Read what is happening in our world, your world, and the wonderful disability community in general.
Assistive apps for people with disability
August 21, 2025
From auditory assistance to women’s safety, these innovative programs are supporting people with disability by paving the way for a more inclusive future. Here’s a look at some existing and emerging apps making waves in 2025.
NAIDOC WEEK: Sunday 6 – Sunday 13 July 2025
July 7, 2025
NAIDOC Week is a special time to recognise and honour the deep cultural roots, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also gives all Australians a chance to listen, learn and show respect for the world’s oldest living cultures.
Why Dan found coming out harder than losing his vision
June 23, 2025
When Dan Searle lost his vision at 16, people saw the struggle. What they didn’t see was the deeper battle – accepting and sharing his sexuality in a rural town where being different didn’t feel safe. Now, Dan speaks up to show others they’re not alone. His story is a powerful reminder that Pride is about more than visibility – it’s about being seen for who you truly are.
Embracing my true self: A journey beyond labels
June 16, 2025
Growing up, Simon Scoggins learned early that being different meant having to hide parts of himself. But he also discovered the strength that comes from living authentically – even when the world isn’t always ready. Now Melba’s Business Application Support Officer, Simon shares his story to remind us: Pride isn’t just celebration – it’s resilience, visibility and pushing for real inclusion.
Olivia’s strength shines in her struggle to be seen
June 12, 2025
At 30, Olivia* embraced her identity as a bisexual woman, a journey made more complex by her family’s lack of understanding. While her friends accept and support her, her family struggles to see her as an adult with agency, dreams, and the right to love. As we celebrate Pride Month, Olivia hopes her story will inspire others to live authentically and be seen for who they truly are.
Eating out just got more accessible
June 11, 2025
A new web app is making it easier for people with disability to dine out by helping them find accessible cafes and restaurants in their area.
Able Meet
| Join us at the Melton Able Meet on 18 September 2025. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend this expo. |
Arthur Creative Art Exhibitions
Join us for some upcoming Arthur Creative art exhibitions and end of year performances. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend these events.
Community forum
We are holding a community forum to talk about a possible new location for a Community Connections day program in Bacchus Marsh. This forum will be an opportunity to share ideas, hear wider community perspectives, and discuss the potential benefits and considerations of establishing Community Connections in the area. If you know someone who might like to find out more, please encourage them to attend.
Everything Disability Expo
| Join us at the Everything Disability Expo from 18-19 July 2025. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend this expo. |
Games for All – Online
Join our next online social event. Hosted online by Melba Support Services, this is a great chance to meet other people with disability, make new connections, build community, and have fun while enjoying a few games.
Local Disability Expo
Come along to the 2025 Local Disability Expo at Langwarrin Park Primary School, Northgateway, Langwarrin on 11 October 2025, 11am to 3pm.
Mates and Dates Focus Groups
We want to hear from you! Are you living with a disability in Victoria? Join our online focus groups to tell us what you want from our next Mates & Dates events. Our Mates & Dates events cover a range of in person events that we run across Victoria to help people with disability make new connections, whether that be meeting new friends, socialising or dating. Ahead of launching our 2025 event season we’d love to hear from you about what you want these events to look like.
Melbourne Disability Connection Expo
Join us at the Melbourne Disability Connection Expo on Friday 3 to Saturday 4 October, 10am to 4pm. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend this conference.
Open House
Join us at an upcoming open house event showcasing Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that Melba offers Supported Independent Living (SIL) in.
Parents, Friends and Families Workshop
Talking with your loved ones about friendships, relationships and intimacy can be tricky. As parents, family and friends, we often worry that talking about it can be risky.
This workshop will help you feel more confident to have these conversations. It will give you ideas about the best topics to cover, tips for talking and opportunities to practice so you can support your loved one to develop knowledge and skills that give them power and control to keep themselves safe, while also having a fulfilling life. The four modules we’ll cover are:- Introduction and Setting The Stage
- Human Sexual Development
- Tips For Talking and Teachable Moments
- Responding to Behaviours
Parents, Friends and Families Workshop – Melba family and friends
This event is open to Melba parents, friends and family only. Talking with your loved ones about friendships, relationships and intimacy can be tricky. As parents, family and friends, we often worry that talking about it can be risky. This workshop will help you feel more confident to have these conversations. It will give you ideas about the best topics to cover, tips for talking and opportunities to practice so you can support your loved one to develop knowledge and skills that give them power and control to keep themselves safe, while also having a fulfilling life. The four modules we’ll cover are:
- Introduction and Setting The Stage
- Human Sexual Development
- Tips For Talking and Teachable Moments
- Responding to Behaviours
Source Kids Disability Expo
Join us at the Source Kids Disability Expo from 11-12 April 2025. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend this conference.
The Disability Events Community
Come meet us at the Melbourne East Community Disability Expo. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend this expo.
The Misfit Project
VALID Having a Say Conference
We’re very excited to be the returning sponsor for VALID’s annual Having a Say Conference. Join us for this exciting event from 28-30 January 2025. Melba can also support you to attend using your individual support arrangement (ISA). Get in touch with us today to discuss your support needs to attend this conference.
Get Support
If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, contact us today.
Email Enquiry
Melba Support Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises First Peoples’ continuing connection to lands, waters, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures, and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for future leaders.