Victorian Disability Worker Commission

This week VDWC staff and Acting Commissioner Kate Maddern attended the VALID Advocacy in Action Conference in Preston!

We heard from passionate disability advocates and self-advocates about the issues and opportunities they are seeing for people with disability in Victoria.

Kate also joined a panel discussion on regulation, safeguarding, and advocacy by and for people with disability, exploring how the Commission and advocates can work together to strengthen safeguards to protect people with disability from harm.

Thanks to VALID for hosting the event and facilitating these important conversations.

Tomorrow, join our free Code of Conduct webinar— open to all disability workers in Victoria.

Learn how to apply the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct in your everyday work. The Code of Conduct sets out how you must provide safe, quality services to people with disability — no matter how you’re funded.

Next in the series:
Element 6 – Taking all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, and exploitation, neglect and abuse of, people with disability.

-Date and time: 23 June, 10am–11am
-Where: Online webinar

https://brnw.ch/21x3x0c

Sign-up now!

Today is Autistic Pride Day!

A day to celebrate how we think, learn, and see the world differently.

At VDWC, we’re committed to helping build safer, stronger and more inclusive communities where autistic people are respected, supported and empowered to be themselves fully and proudly. 💙

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.

These awards recognise outstanding contributions to Victoria’s multicultural communities across a range of areas.

Do you know a disability worker, advocate, or community leader creating positive change for people with disability from culturally diverse backgrounds? Consider nominating them. There are 13 award categories spanning arts, business, sport, youth leadership and more. Nominations close Monday 13 July 2026.

Find out more and nominate: https://brnw.ch/21x3p9P

Join our free Code of Conduct webinar — open to all disability workers in Victoria.

Learn how to apply the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct in your everyday work. The Code of Conduct sets out how you must provide safe, quality services to people with disability — no matter how you’re funded.

Next in the series:
Element 6 – Taking all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, and exploitation, neglect and abuse of, people with disability.

-Date and time: 23 June, 10am–11am
-Where: Online webinar

https://brnw.ch/21x3njW

Sign-up now!

We’re looking forward to participating at the upcoming VALID Advocacy in Action Conference!

Taking place 22–23 June at Novotel, 215 Bell St, Preston.
Our Acting Commissioner will be part of a panel discussion on day two, exploring regulation, safeguarding, and advocacy by and for people with disability.

To find out more, visit: https://brnw.ch/21x3llw

We hope to see you there!

Did you know the Disability Worker Code of Conduct applies to all disability workers delivering disability services in Victoria, no matter how their work is funded?

This includes people who directly provide a disability service or those who supervise or manage them.

It does not include family members who provide disability services without a fee or reward, or volunteers unless they are doing so on behalf of an organisation or agency.

We’re hosting a free webinar to help disability workers understand their responsibilities under the Code, and how it supports safe, respectful and high-quality services.

To learn more about complying with the Code of conduct, sign up for our free webinar: https://brnw.ch/21x3ht4

Our June 2026 eNewsletter is now out!

This month's edition includes:

- Upcoming Code of Conduct webinar for disability workers on 23 June

- Connecting with service providers at the National Disability Services Conference

- Nominations now open for the 2026 Victorian Disability Awards

Plus, much more.

To read it, visit our resources hub -https://brnw.ch/21x3dGh

Don't forget to subscribe at https://brnw.ch/21x3dGg to get it sent straight to your inbox every month!

Join our free Code of Conduct webinars — open to all disability workers in Victoria.

Learn how to apply the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct in your everyday work. The Code of Conduct sets out how you must provide safe, quality services to people with disability — no matter how you’re funded.

Next in the series:
Element 6 – Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, and exploitation, neglect and abuse of, people with disability.

-Date and time: 23 June, 10am–11am
-Where: Online webinar

https://brnw.ch/21x3bLW

Sign-up now!