ATSIDNQ – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland (Supporting our mob with disability)

- Get advocacy support to resolve issues - Be part of a growing Network of people - Share stories and receive information - Have your say in the collective voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disability CONTACT US

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland

The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability through a disability support network and advocacy service across Queensland.

The Disability Network

ATSIDNQ is a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, and their family and carers.

The Network gives members the opportunity to connect, celebrate their strengths, have a yarn and share their stories and contribute to the conversation about disability in a culturally safe space.

The ATSIDNQ Team has Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who work with members to listen and understand the issues that are impacting on them and within their communities. With permission, this information is raised at local, state and federal levels to inform Government and policy makers of the ongoing issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with disability.

The Network supports members’ voices to be heard!

Become a member

Side by Side First Peoples Advocacy

Our Side by Side advocacy service provides information, referrals or individual advocacy support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. An advocate is someone who is by your side to support you in raising and resolving issues.

Side by Side advocacy services are free, independent, private and confidential.

Request advocacy support for myself Request advocacy support for someone else

Willie Prince’s Story

I’m Willie Prince and I was born on an Aboriginal mission called Cherbourg. I was born healthy, I didn’t have a disability when I was born but I got sick about 16 times before my second birthday. Along the way that caused me to have a disability. I was removed by the advice of the state medical doctor and under the approval of the state protector. Not knowing who you are or where you come from gave me the idea of forming some sort of network, which later formed ATSIDNQ.

Read Member Stories

Ted’s Story

I’m Ted Thorburn, I have been a member of ATSIDNQ for nearly 12 years and got involved when I was up in far North Queensland, but now I live in Maryborough. When I first lost my sight I found it very hard to get connected with any disability services as there wasn’t much around and many regional people just lived with their disabilities and didn’t reach out. I look forward to seeing the ATSIDNQ network continue to grow and I encourage people to join.

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Uncle Alexander’s Story

My name is Uncle Alexander Eric Mendo, I was born in Tweed Heads and am a proud Bundjalung Nation Man. I am 87 years old and have been married for 61 years and I am in good health. I have 7 children, 25 grand children, 16 great grand children and 10 great, great grand children. My advice to others and especially young people is to ‘set your goals and head for it’.

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Aunty Myrtle’s Story

My name is Aunty Myrtle and I’m from the Kuku Yalanji mob, Cooktown. I am 85 years old and grew up on the mission of Mona Mona. I’ve always looked after my health and put my children first. My experiences over my lifespan, is that I always cared for my family and children and always showed them my love and affection, and this is my advice to you.

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Latest Events/ News

ATSIDNQ attends events which includes yarning groups, disability expo’s, community events and NAIDOC. Attendance at these events, gives ATSIDNQ, our members, families and communities to be a part of the social fabric which promotes what we do and how we support our people.