🌟 This week, we had a great time meeting people at the Brimbank Disability, Seniors & Carers Expo! Many people were surprised to learn that we are not part of the Council. We are a small, independent group run by volunteers. We do not get any money from the government, and some of our members even use their own pensions to keep our group going! 💙

We’re committed to staying independent and working toward incorporation, so that we can apply for grants and get more support for our disability community. If you want to help, please contact us! 🙌

A special thanks to Jo Briskey MP, David Ettershank MP (and his office manager David P), Mayor Cr Thuy Dang, and Councillors Virginia Tachos and Kim Thien Truong, for taking the time to meet with us. And huge thanks to our dedicated members Jo and Lorraine, for their hard work preparing for and at the event! 👏

💻 Please like our page to follow what we do (facebook.com/brimbankdisability).
If you want to become a member, head to facebook.com/groups/brimbankdisability or email us at [email protected].
Links also in bio.

Together, we can do great things! 💪💙

#DisabilityCommunity #BrimbankPride #DisabilityRights #VolunteerPower #CommunitySupport #StayIndependent #MakeADifference #BrimbankStrong #TogetherWeCan #InclusionMatters #WeAreBrimbank #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Last night, I had the honour of attending the 'We Are Brimbank' Awards, where I was nominated for Citizen of the Year. Whilst I didn’t win—nor did I expect to—I felt truly privileged to be in the company of such inspiring individuals and organisations who are making a real difference in our community. From passionate young leaders like Billy Chen, to driven change makers like Julian Reynolds, and incredible organisations like Helping Hands Mission Op Shops, it was a night that celebrated our strong and vibrant Brimbank community.

I do what I do because I know what it feels like to be left out, to not be seen or heard. And I never want anyone in our community to feel that way. I believe in the power of people, of collective action, and of kindness. I believe that when we show up for each other, we can transform lives.

I will never stop fighting—for our people, for our planet, and for a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable Brimbank. I need no award to continue to work towards a brighter future, for everyone.

Remember, WE are Brimbank!

Sorry, I don't have any photos from the night, as no group pics were taken of the nominees, but you can watch BCC's reel of the night here:
https://www.facebook.com/stories/101812318652341/UzpfSVNDOjEwMzA1OTU2MTUzMzY0Nzg=/?view_single=1

Check out the Nominees here:
https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/living-here/our-community/we-are-brimbank-awards/nominees-we-are-brimbank-awards-2025

See the winners here:
https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/living-here/our-community/we-are-brimbank-awards/2025-we-are-brimbank-awards-winners

#WeAreBrimbank #Brimbank #VolunteerWeek2025 #NationalVolunteerWeek

It’s been a busy yet productive weekend. Yesterday, Mum and I had the pleasure of meeting Mitch Tambo, whom we both deeply admire. Today, we attended the Lions Club of Taylors Lakes picnic, where we had a chance to speak with Alice Jordan-Baird - Labor for Gorton and Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP.

During our 30+ minute discussion, I raised key issues affecting Brimbank, including the lack of funding for disability inclusion, the State Parliamentary Petition for a "new specialist school" in Deer Park, limited social connection opportunities for LGBTQIA+ adults, and our strong opposition to Melbourne Airport’s third runway. Both Alice and Michelle were receptive to the issues we raised.

We urged them to increase funding for disability support organisations in the West (including GenWest), provide resources to Brimbank City Council for inclusion programs for disabled and queer adults, improve road infrastructure—particularly Taylors Lakes' notorious roundabouts—and collaborate across all levels of government to ensure our communities receive the necessary support to thrive.

I will never stop fighting for meaningful change in our community.

#WeAreBrimbank #brimbank #melbswest #FederalElection2025

Mum and I had a great day at Brimbank's Festive Fun Day; part of Council's International Day of People With Disability celebrations. Fabulous live music, some time out in the Sensory Lounge, and catching up with various council staff in today's temperate weather.

Big thanks to Raj from BCC for working to greater accessibility and inclusion of us disabled folks. Special thanks also to the entire team at ONCALL, for organising the considered sensory lounge— I sincerely hope we will see Council engage you to bring your sensory lounge to all future events.

#WEAREBRIMBANK

ID:
Photo 1 - Shannon and her Mum with the OnCall Team in the Sensory Lounge.
Photo 2 - Shannon and her Mum at the activity and exhibition space of the event.
Photo 3 - Musicians performing on the main stage.

Brimbank Represents!

I had the opportunity to spotlight Brimbank on next week's episode of 'All In'. Joining me was our very own Deputy Mayor, Dr. Victoria Borg, and together we dove into an important discussion about mental health, how we can break down the stigma, and address its impact on our community.

For those who don’t know, 'All In' is a TV show all about disability, created by people with disability. I was so proud to highlight our awesome, often overlooked community in Melbourne's West.

Don’t miss it! Tune in next Thursday at 6:30pm on C31Melbourne (channel 44 on the dial). Let’s keep the conversation going and show the world what Brimbank is all about!

#WeAreBrimbank #DisabilityArt #DisabilityAwareness

The Council meeting last night was a shining example of what can be achieved through collective effort and shared vision. As unity and optimism filled the air, I felt privileged to meet with fellow advocates and establish strong relationships with our incoming and returning Councillors.

Warmest congratulations to all, including our newly appointed Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

#WeAreBrimbank

A few weeks ago, I got a bushel of Granny Smith apples from the orchard at Westvale Community Centre. With them I made my first apple pies and turnovers. I might have overfilled the turnovers (and I forgot to poke some air-holes in them), but they still tasted delicious!

Thanks to the staff at Westvale Community Centre for the apples and for teaching me how to make an apple chaat.

#WeAreBrimbank

Happy Pride everyone 🏳️‍🌈

Huge shout out to Jacob from Brimbank City Council's Youth Support and Inclusion Officer & #LGBTQ for an amazing opportunity.

#PrideMarch #midsummer #midsummerpride #queerpride #WeAreBrimbank #CrystalQueer

Yesterday, I met with Cynthia from Horseshoe Bend Community Group, to discuss ways we can work to make the new section of the community garden accessible for disabled people.

We looked at ways to make the pathways wheelchair friendly, make garden beds accessible to both people in wheelchairs and those who cannot bend down, and looked into how we can provide accessible parking or drop off points to the garden, so that disabled people did not have to take the long trek from the gate or carpark to the garden area.

This project is still in the early stages and I am tremendously appreciative that the group is engaging with disability advocates this early on. There are quite a few restrictions imposed on the group with what they can do in the garden at Horseshoe Bend Reserve (managed by Parks Victoria), but will work with us as best they can to ensure this garden is for everyone.

If you are a person with a disability (or a carer) and would like to discuss this project with other disabled people in the community, please join the Brimbank Disability & Neurodiversity Advocacy Group, where this post goes into further detail specific to accessibility needs.

The community group also desperately needs funding, so if you know of any grants available that can help them, please forward your suggestions on directly to them or email me at [email protected] if you prefer.

#accessible #accessiblecommunity #accessiblegardening #WeAreBrimbank @parksvic @brimbankcouncil

For those of you who were unable to tune into Wyn FM this morning, you can hear my chat about disability inclusion in Brimbank, with Sam Muscat on 'The Vibe' here:

Skip to 1:35:10 (towards the end).
https://splurt.wynfm.org.au/podcasts/2023/The-Vibe-2023-11-28-08-00-01.ogg

If you are listening on a mobile device, head to the link below.
https://www.wynfm.org.au/show.php?name=The%20Vibe&fbclid=IwAR1PRPUVNfRxhdlPyntqugsW0COPuj50ZtiOsRt6LWkQBdNDS-8fKhGbUqE

You can join the Brimbank Disability & Neurodiversity Advocacy Group here:
www.facebook.com/groups/BrimbankDisability

#DisabilityInclusion #neurodiversityawareness #WeAreBrimbank #brimbank Brimbank City Council #disability #neurodiversity