March 2026 Participant Reference Group (PRG) meeting recap

March 30, 2026

An image of a meeting or workshop showing a female presenter standing and addressing a diverse group seated around U-shaped tables in a conference room.

The National Injury Insurance Agency, Queensland (NIISQ Agency) recently held our first Participant Reference Group (PRG) meeting for 2026. It was a day filled with lively discussions and valuable insights from every member, with presentations covering a wide range of engaging and important topics.

Building better recovery

The meeting began with a presentation, Building Better Recovery, delivered by Izak Hollins, an architect who draws on his lived experience. Izak shared his personal journey after sustaining a significant injury and explained how his lived experience informs his approach to designing recovery-focused environments

Izak highlighted the critical role of ‘safe spaces’ in promoting relaxation and recovery, a principle he intentionally tries to bring to the buildings he creates as an architect. His presentation strongly resonated with the group, with PRG members expressing admiration for his journey and inspiration from the way he is using his experience to help others recover and thrive.

Train the trainer

The session continued with Train the Trainer, facilitated by trauma informed practice (TIP) expert Penny Gordon. This workshop focused on the development of a peer support training module, which will be embedded within the annual TIP training undertaken by Scheme teams.

PRG members are actively shaping the content, drawing on their lived experience of injury and recovery to inform meaningful learning outcomes. This collaborative approach reflects the NIISQ Agency’s commitment to co-design, with members actively contributing insights to ensure the training of our Support Planners is practical, impactful, and reflective of real world experiences.

An image of a diverse group of people, including individuals in wheelchairs, attending a presentation in a modern conference room with large windows and city views. A female presenter stands near a whiteboard and a screen displaying a slide titled "Question," while attendees sit around U-shaped tables with water bottles and paper. — *Psychologist Penny Gordon asks the group: “Why is it important for those providing services to hear from people with a lived experience of injury or trauma?”*

Funding agreement trial

The meeting also held a discussion around our new funding agreement trial. Several PRG members currently participating in the trial shared valuable firsthand insights, while members not involved offered broader perspectives. This prompted lively discussion, highlighting potential benefits of the trial as well as complexities that may arise.

AI at NIISQ

Two members of the NIISQ Agency’s Innovation team led a session on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at NIISQ, where the group explored NIISQ’s new AI transparency statement and graphics. The conversation focused on safety and the importance of using AI as a helpful tool. Members expressed a keen interest in how AI is being implemented and emphasised the need for simplicity and transparency.

The March 2026 PRG meeting highlighted the significant impact of member contributions. Their lived experience and considered feedback continue to influence the Agency’s initiatives and strengthen outcomes. By actively involving participants in decision‑making, the Agency ensures its work is informed by real‑world experience and responsive to those most directly affected.

Last updated: March 2026