CRU’s conference, Gathering the Wisdom, was held in Brisbane on 10th, 11th, 12th April, 2003. This was a very important event, with papers that provided inspiration and insight about many important matters in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Some of the comments that were made by participants included:

“I thank CRU for keeping us connected and for giving a voice to people and families who otherwise would not be heard. This is a journey – a life journey and a long journey – and CRU inspires hope and optimism. Thank you for the speakers – all were excellent. Thank you for showcasing ways forward: creative ideas, inspiring approaches – that is CRU’s gift to the community”.
- Worker

“Thank you for presenting this fantastic opportunity to hear from some great people. It has provided me with some great insights and information that can be of use back in Victoria”
- Worker

“It was great to discover that many others share that passion for ordinary justice”
- Family member

“Thank you for the inspiration, honesty and wisdom. Especially from family and people who are part of the movement”.
- Worker

"The CRU Conference was a truly rich and deeply moving experience. I experienced a whole range of emotions from hope to despair; joy to sadness; anger to futility; arrogance to humility and so on. I left with a sense of hope and a desire to make an individual impact where I can in my world. I was truly humbled by all the presenters and their willingness to assist us through their stories on a journey of self-reflection."
- Michelle Harris

“It was marvellous – so inspiring”
- Parent from rural Qld

“[The paper] certainly had a profound effect on some people and I have heard quite a bit of comment since. When I thought about it , I realised that many of the people there would not have heard stories like that before. I believe people’s stories need to continue to be told because some people with disability will always be extremely vulnerable, even more so when vigilance is not owed and the sector is not strong on their behalf. As usual it was a wonderful conference. I think I enjoyed this one more than the others, but then, perhaps I just needed to be immersed with uplifting people again. Marg, as usual, was wonderful in her support, especially on the day of my presentation. Thank you for the opportunity to be there and for continuing to add some fuel to my fire”
- Presenter

“This conference has made me rethink what I’m doing in people’s lives”
- Student

“Very informative, inspiring and empowering”
- Family Member

“Thanks for a great conference. I received a great deal of inspiration and encouragement through the speakers and the delegates I met”
- Worker, Qld

“Thank you for a very interesting 3-day conference, it was really very inspiring to attend such a very interesting and passionate conference. I hope to attend another interesting conference in the future”
- Person with a disability

“Great conference – I loved it. An opportunity to be re-energised, re-motivated, excited, horrified, saddened, supported…well done.”
- Family member

“I am so inspired and enthused about what might be possible in my son’s life”
- Parent

“It’s the best conference I’ve been to in 20 years”
- Service Worker, ACT