Twin film gurus Charlie and Lewis Smith are the keynote speakers for the City of Playford’s Positive Futures Expo, which lands in Elizabeth next Wednesday.

The duo, who both live with intellectual disability, were the ambassadors for the International Day of People with Disability in 2023. Their shared interest in acting saw them take up acting classes in 2021, which quickly grew into a passion for film making.

Lewis has recently worked on the upcoming Stan Original Series Thou Shalt Not Steal, where Robyn, a young Aboriginal flees across the outback to unearth secrets from her family’s past.

“We’ve been excited about being part of this year’s Positive Futures Expo with the City of Playford,” said Charlie.

“I think we’re most looking forward to meeting Playford’s young people and exploring the many passions that can evolve into your career pathway,” said Lewis.

The expo is on Wednesday 22 May 2024 at Playford Civic Centre and brings together representatives from different industries – all under the one roof – showcasing career and education pathways for young people living with disability.

Attendees will get a chance to talk to companies and education providers on the spot and get a feel for potential career paths that may be available to them.

“It’s great to share our story as an example of how your passions, and even hobbies, can become your 9 to 5,” said Charlie.

A series of workshops will also happen over the day, including a mock interview space where attendees can trial their interviewing skills and learn the techniques for coping with common interview questions and jitters. All workshops are free entry and open to all attendees.

About 60 stallholders are involved in the expo this year, with Mayor Glenn Docherty explaining that the event always represents a huge range of providers from the disability industry.

“An element of this event I enjoy most is how it inspires our young people to follow their dreams and find out more about what they want to do one day,” said Mayor Docherty.

“Council is excited about helping connect our people with the 60 service providers in the community to aid our young people and enable them to reach their full potential.

“There’s such value in having these conversations about your goals, as there are many different paths to get to the same place.”

The expo attracts high school groups from the northern suburbs and further afield across the Adelaide region.

Event details

Positive Futures Expo
Wednesday 22 May 2024
Playford Civic Centre
10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth