Armidale will place inclusion, accessibility, and community leadership firmly in the spotlight this December as The Ascent Group prepares to host two major back-to-back events: the Armidale Disability Summit during the day, followed by the Inclusion in Action Disability Awards that evening.
Both events, which coincide with International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Wednesday 3 December, will be held at the Armidale Bowling Club. The main aim is to bring together people with lived experience of disability, local organisations, businesses, advocates, service providers, and community leaders to strengthen conversations and celebrate achievements across the region.
CEO of the Ascent Group, Penny Lamaro, said, “The biggest goal is just to start conversations, we don’t talk about disability and inclusion enough in our community.”
The Armidale Disability Summit, running from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, will serve as a regional forum focused on the practical realities of disability inclusion in rural and regional communities. Attendees can expect a full program of presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions centred on improving access, fostering community connection, and building sustainable supports throughout the New England.
The event encourages open dialogue between individuals, families, professionals, policymakers, and local organisations, with a shared goal of removing barriers and shaping more inclusive futures.
While large-scale disability forums are more commonly held in metropolitan areas, this Summit specifically targets the needs and strengths of regional communities. The program is designed to highlight local perspectives, celebrate innovative approaches already happening in the region, and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
“My personal take on things having worked in the Women’s Shelter for years, and now for the Ascent Group, is that vulnerability is a human experience regardless of what form it takes,” said Ms Lamaro.
“I think one of the biggest take aways from the Summit will be the importance of connection with community for people with disability – connection with the same community as everyone else, not being hidden away.”
Ms Lamaro said she also hopes that the event will allow services to not only be more visible to those that need them, but also for them to become more collaborative.
“The current government funding model makes it really hard for services to collaborate… there’s always a lot of uncertainty around funding and services also often aren’t held to account,” she said.
“That becomes even more important in regional communities where you may only have one option for a specific service – we as providers need to be open to criticism.”
In the evening, the Inclusion in Action Disability Awards will shift the focus to celebration. Running from 6:30 pm, the awards gala recognises the individuals, employers, community groups, venues, and young advocates who are making meaningful contributions to accessibility and inclusion across the New England region.
With multiple award categories covering lived-experience leadership, inclusive employment, youth advocacy, community collaboration, accessible events and venues, storytelling, and a People’s Choice category, the night will shine a light on the everyday champions who contribute to a more equitable regional community.
“The Awards are going to be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get a bit glitzy and glamorous and have a wonderful night out celebrating some of the phenomenal people and organisations we have in our community,” said Ms Lamaro.
The Awards include a mix of formal presentations, dinner, and entertainment, creating an uplifting atmosphere to acknowledge achievements while encouraging continued progress in disability inclusion. Cash prizes and community recognition are part of the celebrations, but the heart of the evening lies in amplifying the positive impact of local efforts – big and small.
The Ascent Group is a long-standing regional organisation with deep roots in Armidale and the wider New England. Originating in the 1950s as a local initiative supporting children with developmental disabilities, Ascent has grown into a multifaceted not-for-profit provider offering supported living, employment assistance, life-skills programs, in-home and community supports, and youth services under the NDIS. Its mission remains focused on strengthening independence, connection, and opportunity, particularly for people living in regional and rural areas.
“There’s a lot of media around negativity in the disability space,” said Ms Lamaro.
“What I want more than anything from both the summit, and the awards is for us to focus on solutions for a change.”
“I believe in our community and I’m a very firm believer in the fact that we do have all the solutions we need, right here in our community, we just need the right opportunities to bring them all together and bring them out.”
Together, these two events create a full day of learning, sharing, celebration, and community spirit. For Armidale, the Disability Summit and Inclusion in Action Awards represent more than a date on the calendar – they are a commitment to acknowledging challenges, celebrating achievements, and moving forward with purpose toward a more inclusive region for all.
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