value for money".

26/07/2026

AusAlert Test Happening Today

Today, a nationwide test of the AusAlert emergency warning system will take place. Test messages may be sent to compatible mobile phones to help ensure Australia's emergency alert system is working as intended.

If you are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, or if receiving an unexpected emergency alert could place you at risk, it may be worth taking extra precautions.

This could include:
Turning your phone off or switching it to airplane mode during the test period (if it is safe for you to do so).
Keeping your phone with you so you can manage any alerts discreetly.
Having a safety plan in place if you're concerned about someone else seeing the message.

While today's alert is only a test, it's important to be aware of how these notifications may affect people in different circumstances.

For more information about the AusAlert test, visit the official government website: https://www.emergencyalert.gov.au

Home

23/07/2026

Have you visited the Illawarra Advocacy website?

You can learn more about our free and independent disability advocacy services, our service areas and how we may be able to support you.

You can also use our website to submit a referral for yourself or someone else.

Visit https://illawarraadvocacy.org.au/

We provide free, independent advocacy to support people with disability in navigating challenges, upholding their rights, and accessing essential services. Our person-centred approach ensures fair treatment and meaningful outcomes.