Choice and Control

This NAIDOC week, we celebrate 50 Years of Deadly, honouring the strength, resilience and achievements of First Nations people. Today's guest, Dessy, is a proud First Nations man from the Gold Coast whose story reflects that spirit. After an accident left him legally blind, Dessy has overcome challenges to now provide inspiration and support to First Nations young people. Studying First Nations yo...

In this episode, we celebrate Pride Month, a significant event on our calendar as we support people with disability from the LGBTQIA community. Today we're joined by Sam, a proud non-binary member of the community who shares their journey of growth, empowerment and advocacy. Sam reflects on how respectful, affirming support from the NDIS helped them build confidence and capacity. I started by aski...

In our first episode of 2026, we recognise Young Carers Action Day by shining a light on the vital role young carers play in our communities. It’s a day to encourage everyone to take meaningful action—supporting young carers, raising awareness of their experiences, and acknowledging the responsibilities they carry every day. Meet 14-year-old George from the seaside town of Hervey Bay. George is a...

This October, Australia comes together to recognise National Carers Week, a time to reflect on and celebrate the vital work of unpaid carers across the country. As the peak body for carers in our state, Carers Queensland is at the forefront of advocating for recognition, support and positive change for all carers in our state. In this special episode, we sit down with three carers who each share h...

Welcome to our special Harmony Week 2025 podcast. This year we're celebrating the theme of Everyone Belongs, which emphasises the importance of embracing our differences and fostering a sense of belonging for all Australians. In this episode, we talk to Rawah and Samah - two young sisters who successfully obtained entry to Australia from Iraq via humanitarian visas. After meeting access to the NDI...

Each year on December 3, people around the world participate in International Day of People with Disability. The day is dedicated to celebrating the contributions and achievements of people with disability while also promoting awareness, understanding and acceptance within our communities. The day provides a chance to positively impact the lives of the 5.5 million Australians living with disabilit...

As a Rainbow supporter and ally, Carers Queensland has been actively involved in a range of events to celebrate Pride Month. Our teams proudly attended Brisbane Pride by marching in the rally and hosting an information stall at Pride Fair Day in Musgrave Park. We also co-hosted a panel discussion at the first Logan Loud and Proud Festival held at the Kingston Butter Factory. In this episode we hea...

Here at Carers Queensland, we're celebrating National Carers Week. This year's theme is a million reasons to care and is an opportunity to celebrate carers and raise community awareness across Australia about the diversity and impact of their caring roles. Join us in celebrating Australia's 3 million unpaid carers and show them you care. Carers Queensland is fortunate to employ wonderful staff, in...

In this episode, we feature 41-year-old Hani Watson from Brisbane, who'll be competing at the Paralympics in Paris as Australia's first female para powerlifter in twelve years. Hani was born with bilateral metaphysical dysplasia which bowed her tibia and femur bones, resulting in numerous surgeries and painful recoveries. She was introduced to powerlifting at an early age, yet becoming a Paralympi...

Our Carers Queensland Local Area Coordinators continue to support local organisations to make practical changes to ensure people with disability have the opportunity to meet like-minded people in our community, participate in social activities, and build skills and experience. The community garden in Yarrabilba in the Logan region is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, including today's gue...

Erik Horrie, a 44-year-old rower from the Gold Coast, represents the spirit of a Paralympian and has said that the “honour of being a paralympic medallist holds an even greater significance”. Several years ago, Erik's path was dramatically altered by a car accident that led to Paraplegia, which became the catalyst for his love of competitive rowing from 2011. A highly decorated para-athlete, Erik...

Well, it's been four years since the summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo. During a time of COVID lockdown. The 2020 Games featured the highest number of athletes ever to compete at a Paralympics, with 4403 participants, including 1453 female para-athletes, the highest number in the history of the games. Four years on and the Paralympics are back bigger than ever, this time in Paris, France and here a...

The theme for this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations is Keep the Fire Burning - Black, Loud and Proud. Carers Queensland recognises the strength and vitality of First nations people and continues to work together with local communities to support First nations people with disability and carers by continuing the journey to reconciliation within Australia, we have developed our own reconciliation acti...

Men's Health Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing men's physical and mental health.  After witnessing the tragic events of the Dreamworld tragedy in 2016, 54-year-old Michael Clancy from the Gold Coast found support and companionship from an unlikely friend – a parrot.  Since discovering the therapeutic benefits of owning a bird, Michael has built the not-for-profit...

Qualified horticulturalist and nursery owner Nathan Freeney has been working in the community garden sector for over 15 years and has future plans to provide increased learning and employment opportunities for people with disability. Through his collaboration with Carers Queensland, the 32 year old Coolum resident has built strong relationships with several community gardens, including Beachmere,...

Carers Queensland is working with emergency service agencies to improve disaster response for people with disability.  Our Get Ready, Plan Ahead workshops, in conjunction with the Queensland Disability Network (QDN) aim to reduce disaster risk by including people with disability in disaster planning processes. By working closely with key groups, we are building stronger connections for people with...

To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, we are spotlighting the unique abilities and strengths of individuals with autism. Join us as we chat with Amy from Dalveen, a member of the Amplifying Young Voices reference group, and Phil Sharpe, president of the South Brisbane Men's Shed. Listen as our guests share their personal experiences and insights on promoting inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and...

The theme for Harmony Week this year is  Everyone Belongs -   recognising the diversity of Australians and bringing together people from different backgrounds - promoting inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Carers Queensland serves communities made up of a rich tapestry of cultures. We are strongly committed to supporting diversity within our workplace and our communitie...

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day campaign is  #InspireInclusion  to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. In this episode, we celebrate International Women's Day 2024 with a flashback to several of the outstanding women who have appeared in our Choice and Control Podcast.

This summer, Carers Queensland joined the Sunshine Coast Council and other local organisations for the 'All Access Day at the Beach 2023'.  A day of fun in the sun at Mooloolaba Main Beach, locals came and celebrated International Day of People with Disability with the Sunshine Coast community by participating in a range of all-abilities activities such as surfing, swimming, kite flying, sign and...

Every year on 3 December, people around the world take part in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD); A day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in our community.  In this episode we talk to three successful business owners who are part of our International Day of People with Disability celebrati...

Every year on 3 December, people around the world take part in International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD); A day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in our community.  In this episode we talk to two experienced motivational speakers who are part of our International Day of People with Disability cele...

National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution Australia’s 2.65 million carers make to our nation.  Here at Carers Queensland we aim to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles. In this episode we chat to two carers - Richard from Brisbane and Nathaly from North Lakes. Both carers share their journe...

Every year we get to shine a light on mental health for Qld Mental Health week - a time to raise awareness, find belonging and stay connected.  At Carers Queensland, we support people with disability, their carers and family to connect with local community groups and support, promoting greater access to social and recreational community activities. In this episode, we hear from two NDIS participan...

Well spring has sprung and here at Carers Qld we recognise the wonderful opportunities that Community gardens can offer people with disability. Whether it’s meeting like-minded people, participating in social activities, or building practical gardening skills, Carers Qld is working with Community Garden representatives to increase their understanding of inclusion. In this episode we hear from two...