Date: Friday 27th & Saturday 28th March, 2026
Time: 9am–3pm (both days)
Theme: My Future, My Choice

This free community event brings together a wide range of disability service providers from across South East Melbourne. This event will create an inclusive and welcoming environment for people with disability, families, carers, and support workers. The expo is designed to help attendees explore available supports, discover new services, ask questions, and connect with organisations that can assist them in achieving their goals. 

The 2026 theme, My Future, My Choice, reflects the importance of autonomy, empowerment, and informed decision-making. It also highlights the right of every person to shape their own pathway and access the supports they need to live a fulfilling and self-directed life. 

The event is thoughtfully designed to be accessible for everyone. Entry and parking are free, and the venue is fully accessible. To ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees, there will be a designated quiet time on Saturday from 9–10am, a dedicated quiet space available throughout the event, service animal access, and free wheelchair hire (ID required). 

The Bridge Inc  team will be located at Booth G3, where we look forward to sharing information about our services and discussing how we can support you or someone you care for to build skills, confidence, and independence. 

👉 Register now: https://southeastmelbournedisabilityexpo.com.au/ 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

At The Bridge, growth means opportunity, connection, independence and community. This little bookmark is more than paper and seeds, it’s a symbol of what can happen when we nurture something with care. 

Now, let’s help it grow! 

How to Plant your Seeded Bookmark  

Your bookmark is embedded with seeds and is designed to be planted directly into soil. Follow these simple steps: 

1. Prepare Your Pot or Garden Bed 
   Fill a pot or garden bed with quality seed-raising mix. 

2. Soak the Bookmark 
   Place the card on top of the soil and gently soak it with water until it becomes soft. 

3. Lightly Cover 
   Cover the softened card with a thin layer of additional soil. Lightly water again and keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged). 

4. Be Patient 
   Place your pot in a sunny position and continue to water regularly to keep the soil moist. 

Germination should take approximately 15-25 days. Nature works at its own pace, and that’s part of the magic! 

We’re so grateful you took a moment to plant something with us. 

If you’d like to learn more about how The Bridge supports people to build skills, confidence and independence, we invite you to explore our services and see how we help our community grow every day. 

Discover our services and learn more about The Bridge 

While the homes are new, our commitment to care is not. The land these homes now sit on once housed The Bridge Inc’s original service building in the 1970s. For over 50 years, this site in Noble Park has represented care, inclusion and opportunity for people with disability and those facing disadvantage.

Today, that same sentiment lives on, re-imagined through modern, purpose-built SDA housing that reflects contemporary needs, dignity and choice.

The three new homes include:

• Two Improved Liveability double-storey SDA homes
• One High Physical Support SDA home with OAA

Each home has been carefully designed to promote independence, safety and comfort, while allowing residents to live in a space that truly feels like home.

The Bridge also provides Supported Independent Living (SIL) within newly built environments.

Located in Noble Park within the City of Greater Dandenong, residents will enjoy access to:

• Public transport
• Local shops and services
• Parks and shared community spaces
• A variety of Community and Employment services through The Bridge including recreation, day programs, as well as supported and open employment options.

We are incredibly excited to welcome new residents into these homes and continue supporting people with disability to live the life they choose, in the home they choose.

For more information on our Independent Living Homes, reach out to our team below:
enquiries@thebridgeinc.org.au

Ansu volunteers with the Your Job Now (YJN) team where she plays a vital role in coaching and supporting individuals with Autism or who have intellectual disabilities. Her work focuses on helping clients build workplace readiness, personal skills, and the confidence to engage meaningfully with their community.

Her journey with The Bridge began during a student placement, but it quickly evolved into something deeper. “I was drawn to stay because of the positive environment and the meaningful work,” Ansu shares. With a Master’s degree and thesis research in Mental Health, she plans to pursue a PhD focused on disability and community service in Australia. Volunteering at The Bridge offers her a unique opportunity to connect academic learning with real-world impact.

For Ansu, the most rewarding part of volunteering is the genuine appreciation she receives from clients. “When you see someone grow in confidence, smile, and show gratitude, it makes every interaction feel purposeful and fulfilling,” she says. “Helping others improve their quality of life is a reward in itself.”

She recalls that every moment at The Bridge feels like a proud one. Whether it’s witnessing someone learn a new skill or simply enjoy an activity, Ansu celebrates each step forward. “Their unconditional appreciation makes every day feel special.”

Her message to anyone considering volunteering is clear and heartfelt:

As part of her learning journey, Rachel set out to create a Christmas-themed animation. What began as a simple idea quickly evolved into a vibrant and engaging project, with Rachel stepping confidently into the role of creative director.

From the outset, Rachel had a clear vision. She guided the overall concept and worked closely with our support staff to bring her ideas to life. Together, they explored animation techniques, experimented with transitions, and carefully selected music and visual effects that captured the festive spirit she was aiming for.

Rachel’s leadership was at the heart of the project. She made key creative decisions, provided direction, and wasn’t afraid to try new things along the way. Her willingness to collaborate and communicate her ideas played a huge role in shaping the final result.

Through this project, Rachel not only built her digital skills but also developed confidence in expressing her creativity and leading a team. It’s a great example of how digital literacy can go beyond technical learning, opening doors to storytelling, self-expression, and personal growth.

We’re incredibly proud of Rachel and what she has achieved. Her Christmas animation is more than just a project, it’s a reflection of her creativity, determination, and growing confidence.

We can’t wait to see what she creates next.

Ryley chose to attend IDV and then continue at The Bridge, and from day one, he’s embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. “I love seeing all my friends at The Bridge and all my favourite support workers,” Ryley says. “I love all my different programs, especially T-Birds”, one of the men’s social groups at The Bridge that promotes mental and physical health. 

Each week, Ryley looks forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays, when he’s out in the community, exploring new places and building life skills. On Wednesdays, he heads to the Men’s Shed, where he’s proudly crafted a bedside and coffee table. “He is so very, very proud of what he has built,” says his mum, Kelly. “He shows everyone who visits our house and even posted it on social media!” 

The Men’s Shed has helped Ryley grow his independence. He now catches public transport there on his own, a milestone that’s boosted his confidence and self-reliance. 

Beyond weekdays, Ryley has found joy and belonging through Connect Us at the Greensborough site on Tuesday and Friday nights. These social evenings have become a highlight. “We see that Ryley has a happy, safe, productive and social environment where he absolutely thrives,” Kelly shares. “He comes home with new skills, stories, and a very strong sense of belonging.” 

Ryley has also embraced our weekend Getaways recreational activities, which initially felt daunting. “He was hesitant to go as none of his friends were attending, and he didn’t know anyone,” Kelly recalls. But after one session, Ryley was hooked. “I like everywhere they take me. Camps are my favourite especially the Christmas in July one,” he says. He’s now made friends across multiple sites and proudly says, “I have more friends than anyone at The Bridge!” 

One of the most powerful moments in Ryley’s journey came with the introduction of his walker. At first, he was reluctant, embarrassed and afraid of being judged but with gentle encouragement from staff at both Greensborough and camp, Ryley gave it a go. “He returned home Sunday a different man,” Kelly says. “He told everyone he is independent now.” That moment marked a turning point. He now uses it confidently – even carrying shopping during outings. His mum, Kelly, says: “It’s given him a new level of independence.” 

With every step, Ryley is achieving his NDIS goals in independence, communication, and community participation. “We are so proud and impressed with his growth, skill development and increased self-confidence,” Kelly says. 

At The Bridge, we’re honoured to support Ryley’s journey, and we can’t wait to see where his confidence and determination take him next.

Over her time with The Bridge, Mangala has had many enjoyable experiences, but she says the greatest joy is the people she works with. “I love the incredible team I get to work with and value the smiles I see on the participants when we do art and craft together.”

Mangala is an outstanding artist. The participants really love the art projects that she creates with them. The Bridge Connects at Clyde Road simply couldn’t provide this level of support to participants without Mangala.

We are so grateful to Mangala for her ongoing support.