Barbara and APM Communities

Finding purpose and community in Hervey Bay 

What started as a 15-minute job interview became a two-hour conversation and the start of a long mentorship for Barbara, which has set her on a new path. 

“My life has changed heaps since I've met the crew at APM,” says Barbara.  

Through support from Sarah, APM’s Local Area Coordinator, Barbara became involved in DIG, the Disability Innovations Group. 

Sarah brought together this group of six local people who are interested in making Hervey Bay more accessible and inclusive. 

It was established to support people living with a disability to better engage with mainstream and community providers, and have a say in how things can improve. 

“The impact in the community has been about raising awareness, giving a voice to people with a disability and creating avenues for access and awareness that didn't previously exist,” explains Teri, from APM’s Community Capacity Building Team. 

One of the group’s biggest achievements was leading the creation FestABLE, an inclusive community event designed and managed by people with disability. 

The event attracted more than 3,000 people and featured art competitions, musical performances, stalls and activities. 

Barbara says the most important part was being genuinely involved. 

“We were part of creating that event. Sarah involved us completely. We weren’t just on the sideline or given one little piece.” 

Now, FestABLE has grown into an annual celebration of inclusion and community in Hervey Bay. 

And Sarah has watched Barbara grow too. 

“Before she was like a mentee. She is now a mentor. And the fact that she's stuck with it so long is that she's so passionate about it.” 

Through DIG’s work and members, they helped establish Fraser Coast Advocacy and Inclusion Inc., an incorporated not-for-profit organisation where Barbara now serves as Chair. 

With the help of APM, the group has connected people with services and resources, opening new opportunities for its members and the wider community. 

“I’ve got purpose, and I feel I have community,” Barbara says. 

“The value that connection has for people who need that step up, you can’t put a dollar value on it.” 

As a NDIS Partner in the Community, APM Communities delivers NDIS Local Area Coordination services in parts of Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Our experienced Local Area Coordinators (LACs) work alongside people with disability, their families, and carers to help identify and access the supports they need.

Learn more: LAC Services & NDIS Eligibility