Searching for disability support services, accessible activities or inclusive employment opportunities in Newcastle or the wider Hunter region?
At the Hunter Disability Expo, all sorts of service providers, innovators, and community organisations come together for two exciting days full of education and entertainment.
From NDIS supports and job pathways to housing options, and group programs, visitors can explore local resources that help build confidence, connection and quality of life.
At Hunter Care Group, we’re proud to be a part of the Expo again this year, joining hundreds of other exhibitors and thousands of attendees on the day.
Here, we explain what this event involves, how it works, and why it’s a great idea for all ages and abilities to attend!
What is the Hunter Disability Expo?
The Hunter Disability Expo is a free annual event held in Newcastle that educates, empowers and celebrates our community. It brings together people living with a disability, their families, carers, industry leaders and support providers in one place.
Over two days, attendees can discover innovative products and services, as well as live stage talks, that help to foster greater independence and well-being in everyday life.
Why join us at the Hunter Disability Expo?
Connect with local providers
The Hunter Disability Expo is a practical way to discover supportive products, services and community groups in your area and plan for the future. By showcasing hundreds of organisations under one roof, this event makes it easier for you to explore options and link with supports that best suit your goals.
One of the biggest benefits of attending is the chance to speak directly with local service providers. Meeting face to face gives you the opportunity to ask questions, compare services, and make a confident decision.
From Allied health professionals to assistive technology, you’ll find a wide variety of specialists offering tailored information and advice.
Many exhibitors also provide live demonstrations and practical guidance so visitors can better understand how different offerings actually work in everyday life.
Attend interactive sessions and inspiring presentations
Alongside the exhibition floor, this expo features a range of informative and interactive presentations delivered by industry experts, advocates, and community leaders. The goal is to inform, encourage discussion, and share ideas about the future of disability support in Australia.
The goal is to inform, encourage discussion, and share ideas about the future of disability support in Australia.
You’ll get super helpful information and real-world insight into topics that truly matter to people living with a disability and those supporting them.
While the exact programme hasn’t been announced just yet, presentations tend to cover areas like navigating the NDIS, building independence, accessing community opportunities, and understanding new developments in disability support. Examples include specialist disability accommodation, occupational therapy, employment pathways, and group programs.
Enjoy inclusive entertainment
The Hunter Disability Expo is designed to be welcoming, accessible and fun for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Throughout the event, you can enjoy live performances and engaging activities for the whole family. These moments create opportunities to celebrate creativity, community participation, and the many talents within our community.
You can also take time to relax between exploring exhibitor stands. The venue includes café areas with delicious food and refreshments, as well as quiet breakout spaces for those who need somewhere comfortable to rest.
The entertainment schedule will be released soon, so make sure to check it in advance so you don’t miss out on any exciting performances!
FAQs
Where is the Hunter Disability Expo taking place?
The Hunter Disability Expo takes place at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre Showground on Brown Road, Broadmeadow, NSW 2292.
This venue offers spacious indoor exhibition areas, stress-free facilities, and convenient parking options, making it an ideal location for people with a disability to attend comfortably.
You can enter via Brown Road, with clearly marked access points and parking areas available at the Showground.
See the venue’s map for more parking and transport info.
When is it on?
The Hunter Disability Expo runs from 9 am to 3 pm on May 8th and 9th, 2026. You’re welcome to visit at any time during event hours.
Is it free to attend?
Yes. Entry to this inclusive community event is free for all visitors.
To attend the event, you’ll simply need to register online before arriving. This helps the event organisers manage visitor numbers and supports smooth entry on the day.
How do I register to attend?
The easiest way to register for the Hunter Disability Expo is in advance online. That way, you’ll get to skip the queue and explore the event sooner!
After completing your online registration, you’ll receive a unique QR code via email. This QR code can be scanned at the entrance when you arrive at the venue.
Is the Newcastle Entertainment Centre Showground accessible?
Yes. The Hunter Disability Expo is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and comfortable for all visitors.
This venue has lots of accessible amenities to support people with different needs, including:
- Wheelchairs available for temporary use
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking and drop-off zones
- Live captioning during stage presentations
- Auslan interpreters
- Quiet hour on Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
- Café and seating areas for rest breaks
- Service animal-friendly environment with a watering station
Drivers can enter via Griffith Road, turn right, and follow the driveway to the accessible parking area. Car park attendants will then direct visitors with accessibility permits to the closest available spaces.
There are also three dedicated accessible parking spaces located directly on Brown Road in front of the venue entrance.
The closest drop-off location for visitors with disabilities is the Brown Road entrance.
What sort of product and service providers will be exhibiting?
You’ll be able to meet with diverse product and service providers in the following spaces:
- Accommodation / Housing
- Advocacy
- Aids & Equipment
- Allied Health Professionals
- Education & Training
- Employment Services
- Financial & Legal Services
- Government
- Health & Medical
- In-Home Care
- Mental Health Services
- Modified Vehicles / Home
- Plan Management
- Post School Services
- Social Leisure or Travel
- Support Services
- Technology
- Transport Services
Come say hi to Hunter Care Group!
The Hunter Disability Expo is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community, learn about the supports available, and get to know the people behind the services.
If you’re planning to attend, we’d love to meet you. You’ll find the Hunter Care Group team at Booth G5, welcoming anyone who’d like to stop by for a chat!
We’ll be there across both days, ready to answer questions, share information about our disability services, and explain how we can support NDIS participants across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the wider Hunter region.
If you can’t make it to the expo but would still like to discover more about our NDIS support services, please call us on (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online.