Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2020

Cancelled due to COVID-19

2021

About

It is with regret that the Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference Planning Committee has taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. It’s the second year in a row but the health and well being of all concerned must be our priority.

So SDAC21 is going into hibernation. But we promise it will be back and more meaningful than ever before, when next we come together.

We are considering some kind of special online event around International Day of People with Disability so stay tuned.

Latest news

SDAC20 the latest COVID-19 casualty

Posted May 1, 2020

It’s hugely regrettable but this year’s Strengthening disability Advocacy Conference has been canceled. Even though we would still be able to get an amazing line up of speakers, it just wouldn’t be the same without the networking opportunity that this event provides and your feedback tells us is so valuable. Given the uncertainty of the … Continued

Save the date!

Posted February 14, 2020

The 2020 Strengthening Disability advocacy Conference is back at NB The Hall on Friday 16 October, NOT 25 September as previously advised. We didn’t think many people would come on grand Final Public Holiday! Planning is still underway so stay tuned for more details about the program, speakers and tickets.

More conference news >

Venue

National Australia Bank have created a hub in Melbourne’s CBD with a range of meeting rooms and technologies available to NAB customers in a modern, architecturally interesting building.

DARU is thrilled to have secured The Hall again this year and we look forward to welcoming you in September.

Getting there

Big building can be confusing so please take the time to read the venue information before you head out.

The venue is conveniently located right next to Southern Cross station. The Hall is located on level 3 and you can get there from two entrances:

Bourke Street concourse (the pedestrian bridge extension of Bourke Street) arrives on level 2. Go up one level using the escalator or steps directly in front of you, or the lift located off to the right.
Taxi drop off arrives at level P1 which is street level. Take the lift located in front of you behind the escalator to level 3.

From the lift on level 3, do a U turn around to the right and follow the line of the escalator. The foyer for the Hall is on your right.

See below for specific transport information.

Train

Southern Cross Station is the nearest station which is very convenient as most metropolitan lines, and all regional lines, go through Southern Cross.

Coming from a train platform at Southern Cross Station:

Head to the northern end of the platform (the Etihad stadium end).
Take the lift up to the Bourke Street concourse.
Once you reach the concourse, turn left.

You should see the NAB building almost immediately as it is the first building on the right over the tracks. Once inside the very impressive atrium, take the escalator directly in front of you, or the lift on the right, up one level to The Hall.

Tram

Trams that stop at Southern Cross station include:

Spencer Street routes – 12, 48, 75, 96, 109 & City Circle
Collins Street routes – 11, 12, 42 & 109
Bourke Street routes – 86 & 96

Taxi

The taxi drop off point is at 700 Bourke Street which is located opposite the Channel Nine studios. The taxi rank located outside Platform 28 night club can also be used as a drop off point. The Platform 23 rank is recommended as the pick up point when booking taxis for return journeys home.

Getting to NAB from the Platform 23 rank:

Cross at the pedestrian lights.
Turn right and follow the footpath to the NAB entrance. You have arrived at level P1.
Go to level 3 using either the lift or escalator.
On level 3, The Hall is located to the right of the escalator.

Parking

ad Stadium’s car park provides 24-hour security and surveillance seven days a week. The fully covered and underground facility is located only a short walking distance from NAB.

Visit the website for information on rates or to book your space in advance online:
http://etihadstadium.com.au/car-park-options/

Note: Event discounts are only applicable for events held at the stadium.

Past conferences

2019 Advocacy under pressure

The pressure on disability advocacy organisations is relentless. The overwhelming demand for advocacy support through review and appeals processes within national systems means that many organisations are, for the first time, putting waitlists in place as a way of managing the onslaught. Endless efforts don’t seem to be resolving the inherent unfairness and gaining basic rights for people with disability. Burnout is becoming an increasing reality for many disability advocates and yet another thing that organisations need to manage. Read more >

2018 Doing disability differently

It’s an election year in Victoria. This conference is a platform to let our politicians know about what needs to change for people with disability. It’s time to celebrate diversity and showcase a range of perspectives while keeping a keen focus on what needs to change. Read more >

2017 Getting into gear
for the NDIS journey

It's all over for another year and it's fair to say that we let the clutch out on the NDIS. We heard from a dynamic range of speakers, welcomed a few last minute replacements and shared many experiences and ideas. Choc tops and popcorn hit the spot at the screening of Defiant Lives and a national campaign to raise awareness of the value of advocacy (see latest news for more info) was muted in the final session on the 'Gearing Up' day. Read more >

2016 Putting rights
centre stage

This conference takes place at a time of great change and importance. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is being rolled out, with launch sites operating amid much political, policy and practical uncertainty. The 2013-2016 Victorian state disability plan has been in place for a year. Read more >

2014 Champions
of change

2012 Disability Advocacy and the Legal System: You Be The Judge!

Our 3rd conference aims to make sure the disability advocacy sector understands and is well equipped to use the legal system in their work. Read more >

Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2020

Cancelled due to COVID-19

About

Latest news

SDAC20 the latest COVID-19 casualty

Save the date!

Program

Speakers

Venue

Getting there

Train

Tram

Taxi

Parking

Tickets

Prices

Past conferences

2019 Advocacy under pressure

2018 Doing disability differently

2017 Getting into gear
for the NDIS journey

2016 Putting rights
centre stage

2014 Champions
of change

2012 Disability Advocacy and the Legal System: You Be The Judge!

Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19

About

Latest news

SDAC20 the latest COVID-19 casualty

Save the date!

Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2020

Cancelled due to COVID-19