SARA WECKERLE
On Wednesday September 13th, the annual Gold Coast Inclusive Communities (GCIC) Expo was held at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
The event, an initiative of non-profit organisation Benevolent Society, aimed to improve access and inclusion in the community, raise awareness of disability issues and empower people with disability.
Benevolent Society Parent Connect Co-ordinator Karen Carter said the GCIC Expo has been successfully running for 4 years.
“I felt an expo would be an opportunity for families to come together in one location to gather information and resources and to seek support for themselves or their children,” Miss Carter said.
The event showcased a vast range of services, information, entertainment and people available to help showcase how inclusive and accessible the Gold Coast community can be.
“The event is for all the community to highlight the needs for those with disability and how the wider community can learn to be more inclusive,” Miss Carter said.
The GCIC expo has significantly grown since the first mini expo held in Coomera in 2016.
“From the first year, I felt that we needed a bigger venue and more support from the community, so I reached out to other organisations and selected a committee that consisted of five agencies; Benevolent Society, FSG, Carers QLD, House with No Steps and Gold Coast City Council.”
FSG volunteer Amy Madigan said this year’s event was another step to a more inclusive community.
“It’s been a great day with a wonderful turn out considering this year’s change of location,” Miss Madigan said.
“There are lots of stall holders willing to share their information and help share the message of disability access and inclusion.”