Spreading the Inclusion Revolution
Our week in Melbourne events!
What a week!
It began with our attendance by invitation, at the Social Traders Social Enterprise Trade Fair on Tuesday 16 September - a gathering of certified social enterprises. We were invited to exhibit which proudly displayed information and samples of the work that we do. Stallholders were all member of the Social Traders Grow Program which exists to support certified social enterprises who are actively looking to provide employment to disabled people, while growing trade revenue through social procurement. It was great to see people keen to learn more about Easy Read.
The Easy Read Toolbox was so excited to attend the Social Traders Convene 2025 conference, which took place on Wednesday 17 September. It was a fantastic turnout, with all the invitees representing or supporting social enterprises, or in short, businesses for good.
Hosted in Melbourne’s CBD, the event was beautifully catered, and the Convene staff were warm and welcoming throughout the day. There was a truly warm and overwhelming feeling being surrounded by people who run a business with their head, while actively creating change with their heart.
Social enterprises are so diverse. We met with and listened to social enterprises talking about the amazing work they do, people such as Jehan Retnatunga, co-founder of Who Gives a Crap, and Sarah Sheridan Deputy CEO of Clothing the Gap. We also learned from people such as Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay.
The most encouraging thing was seeing a lot of regular businesses who were there to simply learn how they could make changes to their procurement process, hiring etc, to make an impact and do good.
The Toolbox team had the chance to connect with other social enterprises and some of the inspiring presenters. We’re already looking forward to being invited back next year!
The highlight of our week however was to attend and exhibit at the National Disability Summit which was held in Melbourne’s Southbank District on 18 and 19 September. An impressive list of inspiring speakers was on the programme, such as disability advocate Emma Bennison from Bennison and Associates, Jill Gallagher AO, Aboriginal leader and CEO of VACCHO and Sharon Xabregas, CEO from Sign Hear.
We connected with so many people from different disability focus areas. It was great to see the interest attendees and exhibitors showed in accessible communication.
It was great to see robust discussion on panels about the need for the mainstream world to take on the advice of people with disability when designing their physical spaces and developing their policies. So much to do, but thanks to these forums, we can raise our voice.
If you were at any of these events but missed us, or, if you missed the events altogether, head for our website and subscribe to our newsletter to get your free resource. Get started on your accessibility journey and join us in the inclusion revolution!
