LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Stronger Together Conference
by Lorna Gordon
Having two autistic children, I know how hard it can be to navigate disability and neurodivergence and how isolated you can feel. The time spent doing endless paperwork, specialist appointments, advocating for your children along with the emotional labour of constant care, you can miss out on connecting with others and having the kind of support that comes from being truly understood.
Thankfully, the Stronger Together Conference is there to help fill in the gaps and introduce parents and carers to each other and to services and providers who specialise in helping families with a range of disabilities. Held on Saturday 16 August at Visy Dior Norwest in Baulkham Hills, this annual event is more than just a gathering, it’ s a lifeline for parents, carers, and families across the Hills District and beyond.
Organised by the Stronger Together Foundation, a not-for-profit early childhood service provider, the conference champions the vision that every child deserves, and every parent hopes for, a community that nurtures their development and potential. This year’ s theme,“ Connections,” reflects the heart of the event to bring people together in solidarity, understanding, and celebration.
This year’ s lineup of inspiring speakers who share their personal and professional experience includes Sarah Hayden, a neurodivergent social worker, author, and mother of five. Known for her book Parenting Different, Sarah offers raw insight into raising neurodivergent children and challenges conventional thinking on education and support systems.
Also stepping up to the mic is Julie( Jae) Charlton, a disability and queer advocate and elite para-athlete, brings a message of inclusion and perseverance shaped by years of navigating inaccessible systems. Their voice, forged through personal battles and triumphs— including representing Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games— offers a roadmap for systemic change and empowerment.
The panels will be facilitated by Jo Abi, writer for 9honey and a neurodivergent mother of three. With a background in podcasting, radio, and a Master of Autism underway, Jo’ s mix of lived experience and academic perspective brings depth and relatability to the day’ s discussions.
Guiding the conference as MC is Sandy Golder, co-founder of Australia’ s first social networking app for carers of people with a disability. Sandy’ s story as a mum to two children, including Imogen who lives with multiple diagnoses, fuels her passion for building meaningful, supportive networks for families.
From 12:00 – 2:00pm, the conference opens its Exhibition Hall, where attendees can explore resources, products, and services that cater specifically to neurodivergent and disabled communities. They will be available for conversations, demonstrations, and to provide real-time solutions for the challenges families face every day.
Connecting with other families can make you feel less alone as a parent or carer. Photos from last year’ s conference.
From 2:00 – 3:00pm, the event concludes with a joyful Talent Showcase, open to young people aged 6 – 17 with disability, neurodivergence, or developmental delays. Whether it’ s a heartfelt song, a high-energy dance, or a hilarious comedy skit, this new addition to the conference celebrates creativity and confidence in all its forms.
That’ s the true magic of Stronger Together. It creates a village where families can feel seen, supported, and inspired. Whether you’ re just beginning the journey or have walked it for years, there’ s something deeply powerful about coming together with others who understand.
For tickets and more information, visit: stronger-togetherconference-2025. raiselysite. com. Because when families connect, share and celebrate— we truly are stronger together.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 121 // JULY 2025 9