Inclusion Australia celebrates 70 years!

70 years ago, a group of families of people with an intellectual disability came together to meet about inclusion and rights. This meeting went for two days straight. Their dedication still inspires all of us at Inclusion Australia today.

As one of Australia’s longest-standing disability advocacy organisations, we are proud of what we achieved then, and the positive changes we are making today. But we are also ready to step into a future that is fair for all.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last 70 years. None of our efforts would be possible without you.

Stay tuned for more news about our platinum anniversary celebrations later in the year.

Thank you to the Minister for the NDIS, Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Social Services, Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, and to Shadow Minister for the NDIS, Hon Michael Sukkar MP for sending your birthday wishes!

Watch their messages below or via our You Tube Channel: https://youtu.be/Nn0CRxCWARs.

A message from our CEO, Catherine McAlpine:

On 22 May 1954, a group of families of people with an intellectual disability came together to advocate for inclusion and rights. That meeting went on for over two days and it was still running 70 years ago, today.

That was Australia’s introduction to Inclusion Australia. A group of passionate trailblazers, who wanted to do what was right for Australians with an intellectual disability. And they did that and so much more.

Thanks to them, Inclusion Australia was there to help steer the introduction of Australia’s first disability discrimination laws.

Today, we remain strong as we continue our quest for inclusive education, equal jobs for equal pay, and improvements to health and housing.

When I look to the future, I want to see an inclusive Australia for all. With people with an intellectual disability at the centre of everything we do. I can only imagine the positive change we can continue to create over the next 70 years.

Happy 70th Birthday Inclusion Australia!

A happy birthday message from our Board Chair, Felicity Crowther:

As Chair of Inclusion Australia, I’m incredibly proud to be celebrating our 70th anniversary this week.

We’re not just celebrating our past achievements but looking forward to a future where everyone is included. We will continue to listen to the voices of those with an intellectual disability and their families, putting you at the centre of all we do as we all work to build a fairer, more equitable Australia.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Inclusion Australia over the years. Here’s to another 70 years of making a difference together.