For Platinum Cre8ive founder Duncan Steward, ImpactInstitute’s Disability Expos are platforms for visibility, connection and opportunity.
Founded in 2016, Platinum Cre8ive is Australia’s leading talent agency dedicated to representing artists and creatives with disability. Since first becoming involved in ImpactInstitute’s Disability Expos in 2018, the partnership has grown into one built on trust, shared values and a commitment to amplifying talent within the disability community.
“Our involvement really began when Rachael Leahcar was ambassador at the Sydney Disability Expo,” Duncan explains. “Since then, we’ve had a number of our artists engaged as ambassadors, performers and speakers at multiple expos across Australia each year.”
“Every artist who steps up as an ambassador or performer is memorable,” he says. “ImpactInstitute gives people a genuine platform to share their skills, talent and lived experiences and that has such a ripple effect for the wider community.”
Other standout moments include seeing ambassadors Lara Nakhle and Summer Giddings take the stage, alongside performances from Mick on Wheels and DJ Brittany Leo.
“These moments aren’t just entertainment,” Duncan explains. “They’re about representation and showing what’s possible when people with disability are given space to shine.”
Now in its tenth year of operation, Platinum Cre8ive specialises in managing and representing talent with disability ensuring artists are not only seen, but heard, valued and paid for their work. ImpactInstitute’s expos have played a key role in creating those opportunities and often led directly to ongoing meaningful work opportunities.
“Having the trust and confidence of the ImpactInstitute team to engage our talent has been incredibly important,” Duncan says. “Being seen and heard at these expos has regularly led to further performance and speaking opportunities both within the disability sector and outside it.”
These outcomes reinforce the importance of creating inclusive events that highlight the long term-value of economic engagement and employment of people with a disability.
“They also shine a light on the incredible talent that exists within the community, something the sector needs to see more of” notes Duncan.
ImpactInstitute has been hosting disability expos since 2014 with a focus on supporting long-term positive change in the sector. “By bringing people together in one accessible space, the expos help create pathways to opportunity for people with disability. The economic and social benefits of people with disability being engaged in meaningful work (including self-employment) cannot be under-estimated” said Kathryn Carey, Head of Events and Marketing at ImpactInstitute.
For organisations considering exhibiting or getting involved, Duncan’s advice is simple.
“Come along and be part of the disability sector community. There is always someone looking for help, advice or support and real impact comes from being present.”
Through its ongoing partnership with ImpactInstitute, Platinum Cre8ive continues to advocate for greater visibility, inclusion and opportunity for people with disability. And at every expo, that shared commitment comes to life one conversation, one performance and one opportunity at a time.
To learn more about ImpactInstititute’s Disability Expos, visit the website.