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Inclusive Networking on the Gold Coast – Real Conversations and Real Connections

Inclusive Networking on the Gold Coast – Real Conversations and Real Connections

Nick, Ionie, Morgan and Kiersten (I'm holding the camera) at Atlas Therapy and Coaching
Nick, Ionie, Morgan and Kiersten (I'm holding the camera) at Atlas Therapy and Coaching

Walking into our latest inclusive networking session on the Gold Coast, you could feel it straight away—the energy of a round table where everyone actually gets a turn. No standing around awkwardly with a name badge, no racing through stiff intros. Just real conversations, the kind that start with business but often wander into the kind of chats that make you want to stick around long after the event ends.


We kicked things off with each person sharing who they were and what they do, but the magic came from the tangents. Someone would mention a tricky client situation or a challenge in finding the right connections, and suddenly the table would light up with ideas. That’s the difference when you put people together who actually care about their work—they can’t help but swap tips, contacts, and encouragement.


It wasn’t just business cards flying around. Roger from Designer Life shared his perspective on creating opportunities through employment and education. Nick from Hireup brought in stories about empowering participants to choose their own support workers, sparking a bigger chat about independence and confidence.


Roger from Designer Life shared how his team helps create opportunities through employment and education. He reminded us that confidence often comes from purpose, and meaningful work can completely change someone’s life.


Nick from Hireup gave insight into a platform that empowers participants to choose their own support workers. We explored how their profit-for-purpose model allows them to reinvest into better services, and Nick shared stories of participants finally feeling in control of their supports—a simple shift that builds independence and confidence.


Over at Upper Coomera Classes, Michael and Aaron showed us how creativity builds community. Their workshops—from candle-making to arts and social activities—aren’t just hobbies; they’re ways for people to reconnect with themselves and others. Michael also shared how his tech and digital skills support accessibility for people with disabilities, and Aaron reminded us how something as small as helping someone feel safe in the kitchen again after trauma can be life-changing.


Morgan from Thrive Support and Health Services brought the allied health perspective, talking about psychology, support work, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Her reflections on the “little wins”—like a client mastering a new skill or gaining confidence in daily life—resonated with everyone at the table.


Greg from Being Mentors shared how his physiotherapy and positive behaviour support services help participants reach their potential. He highlighted the importance of movement, consistency, and tailored support, and how every referral is an opportunity to change someone’s quality of life.


Ionie brought a truly personal approach, blending intuitive massage, mindfulness, and community access to support nervous system regulation. She shared how modelling calm and self-care for participants can transform sessions, sparking a powerful chat about provider wellbeing too.


And finally, a huge thanks to Kiersten from Atlas Therapy and Coaching for hosting us in her beautiful Helensvale space. She shared how play therapy and behaviour support help children develop emotional regulation and social skills, while also supporting schools to embrace inclusion. It tied perfectly into the bigger theme of the day: connection happens best when people feel safe, welcome, and valued.


By the end of the two hours, no one wanted to leave. Phones came out for quick website shares, a couple of collaborations were already bubbling, and the room felt lighter than when we started. That’s the power of making networking inclusive, conversational, and real.


And in true Jase fashion, I completely forgot to take a group photo until half the crew had already left—classic me. But hey, at least it proves we were too busy having good conversations to think about social media.


If this sounds like your kind of networking—where the chat flows, the laughs are real, and you actually walk away knowing who people are—come join us next time.

Local providers and business owners welcome

Round-table style, everyone gets a voice

Real connections, not just business cards

Want to grab a seat at the next one?

Click here to register and come see what all the fuss is about.


A Little About Slim Gym


I’m Jase, and I run Slim Gym—home of FrieNDIS Inclusive Fitness and Social. My passion is helping people with disabilities connect, grow, and feel like part of something bigger through fitness, social events, and experiences like this. Hosting these networking sessions is just an extension of that—creating a space where genuine relationships can spark and the community can keep getting stronger.


Meet the People from This Session


 
 
 

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