Change Makers

Next date: Thursday, 13 November 2025 | 09:30 AM to 01:00 PM

Join industry experts, colleagues and like-minded individuals to discuss the challenges, innovations and best practices in accessible public transport.

In preparation for International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), this in-person event features Tricia Malowney OAM, Chief Accessibility Advocate at the Victorian Department of Transport; Laura Edwards, Head of Network Inclusion at Metro Trains and Josh Bull, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure Delivery for the Victorian State Government. They will examine why accessible transport poses numerous challenges for people with disabilities.

This event offers an excellent chance to connect, network and share experiences with key industry stakeholders on a topic that consistently sparks strong community interest.

IDPwD is an internationally observed United Nations (UN) day on 3 December, aimed at raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability.

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel and visit exhibitors at the mini expo.

Event details

• Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
• Time: Doors open 9.30am, 10am presentations and Q&A (for approx. 1.5 hours), 1pm exhibition concludes
• Venue: Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East 3134
• Cost: Free
• Registrations are essential

Register online

Expo exhibitors

• Metro Trains
• NDIS – Latrobe Community Health
• Safe Transport Victoria
• Travellers Aid
• Interchange Outer East
• Maroondah City Council
• Centrelink
• Each
• Ventura
• EV – Strengthening Communitiies (Eastern Volunteers).

About the speakers

Tricia Malowney OAM

Chief Accessibility Advocate – Victorian Department of Transport and Planning

Tricia Malowney OAM is a disability and human rights advocate with extensive experience across disability rights and inclusion working in health, justice and family violence sectors.

As a consultant to government and non-government agencies, she promotes human rights and the elimination of intersectional disadvantage for people with disabilities.

As well as speaking about her role as Chief Accessibility Advocate, Victorian Department of Transport, Tricia will be able to talk about international best practice for end-to-end transport opportunities for people with a disability as part of the Rodney Warmington Estate Churchill Fellowship.

Laura Edwards

Head of Network Inclusion, Corporate Affairs, Metro Trains

Laura will provide an insight into Metro’s Accessibility Action Plans including an insight into what was achieved in the Metro’s Accessibility Action Plan 2022-2024 including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, assistance animal relief areas, disability awareness training and the challenges that lie ahead

Laura has had thirteen years working in accessibility within V/Line and Metro Trains. This has included developing and delivering multiple Accessibility Action Plans, as well as working across the organisation to identify opportunities for ongoing accessibility innovation.

David Simmonds

Director of Transport Accessibility & Inclusion, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning

David is a champion of inclusive public transport. With experience in advocacy, corporate services and finance, he also holds an MBA.

Legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, David is driven to inspire others and lead a life of purpose and impact.

Further information

For more information about the event please contact Jack Mulholland on 9294 5750 or email jack.mulholland@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

When

Location

Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East, 3134, View map