Media Release
How to better address the healthcare needs of people with intellectual disability across Western NSW will be the focus of a major community conference in Dubbo on Thursday, 6 November.
The event - run by the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), with support from the Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) and the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health - will bring together local people with intellectual disability, family and supporters, health professionals, and disability support providers to share knowledge and practical strategies for improving care.
Conference discussions will cover:
- Improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disability
- Addressing unconscious bias in health care
- Resources and supports for health and disability workers
- Best-practice communication in care
- First Nations culture and care
Ricky Kremer, Lived Experience Inclusion Lead at the National Centre of Intellectual Disability Health said the event is an important opportunity to ensure people with intellectual disability in regional areas like Dubbo have access to the same quality of care as anyone else.
"Many people with intellectual disability struggle to get good health care," Mr Kremer said.
"This conference is about changing that. It’s about building the skills, confidence and partnerships needed so that people with intellectual disability can be included in their own health care and treated with dignity and respect."
Sophie Howlett, Lead for Driving Change, said it’s clear that improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disability takes collaboration.
"That’s why it’s so powerful to see local health workers, support providers, and people with lived experience all coming together in Dubbo to make change," Ms Howlett said.
The conference will feature speakers and workshop sessions focused on practical steps to improve health equity in Western NSW - from understanding unconscious bias to strengthening culturally safe care for First Nations people with disability. It will also see the launch of new eLearning modules on unconscious bias.
"We're grateful to be working in partnership with the Centre and other partners to deliver this community event. People with intellectual disability are part of every community and we’re looking forward to working with individuals and organisations on how we can all develop more inclusive, person-centred care,” said Maryanne Hawthorn, Executive Director WNSWLHD Strategic Reform, Planning & Partnerships said.
Event details
WHERE: Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre
WHEN: 9:30am - 3:30pm, Thursday, 6 November 2025
Media contact: Alana Mew - 0419 929 722, alana.mew@essentialmedia.com.au
