Expo offers inspiration

HUNDREDS of people turned out and connected with local disability support providers at the Geelong Disability Expo.

Last weekend’s event at the Geelong Arena provided an opportunity to catch the latest service and product offerings for the disability community all under the one roof.

The event featured practical workshops, presentations from industry experts and all abilities entertainment and guest speakers.

Justine Martin was the guest of honour and graced the main stage to shed light on overcoming challenge with a strong mindset and resilience.

Ms Martin has had three heart surgeries, two blood conditions, three primary cancers, and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Despite being told she would likely never work again, she now owns seven businesses including resilience coaching, publishing, designing, gardening, and keynote speaking.

She said the Geelong Disability Expo was “a one-stop shop.”

“Events like the Geelong Disability Expo are vitally important to the disabled community.

“It requires far less energy to come to an expo and have a look around at all the different services that you wouldn’t normally know that are out there and engage and talk to them rather than just a piece of paper or a number on a card.”

Expo attendee Shannon Armstrong said she got plenty out of heading to the event.

“To be able to see a massive range of products and to be able to sample some of them will be a game changer for me.

“I gained a lot of valuable knowledge and some really good future contacts”