Inclusion Seekers series: Building community

What is this series about?

Building strong communities matters now more than ever. In a world that can often feel disconnected, a true sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose is vital, especially for people with disability.

While many of us share the vision for a more connected community, knowing where to start—and how to keep the momentum going—can feel daunting, especially for those most at risk of isolation.

Following a hugely successful debut, Belonging Matters is thrilled to team up with Imagine More to bring back the Inclusion Seekers series!

Connect with others who value community and belonging, gain practical tools to drive real inclusion, and turn your vision into lasting neighbourhood connection.

The Inclusion Seekers series will assist you to:

• develop a deeper understanding of the barriers that people with disability and their families often face when seeking to find meaningful roles in their communities
• learn how to identify and strengthen the roles of families, supporters and neighbours in assisting people with disability to become part of the community, not just present in it
• acquire practical tools to help uncover the unique gifts of both individuals and their communities
• build fresh strategies to intentionally plan experiences that bring inclusion to every community member, making diversity something we truly celebrate, not just welcome.

Feedback about the last series

What participants loved

• Real-life examples: Hearing practical examples of projects and family experiences.
• Neighbourly connections: Learning the vital role neighbours play in creating lasting belonging.
• Actionable steps: Simple encouragement to start small—one step at a time.
• Creative thinking: Gaining novel ideas to launch fresh inclusion efforts.

How participants described the experience

• “Inspiring, empowering, and eye-opening.”
• “Thought-provoking, refreshing, and full of possibilities.”
• “Energising and life-giving!”
• “A wonderful space for people from all walks of life to find meaningful ways forward.”

How does the series work?

Part 1: Introduction session – One online session

• Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
• Time: 9.30 am to 10.30 am AEST

This online workshop serves as an introduction to our 4-session course, but you’re welcome to just attend the introduction session on its own. This session will feature real stories that spark genuine connection and give a brief overview of strategies for building inclusive, lasting community efforts. You will also:

• discover fresh ways to recognise strengths and shift the narrative beyond disability programs.
• gain creative tools designed to grow relationships and energise community involvement.

Cost

Ticket prices directly contribute to building community projects.

• People with disability and their family members – $15.00. Fully subsidised tickets are available for people with disability/families (contact Anne at anne@imaginemore.org.au for a discount code).
• Professionals – $35.00.

Registrations close on 29 September 2026.

Book tickets for the Introduction session

Part 2: Course – Four online sessions

• Dates: Thursday 5, 12, 19 and 26 November 2026
• Time: 9.30 am to 11.30 am AEDT

If you’d like to dive deeper after the introduction session, you can join the full 4-session online course. To make the most of this course, all 4 sessions should be attended.

• Session 1: Setting a new course – Move past negative stereotypes and explore the 4 commitments of community building.
• Session 2: Advocating for a culture of gifts – Discover the power of interviewing, listening, affirming gifts, and mapping community assets.
• Session 3: Including everyone – Design creative and healing community experiences and intentionally plan for genuine inclusion.
• Session 4: Sustained success – Build strategies for long-lasting, sustainable relationships.

Registration for the course

• Registrations will open on Thursday, 1 October
• Registrations close on Monday, 2 November 2026.

Part 3: Design Sessions – Five online sessions

• Date: To be confirmed, but will commence in 2027
• Time: To be confirmed. Design Sessions run for approximately 1 hour

Following the course, 10 people with disability and their families/supporters will be invited to join our hands-on Design Sessions. These sessions offer coaching to help design and launch a neighbourhood gathering or project. Micro-grants will be available for up to 20 projects. Priority will be given to those living in the ACT and VIC.

• There is no cost to join the Design Sessions.
• Participants will be invited to complete an Expression of Interest.

Who is this series for?

This series is aimed towards people with intellectual disability and autism and their families. It will also be useful for direct support workers to join in the sessions alongside the individuals and families they support. Others who want to build authentic inclusion are more than welcome to join the Introduction Session and Course.

Other information

We highly recommend that you consider inviting a friend, partner, colleague, neighbour, supporter, or person to join you in the sessions – they can be a great ally in your community learning and building.

Accessibility

We aim to ensure that people have equal access to our events. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable adjustments at this event, please provide details when you register your booking online.

For further information, please contact

• Imagine More:  Phone 0491 645 816 or email: anne@imaginemore.org.au
• Belonging Matters: Phone 03 9739 8333 or email info@belongingmatters.org