Clubmates Travel
ClubMates Travel Recognised for Community Inclusion at the 2025 Australian Disability Service Awards
Posted on November 14, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 7 minutes
Last night, ClubMates Travel joined some of the most passionate and dedicated organisations in the disability sector at the Australian Disability Service Awards, hosted in Melbourne by Kismet.
The evening celebrated innovation and inclusion across the country, shining a light on those who are making a real difference in people’s lives. The Most Effective Community Inclusion Program category, sponsored by My Integra, recognised services helping people with disability participate fully in their communities, a mission that lies at the very heart of everything we do at ClubMates Travel.
Managing Director Peter Negri and Marketing Manager Alicia Stamford were proud to attend the event on behalf of the team. While we didn’t take home the trophy, the night was a chance to celebrate the leaders, visionaries, and changemakers driving inclusion forward, and to recognise how far our industry has come.
“This was our first year entering the awards, and to be named a finalist so quickly is a win in itself,” said Peter Negri. “We’ve never chased recognition, we’ve just put our heads down and done the work. But being part of this event puts our name out there, and that matters. So many people still don’t realise what we do is even possible. If this nomination helps spark new ideas about how people with disability can experience the world, then that’s the real victory.”
For nearly four decades, ClubMates has helped Australians with disability experience life-changing supported travel, from outback adventures to international tours, from festivals to cruises. But our impact goes beyond our travellers. Every time our big white bus arrives in a town, festival, or port, it changes the way communities see disability, not as something separate, but as part of everyday life.
We congratulate winners Beatty Park Leisure Centre with their incredible Angelfish Program. We couldn’t have been happier than to be runners up to such an amazing cause for social inclusion within the community. We congratulate all the winners and finalists across every category, and thank One Community for creating a platform that celebrates inclusion and progress in such a powerful way.
We return home inspired, proud, and more determined than ever to keep creating experiences that build connection, confidence, and belonging for people of all abilities.
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About the Author: Alicia Stamford
Alicia spent her childhood watching her mother struggle with accessibility whilst she attempted to travel the world in a wheelchair. She is passionate about sharing the importance of venturing into the world and getting out of your comfort zone to build resilience and independence. When she is on tour, you will probably find her dancing with passengers on tour or in her Marketing Manager role at disability events around Australia.
China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.
And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora
Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.
There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.
The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.
The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror
At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.
This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.
The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.
We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.
Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World
Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.
This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.
Why China? Why ClubMates?
Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.
Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.
ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.
