We are pleased to share the highlights of this year’s #MyLifeChoices Disability, Ageing & Lifestyle Expo (DAL Expo) – an informative and entertaining 2 day exhibition attended by nearly 6000 visitors over the 2 day event.
With a staggering 245 exhibitors showcasing at this year’s event, the vibe in Jubilee Pavilion was there from the moment the doors opened. Early crowd attendance kept Exhibitors on their feet engaging with new and existing customers, gaining valuable new contacts and feedback on their products and services. Visitors were offered a variety of exhibitors to engage with, finding solutions to enhance day to day life and presented with trying out new innovations and services that are available to them.
Visitors were enticed to the Stage early by the performances by Event Ambassador, Rachael Leahcar, they were captivated by her stage presence and powerful voice. Rachael delighted the crowds with her new release “Little Bird” and engaged with visitors in her travels around the event.
The DanceAbility stage continued to entertain, drawing in more visitors to take a seat and enjoy the array of entertainment – the applause encouraging the talented performers on. This year, we were pleased to welcome Cultural dance groups to the Stage, adding diversity and vibrancy to the event with their beautiful performances.
New this year were 10 Seminar sessions which delivered valuable insights on subjects that attracted attendance by both sector providers and the public. The discussion of ideas and information from lived experience provided a valuable exchange between host and attendees.
The Stories in Art gallery wowed everyone who took the opportunity to wander through the 40m of gallery walls showcasing magnificent artworks. This was a vast and stunning display by talented artists living with a disability – their works told inspiring stories and left visitors in awe of their talent.
Interviews with artists on Stage gave visitors a chance to connect with the creative minds behind the works of art, the smiles and inspiration shared during these moments were truly heartwarming. Visitors were provided with the opportunity to take a seat to join in on Art therapy workshops, an increasingly popular therapy that provides the added benefit of making new social connections.
Community radio broadcast from the event, ensuring that the word on what was available at the event was spread far and wide.
But that’s not all! The DAL Expo had something for everyone, including the 8m Rock Wall that challenged many to sear to new heights! and the delightful petting zoo that brought smiles to the faces of young and old, providing an insight into what can be achieved with Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Taking on feedback provided from last year’s event – visitors were provided with multiple choices of delicious offerings from the food and beverage outlets which satisfied every craving.
The feedback from the public and Exhibitors has been overwhelming, we know that our visitors engaged with exhibitors, leaving with what they came to find. The DAL Expo is SA’s flagship disability and ageing event – an exhibition that ticks all the boxes for Visitors and Exhibitors.
This year’s Expo Event Partner was Danny Met Sally, a Premium Disability Service that works across all areas of the disability community and healthcare sector, supporting : Individuals, Parents & Carers, Support Coordinators, Hospitals, Kids & Teens. The Catalyst Foundation Expo team enjoyed working with the DMS team over the event and we thank them for partnering with us to present this important community event to South Australians.
Enjoy the images below and we look forward to welcoming you to the DAL Expo 2024 …
Introducing the prime sponsor of the 2023 DAL Expo – we proudly welcome Danny Met Sally.
With a commitment to inclusivity and a passion for empowering individuals of all abilities and ages, Danny Met Sally has emerged as a leading provider in promoting accessibility and enhancing the quality of life for their clients.
Danny Met Sally is a premium national disability service provider employing more than 500 support, administration and client care staff across Australia, and growing. Danny Met Sally offers end-to-end services to South Australians living with a disability, to provide the highest level of care and commitment that one would expect from their family and best friend. Danny Met Sally specialises in providing personalised solutions for individuals of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can navigate their environment with ease and independence.
Explore the exciting world of Danny Met Sally at the 2023 DAL Expo – Booth #1 at the Entrance to the event.
We are pleased to be able to welcome back to the 2023 Expo Stage our Event Ambassador Rachael Leahcar.
Rachael charmed the 2022 DAL Expo audience with songs she has written from her life experiences that communicate across genres. The Catalyst Foundation is very grateful and proud to have Rachael as the DAL Expo Event Ambassador.
The DanceAbility stage stole the show in 2022 ….
Entering through the doors of the largest Pavilion at Wayville, the red carpet drew you to the main stage where an enthusiastic audience gathered to watch performers take the stage to entertain visitors to the Expo. The last couple of years had restricted live performances so these entertainers were well prepared. They soon had the audience joining in, clapping, singing along, there were proud beaming faces and a few tears. These talented artists showed their passion to perform and it was 2 days of rolling performances, a great time was had by all. Many performers received inquiries to perform at events this year – achieving the objective of providing opportunity, capacity building, community awareness and inclusivity.
Head towards the 8m Rock Wall to Booth #173 and explore the outdoor activities that are available through Xlent Disability Services new Adventure Club.
Kayaking, bike riding in custom designed equipment, find out about the come ‘n try days that are run in conjunction with Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures. This is a great way to engage in outdoor activities, try new experiences, meet new friends and take on a challenge – whilst being supported by qualified instructors in a safe environment.
The Rockabout Rock Wall is back this year and adaptive climbing is possible for people of all abilities.
This 8m hydraulically controlled rock wall will safely support visitors to have a go at climbing – supported by RockAbout’s expert climbers.
Anyone 15kg to 115kg can take on the challenge, just tie your hair back and wear enclosed shoes.
FREE TO TRY at Booth #173
Head to booth # 54 near the main Cafe in Jubilee Pavilion to speak to the Dara Disability Services team and find out more information on their range of services that will support you in your daily life : – Social Participation, Transport Services, In Home Services, Respire and improved daily living.
The Wednesday Dara Social Hub is a great way to have some fun, meet new people and get creative – fnd out more on their website …. just click on the Coffee Cup !
We’re so excited to be able to provide artists living with disability the chance to show off their artwork to the public at the Stories in Art exhibition!
Make time to wander through the gallery to view the works prepared by South Australian artists living with a disability.
View artworks that tell the artists stories, listen to the Artist in Residence interview on Friday 13th October and view the art therapy workshops taking place.
What: Stories in Art exhibition
Who: Artists living with disability
When: 13 and 14 October 2023
Artist in Residence interview: Expo Stage, Friday 13 October 12.15pm
Clipboard Art Shop will be hosting the following workshops: no need to book – just turn up and join in.
Friday:
Saturday
This is an incredible 27% increase on the 2021 (1 day) event, showing us that the public welcome the new 2 day format.
This is a 21% increase on 2021 and indicates the growth in the sector and support for this valuable community event.
More than 99% of visitors said they would recommend the expo to a family member or a friend.
This is the fifth consecutive Expo to receive an overall rating from visitors of higher than 8/10.
More than 97% of visitors found what they were looking for, slightly up on 2021 @ 94.5%.
#MyLifeChoices Disability, Ageing and Lifestyle Expo is a social initiative by Catalyst Foundation.