The funding is being delivered through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program, which is a $140.3 million investment by the Federal Labor Government to deliver critical projects in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families.

RIAC’s three-year ILC program will build the individual capability of people with disabilities by supporting three participant-led Peer Action Groups (PAGs) in Bendigo, Mildura, and Shepparton and three in the Barwon region: Ocean Grove, Torquay, and Bannockburn.

This program, to be delivered in partnership with Grampians DisAbility Advocacy, will help better integrate people with disabilities into their communities by providing an innovative program of training and self-advocacy.

Local projects spearheaded by the PAGs will likely involve developing partnerships with local sports clubs, businesses, and civic organisations to enhance inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.

This grant round was highly competitive and prioritised funding to organisations who support autistic people or people with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities, as these groups often face disproportionate barriers to accessing appropriate supports.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

“RIAC is an outstanding organisation that provides independent advocacy and support for local people who might struggle navigating services like the NDIS.

“Their service is in demand and that is why I’m proud to see $2.2m in Federal funding for a new program to support and empower more local people with disabilities across Bendigo.

“The NDIS has the capacity to change lives for the better, and this program will give people with intellectual disabilities the confidence and skills to break down barriers of access.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO RIGHTS INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY CENTRE CEO, DR SANDY ROSS:

“We will support capability building based on awareness of rights and developing participants’ skills, knowledge and confidence for self-advocacy to exercise those rights.

“The training element of the program is based on recognising that people with intellectual disabilities learn best through practical, hands-on, real-life experiences instead of traditional classroom-based methods.

“By promoting integration, inclusion, and active participation in the community, we are working towards a society where people with disabilities are fully included and can contribute meaningfully.”