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Welcome to your October issue of Talking Point!
Can you believe it’s already October? While the year might be starting to wind down, there’s still plenty to celebrate in our community.
This month brought incredible athletic achievements. Four community members are heading overseas to represent Australia across Powerchair Football and Powerchair Hockey. Read on to find out more about their achievements. We also cheered on proudly as community members Jamieson and Dan scored Gold in the 2025 Boccia World Cup in Seoul last month!
As the end of the year approaches, keep an eye out for some exciting new Community Day activities! There’ll be something for everyone – children, young adults, adults, families, friends and carers.
Plus, don’t forget to have a look at our upcoming events and community news.
I look forward to celebrating a huge year with you at Community Day!
Yours sincerely,
Jess Henry
CEO, MDNSW
What's New at Community Day?
Get ready for a great line-up at Community Day with returning favourites and fresh new activities to enjoy! From a catered woodfired pizza lunch, craft stations and Christmas presents to a scavenger hunt, trivia and festive family photos, there’s plenty of fun for everyone!
PLUS! RSVP and join us on the day to go in the draw to win one of three incredible lucky door prizes!
This is a FREE, inclusive and accessible event for the MDNSW community and friends, family and carers. RSVP by Wednesday 19 November.
WHEN: Saturday 29 November
11:00am – 2:00pm
WHERE: The Granville Centre
2a Memorial Dr, Granville NSW 2142
Spring Roll & Picnic by Parramatta River
On the last Saturday of September, we rolled into the new season with our Spring Roll and Picnic.
More than 20 people joined us to soak up the sunshine, share stories and enjoy a relaxed day outdoors.
Carolyn led a scenic roll along the river, sharing the path with fellow wanderers, curious puppies and the occasional passing RiverCat.
We wrapped up with a picnic of good food, cold drinks and great conversation – from accessible travel tips and NDIS chats, to an impromptu and insightful show and tell of accessible van setups!
It was a day of connection, movement and a little Spring magic.
All About Accessible Travel with Daniel Ferguson
We’re grateful to have been joined by guest speaker Daniel Ferguson from the Daniel Ferguson LGMD Foundation for the latest LGMD Connect session.
Having just returned from an international trip to Florida, Daniel shared practical advice on planning flights and thinking ahead about bathroom needs, as well as booking accessible accommodation and transport. He also reflected on his trip to Disney world, which he described as accessible and inclusive.
A highlight for Daniel was attending the 2025 International LGMD Conference.
People shared their own travel stories and lessons, making it a lively and valuable session. Everyone left excited to meet again soon!
Powering Up on the World Stage
It’s been an incredible month for members of the MDNSW community, with four talented athletes representing Australia in international competitions!
Chris and Ryan were selected by the Australian Powerchair Football Association to represent the Poweroos. The team just won the Asia Pacific Oceania Powerchair Football Cup.
Equally exciting, Kieran and Daniel have been selected for the Australian Sliders 2026 World Cup Team in professional powerchair hockey. They’ll be heading to Finland next year to represent Australia on the world stage.
We’re so proud to have such incredible talent in the MDNSW community.
Remember you can view all the upcoming events and opportunities for the remainder of the year in our Peer Connect Calendar here.
Register for all our events by emailing info@mdnsw.org.au or calling (02) 9888 5711.
Student Life
WHEN: Wed 22 October, 12 – 1:30 pm
WHERE: WSU Parramatta Campus (Rydalmere)
Looking for friends who get it? Student Life is your chance to meet other uni students living with neuromuscular conditions. Connect, swap stories and build your support crew – whether you want advice, a study buddy, or just a laugh over lunch.
Peers Party
WHEN: Thurs 4 December 12 – 1:30pm
WHERE: Online via Zoom
Join us online for our end of year Peers Party! You’ll enjoy a festive mix of activities, including trivia and bingo, reflections on the year and the opportunity to share ideas for the year ahead. Join us to close 2025 with laughter, connection and community spirit.
We’ll be gifting all attendees a $25 voucher for lunch. RSVP by Tuesday 2 December.
Summer Camp
WHEN: Sun 11 – Fri 16 January 2026
WHERE: Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen
An inclusive, supportive space to build confidence, make friends and have fun! Summer Camp is for kids aged 6-18 living with a neuromuscular condition who use powerchairs for mobility. Expect swimming, board games and powerchair football – there’s something for every age, personality and ability.
Our camps and retreats are highly popular, so don’t miss your chance. Register today!
Summer Camp Open Day
WHEN: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 10am – 2pm
WHERE: Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen
Join us to discover Summer Camp’s inclusive, fun-filled activities that support connection, independence and everyone’s unique abilities.
- Chat with our team and connect with campers
- Discover the Camp experience and join fun activities!
- Build your confidence to attend a Summer Camp, new adventures await!
Meet Prue, MDNSW Fundraising Manager
This month, we’re celebrating Prue’s two-year workiversary as Fundraising Manager! Prue leads the fundraising team, making sure that donations and grants keep coming in so that we can continue supporting our community.
Prue has worked across a range of charities in her career from hospitals and universities to social services and even aeromedical healthcare! “I love showing how generosity transforms lives, and helping people see the impact they can make,” she says.
Her favourite MDNSW memory? Her first Summer Camp back in December 2023. “I was sitting with the kids making beaded friendship bracelets, chatting about what activities they had been doing like swimming and powerchair football, and seeing the excitement just light up their faces. They were telling me about these experiences many of them don’t get to have in their day-to-day life, things they only get to do at Summer Camp… I feel lucky my job helps make that happen,” she says.
Help Powerchair Football Reach the Paralympics
The Australian Powerchair Football Association (APFA) is calling on the International Paralympic Committee to include Powerchair Football in the Paralympic Games by Brisbane 2032. This fast-paced, inclusive sport gives athletes who use powerchairs the chance to compete at the highest level. And yet, it’s still missing from the Paralympic program.
You can support this call for inclusion by signing the APFA’s petition on change.org to help the sport gain recognition on the Paralympic stage.
Dreamnight at Taronga Zoo
WHEN: Thurs 4 December, 5:30pm
WHERE: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
Enjoy a FREE magical evening exploring Taronga Zoo after hours, surrounded by the sights and sounds of your favourite animals under the stars. This year’s event features special activities, experiences and guest appearances beyond Taronga’s usual offerings. There are only 50 FREE passes available to the exclusive Dreamnight, so register below to secure yours!
Can’t make it on 4 December? No problem, tickets are valid until 31 December 2026.
Learn More About the NDIS and Practical Tips for Self-Growth
In November, the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) is offering free online and in person workshops.
Topics include:
- Knowing your rights and available supports
- Connecting and flourishing for parents of people with disability
- Getting and maintaining accessible and inclusive employment
- Getting the most out of life
Disability Tech Summit – Sydney 2025
WHEN: Tuesday 11 November 2025
WHERE: Sydney Town Hall
Remarkable is hosting Australia’s first global Disability Tech Summit, bringing together leaders in disability, AI and innovation. The summit will explore how new technology is transforming accessibility, inclusion and independence in areas like personal, professional and social life. You’ll hear from world-class speakers, changemakers and startups who are driving change in the Disability Tech space.
Read more or get tickets here →
Wenty Leagues Christmas Magic Show
WHEN: Sunday 14 December
WHERE: Wentworthville Leagues Club, 50 Smith St, Wentworthville
Mark your calendars! Wentworth Leagues Club is hosting a Christmas Magic Show on Sunday 14 December. The show is free for members and perfect for all ages. There will be three shows; 10:30am, 12pm and 1:30pm. Tickets will open in the coming weeks, so if you, your family or friends would like to join the fun, email us and we’ll help you secure your seats!
Thanks to our Official Partners
