Member feature written by Connie Eugenio
On a warm Friday night, the dance floor at Geebung RSL is already pulsing with energy. Colored lights swirl across the room as dozens of young adults move to the beat. Some shyly, some with wild abandon. For many here, this monthly event isn’t just a night out. It’s freedom. It’s belonging. It’s joy.
Welcome to Clique Brisbane, a place where young adults with intellectual disabilities and special needs find not just fun, but a community that sees them, celebrates them, and helps them shine.
Clique Brisbane, a registered charity, has been quietly transforming lives for nearly a decade. Founded by Suzie Skinner, supported by her husband, Ed, and later joined by Claire Hepburn, the organisation was born from something deeply personal: a parent’s love and a sister’s hope. With family members with special needs, they knew first-hand the loneliness and the limits their loved ones often face…. and there had to be a better way. “We just wanted a place where our young adults could be themselves,” Suzie says. “Where they can dance, have fun, and be safe. Somewhere they don’t have to explain or hide who they are.
What started as a modest disco in a church hall has grown into a vibrant monthly event that now draws around 120 participants, affectionately called “Cliquers”. Every month, the third Friday is marked on calendars, circled with excitement. It’s a night to look forward to, a place where isolation melts away under the glow of disco lights.
But Clique isn’t just about the parties. It’s about transformation
Claire shares the story of a young man who once hovered at the edge of the room, unsure and anxious. Today, he’s the heart of the dance floor, pulling others into his circle of friends, inspiring an entire crew to make the 100-kilometre journey every month just to be part of it. “Watching our Cliquers find their confidence, find their people, it’s why we do what we do,” Claire says, smiling.
Parents and carers, too, find sanctuary at Clique. While their loved ones dance the night away, they can relax, connect, and breathe. “Caring for someone with special needs is a full-time job,” Claire says. “Clique gives carers a few hours to just be. To sit with others who understand. To laugh. To share stories. To feel less alone.”
Throughout the year, Clique hosts themed events that feel like milestones: formals with gowns and tuxedos, Comic-Con nights with costumes and capes, samba dance performances, annual Riverfire viewings high above the city skyline. Each event is designed to offer what every young adult deserves: experiences that feel magical, ordinary, and affirming, all at once.
As Clique looks to the future, its vision remains clear: to keep creating a world where young people with special needs are celebrated for exactly who they are. With new friendships blossoming every month and more families finding a sense of community, the impact of Clique continues to ripple far beyond the dance floor.
The Clique community continues to grow, as does the need for fresh faces. The team will warmly welcome new volunteers aged 18+ who are passionate about inclusion, friendship, and making a difference. Ed explains, “We love to see more young people getting involved, bringing new ideas and energy. Having younger volunteers helps keep the environment vibrant and relatable for our Cliquers.”
“Every person with special needs has their own superpowers,” Claire says. “Sometimes they’re hidden at first. But when you create the right environment safe, joyful, welcoming you get to watch them shine.”
Clique Brisbane isn’t just offering events, they’re offering connection, joy, and a sense of home. Here, every young person is seen, celebrated, and embraced for exactly who they are.
The invitation is simple and powerful: Come as you are. This dance floor is yours.
Want to be part of something amazing? Clique Brisbane is looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Apply for a volunteer role with Clique here: https://volunteeringqld.org.au/role/211333
To find out more about Clique Brisbane or get involved, visit cliquebrisbane.com.au or email the Clique team at admin@cliquebrisbane.com.au
About Connie
Connie Eugenio is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Business Marketing at QUT.
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