Eagleby Networking Event Recap: Community, Coffee & Connection
- Jase
- Sep 2
- 6 min read
Eagleby Networking Event Recap: Community, Coffee & Connection
Welcome to Eagleby!
We officially kicked off our first-ever Eagleby networking event on Tuesday, 2 September, and it was a hit!
Hosted at our new venue in Eagleby, Wesley Missions Eagleby Neighbourhood Centre this event marks the beginning of a new alternating cycle: Eagleby on the first Tuesday of every second month, and Helensvale on the other months.
It’s our way of bringing community, coffee, and collaboration closer to more locals across Logan and the Gold Coast.
This month's event was buzzing with energy, and we had a brilliant line-up of speakers who each brought something unique to the table — from inclusion and innovation to powerful lived experiences and practical community supports.
Why We Do It This Way
Our networking events aren’t just a different format — they’re built from lived experience.
As someone who has masked most of my life, I’ve only recently started noticing how much of what I do is about making the environment feel safer and more predictable. I’ve always subtly shaped my surroundings to reduce anxiety, and this roundtable style is part of that. I don’t want the stress of wondering whether I’m allowed to introduce myself, or whether I’ve accidentally interrupted someone. I don’t want to feel unsure about whether it’s my turn to speak — and I don’t want others to feel that way either.
So I’ve created the kind of networking I need: where everyone gets a voice, no one gets talked over, and the space feels welcoming, even if you’re not neurotypical or naturally extroverted.
The funny thing? When others have to fit into my style… turns out, it’s comfortable for them too.
That’s why this format works. It’s low-pressure, real conversation, and a great complement to more formal expos or events. You can still show up, be seen, share what you do, and make meaningful connections — without needing to wear a mask.
Jason (Jase) – Slim Gym / FrieNDIS
As the host of the morning, I (Jase) opened up with a bit about what Slim Gym and FrieNDIS is all about — and why I started it. We run inclusive fitness, social, and community-based programs for people with disabilities, helping participants build real friendships, confidence, and connection through movement and fun.
From group training and holiday programs to Discos, sports days, and even full adventure-style weekends, our goal is to create spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and like they truly belong. It’s about more than just fitness — it’s about identity, growth, and having a place to show up as yourself.
Jaymee – LME Care (and the team)
Jaymee spoke about LME Care and their growing team, who’ve got some awesome opportunities coming up, including Ability 1000 — an inclusive car racing event where people with disabilities can get in a race car and go for a ride (yep, full speed, race-track vibes!), as well as other sensory-friendly activities throughout the day. You can check that out here: https://ability1000.com.au
We also had a great discussion about how providers can better collaborate on days like that to maximise participant fun and engagement, and how important events like this are for social inclusion.
Jazmine & Joe – Royal Rehab LifeWorks
Jazmine and Joe shared a bit about their work with Royal Rehab LifeWorks, where they deliver allied health services including physio, OT, and psychology across Logan and Brisbane. A big part of their chat was about making therapy feel accessible and removing that sterile clinical feel that can be off-putting for some participants. They also mentioned how they’re happy to network with smaller providers like us to help coordinate consistent care and cross-referrals.
Therese – Collaborative Culture
Therese brings a wealth of experience and purpose to her work. She shared insight into the ways she’s helping organisations become truly inclusive, not just on paper — but in action. Here's how she describes their work:
Collaborative Culture is a diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy specialising in authentic co-design and co-creation. We partner with organisations, communities, and leaders to build inclusive systems, services, and workplaces. Our work is grounded in lived and living experience, evidence-informed practice, and a commitment to real impact.
We support NDIS providers, community organisations, and councils through:
Inclusion strategy & training
Co-design & facilitation with people with disability
Lived and living experience leadership
Community engagement and capacity building
Our focus is on moving beyond tokenism to meaningful, sustainable inclusion that benefits people with disability, their families, and the wider community.
Therese also spoke passionately about her work with DSS on “Pass it to Me” and “My Active Life”, both aimed at increasing inclusion in sport for people with disability. She’s currently running workshops designed for sporting clubs, coaches, and community organisations who want to be more inclusive but aren’t sure how to start.
Ankush – Active Flow Rehab (Therese spoke on his behalf)
Therese kindly shared a few words on behalf of Ankush
Active Flow Rehab is a boutique exercise physiology practice supporting people with disability, neurological conditions, and older Australians. We specialise in neuro-rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, and tailored exercise programs that build independence, confidence, and wellbeing. As a registered NDIS provider, we deliver both one-to-one and group programs across the Gold Coast, Logan, and Bayside regions, working closely with clients, families, and support teams to achieve meaningful goals.
Annette – My Solas
Annette from My Solas spoke about the broad range of services they offer across the disability sector, from support work to specialised assistance. She gave great insight into how their online platform also showcases upcoming events in the community — including ones they host and support. It’s a great place for participants to find local events, and we’re already working on getting DiscoAbility listed on there too!
Annette spoke with a genuine warmth about helping participants engage in life — socially, recreationally, and with support they feel safe around. Definitely one to check out if you're looking for a provider who gets it. annette@mysolas.com.au
Tamara – Aspire Hub
Tamara joined us from Aspire Hub and shared a little about her specific role, which is focused on their day program — creating safe, structured, and fun environments for participants to build routines and confidence. Aspire Hub also offers a wide range of supports, but Tamara was really passionate about the day-to-day support side, which gave us great insight into what that experience looks like on the ground.
Shane – SHD Care
Shane shared the story of SHD Care, a family-run provider (literally — he and his mum started it, and his younger sibling now works there too!) that offers support services with a strong focus on culture, care, and family values. Their approach is to build long-lasting, trust-based relationships with their participants and their families, offering consistent and personalised care. He was super open and real, and it was awesome having him at the table.
Annie & Juan – JJJ Home Care
Annie and Juan spoke about JJJ Home Care, which stands out for offering not only regular support work, but also nursing-level care — including wound care, PEG feeding, and other clinical supports you don’t always find from general providers. That makes them a great option for more complex participants who still want the community feel of a smaller provider, without having to split services between multiple agencies.
Nick – Hireup
Nick gave us a great explanation of Hireup, which is a profit-for-purpose platform where participants can choose their own support workers, knowing they’re still working through a registered NDIS provider. That means the workers have gone through training, checks, and insurance — but participants get the flexibility and connection of choosing their own team.
One cool thing Nick pointed out: if a participant no longer wants to work with someone, they don’t have to stop using the platform — they can just end the relationship with that worker without needing to ‘break up’ with the whole service. It gives people a lot more control over their own supports, which is what we’re all about.
Why our style of networking works
A lot of traditional networking events are all pitch, no people. Ours is a little different — we sit down, chat, and connect as humans first. That makes it easier to find the real synergies, rather than just awkward elevator pitches.
We’ve seen firsthand how these relaxed conversations turn into real collaborations — shared programs, joint events, referrals, and even friendships. Whether you’re a solo operator or a large provider, this kind of environment can be the missing link in your networking.
Our next event will be at Helensvale on Tuesday 7 October, and we’d love to see some of you there again. Then we’ll be back in Eagleby on Tuesday 4 November — lock it in!
Thanks again to everyone who came, shared, laughed, and listened.
Let’s keep building something good — together.
Comments