We are excited to spotlight one of our incredible partners, Mob4Mob – a leading force for cultural safety and inclusion in the disability sector.
As Queensland’s first-ever First Nations Disability representative peak, Mob4Mob is a community-controlled organisation founded by First Nations people with a disability. Their Board is made up of First Nations Elders and community members with lived experience of disability. This deep connection to the community, coupled with their unwavering commitment to empowering
First Nations peoples with disabilities, is transforming lives.
Through our ongoing collaboration, FPDN and Mob4Mob have developed a strong partnership, working together to amplify the voices of First Nations peoples with disabilities at both state and federal levels. We are advocating for systemic change, pushing for stronger representation and strategic pathways to support First Nations peoples within the disability sector.
Uncle Paul Calcott, proud Wiradjuri man and Co-Vice Chair on Mob4Mob’s Board explains, “Together with FPDN, we’re working to ensure that First Nations peoples with disabilities have a strong, united voice. Our partnership goes beyond just advocacy – we’re pushing for more representation and strategic pathways for First Nations peoples in the disability space.”
Mob4Mob’s work goes beyond simply advocating for change. While they do not directly provide services, they play a critical role in strengthening the sector. “We provide vital resources and information to the community,” says Uncle Paul. “Our work ensures that First Nations peoples living with disabilities have the support they need to navigate the disability services system. We act as guided referrals and a soft access point to other services, all while ensuring these services respect our people’s culture and identity.”
However, as Uncle Paul emphasises, there’s still much work to be done. The disability sector must focus on cultural inclusion at every level, ensuring First Nations peoples with disabilities are represented in the decisions that impact them. “There is a need for stronger representation of First Nations peoples with disabilities across all levels of government,” says Uncle Paul. “We need to create more pathways for engagement and support, pathways that are specifically designed for our communities. This partnership with FPDN is key to pushing for these changes.”
Together, FPDN and Mob4Mob are working to create a disability sector that is inclusive, culturally safe, and truly reflective of the needs of First Nations peoples with disabilities. Uncle Paul sums it up, “We will continue to work hand-in-hand with FPDN to create a future where First Nations peoples with disabilities are valued, supported, and included in all aspects of society.”
Stay tuned as we continue our advocacy and work toward a more inclusive future, ensuring First Nations peoples with disabilities have the representation and support they deserve.
Learn more about Mob4Mob: https://www.mob4mob.org.au/
