On 22nd, the Disability Events Community (DEC) returned to Nunawading Community Hub for the second annual Whitehorse Community Disability Expo, and we at Help at Hand Support Services were proud to be there.

It was a free event built around one simple idea: bring people in the Whitehorse community living with disability, their families, carers, support workers and local providers into the same room and let the conversations happen.

A Slow Start That Built into a Buzz

The morning began quietly, but it didn’t stay that way for long. As the day went on, the hub steadily filled, and by midday the room was busy with conversation. It was clear just how many local families and participants are actively looking for the right support, and how much appetite there is for events like this in Whitehorse.

Answers, Face to Face

Finding the right support can feel overwhelming, Forms, phone calls and unanswered questions add up quickly.

The expo made it easier. Attendees could walk the room, meet local providers and ask questions directly, with no appointment and no pressure. For many families, that first friendly conversation is what makes the next step feel possible.

A room full of Local Support

The expo showcased a wide range of services and products, from allied health and therapy providers to housing solutions and everyday support services. Seeing so many local organisations side by side gave people a clear picture of the options in their own community.

A visiting therapy dog was a highlight for many attendees, drawing smiles and a steady stream of visitors to its corner of the room, a reminder that support comes in all shapes, including a wagging tail.

Nunawading Community Hub itself proved a lovely venue for the day, spacious and welcoming, with plenty of room for the crowd it drew as the day went on.

Something for Everyone

The day welcomed

• People living with disability exploring supports and resources
• Carers and guardians looking for options for their loved one
• Support Workers meeting local providers
• Disability Providers connecting with each other

The first 200 attendees were also welcome with a free barista made coffee, tea or hot chocolate, a nice touch to start the day.

The Ripple Effect

Events like this reach well beyond the day itself. Families leave with no contacts, support workers discover new opportunities, and providers strengthen the relationships that make the whole sector work better. When a community connects, the people in it are better supported.

We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by to say hello, and to DEC for bringing the Whitehorse community together again.

How does This Connect to Ongoing NDIS Support?

Expos are a great starting point, but everyday support is where the real difference is made. Help at Hand is a nationally registered NDIS provider. We build care plans around each participant’s needs and provide support workers to help them live the life they choose, including complex care. We also offer plan management.

Attending community disability expos is about more than simply showcasing our services. These events allow us to strengthen relationships within the local community, better understand the evolving needs of participants and families, and connect people with the supports that best suit their individual goals.

By participating in events like the Whitehorse Community Disability Expo, we encourage informed choice, open conversations and stronger community connections. These experiences help us continue delivering personalised, high-quality NDIS support that empowers participants to live with greater independence, confidence and choice.

Need a Hand?

If you or someone you know is looking for trusted NDIS support, Help at Hand is here to help.

Call us on 1300 822 190 or submit a referral at helpathandsupport.com.au/referral/ — we’d love to hear from you.