Update from the NCDA, June 2025 

Welcome to June. What’s new this month? 

The NCDA team is deep in planning mode, preparing for the year ahead as we continue delivering capacity-building activities for organisations funded through the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP). 

As you may have heard, changes are on the horizon. The Commonwealth is working on a new individual disability advocacy program to replace NDAP. Right now, the details of how this new program will differ from the existing one remain unclear. 

What we do know is this: no matter the changes, the NCDA will be here to support the sector to navigate the transition and to keep delivering quality, rights-based advocacy. 

We also want to let you know that DANA has been asked by the Department of Social Services (DSS) to consult with advocacy leaders, frontline advocates, and people with disability on the design of the new advocacy program. DANA will be in touch soon with more details on how you can contribute to this important work. 

This month, we’d like to give a special mention to Kerry McLinden from Southern Disability Advocacy in Victoria. Kerry is retiring in July, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in a long and dedicated career. 

Since joining Southern Disability in 1999, Kerry has been a passionate and tireless advocate for people with disability and a staunch supporter of the broader advocacy sector. Kerry is one of the many unsung heroes who have witnessed and helped shape significant change in our sector, remaining steadfast and committed throughout. On behalf of all of us, thank you, Kerry, for the time, energy, and heart you have poured into your work. In true Kerry style, when we reached out to see if we could interview her, she graciously declined.  

Who or what has shaped your advocacy practice? 

Kerry’s retirement has sparked a beautiful reflection within our team: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your advocacy practice? 

Maybe it was a mentor who taught you how to hold your ground. A community that trusted you to speak up. A piece of research that reshaped your approach. 

We’d love to hear from you. Share your reflections, a resource, or tag a colleague who helped shape your advocacy journey in the NCDA Community—found under ‘Portal Communities’ on the Disability Advocacy Sector Portal. It’s our shared space for connection and conversation, and your voice helps keep it alive and meaningful. 

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events this month! If you can’t make it but would like to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out—our team is always happy to meet and chat about how we can better support you and your organisation. 

We’re excited to hear your ideas and contributions!