Wollongong’s biggest NDIS expo set to bring heart and connection

Wollongong’s largest and most inclusive disability-focused event, the inaugural National Disability Care Wollongong NDIS Expo 2025, is expected to deliver “a whole lot of heart” as it focuses on community, connection and real conversations this month.

With more than 80 exhibitors, inspiring guest speakers, and sensory-friendly activities, the free event by National Disability Care at the University of Wollongong on 14 February is designed to empower individuals with disabilities, their families and carers, and NDIS providers.

National Disability Care customer engagement coordinator Riani Goodridge said it would be a chance for each to connect, learn and grow together.

“It’s not just a bunch of booths in a hall, it’s a chance for people to meet the faces behind the services, ask questions, share experiences, and hopefully walk away feeling more empowered and supported,” Riani said.

She said among the more than 80 exhibitors were support providers to adaptive technology companies, plus inspiring guest speakers sharing “real stories from real experiences and real impact”.

Speakers would include former NRL player Rhys Kennedy on how a professional rugby league player became an exercise physiologist in the NDIS space, Lauren Ayers from NDIA on legislation changes and NDIS supports, and Nathan Aherns from Individual Me on innovative approaches to disability support in 2025.

“We’ve got an amazing line-up of speakers who aren’t just experts in their fields but also real people with lived experience,” she said.

“Some are industry professionals, some are NDIS participants, and all of them bring something valuable to the table.

“Expect powerful stories, helpful insights, and a few moments that might just change how you see things.”

She said the goal was to create an accessible, sensory-friendly environment to allow everyone to explore at their own pace.

“If even one person walks in feeling overwhelmed and walks out feeling seen, supported, and hopeful, then we’ve done our job,” she said.

“This is for the parents trying to navigate the system. It’s for the participants looking for services that actually fit their needs. It’s for the support workers who want to do more for their clients.

“It’s for everyone in this space who just wants to feel a little more connected and a little less alone.”

She said she would encourage people to go along because “sometimes the internet just isn’t enough”.

“You can Google providers all day, but there’s something different about meeting people in person, having a conversation, and feeling that instant ‘yes, this is the right fit for me’ moment,” she said.

Riani said the Illawarra was an incredible community, and events like this brought people together in a way that online directories and phone calls just couldn’t.

She said herself and director Jess Redfern were deeply committed to creating opportunities for connection and support within the Illawarra region, already hosting other smaller community events.

“The overwhelming support we’ve received from the community has been incredible, and it only reinforces our commitment to making this a landmark event for the Illawarra,” she said.

“It’s about real people, real conversations, and real connections — things that matter way more than just ticking NDIS boxes.

“There’ll be free entry, easy accessibility, and a space where everyone belongs, no stress, no pressure, just good people helping good people.”

To ensure the event is accessible for all, it will include Auslan interpreters for live presentations, accessible seating and viewing areas, live captions during presentations, audio descriptions for key features and activities, and wheelchair access throughout the venue.

National Disability Care Wollongong NDIS Expo 2025 will be held 14 February from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at the University of Wollongong Sports Hub and registration is free.