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We reflect on 25 years of Having a Say and the positive impact it has delivered.
For a quarter of a century, the annual Having a Say (HaS) conference has brought people with disability together to speak up, share ideas, learn from one another and celebrate their voices.
In January 2026, the event returned to Geelong, Victoria, to mark this important milestone under the theme ‘Strengthening Our Voices for a Better Future’.
As a Silver Sponsor, Endeavour Foundation was proud to attend and exhibit at the three-day event, standing alongside people with disability to support self-advocacy, lived experience leadership and inclusion.
What is the Having a Say Conference?
Having a Say is run by the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALiD). It is also Australia’s largest conference for people with disability.
Unlike traditional conferences that are focused on services or systems, Having a Say centres on the voices of people with disability.
The event provides an important platform where people are listened to, respected and valued for their experiences, ideas and leadership. Each year, hundreds of participants come together to:
- Share their stories and achievements
- Learn more about their rights
- Build confidence and self-advocacy skills
- Connect with peers and supporters
- Celebrate ability, creativity and leadership
This strong focus on voice, choice and empowerment closely aligns with Endeavour Foundation’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion.
25 Years of Impact
The first Having a Say was held in Maryborough, Victoria, in 2000, with around 190 attendees.
What began as a small but powerful gathering quickly grew into a nationally recognised self-advocacy movement. During the past 25 years, thousands of people with disability have:
- Presented or performed on stage
- Had their voices heard on issues that matter to them
- Found inspiration from peers
- Learned how to advocate for themselves and others
- Had their achievements celebrated
The conference has expanded over time to include events such as talent shows, discos, art competitions, expos and self-advocacy awards, while staying true to its core purpose: creating a safe space for people with disability to have a say.
Endeavour Foundation at Having a Say 2026
Representing Endeavour Foundation at the conference were Head of Advocacy, Matthew Gillett, and Home and Community Operations Manager, Palani Subramanian.
Their presence reflects our ongoing commitment to listening to, learning from and advocating for people with disability.
“This is Australia’s largest conference of people with disability, with over 700 self-advocates with intellectual disability speaking up, learning together and having lots of fun,” Matthew said.
Self-advocates connected with the Endeavour Foundation team, including one of our self-advocacy champions, Greg, throughout the event. They shared experiences, insights and conversations about advocacy, inclusion and the importance of lived experience leadership.
Reflecting on the event, Palani highlighted the strength of the conference community and the effort behind its success.
“Congratulations to VALiD for organising a truly wonderful and inspiring event,” he said.
“The sessions were insightful and refreshing, showcasing a high level of engagement among all attendees. I’m looking forward to the conference in 2027.”
Connection, Creativity and Celebration
Beyond formal sessions, Having a Say is known for its inclusive and joyful social events that foster connection and belonging.
Highlights included the much-loved Having a Say Disco, themed Let’s Party and Sparkle, with live music, dancing and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Events like this create opportunities for people to connect socially, express themselves and build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
These moments are just as important as the conference sessions. The Endeavour Foundation representatives enjoyed building friendships, confidence and a sense of community with the other attendees.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
Self-advocacy is about having the confidence, skills and opportunity to speak up about what matters to you. It plays a vital role in supporting independence, wellbeing and inclusion for people with disability.
Events like Having a Say help people build their voices, learn from others and feel empowered to influence decisions about their lives, supports and futures.
This aligns with our purpose of supporting people with disability to live the life they choose and unlock their full potential.
We are proud to support initiatives like Having a Say that amplify lived experience and promote genuine inclusion across communities.
Learn More About Our Services
If you would like to learn more about how we support people with disability through advocacy, community participation and personalised supports, explore our services below.
