I13 June 2023
Just Gold, Australia’s first social enterprise management consultancy, has announced plans for the inaugural Autistic Pride Day Melbourne Symposium, set to be a groundbreaking event championing neurodiversity.
As an Autistic-led enterprise, Just Gold has earned its status as a Telstra Best of Business Awards finalist in 2022 and 2023. The company is set on a mission to empower neurodiverse individuals and communities through initiatives like the Autistic Pride Day Melbourne Symposium.
The symposium will feature 3 panel sessions, 1 celebratory QandA and 2 workshops joined by renowned experts and Autistic leaders in person or via digital tools:
(names in alphabetical order)
Gerard Atkinson (online only)
Chris Varney (online only)
Sofia Viskas Neale (online only)
and more!
The sessions at this symposium are designed to delve into a range of topics including Autistic-led initiatives, Autistic self-determination, neuroaffirming practices, and the creation of safe, sensory-friendly environments.
For those attending in person, multiple sensory rooms will be available for use at the excellent facilities of the Commons QV, located in Melbourne’s Greek Quarter. An accessible visual story showcasing these features can be found here.
Audiences around the world can expect professionally filmed sessions produced by Just Gold‘s creative team ensuring a high-quality, accessible experience, that will be made available on www.autisticprideday.org, www.autisticprideday.org.au and on www.youtube.com/@AutisticPrideDay post the Symposium.
The Autistic Pride Day Melbourne Symposium promises to be a monumental event in the sphere of neurodiversity.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/tours/autistic-pride-day-symposium
Program: https://autisticprideday.org.au/all-sessions
1. Panel: Autistic Lead Programs for Children and Young People at 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Focus: Parents and children
Join us for a discussion on the importance of autistic-led programs for children and young people, where we will explore strategies for empowerment, growth, and support in educational and social settings.
Panel: Matthew Harrison, Rebecca Mccash, Jess Rowlings and Chris Varney who will join online.
Facilitated by: Kyriakos Gold
2. Workshop: Supporting Autistic Women at 1:30pm to 2:30pm
This workshop delves into the specific needs and experiences of autistic women and girls, discussing ways to foster understanding, support, and inclusion.
Facilitated by: Anita Aherne
3. Workshop: Creating safe spaces for Autistic LGBTIQA+ people 1:30pm-2:30pm
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on the unique experiences and challenges faced by autistic queer individuals, while exploring strategies for empowerment and community building.
Facilitated by: Ruby Mountford
4. Panel: Autistic Economic Inclusion & Selfdetermination in the Social Enterprise Sector at 2:45pm – 3:30pm
Focus: Autistic Entrepreneurship
Discover the potential of autistic entrepreneurs in the social enterprise sector as we share success stories, discuss barriers to entry, and outline resources and opportunities for economic inclusion.
Panel: Roo Harris, Michelle Ridsdale, Will Rosewarne, Dr Sharon Zivkovic
Facilitated by: Kyriakos Gold
5. Panel: Understanding Neurodiversity through Neurodiverse Practitioners 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Focus: Neurodivergent practitioners
Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity from neurodiverse practitioners themselves. This session will highlight the unique perspectives and strengths of neurodivergent professionals in various fields.
Panel: Raelene Dundon, Tamsin Jowett, Dr Naomi Malone
Facilitated by: Dr Judy Tang
6. Live Q&A with Experts: Think Autism at 4:45pm – 6:00pm
Join us for a live, filmed Q&A session with subject matter experts as we engage in a democratic dialogue about autism, tackling pressing issues and sharing insights in front of a live audience.
All speakers
Host: Kyriakos Gold
The event is powered by the resources and o www.autisticprideday.org and more information can be found: www.autisticprideday.org.au.
For media inquiries, please contact: hello@justgold.net
About Just Gold
Just Gold is Australia’s first social enterprise management consultancy and creative agency accredited as a social enterprise and BCorp.
As an Autistic-led and Queer enterprise, it champions neurodiversity and intersectionality through unique initiatives that celebrate, support, and empower neurodiverse individuals and communities.
