The occasion was the 2014 PossABLE Ideas Expo held at Maitland Showground and the thousands who attended were seeking help – so they could care for people with a disability who rely so heavily upon them.

It meant that people with a disability, their families and supporters were able to access the latest information and options available to help ensure those who are doing it tough can be well looked after.

It was the first expo of its kind to be  held in Maitland and organisers were thrilled with the attendance.

In spite of the heat, about 2000 attended on Friday and, while figures for Saturday were still being compiled, organisers believe they were also ­satisfactory.

Marketing and promotions manager Jenelle Becker summed up the need for such an event in one sentence: “We had people there who had never received services of any kind.”

Carers are special people who do an extraordinary job and an expo such as this provided a vital source of information for so many.

It wasn’t just learning tips on how to manage either, but the chance to meet ­others doing the same vital work was galvanising. Here they were not alone. They were learning how other carers coped.

And the fact that such a successful expo was held in Maitland, shining a light on the needs of people with ­disabilities and their carers, has established this city’s reputation throughout NSW and as far afield as Tasmania, from where many carers came.

“The community in Maitland also embraced the expo here,” Ms Becker said.

Hold your head high, Maitland.

READ THE STORY: PossABLE Ideas Expo a huge success