Networks
DARU supports networks that strengthen the profile of the disability advocacy sector and promote the practice of disability advocacy in Victoria.
VicRAN – Victorian Rural Advocacy Network
The Victorian Rural Advocacy Network (VicRAN) has been operating successfully for 20 years and is an incorporated network of six rural advocacy organisations in Victoria comprising:
- Barwon Disability Resource Council (BDRC), Geelong
- Grampians DisAbility Advocacy Association, Ararat
- Regional Disability Advocacy Service (RDAS), Wodonga
- Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc (GDAI), Traralgon
- Colac Otway Regional Advocacy Service (CORAS), Colac
- SouthWest Advocacy Association, Warrnambool
- Rights Information Advocacy Centre (RIAC), Shepparton
These services provide advocacy across most of rural Victoria. RDAS also works across the border in NSW. Each service receives a mixture of Federal and State funding for disability advocacy.
VicRAN meets for two days, three times per year at Latrobe University in Bendigo. Day one follows a formal meeting agenda while day two is reserved for professional development training.
Key contact: President: Paul Brady, [email protected]
VICDAN – Victorian Disability Advocacy Network
The Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VICDAN) is a network of non-legal independent disability advocacy organisations and legal service providers, that formed on commencement of the Barwon Region launch of the NDIS.
VICDAN members meet to exchange information and ideas and discuss ways of combining resources.
Meetings are held virtually the second Thursday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30pm and is co-chaired by the Rights Information Advocacy Centre (RIAC) and Victoria Legal Aid (VLA).
Key contact: Rachael Thompson/ Susie Wilson, [email protected]
DARU Networks
The support networks hosted by DARU provide a safe space for agency managers to discuss current issues and frontline advocates to share knowledge and experience.
The networks include:
- Disability Advocacy CEO and Managers Leadership Group – for CEOs and Managers of Disability advocacy organisations based in Victoria
- Frontline Advocates Community of Practice – for frontline advocates of disability advocacy organisations based in Victoria
Meetings occur monthly on alternate fortnights.
Key contact: Melissa Hale, [email protected]