Expression of Interest

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is looking for people with disability, as well as families and carers, who want to be involved in the co-design of the Empower Project.

The Empower Project will explore and address barriers to sports and recreation participation for Queenslanders with disability.

How to apply: Please complete the online Expression of Interest form.

Who is QDN?

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is a state-wide, not-for-profit organisation led by and for people with diverse disability. QDN is the Executive Peak Body for people with disability in Queensland, providing overarching leadership and coordination across funded peak bodies around the State. QDN’s work is underpinned by a commitment to inclusion, co-design, collaboration, and innovation and is guided by the pillars of inform, connect, lead and influence.

About the Project

QDN is partnering with the Jamieson Trauma Institute (JTI) from Metro North Health on the Empower Project, a Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032 Legacy project.

The Empower Project will explore and address barriers to sports and recreation participation for Queenslanders with disability to foster a more inclusive and accessible sports and recreation environment. The Empower Legacy Project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

In this program we will also work collaboratively with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Griffith University, Sporting Wheelies, the University of Queensland (UQ) and other key representatives across the sporting and disability sector.

The co-design process is expected to be completed by June 2026.

What are the aims of the Empower Project?

• Develop a data collection framework to improve the understanding of sports and recreation participation data, specifically for Queenslanders with disability.
• Enhance understanding of the experiences and barriers to sports and recreation participation for people with disability.
• Increase community awareness of accessibility and inclusivity of sports and recreation programs and facilities for individuals with disability.
• Legacy contribution to fostering an inclusive sports and recreation culture that lasts beyond the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Co-Design Group Role

As a member of the co-design group, you will:

• Be involved in 10-12 co-design activities to inform project design and implementation.
• Provide insights based on personal experience, professional expertise, or community knowledge.

Skills needed to be part of the Co-design Group

• Lived experience or connection with disability.
• Knowledge and/or experience of sports and recreation participation and/or inclusive and accessible sports and recreation.
• Awareness and understanding of a diverse range of disability in the context of sporting and recreation environment.
• Commitment to QDN’s co-design principles and ‘nothing about us without us’.

Remuneration

• As an Empower Co-designer, you will be paid at a rate of $75 per hour.
• Hours will be dependent on the organisational need and your individual availability.

How to apply: Please complete the online Expression of Interest form.

If you would like more information or need support answering the questions, please call QDN on 1300 363 783 or email at empower@qdn.org.au.

The closing date to receive applications is by 5pm Friday 9 of May 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Wednesday 14 of May 2025 for interview by a selection panel.