Beyond Barriers Support

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Beyond Barriers Support Disability Support for the Northern Rivers

19/10/2026

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻💛

It’s estimated that around 80% of disabilities are non-visible. These can include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health and chronic conditions that aren’t always immediately apparent.

Not all disabilities are visible, but a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in helping everyone feel seen, understood and supported.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps people with non-visible disabilities discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or patience. 🌻

Learn more about the Sunflower 👉 https://shorturl.at/9uyZQ

A little look at some of the social and community groups currently running; and what’s coming next, at Beyond Barriers S...
14/10/2026

A little look at some of the social and community groups currently running; and what’s coming next, at Beyond Barriers Support. 💙💛

From D&D, bike riding to parkrun, sewing and new social outings, our groups are built around shared interests, confidence and genuine community participation.

We generally run our groups at small shared-support ratios, often up to 1:4, helping create a social environment while making shared supports more funding-efficient where appropriate.

We currently have a few spaces available, with expressions of interest open for new groups too.

Send us a message if you’d like more information or want to register your interest.

14/10/2026

Something new is taking shape at The Cro’s Nest!

We've started work on our new community painting table, and while there's still plenty more to come, the first part is already up and running!

We've set up a dedicated Warhammer Tone Pro demo station at the front of the shop, where you can drop in anytime during regular opening hours, grab a free mini, pull up a chair and give the new paints a go!

No bookings, no waiting for a scheduled demo session, and no purchase necessary.

We'll still be running our free Saturday Tone Pro demo sessions in the lead-up to the October 24th launch, but now you don't have to wait for a demo day to try them out.

This is just the beginning of what we're building for our hobby community. Watch this space!

08/10/2026

📣 EOI OPEN for our Disability Inclusion Reference Group 📣

Arts Northern Rivers is establishing a Disability Inclusion Reference Group to play an active role in shaping our programs and priorities for artists with disability.

We are seeking community members from across the region who are passionate about arts and culture and identify as d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent. The Reference Group will bring together people with a broad range of lived experiences of disability, ensuring a diversity of perspectives within the Group.

The Group will share their knowledge and lived experience to help Arts Northern Rivers improve access, inclusion and opportunities for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and communities across the region.

Reference Group members will be engaged for a two-year term, with four meetings per year. Meetings will include a mix of in-person and online meetings, with Group members paid for their attendance at each meeting. Applicants are encouraged to tell us about any specific access requirements when completing their EOI form.

Terms of Reference for the Group will be set by the inaugural Reference Group members.

↗ Selection Process
Expressions of Interest will be reviewed by the ANR's ED and two peers from the d/Deaf and disabled community. A shortlist of applicants will be invited to an informal conversation with members of the panel before the Reference Group is selected.

↗ Timeline
6 October — EOI opens
1 November — EOI closes ⏰
Early November — Review and shortlisting
Mid to late November — Conversations with shortlisted applicants
December — Applicants notified and Reference Group announced
Early 2027 — First Reference Group meeting

‍↗ Questions
Those interested in this opportunity are encouraged to read the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.
We are also working alongside Access Consultant Emma-June Curik, a disabled artist supporting the Disability Inclusion Reference Group EOI process. If you would like to speak directly with Emma-June, please contact us and we will happily connect you.

‍↗ More info & to apply:
https://www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au/news/disability-inclusion-reference-group---expression-of-interest

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Image: with Alice Boscheinen, photography by GDocs

This one means the most to us. 💙Beyond Barriers Support was awarded Highly Commended for Excellence in Diversity & Inclu...
04/10/2026

This one means the most to us. 💙

Beyond Barriers Support was awarded Highly Commended for Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion at the 2026 Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Awards.

To be sitting in a room with organisations and leaders who have spent years building their impact across the region was incredibly humbling. We’re still a young organisation, still learning, still growing, and we’re so grateful to be recognised in a category that reflects so much of what we care about.

What inclusion looks like in practice is different for every person. It can mean changing how we communicate, how we structure support, how we build confidence, or simply taking the time to understand what helps someone participate in a way that works for them.

This recognition belongs just as much to our team. Their collaboration, communication, experience and willingness to keep learning are what allow us to deliver support that is thoughtful, flexible and genuinely person-centred.

We’re incredibly proud of the direction Beyond Barriers Support has taken over the past three years.

We hope that 20 years from now, we’re still sitting at tables like this in a world where diversity and inclusion are not just celebrated in award categories, but genuinely reflected in the way workplaces, services and communities are built.

That would mean everything.

24/09/2026

We're really excited to be a part of this event hosted by Northern NSW Local Health District - we look forward to seeing you at Lismore Regional Gallery on Wednesday, 28 October for this year's Wellbeing Day Art Exhibition opening day.

A few of our participants have been getting stuck into gardening lately. From decluttering overgrown spaces and weeding,...
22/09/2026

A few of our participants have been getting stuck into gardening lately. From decluttering overgrown spaces and weeding, to potting herbs and getting things ready for the warmer months. 🌿☀️

Gardening can be such a simple way to build everyday skills: planning, problem-solving, creating routine, caring for your home and enjoying the reward of seeing something grow.

You don’t need a big backyard or lawn to get started. A couple of pots, some herbs and a bit of willingness can be more than enough.

For anyone wanting to take it beyond home, local community gardens and Landcare planting days can also be a great way to learn new skills, meet people and spend time outdoors.

A little bit of dirt, sunshine and consistency can go a long way.

Bright and early Saturdays ☀️🏃‍♀️Our Lismore parkrun group gets together from 6am, ready to walk, jog or run the 5km cou...
18/09/2026

Bright and early Saturdays ☀️🏃‍♀️

Our Lismore parkrun group gets together from 6am, ready to walk, jog or run the 5km course as part of the wider parkrun community.

parkrun is a free, community-based movement with events across Australia, making it a really accessible way to get active, build routine and meet new people.

A morning like this can support confidence, social connection, physical wellbeing and meaningful community participation. All while being part of something that already exists in the local community.

You can walk it, run it, take your time or work towards a personal goal. The important part is showing up, moving at your own pace and being part of it.





Spring has sprung ☀️🚲Our Monday morning bike group is still out and about, with a recent trip to Ballina for a ride alon...
04/09/2026

Spring has sprung ☀️🚲

Our Monday morning bike group is still out and about, with a recent trip to Ballina for a ride along the foreshore.

A morning like this brings together movement, fresh air, routine, confidence, conversation and plenty of sunshine.

We especially love seeing participants build confidence in activities that are meaningful to them, at their own pace and with the right support alongside them. Sometimes progress looks like working towards a big goal. Sometimes it simply looks like getting back on the bike and enjoying the ride.

Our Monday rides usually start in Casino, with the occasional adventure further afield.

We still have a small number of places available for anyone wanting to try something new, meet others and get outdoors this spring and summer.



Address

Lismore, NSW
2480

Telephone

+61498741575

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