All-Abilities Expo 2026 to Unite Perth Families with Disability Support Services
An upcoming expo of disability services in Perth is set to demonstrate to families that they are not isolated, unsupported, or invisible within the community. The All-Abilities Expo 2026, organized by the Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Sunday, March 8, at Murdoch University. This event has been specifically designed to connect families, carers, and individuals with disability to a wide array of services, organizations, and networks that can provide crucial support not only during times of crisis but also in everyday life.
Building on Past Success and Addressing Community Needs
The expo builds upon a similar successful event held last year, aiming to expand its reach and impact. According to the chamber, recent tragic circumstances have underscored the immense pressures that some families face when navigating disability, care responsibilities, and access to support systems. This initiative comes in response to calls from disability advocates for greater assistance for families with high-needs children, following a suspected double murder-suicide incident in Mosman Park.
Chamber president Charlene Clarke emphasized the expo's core values, stating, "This expo is about connection, dignity, and community. When families know what support is available and feel safe enough to reach out, we see outcomes improve significantly. This event is about making sure people do not have to navigate complex NDIS systems alone."
What to Expect at the Expo
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet service providers face-to-face, ask questions, share personal experiences, and discover supports they may not have been aware of previously. The expo will feature a diverse range of stallholders, including disability service providers, community organizations, inclusive sporting clubs, and support networks from across the Perth metropolitan area. Organizations are actively encouraged to participate to help ensure that families can access a broad spectrum of information and services all in one convenient location.
The event has been thoughtfully designed to feel relaxed and family-friendly, taking place in the fully accessible Murdoch University Boola Katitjin building. In addition to exhibitor stalls, there will be informative presentations, engaging children's activities, and a selection of food trucks to enhance the overall experience.
Community-Wide Invitation and Official Opening
Families, carers, individuals with disability, friends, neighbours, and community members from across Perth are warmly encouraged to attend this important gathering. The expo is scheduled to be officially opened by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley, highlighting its significance within the broader community support framework.
This initiative aims to foster a stronger, more connected community where everyone feels supported and valued, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by disability.