The New England Community Showcase
A friendly and inclusive event that celebrates what people with disability can do. There will be market stalls, performances, provider showcases, activities and displays, with plenty of chances to meet people, share interests and learn more about local groups, services and businesses.
Date
Wed 21st Oct 2026
Where
Armidale City Bowling Club
Time
10am to 3pm
The New England Community Showcase celebrates the amazing skills and talents of people in our community.
Do you have an idea that could make the Showcase even better? We would love to hear from you.
Accessibility at the Showcase
We want everyone to feel comfortable, included and able to take part.
A low-sensory room will be available in the Dumaresq Room (left of the Auditorium) and quiet corners within, for anyone who needs a break.
A dedicated quiet hour with dimmed lighting is planned from 2-3pm.
Sensory backpacks containing earmuffs, fidget items, blankets and other calming supports will also be available to borrow during your visit.
Sensory and quiet spaces
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible with flat entry and wide, clear pathways.
An accessible adult change space with mobile hoist and changing table will be provided in the Duval Room (right of the Auditorium). Please bring your own sling if needed.
Large print and pictorial signage will be available.
Inclusive facilities
Meet our Lived Experience
and Service Provider Stallholders
At the heart of the New England Community Showcase are the people.
Our lived experience stallholders are people with disability who are sharing their skills, creativity, interests, products and achievements with the community.
Meet our stallholders, discover what they have created and learn more about the stories behind their work.
Astrid Scott
Stamp Ahead
Astrid is a local entrepreneur who loves making things to sell. She loves crafting and sewing and also hand stamps a variety of designs on serviettes.
Visit Astrid’s stall to see her range of home sewn scrunchies, aprons, key tags and many other creative items.
She also loves to bake and has recently registered her business BAKE AHEAD. Come visit at the Showcase for more information.
Emma H and Kai Rui
The Hum Cards and Jewellery
Lifelong friends Emma and Kai Rui will be sharing their creativity at the Showcase.
Emma will be selling her handmade jewellery, while Kai Rui will have her T-shirts, cards and CDs available. Kai Rui will also be running some fun “hum” workshops throughout the day.
“We’d like you all to come and spend time together at our stall”
BAM Disability Services
GOLD PARTNER
We're all about building relationships that matter. That's why we carefully match our team to each participant, making sure you're supported by people who truly get you.
Whether it's one-on-one support, group activities, or navigating the NDIS, we focus on the real connections that make a difference. Our goal? To ensure every person we support feels heard, understood, and backed by a team that genuinely cares.
Jacob Kumar
Jacob Loves Books
Jacob Kumar
Jacob Loves Books
I have autism and I write children’s books to help children understand and educate them about inclusion.
My stall will have 4 books I‘ve released, my preloved books, collectables and toys
www.greetingsimjake.com.au
Comfort Cove Stays and Supports
SILVER PARTNER
Our stall will be showcasing our wonderful participants, unique handcrafted products and local creations.
We will have available a diverse range of items from soothing fidgets and sensory packs, expressive artworks, and custom jewellery
Mia Clark
MiaGrace Creations
I am a 23 year who loves creating jewellery and gifts for family and friends.
My stall will make you smile!
Mia is a young New England local - her stall will feature homemade jewellery, giftpacks, bookmarks and gifts.
Sue Lennox
Suzi Q's Crafts
Meet Sue, the creative hands behind Suzi Q’s! Sue loves knitting and crochet, and when she puts down her knitting needles, she’s busy creating cards.
From gorgeous baby booties and bonnets to colourful handmade cards, her creations offer something special for a little one or a loved one.
Aruma Community Hub Armidale
Come and discover the creativity of participants from the Aruma Armidale Community Hub! Their stall will showcase craft items made during group activities, celebrating the talents and ideas of the people who created them.
Participants will help run the stall, sharing their creations and giving visitors a glimpse of what they’ve been working on at the Hub.
New England Support Services
NESS is a locally owned disability support provider helping people build independence, confidence and community connections. Based in Armidale, their services include individual support, day programs, community access and skill development, tailored to each person’s goals.
At the Showcase, NESS will bring plenty of smiles with an interactive photo booth stall! Drop by, strike a pose and meet the team.
Kai Vanry
Kai's Creations
Kai is a 14-year-old high school creator who loves cosplay, cats and their bearded dragon, Clay. They’re excited for Supanova in Brisbane this year and the chance to celebrate their favourite characters!
At the Showcase, Kai will share paintings, recycled aluminium flowers and more, and offer commissioned personalised drawings and portraits.
Visitors can also get creative with a “paint your own” mini-canvas activity and make something to take home!
Sunnyfield Armidale
Sunny Creations
Sunny Creations is a craft group and micro-business set up by some of the participants at Sunnyfield Armidale.
We will be selling craft items made by our amazing participants like notebooks, magnets, paper weights, pens, candles, wax melts, pencil cases, bookmarks, coasters, cards and suncatchers
Vinnie Pancaldi
Vinnie's World
Join Captain Power on his first hero duty in Issue 1 of the Adventurous Tales of Captain Power.
'Hi, I'm a superhero named Captain Power. That's my superhero name because I have so many super powers. I'll tell you about them later. I have hero duty to attend to..'
Vinnie is a local author and illustrator. He will be showcasing his comic book - The Adventures of Captain Power, along with handmade Halloween cards.
Challenge Tamworth
Connexions Creative Crafts
Connexions Crafts brings together handmade wooden items and crafts created by participants during their day program. Their stall celebrates the creativity, skills and care that go into each piece.
Explore a range of practical gifts and household items, including wooden serving and cutting boards, hot and cold packs, casserole carriers, bookmarks and jar grippers.
Pathfinders Disability
Armidale
Pathfinders Support Your Path (SYP) is our NDIS-funded disability support program,
providing personalised, direct care to people with a disability. The program helps participants build independence, develop life skills and engage in their community while working towards individual goals.
At the Showcase, meet our friendly team and participants, make jewellery to keep, grab some stickers and share words of inspiration.
Jasmin Goodall Photography
I’m a passionate wildlife photographer who finds something deeply extraordinary simply by being present in nature.
I believe every living thing carries its own emotions, consciousness, presence and story. Through my photography, I look beyond a beautiful image to capture the expressions, connections and fleeting moments that reveal something of who an animal is.
Wildlife photography has taught me to slow down, be patient and truly look. Above all, I want my images to engender care — inspiring others to pause, look closer and feel, while nurturing a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a desire to protect it.
Special Olympics
North West New England
Special Olympics Northwest New England brings people with disability through sport, friendship and fun.
Local activities include swimming, golf, lawn bowls and tenpin bowling.
Presented by athletes Shane and Courtney, the stall is a chance to hear about their experiences and discover opportunities to participate or volunteer. Come and say hello and find out how you can get involved!
Modern Community Solutions
Based in Armidale, MCS supports people with disability across New England to build independence in everyday life. Their approach considers each person’s daily needs, personal interests and longer-term goals.
At the Showcase, meet the team and discover more about their services while enjoying some colourful fun! MCS will also offer face painting, bringing a creative touch and plenty of smiles to the day.
Bek Clark
Scarlett Letter
The maker behind Scarlet-Thread is the lovely Bek. Bek lives with severe mental illness and has recently experienced paralysis in her legs, now using a wheelchair. Art and craft are an important form of therapy for Bek, and her wonderful family is an important part of her life.
At the Showcase, Bek will be displaying her drawings and paintings and selling small handmade crochet items, including fidgets, keyrings and Christmas decorations.
SAGE Services
Guided by “Your Choices. Our Care.”, SAGE Services Group brings together disability care, aged care and facilities management, with a focus on dignity, clear communication and dependable support.
SAGE aims to create welcoming environments where people can thrive, caring for both individuals and the places they rely on. Rosie’s Day Centre offers opportunities for engaging days in a safe and supportive setting.
Empowering Together
Empowering Together is a proudly Aboriginal-owned provider offering disability and community support across New England. Their services help people build independence, develop life skills and stay connected to culture and community.
Visit their Showcase stall to meet the team and discover how they can support your goals!
Denise and Lesley Bell
Bell Birds
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Sisters Denise and Lesley will be sharing their love arts and crafts with the community, showcasing their diamond art, dreamcatchers and family photos.
"We want to share caring about each other, family and our crafts."
Uniting LAC
Armidale
Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) helps people with disability understand and access the NDIS, use their plans and connect with local services, activities and community networks.
They also help people who are not eligible for the NDIS find community supports.
Visit their Showcase stall to meet the team, ask questions and get creative making your very own sensory bottle! Explore colour and movement as you create something unique to shake, swirl and enjoy.
Equity at TAFE
The Equity team at TAFE will be sharing information about accessibility, inclusion resources, courses and training opportunities. Members of TAFE’s support team will be there to answer questions, talk through available support and help you explore your options.
Visit their stall for a chat and add your fingerprint to our community tree, celebrating inclusion and connection.
Nurse Next Door
Nurse Next Door Armidale provides personalised home care, nursing and disability support, helping people maintain their independence and stay connected to what they love. Their locally owned team offers assistance with everyday tasks, companionship and community access.
Visit their stall to meet the team and get creative with a stress and juggling ball activity.
Meet our Performers
and Workshop Presenters
Our performers and workshop presenters bring the Showcase to life through music, drama, creativity and hands-on learning. People with disability take the stage and lead activities, sharing their talents and passions in their own way.
Enjoy a performance, try something new and join in the experiences they’ve prepared for you.
Side-by-Side and Good Notes Choirs
These inclusive choirs celebrate the joy of singing together! Side by Side brings together Armidale Secondary College Support Unit students and their peers, while Good Notes offers adult alumni a place to continue making music at NECOM.
Led by Rowena Teege both choirs build confidence, friendship and belonging. Enjoy their Showcase performance and celebrate the voices of our community!
Dave Eddy - Festival of Dellusion
Performance & Interactive Demonstration
Dave Eddy brings his Festival of Delusion to the Showcase with music, games and activities for people of all abilities. His son, who has an intellectual disability, has always loved his dad’s music, inspiring Dave’s approach to creating truly inclusive experiences.
Enjoy Dave’s performance early in the day, then join his interactive demonstration for a chance to have a go and discover the fun for yourself!
Mandy and Harry - Koivu
Meet Mandy and Harri, the Armidale duo behind Koivu! This two-piece band brings its own distinctive sound to folk music, performing original songs alongside a selection of covers.
Join them at the Showcase for a live performance celebrating local music and creativity. Take a break from exploring the stalls, settle in and enjoy the sounds of Koivu!
Saturday Magic Theatre Troupe
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Join Julie, Theatre Director of Saturday Magic, for some fun and interactive theatre games at the Showcase!
Saturday Magic Theatre Troupe is an inclusive Armidale community group supporting people with intellectual disability to build confidence, develop skills and express their creativity through drama and performance.
Music with Fumie, Bram and Ian
Fumie delivers music therapy sessions at NECOM, working with people of all ages and abilities, including NDIS clients, to build wellbeing, communication, confidence and connection in a positive, engaging environment.
At the Showcase, Fumie will be joined by Ian, Bram and David, participants who will help her run the session and share the experience with others.
Get Moving with the Aruma Crew
Denise and the Aruma Bootscooters
Get your dancing shoes ready for half an hour of fun-filled line dancing! Join the
Bootscooters for music, movement and laughter.
Exercise and Games with Tommy and Team
Keep moving with Tommy and team! Enjoy gentle exercise, interactive games and plenty of laughs in a fun, welcoming environment.
Our Sponsors & Supporters
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, grant funders, and those who provide in-kind assistance. Your contributions are vital to this event.
Click the logo to be redirected to each sponsor's webpage.
Clubs NSW
Generous grant support for event logistics
In-Kind Supporter
Aidacare
Providing equipment for the Accessible Change Space
In-Kind Support
Armidale City Bowling Club
Providing venue hire free of charge
Gold Community Partner
BAM Disability Services
2026 Gold Community Partner
Gold Community Partner
Armidale Automotive Group
2026 Gold Community Partner
Silver Community Partner
Comfort Cove Stays & Supports
2026 Silver Community Partner
Silver Community Partner
BurMac Insurance Solutions
2026 Silver Community Partner
Silver Community Supporter
Mountview Pharmacy
2026 Silver Community Partner
Bronze Community Partner
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Helloworld Travel
2026 Bronze Community Partner
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Bronze Community Partner
Armidale Pet Shop
2026 Bronze Community Partner
In-Kind Supports
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Office Express
Colouring In Competition
Prize Packs
In-Kind Supports
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JJ's Newsagency
Colouring In Competition
Prize Packs