Shayne Neumann has held his sixth and biggest Blair Disability Links expo.

The annual expo brings together organisations and groups that provide services, support and opportunities for those living with disability, their carers and families in Ipswich and the Somerset Region.

The Federal member for Blair launched the 2017 Blair Disability Links directory, which features 90 of these organisations and services.

“Blair Disability links gets bigger each year, demonstrating just how important it is to connect the service providers with the community,” Mr Neumann said.

“In addition the event provides a networking opportunity for the service providers and organisations.

“That was one of the unexpected benefits we found after the first expo was held in 2010.”

Blair Disability Links coincides with International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) International Day of People with Disability (3 December 2016), which celebrates the contributions and achievements of people with disability in our community.

“Blair Disability Links is an important event in the region as it breaks down barriers while celebrating abilities.

“I held the first Blair Disability Links in 2010 because I recognised the need for disability service providers, people living with disability and their carers to connect and share information throughout our local community.

“Almost everyone will be touched by disability at some stage throughout their lives and Blair Disability Links creates a network for local people living with disability.”

In addition to the expo and celebration cake, Mr Neumann launched the 2017 edition of the Blair Disability Links and Seniors Links directories.

The 2017 Blair Disability Links directory features 90 services and organisations specifically for people with disability and their carers in Ipswich and the Somerset Region.

The 2017 Blair Seniors Link directory is in its second year and features 47 services and organisations specifically for older residents and their carers in the local region.

“These are the most popular publications in my office and over the past six years I have given away over 50,000 copies.

“I wish to acknowledge and thank all the service providers, carers and volunteers who work hard to improve and enhance the lives of people living with disability in Ipswich and the Somerset Region.

“It is tireless, sometimes thankless work but they provide enormous comfort to and wonderful opportunities for people with disability and their families.”

Copies of the 2017 Blair Disability Links and Blair Seniors Links directories are available for free from Mr Neumann’s office at Brassall Shopping Centre.

For more information contact the office on 3201 5300.