Now is the time for vision

The secrets of fabulous self-direction

In this episode, Margaret Ward shares five secrets of self-direction, starting with a reminder to families that if they're waiting for a service to do this work, it won't happen. Self-direction requires families to hold what Margaret calls "family business" – the vision, the plan, the story, the relationships – and never hand it over. Her five secrets cover the full arc: step up, include others across generations, accept that life is messy, embrace change, and stay joyful while doing serious work. You can watch Margaret's presentation on our website. [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/fabulous-self-direction/] Click here to read the transcript of this episode [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/fabulous-self-direction/#:~:text=her%20visionary%20leadership.-,Transcript,-Please%20be%20aware]. Please note that the transcript provided may contain occasional errors. On our website, you'll also find: * all the presentations from our Safeguarding the Future conference in 2024 * resources about safeguarding, planning and building good lives for people with disability * events related to topics relevant to people with disability and their families seeking to enjoy a typical life. Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the Imagine More podcast.

Planning future finances

In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris Oates, a senior financial adviser at RSM Financial Services Australia. Chris has extensive experience providing financial advice to individuals and families at all stages of life. Chris guides us through some of the financial decisions and strategies that can help families plan for the future with greater confidence. His presentation covers assets, superannuation, Wills, beneficiary nominations, investment options, insurance and income-producing strategies. He also explains how financial planning can help families understand where they are now, where they want to go, and which strategies may help bridge the gap. For families thinking about the future support of children or dependants, Chris offers practical ways to consider how money, assets and planning structures can provide greater security over time. You can watch Chris’s presentation on our website [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/planning-future-finances/]. Click here to read the transcript of this episode [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/planning-future-finances/#:~:text=stages%20of%20life.-,Transcription,-This%20is%20an]. Please note that the transcript provided may contain occasional errors. On our website, you’ll also find * all the presentations from our Safeguarding the Future conference in 2025 * resources about safeguarding, planning and building good lives for people with disability * events related to topics relevant to people with disability and their families seeking to enjoy a typical life Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the Imagine More podcast.

What's the plan? Estate planning considerations for parents and carers

In this episode, you’ll hear from Stacey Bell, a Wills and Estates lawyer with a checklist for everything. Stacey guides us through many of the legal documents, decisions and conversations that can help families plan for the future and safeguard the people they love. Her presentation covers Wills, Trusts, Enduring Powers of Attorney, legal capacity, advance care planning and the importance of putting your wishes in writing. She also explains why estate planning is not only about what happens after we die. It is also about choosing the right people to make decisions, reducing uncertainty and creating a plan that can protect your family today, next week and in 20 years’ time. You can watch Stacey’s presentation on our website [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/whats-the-plan/]. Click here to read the transcript of this episode [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/whats-the-plan/#:~:text=people%20they%20love.-,Transcription,-Please%20note%20that]. Please note that the transcript provided may contain occasional errors. On our website, you’ll also find * all the presentations from our Safeguarding the Future conference in 2025 * resources about safeguarding, planning and building good lives for people with disability * events related to topics relevant to people with disability and their families seeking to enjoy a typical life. Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the Imagine More podcast. https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/whats-the-plan/

Never too late to get a life

In this episode, you’ll hear from Josey McMahon, an independent consultant, advocate and board member who provides advocacy and capacity building to people with disability and their families. Josey shares the story of her twin sister Cathy, who is now an artist, friend, aunt and active member of her local community on the Gold Coast. Cathy’s life today is rich with relationships, creativity, familiar places and valued roles, but this was not always the case. In her presentation, Josey reflects on Cathy’s many years living in an institution and the deliberate steps taken to support her into a different future. She explores what it means to safeguard the life of a person with disability, not only by preventing harm, but by building vision, relationships, valued roles, community connection and the right support. You can watch Josey’s presentation on our website. [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/never-too-late/] Click here to read the transcript of this episode. [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/never-too-late/#:~:text=and%20their%20families.-,Transcription,-Please%20note%20that] Please note that the transcript provided may contain occasional errors. On our website, you’ll also find: * all the presentations from our Safeguarding the Future conference in 2025 * resources about safeguarding, planning and building good lives for people with disability * events related to topics relevant to people with disability and their families seeking to enjoy a typical life. Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the Imagine More podcast.

Now is the time for vision

In this episode, you’ll hear from Darcy Elks, an educator, consultant and human services evaluator who has spent more than 30 years working alongside people who are societally devalued to build full, meaningful and inclusive lives. Darcy also draws on her experience as the parent of three adult children, each of whom has a disability. Darcy explores why creating a clear, shared vision for a good life is one of the most powerful ways families can safeguard the future. Her presentation covers the role of vision in guiding decisions, shaping opportunities, challenging limiting expectations and helping a person with disability move toward a rich and meaningful life. She also explains why vision is not something we create once and then set aside. It grows and changes over time, and becomes stronger when it is written down, shared with trusted allies and grounded in the person’s gifts, relationships, hopes and valued roles. You can watch Darcy’s presentation on our website [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/now-is-the-time-for-vision/]. Click here to read the transcript of this episode. [https://imaginemore.org.au/resources/safeguarding-the-future-conference/now-is-the-time-for-vision/#:~:text=has%20a%20disability.-,Transcription,-Please%20note%20that] Please note that the transcript provided may contain occasional errors. On our website, you’ll also find * all the presentations from our Safeguarding the Future conference in 2025 * resources about safeguarding, planning and building good lives for people with disability * events related to topics relevant to people with disability and their families seeking to enjoy a typical life. Many thanks to Osher Marks, who is the voice of this season of the Imagine More podcast.