A Medieval Quest with Our NDIS Groups in Brisbane
We’ve got capes, cloaks, and candid moments galore.
Look what we did!! We went full medieval at The Abbey Festival this year and honestly… it was awesome. From handmade costumes and 3D printed pins to jousting, treasure hunts, and deep chats over langos – our adventurers showed up, showed heart, and had a genuinely unforgettable day.
Before the Festival: Prepping Like Pros
Two days of sewing, crafting, chaos (the fun kind), and teamwork went into getting everyone festival-ready. We turned The Guild Hall into a creative HQ, with sewing machines buzzing, fabric flying, and patterns being pinned. One of our staff even 3D-printed leaf-shaped cloak pins – because why not make it extra?
Some participants had clear visions for their outfits. Others worked it out on the day, with support from peers and staff to bring their ideas to life. The vibe was pure excitement with a dash of “how do I thread this bobbin again?”
Festival Day: Cloaks On, Let’s Go
The energy was high. Everyone was dressed up and ready to roll – we had a plague doctor, warriors, magical cloaks, and more fantasy references than we could count. It was a long drive (with plenty of car snacks and playlists) but the second we got there, it was go-time.
Of course, no epic quest goes off without a hitch. There were long lines, sensory overload, and a few moments of overwhelm – but also flexibility, problem-solving, and heaps of compassion. Some adventurers split off for quiet moments. Others helped friends regulate or stepped away to regroup and reset. One crew even managed to negotiate fast gate access for a bathroom emergency with dignity and humour.
The Real Magic: Growth in Real Time
We saw some really powerful moments throughout the day:
- One participant opened up about the challenges of trusting new support workers and shared some emotional reflections on the drive home
- Another got deep into a conversation with a fur vendor about ethics and hunting, asking thoughtful questions
- A few participants wandered into the re-enactment camps and ended up chatting about fashion, weaponry, and even showing off their own art
- Some just needed a calm walk and a chat about music, identity, and anime – and that was just as valuable
We had sensory challenges, tough feelings, name stuff, misgendering, and moments of sibling tension – and every time, the team stepped up to support, regulate, and centre the young person’s experience.
We also had wins: conversations about gender identity and dysphoria, new friendships forming, first-time food experiences, confidence boosts from cloak compliments, and participants stepping outside their comfort zones with pride.
What We Learned
- Some young people thrive in smaller groups or one-on-one moments
- Support is most powerful when it’s flexible and person-led
- Artistic interests, historical curiosity, and LARP dreams are alive and well in our crew
- Trust is something that builds over time – and it’s worth the effort
Why We Do What We Do
This wasn’t just a day out. It was community access done differently – creative, inclusive, adventurous. It was a safe space for NDIS participants to explore, try new things, build confidence, and just be themselves (while wearing incredible cloaks, obviously).
Our events aren’t just for ticking boxes – they’re designed to spark joy, connection, skill-building and real-world independence. And most of all? To help our young people feel valued, heard, and celebrated.
We’re so proud of everyone who joined this adventure.
