Bond University (in conjunction with Professor Michelle McLean -Editor-in-Chief, Ms Elmarie Stander, Assistant Professor Jaclyn Szkwara, Associate Professor Allan Stirling, Dr Priya Iyer, Associate Professor Tanisha Jowsey, Dr Thomas Titus and PDA’s Ambassador, Dinesh Palipana) has had an invaluable resource published to support and inform those affected by spinal cord injury.
Stemming from an initial idea by Dinesh Palipana and Thomas Titus to create ‘something’ that would be useful to everyone affected by and involved with spinal cord injury, this publication contains information, resources, research and most importantly, personal, lived experiences, in one place.
The direct link to the book is:
www.bond.studium.pub/life-well-lived-with-spinal-cord-injuries
The festive season can be an incredibly difficult time for many of us and it is important to know that help and understanding is available for anyone in need of an understanding ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on or a heart to care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, please reach out to family, friends or a support organisation.
Keep in touch with your loved ones and be aware of those around you.
Take care of yourself and others.
You are not alone!
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
headspace on 1800 650 890
“Public Services International (PSI), in conjunction with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has launched a comprehensive Guide on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Public Services.
The guide highlights successful case studies where public services unions have made meaningful progress in disability inclusion, while also offering clear pathways for improvement where gaps remain. As organisations representing public services workers, unions hold a strategic position to champion decent work for persons with disabilities—not only benefiting these workers directly but also contributing to more accessible and inclusive public services for all.
The guide reinforces that disability inclusion in the workplace is not merely an ethical obligation but a crucial component of social justice and decent work—principles that both PSI and the ILO have championed for decades. By providing practical resources for public service unions, we aim to accelerate progress toward workplaces that are open, safe, stable, inclusive and accessible for all workers.”
To read the Guide in its entirety, please visit:
PDA’s Vice President/ACT Director, Paul Williamson, was part of this project.
The National Centre for Disability Advocacy (NCDA) has released a new report that highlights systemic failures throughout Australia in housing, transport and guardianship and also guides where reform needs to be focused.
https://ncda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NCDA-Systemic-Advocacy-Insight-Report-2025-Final.pdf
Call 1300 311 675 for consistent and accurate information about scheme processes and operations.
The existing number will remain with a focus on servicing participants.
In light of the terrible flooding in NSW, and ongoing issues around cost of living, accessing services and housing availability, caring for our mental health is ever important and we want to remind everyone that help and understanding is available for anyone in need of an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on or a heart to care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, please reach out to family, friends or a support organisation.
Keep in touch with your loved ones and be aware of those around you.
Take care of yourself and others.
You are not alone!
If you have been impacted by the NSW floods and need immediate (life-threatening) assistance, call 000 immediately and identify yourself as a person living with a disability.
For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency help during severe weather, contact the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.
The Australian Government also provides a helpful factsheet for those impacted by floods – https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/11/health-supports-for-flood-affected-australians.docx
Download the Hazards Near Me App (https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app) for the latest warnings and information.
Residents can visit a Recovery Centre (https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates#Recovery-centres-to-open-from-Tuesday-27-May) for practical recovery advice and support.
Learn more on flood safety and clean up advice (https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/recovery).
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
headspace on 1800 650 890
The severe weather system that brought record flooding across northern NSW is moving south and causing considerable damage on the NSW Central Coast, extending to parts of the South Coast.
For people living with a disability, this can be a particularly difficult and dangerous time and we encourage you to reach out for support if you are concerned about your safety.
Remember help is available and to make contact early, don’t wait until your circumstances are dire.
With Cyclone Alfred expected to cross South East QLD in the next few days, we hope that everyone in the area has adequately prepared to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
If you haven’t yet put together your emergency preparedness plan, we encourage you to check out the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Workbook to help prepare for disasters and emergencies – https://qdn.org.au/resources/pcep-workbook/
P-CEP was developed by the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at The University of Sydney, in collaboration with the Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) and the Community Services Industry Alliance (CSIA).
Prepare or check your existing emergency kit – https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/get-prepared
Make sure you have enough medicine to cover you for at least a week.
If you use a powered medical equipment (such as a dialysis machine or ventilator) ensure that you have a plan in place in case you lose power.
Have a radio tuned in to your local radio station and make sure that you have replacement batteries available.
To stay up to date with emergency warnings and information:
Most importantly, stay safe.
ACCAN (Australian Communications Consumer Action Network) has developed Accessible Telecoms.
It is an extremely useful free service to find independent and up-to-date information on telecommunication products and services that are suitable for seniors and people with disabilities.
On the website you can access information on topics such as:
https://www.accessibletelecoms.org.au
“The Australian Government’s Digital ID app is now known as myID.
It has a new name and new look, but how you use it remains the same.
What you need to know
There’s nothing you need to do.
You still have:
While we transition, you may see references to both myID and myGovID.
Why the change
The change aims to reduce the ongoing confusion between the app’s previous name ( myGovID) and myGov.
The new name for the Australian Government Digital ID app reflects the community’s evolving understanding of Digital IDExternal link and demonstrates how a whole-of-government ID provider can help protect Australians from identity theft and fraud.
Avoid scams
It is important to be aware of fraudulent websites, apps and phishing scams.
While we transition, you may see references to both myID and myGovID.
You do not need to set up a new myID or reconfirm your details. If you’ve been prompted to go to a website to do so, this is a scam.
Be cautious as scammers can make fake websites or apps that look just like myID or myGovID.
To help protect yourself:
1800 732 674
