Connecting Our Community
At Safe Hands Disability, we believe connection and knowledge are just as important as hands-on support. Our events program brings participants, families, carers, and community members together in welcoming, fully accessible spaces across the Hunter Region.
Whether you're new to the NDIS and want to understand your plan, a carer looking for peer support, or a participant who wants to try new activities — we have something for you. All events are free of charge, held in wheelchair-accessible venues, and facilitated by our experienced team.
- Free to attend — no NDIS plan required for most events
- Wheelchair-accessible venues throughout the Hunter Region
- Auslan interpretation available on request (2 weeks notice)
- Easy English and plain-language materials provided
- Carers and support persons always welcome
- Morning tea or light refreshments at most in-person events
Featured Upcoming Event
Understanding Your NDIS Plan — Mid-Year Review Masterclass
Everything you need to know about your mid-year NDIS plan review — what to prepare, how to communicate your goals, what you can change, and how to get the most out of your funding. Presented by our senior support coordinators.
Book Your Spot
Info Session
NDIS 101 — Getting Started
New to the NDIS? This 90-minute session covers eligibility, the access request process, what the NDIA looks for, and what happens next. Perfect for people who have just applied or are thinking about applying.
Register Interest
Info Session
Plan Review Preparation Workshop
Heading into a plan review? Learn how to document your goals, gather evidence, and communicate your support needs effectively. Bring your current plan — our support coordinators will walk through it with you.
Register Interest
Online
Understanding NDIS Budgets & Categories
A deep dive into Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports — what can be funded under each category, how flexible funding works, and tips for making your budget go further. Hosted online via Zoom.
Register Interest
Info Session
Self-Managing Your NDIS Plan — Is It Right for You?
Explore the pros, cons, responsibilities, and record-keeping requirements of self-management. Great for participants considering switching from agency or plan management to self-management.
Register Interest
Info Session
Assistive Technology & NDIS Funding
Learn how to access funding for AT through the NDIS — from low-cost items through to high-cost equipment requiring an AT assessment. Our OT will demonstrate popular devices and explain the funding pathway.
Register Interest
Online
Your NDIS Rights & How to Advocate
Understand your rights as an NDIS participant — how to raise a complaint, request an internal review, access independent advocacy, and escalate to the NDIS Commission or AAT if needed.
Register Interest
Workshop
Independent Cooking & Meal Planning
A hands-on kitchen workshop focused on simple, nutritious, budget-friendly meals. Participants will learn meal prep techniques, kitchen safety, and how to plan a week of healthy eating independently.
Register Interest
Workshop
Money & Budgeting Skills
Build confidence managing everyday finances — understanding bills, setting a personal budget, online banking safely, and using money management apps. Relevant for participants building toward greater financial independence.
Register Interest
Workshop
Technology for Daily Life
Learn to use smartphones, tablets, and accessibility features — from voice commands and screen readers to apps that help with communication, transport, and medication reminders. Suitable for beginners.
Register Interest
Workshop
Confident Communication Skills
A practical workshop for participants looking to build confidence in everyday communication — speaking up at appointments, asking for what you need, understanding your rights, and saying no assertively.
Register Interest
Workshop
Job Readiness & Resume Building
A supportive session helping participants who want to enter or return to work — writing a resume, preparing for interviews, understanding Disability Employment Services, and knowing your workplace rights.
Register Interest
Workshop
Creative Arts for Wellbeing
An art-based workshop exploring how creative activities can support mental health, emotional regulation, and self-expression. No art experience needed — this is about the process, not the product.
Register Interest
Carer Group
Monthly Carer Connect — Newcastle
A safe, confidential monthly peer support group for unpaid carers and family members. Share experiences, get practical information, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring.
Register Interest
Carer Group
Carer Wellbeing & Burnout Prevention
An honest, practical session covering carer burnout — how to recognise it, strategies to prevent it, and where to get help when you need it. Facilitated by our wellbeing coordinator and a peer carer.
Register Interest
Carer Group
Carers' Legal Rights & NDIS Nominees
Learn about your legal rights and responsibilities as a carer — including NDIS nominee arrangements, guardianship, power of attorney, and what happens when family carers disagree with NDIA decisions.
Register InterestWhat to Expect at Our Events
Fully Accessible Venues
Every in-person venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, accessible bathrooms, and hearing loop where available. We confirm accessibility details with each venue before advertising.
Experienced Facilitators
All sessions are run by Safe Hands staff with lived experience or professional qualifications in disability, NDIS, or allied health. Guest speakers are vetted and carefully selected.
Welcoming & Judgment-Free
Our events are informal, friendly, and designed to be accessible to everyone — regardless of disability, communication style, support needs, or experience with the NDIS. You don't need to have a current plan to attend most events.
Communication Support
Easy English materials, Auslan interpretation (2 weeks notice), and AAC-friendly facilitation available on request. Let us know your needs when registering and we'll make arrangements.
Refreshments & Comfort
Most in-person events include morning tea or light refreshments. We accommodate dietary requirements — just let us know when you register. Quiet spaces and sensory breaks are available on request.
Where We Host Events
We run events at community venues throughout the Hunter Region — all wheelchair accessible with parking nearby. Locations rotate to ensure coverage across our service area.
Newcastle CBD & Inner Suburbs
Newcastle Library Digital Hub, Cooks Hill Arts Space, Newcastle Community Centre (Islington)
Fully accessible
Lake Macquarie
Charlestown Square Community Room, Wallsend Library, Lake Macquarie Disability Services Hub
Fully accessible
Maitland & Hunter Valley
Maitland City Library, Cessnock Library, Maitland Community Centre, Hunter TAFE (Newcastle)
Fully accessibleHighlights from Past Events
"I'd been confused about my NDIS plan for months. After one session with Safe Hands, I finally understood how my budgets worked and what I could spend them on. The morning tea was great too!"
— Amanda R., Cessnock, NDIS participant
Register Your Interest
To register for any upcoming event or to be added to our mailing list for future events, contact our events coordinator. Registration is free and takes just 2 minutes. Let us know about any accessibility requirements and we'll ensure you have everything you need to fully participate.
Spots are limited at in-person events. Register early to avoid disappointment. You'll receive a confirmation email with venue details, parking info, and accessibility notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — most of our events are open to any person with a disability, their families, and carers, regardless of whether you currently receive services from Safe Hands Disability. NDIS information sessions are particularly helpful for people who are new to the NDIS or thinking about applying. The only events restricted to current participants are those that use NDIS-funded support workers (e.g., some social outings where we provide 1:1 support).
Most events are free and do not require any NDIS funding. If you use a support worker to attend an event, that worker's time may be claimable under your Core Supports budget (depending on your plan). Some skill-building workshops may be claimable as Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living if your plan includes that support category. Speak to your support coordinator for advice specific to your plan.
Yes — if you are a Safe Hands participant with Core Supports funding, we can arrange for a support worker to accompany you to events. Please let us know when registering, ideally at least 1 week in advance, so we can rostering accordingly. If you have your own support worker, they are always welcome to attend alongside you at no extra charge.
Once registered for an event, you'll receive a confirmation email and a reminder 3 days before the event. To stay updated on all upcoming events, ask to be added to our events mailing list when you contact us — we send a monthly email with all upcoming events in the Hunter Region. You can also check back on this page regularly, as it is updated each month.
Absolutely — we love hearing from participants, carers, and community members about what would be most useful. If you have a topic suggestion, want us to run an event at a specific venue, or would like to host a small group information session in your local area, get in touch via our contact page or call us directly. Many of our most popular events came from community suggestions.
Ready to Get Involved?
Register for an upcoming event, join our mailing list, or contact us to find out what's happening near you across the Hunter Region.
Social & Recreation Activities
Get out, connect, and have fun — supported social activities for participants across the Hunter Region
Community Lunch at Honeysuckle
A relaxed group lunch at a Newcastle Honeysuckle waterfront venue — a great chance to meet other participants, share stories, and enjoy good food in an accessible, friendly setting.
Nature Walk — Glenrock Reserve
A gentle guided walk through Glenrock State Conservation Area with our support workers. Paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Bird watching, fresh air, and good company included.
Board Games & Trivia Afternoon
A fun, relaxed games afternoon at a local community hall. Classics and modern board games, trivia rounds, good snacks, and plenty of laughs. No experience needed — just show up and enjoy!