Update From the NCDA, July 2025

Welcome to our July update. Let’s look at what’s on at the NCDA this month.

Welcome, Emy!

We’re delighted to welcome Emy Maiorino to the NCDA as our new Data Education and Engagement Officer.

Emy brings experience in social impact and outcomes reporting, with a background in consulting to local and state governments as well as the not-for-profit sector. She also brings direct experience in disability support and a strong commitment to making data meaningful and useful for the sector.

One of Emy’s first projects will be preparing for the Annual Advocacy Workforce Survey, which launches in August. This survey is a vital opportunity to better understand and represent the strengths, needs, and conditions of the advocacy workforce. You’ll hear more from Emy soon on how you and your organisation can take part.

Help shape the new advocacy program

As you may know, the Australian Government has announced a new Independent Disability Advocacy Program, to begin in July 2025. In the lead-up, DANA will be hosting a series of online workshops throughout July and August. These will bring together people with disability and advocates to explore what the new program could—and should—look like.

Together, we’ll be asking, ‘What makes advocacy effective?’It’s a topic we could all talk about endlessly! Watch out for information over the next couple of weeks on how you can participate.

This month’s conversation: soft skills in advocacy

At NCDA, we’ve been reflecting on the importance of soft skills in advocacy practice: communication, empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving. These are the skills that help us connect with people, build trust, and respond in ways that are grounded, respectful and effective.

We’d love to hear from you:

• Think of a time when you achieved a great advocacy outcome.
• What’s the one skill that made the biggest difference?

Jump into the NCDA Community on the Disability Advocacy Sector Portal and share your reflection—or respond to someone else’s. These conversations are a great way to keep learning from each other’s experience.

If there’s something you’d like to share or discuss, please don’t hesitate to reach out.