JFA Purple Orange

18/06/2026

A lot of workplaces don't realise that accessibility is stopping them from reaching their full potential 👈

This morning, Ayla, from Purple Orange's Road to Employment project, was invited to speak at an Disability Employment Investments event held at Flinders University.

It was an illuminating event, during which Ayla shared her experiences on what effective, accessible employment looks like in practice.

Other featured speakers included:
- Laura Davis. Chief Executive Officer, British Association for Supported Employment (BASE).
- Dr Jung Yoon. The Centre for Social Impact, Flinders University.
- Government Funded Employer Supports. Outlining government funding available to employers to assist with workplace modifications, recruitment assistance, and workforce capability development.

We hope that all those who attended the event were able to leave with some key insights into how to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace for everyone.

Learn more about our Road to Employment project: https://purpleorange.org.au/project/road-to-employment/

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[ID: A presenter stands at the front of the room, speaking and giving a presentation. Attendees are seated around circle tables listening and looking at a presentation displayed on a large screen to the left. Notebooks, drinks and breakfast can be seen on the table.]

17/06/2026

Celebrating the life of Dr Ellen Fraser-Barbour

On Sunday 5 July, a public memorial will be held to celebrate Ellen's life.

If your life was touched by Ellen and you would like to share memories, honour her legacy, and celebrate the remarkable person she was, you are warmly invited to attend.

Date: 5 July 2026
Time: 2pm - 4:30pm ACST
Venue: Clarence Gardens Bowling Club, Winona Ave, Clarence Gardens

As venue capacity is limited, please RSVP to reserve your place via Humanitix >
https://events.humanitix.com/celebrating-the-life-of-dr-ellen-fraser-barbour

To support accessibility, live captioning and an Auslan interpreter will be available.

If you have any access requirements, please advise during the RSVP stage of checkout.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the memorial will also be live streamed. A livestream link will be sent to people who select 'watching online' from the ticket options.

An access guide and streaming link will be emailed to all guests closer to the date.
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17/06/2026

In the media: JFA Purple Orange raises concerns about NDIS reforms

In a 7NEWS article, JFA Purple Orange interim CEO Tracey Wallace raised concerns about the proposed NDIS cuts and reforms. Concerns include implementation timeframes, access to supports in regional, rural and remote communities, and the risk of cost shifting to other service systems.

“Much has been made of fraud and misconduct in the Scheme yet most of the reform measures target participants rather than those doing the wrong thing.”

Successful reform requires genuine engagement with people with disability. Something which appears to have been overlooked in the development of these reforms and the new Bill.

JFA Purple Orange continues to advocate for an extension to the Senate Inquiry that would allow for a full examination of all elements of the proposed changes.

Read the full article on the 7NEWS website > https://7news.com.au/news/shelly-did-not-attend-an-ndis-cuts-protest-despite-her-fear-of-isolation-she-couldnt-leave-the-house-c-22354277


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ID: A Purple Orange graphic with a light purple background, featuring abstract circular shapes in green and cream. A banner in the top left reads “In the Media”. The central message states: “NDIS Reforms. We’re calling for more time to fully examine the proposed NDIS changes.” The Purple Orange logo appears in the bottom left corner.

16/06/2026

One week onwards and the budget is still a hot topic of conversation for us at Purple Orange 📣

We want to thank Vision Australia Radio and Peter Greco for hosting our Strategy Leader, Belle Owen, on a recent episode of Leisure Link to talk about the recently released SA budget.

Belle talked with Peter about how the state budget lacks funding for independent advocacy, while also recognising the welcome funding that's been included in this budget.

With a proposed move of some of the services from the NDIS to state services, Belle and Peter spoke on the disappointment of the lack of state forward thinking and preparation, noting how important being prepared for this will be.

👉 Listen to the episode here: https://omny.fm/shows/leisure-link/13-jun-2026

16/06/2026

Young people with disability: we want to hear from you! 📣

We're looking for young people with disability aged 10-16 to be part of a new video for the Together We Learn project.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 What makes you feel included at school?
♿ What do people need to know about access?
💬 What words do you use about your disability?

By sharing your experiences, you'll help Year 5 and 6 students across Australia learn about disability, accessibility and inclusion.

Filming will take place in Brooklyn Park on 6 or 8 July during the school holidays.
You'll attend one 1-hour session between 10am and 4pm.
An honorarium will be provided to thank you for your time.

Want to be involved? Complete the EOI form today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qJuGzk-meEmQRsMjRoM05zOrnue_uJhEmnr8HfjuNKRUMUY3MjJKSVIyQUQyVDhVNFdKQzhCWU9UNi4u

15/06/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Applications are CLOSING TODAY for the Neurodivergent LGBTQIASB+ Youth Community Leadership Program.

This is a free SA-based program for neurodivergent LGBTQIASB+ young people aged 18–25. You do not need a formal diagnosis or an NDIS plan to join.

Leadership doesn't always look the way people expect. You might already be leading in your community, advocating for change, supporting others or speaking up about what matters to you - even if you don't call it leadership. This program names that, builds on it and takes it further alongside people who share similar experiences.

Learn more about five topic areas explored across weekly sessions:
- Building Leadership Foundations
- Leadership in Context
- Leadership Challenges
- Our Community Ecosystem
- Tools for Leaders

Register your interest! https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qJuGzk-meEmQRsMjRoM055cNHPnKNY9ElPkYLU7fstJUOVY2VE5CSTNTSEM5TkRFUkI5TkpLQ1E5OS4u

11/06/2026

Hiring the right person starts with creating the right opportunity.

If you're someone who hires staff, leads teams, manages the recruitment process or just wants to learn more about disability inclusion, sign up for our FREE online inclusive training event.

Learn practical strategies to attract, recruit and retain talented people with disability, gain competitive advantage, challenge common barriers and build more inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Wednesday 24 June
9:30am to 11:30am

This online event is totally FREE but registration is essential.

Click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/ypu4t9jy

Know someone who might be interested? Please share this post with them. This training is perfect for those working in Finance, Professional Services, IT, local and state government departments.


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04/06/2026

Will failure to fund independent advocacy in SA Budget end up costing us more? 🤔

State Government funding for independent disability advocacy services has never been more important with planned cuts to the NDIS just around the corner. But, yet again, it is missing from the State Budget.

Independent disability advocacy services are critical to ensure people with disability are supported to access and navigate mainstream systems and avoid unnecessary hospitalisations or small issues escalating into crises, putting even more pressure on already overstretched and overwhelmed services.

“At best, people experience worse outcomes due to delays, and costs are simply shifted from one service system to another," Belle Owen, Interim Strategy Leader at JFA Purple Orange, said.

“At worst, people are left without a safe place to live, without essential supports for daily living and personal hygiene, and without access to critical, or even basic, healthcare. It’s not an exaggeration to say people’s lives are put at risk.”

So, where is the funding?
Read our full media release here: https://purpleorange.org.au/media-release/state-budget-fails-to-fund-independent-disability-advocacy/

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[ID: cream background with a media release tag in light purple in the top left corner. Dark purple circle in the bottom right reads "State Budget: Failure to fund independent disability advocacy may end up costing us more". Dark green circle accent on left and Purple Orange logo in top right corner.]

02/06/2026

Are you passionate about social innovation? 💡

Our sibling organisation, JFM Fund, is hiring a Grants Manager to help drive funding projects that support innovation, inclusion and positive change for people with disability.

We're looking for someone who is values driven, has experience managing grants and funding processes, and is excited by the opportunity to co-design grants that support projects that create more inclusive communities.

If you're motivated by purpose, collaboration and making a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

👉 Apply now via SEEK: https://au.seek.com/job/92363548
Applications close 9am 15 June, 2026.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities, including people with disability, First Nations people, people from CALD backgrounds and the LGBTQI+ community.

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[ID: A cream background with green circular design accents. At the top is the JFM Fund logo, followed by text that reads: “Are you ready to create change? JFM Fund are hiring a Grants Manager!”

The graphic features a photo of a woman with short grey hair and glasses sitting at a café table. She is smiling while talking on a mobile phone and wearing a navy-blue top, with a coffee cup in front of her. A stone wall with a mint-green door frame is in the background.]

27/05/2026

Registrations closing soon! 👈

What if our community was built so people with disability and neurodivergent people felt genuinely welcomed, included and understood everywhere they go?

Not just in theory, in real life.
At school, work, community events, sporting clubs, cafés and everyday spaces.

We’re bringing a FREE Disability Inclusion and Neurodivergence Training Showcase Event to Port Lincoln, and you're invited!

This training is open to anyone who is passionate about meaningful inclusion for people with disability.

Join us for a relaxed morning tea and practical conversations about creating communities where everyone belongs.

Where: Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, Port Lincoln
When: Thurs 4 Jun, 10am - 1:30pm

This is more than training. It’s about building a stronger, more inclusive Port Lincoln together.

👉 Register now https://events.humanitix.com/free-disability-inclusion-and-neurodivergence-training-showcase-event-in-port-lincoln-morning-tea-and-meaningful-inclusion

JFA Purple Orange Disability Inclusion Project invites you to join us for our Training Showcase featuring our highly regarded Foundations Training, networking with morning tea, and be amongst the first to experience our new Neurodivergence Module! Start your morning with our Disability Inclusion Fou...