Wondiverse

𝗪𝗵𝗼: Wondiverse (Madeleine Jaine Lobsey) 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁: A LEGO wonderland celebrating and embracing neurodivergence 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Spotted at the REAL Festival, hosted by Penrith City Council 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Inclusivity and creativity for neurodivergent individuals and their families On a family outing over the weekend we stumbled upon a LEGO wonderland. While I was initially grateful for a place to sit, once I had a chance to take in my surroundings I was moved by the inclusive spirit behind the rainbow brick magic. This wasn’t just any LEGO play space. It was hosted by Wondiverse to celebrate and embrace neurodivergence. Through this hands-on, creative environment, neurodivergent (and neurotypical) individuals and their families could engage, connect, and explore, making the experience as enriching as it was fun. Wondiverse is a Sydney-based organisation committed to ending social isolation and unleashing the genius within every individual. Guided by their core values of authenticity, connection, and play, they’re creating a world where neurodivergent individuals are celebrated and supported in every space - whether it’s in play, work, or community. In Australia, it is estimated that 1 in 10 children are neurodivergent, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental differences. This highlights the importance of inclusive environments that support neurodivergent children in everyday community activities. Fantastic to see local councils recognise the power of inclusion as part of their community engagement! #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergence #InclusivePlay #CreativeSpaces #Inclusion #CommunityBuilding the LEGO Group * * * * #VisibilityMondays is a series highlighting the subtle yet powerful symbols of support and visibility for marginalised groups that are embedded in our communities, and the organisations that are making it happen.

✨ 2024: A Year of Growth, Play, and Radical Inclusion for Wondiverse ✨ This year has been extraordinary. Wondiverse started with a vision of creating spaces where all neurotypes could work + play together. It hasn’t been easy. Building a world that works for all minds takes a relentless stand, boundless creativity, and the willingness to listen, lead, and be led. But we’ve done it, and the stories that have unfolded this year leave me in awe. 🌟 What We’ve Been Up To: Build the Future: Over 1800 participants from toddlers to 80-year-olds came together at the Real Festival in Penrith City Council to build a collaborative city with LEGO with Western Sydney International Airport. Training for Change: We delivered neuroinclusion training sessions to over 200 leaders in various sectors, equipping organisations to embrace neuroinclusion—not just as a policy but as a way of being. Play Events: From reinvented social events like 90s Raves, Speed Dating, Theatre Making, Big Kid Play Events, we created joyful spaces that tackled loneliness and fostered connection. We saw friendships form, confidence grow, and individuals truly shine. Collaborations: None of this happens alone. This year, we worked alongside incredible organisations like Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Autistic Gem, and One&All Hub to amplify neuroinclusion everywhere. All in partnership with our Advisory Board, Rugare Gomo 🏳️🌈 🇦🇺 🦘🐨, Sarah Young, Simon Phinith, Sarah Hayden and Lucia Lobsey Project Directing: Leading a project for The A List to cause arts and culture venues to be more inclusive, giving neurodivergent artists, young adults and the broader community to participate in a way that works for everyone. Collaborating with Brand X, Anzac Memorial, Brisbane Powerhouse, Sydney Dance Company, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Melbourne Museum. Advocacy in Action: Whether it’s working with councils, hosting panels + podcasts, a radio show 5 days a week for My88 FM, keynote speaking or having the hard conversations, we stood for neurodivergent voices being heard, included, and celebrated. Thanks to my neurokin + Champions like Fluent Commerce, The Impact Collab, Digital Storytellers, Women with Altitude Networking + Western Sydney University. Wondiverse was built on a stand that everyone has genius waiting to be unleashed. We've seen magic unfold over and over again—in the eyes of a young person leading an event, in the hands of a community working together to build, and in the quiet courage of someone finding their place in the world. Ending our year with 2024 Changemaker Of The Year was remarkable. None of this is possible without the incredible humans around me—my family, our partners, our team, colleagues, volunteers and our community. Thank you for making this dream a reality. Here’s to 2025—more play, more connection, and a whole lot of magic. 🪄 #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #PlayfulSpaces #Wondiverse

So honoured to win the 2024 Changemaker - Making a Difference Award tonight for my first year building Wondiverse - creating a world where all neurotypes can work together + play together. This year has been brutal and extraordinary, project directing a huge project whilst building a social enterprise. Thank you to my Advisory Board Rugare, Simon, Sarah Young, Sarah Hayden and Lucia Lobsey. Thank you to Bronwyn Shacallis and the Commonwealth Bank for sponsoring the award and Susan Templeman for always championing the Arts, our community and taking time to catch up with me every time we meet. Thank you to Andrea Turner-Boys for creating an incredible community. #socialenterprise #neurodivergent #autistic #wondiverse #changemakers

Another successful event in the books! We had an amazing day with 40 Speech and Occupational Therapists exploring the power of connecting with neurodivergent clients in the world of Wondiverse. A big shoutout to Dee Wardrop Speech Pathology Services for contracting us and hosting this workshop. What a nurturing day of fun, growth and learning. #SpeechPathology #OccupationalTherapy #NeurodivergentClients #Wondiverse