Unlimited Access Newsletter
Developing Inclusive Sport and Recreation
Access Unlimited is funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria in partnership with the Cities of Stonnington and Glen Eira.
Contact Us
Recreation Access Officer
Phone: 8290 1185
Fax: 8290 1198
TTY: 8290 1195
Email: pholtsch@stonnington.vic.gov.au
Web: www.stonnington.vic.gov. au/accessunlimited
Address: PO Box 21, Prahran 3181
Join the Access Unlimited Mailing List
Access Unlimited maintains a comprehensive mailing list for the purpose of keeping individuals, organisations and services up to date with upcoming events and activities.
Please forward your details to Access Unlimited via email, or simply call.
P: 8290 1185
Access Unlimited Update
Welcome to the 2011-12 summer edition of the Access Unlimited newsletter, the provider of the Access for All Abilities program for the Cities of Stonnington and Glen Eira.
In the previous newsletter, we asked people to contact us seeking new ideas and assistance with sport and recreation activities. We thank you for the great feedback. The results show that more people are now involved in local sport and recreation. In fact with the support of Harold Holt Swim Centre two individuals are now attending the gym on a regular basis and over 13 children with a disability are enjoying the new ‘Learn to Swim’ program. See page 11 for more information on the Harold Holt Swim Centre programs.
With thanks to AFL Victoria, the children at Katranda School where visited by two Collingwood football players (Harry O’Brien and Simon Buckley). Both players passed on new skills to the kids who all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to rub shoulders with AFL players. The success of the day saw an increase in participation with the Ormond Junior Football Club’s Fair Go Footy program.
In addition, iKarate continues to grow from strength to strength and is now in its third term with over 20 participants attending weekly. These participants are enjoying the challenge of learning the techniques required to progress through the Karate ranks, with a fantastic result for group 2 who have just reached their yellow belt.
Another great success has been the ‘Let’s play soccer’ program which has seen our indoor program move to outdoor soccer with the support of the North Caulfield Maccabi Football Club. You can read all about the program’s transitional success on page 13
On page 3, you will enjoy reading about Zvi Schweitzer, who has just competed in the third annual Global Games in Italy. Live through his experience and see how he has become Australia’s top ranked player for people with an intellectual disability.
Finally, it is with much sadness that I say goodbye after 4 great years of delivering the Access for All Abilities program. This role has been a joy and a privilege by helping to create new opportunities and change in so many lives. Thank you to all the people I have met and allowed me to share your stories. To all our great sports clubs and particular their champions of change (volunteers), thank you for helping to make a difference in so many ways.
Inclusion can transform an individual’s life and a whole club. The other day I was told how an individual with a disability had transformed the culture of club by changing their perceptions and attitudes of someone with a disability. The members no longer see the individual with a disability, but see him as another member and because of that, a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance has filtrated throughout the club.
It has been through this role that I have developed a passion for lawn bowls; I am heading to work with Bowls Australia as a Community Development Officer in the Western Metropolitan and Geelong regions to follow that passion.
Thank you again to everyone who has supported me in this wonderful role. You are all an inspiration
Paul Holtschke - Recreation Access Officer - Cities of Stonnington and Glen Eira
Meet Zvi Schweitzer
The moment Zvi hit his first tennis ball against the brick wall at home; he knew tennis was his sport of choice. Now twenty-three and just recently represented Australia at the Global Games in Italy, Zvi won a silver medal in the team’s and men’s doubles events. Unfortunately he missed out on his dream of capturing gold in the singles, where he was eventually beaten in a close semi-final by the singles championship winner.
Zvi first represented Australia at the Global Games in Poland at age sixteen where he won the mixed doubles with fellow Aussie Kelly Wren. The Global Games is an Olympic-style, world championship competition for athletes with intellectual disability. Representing Australia has been the highlight of Zvi’s career, as it allows for travel, making lifelong friendships and the chance to gain lots of international experience, which has been significant in his tennis development. He is currently training hard to achieve his greatest desire of one day playing in the Australian Open.
At the age of seven growing up in Murrumbeena, Zvi convinced his father Ron that they should both join the Murrumbeena Tennis Club, as it would provide an activity they could do together. To this day, Zvi and his father still battle it out on the court, to which Zvi is proud to say, “I can still beat my Dad”.
Zvi’s first coach inspired him through the words “you will be a champion one day”. So with the desire behind him to succeed, Zvi started playing local competitions before moving up to the state level at age fifteen. Zvi competes in regular tournaments across Australia and is presently the Australian, Victorian and South Australian Intellectual Disability Singles Champion.
To achieve such a high standard, Zvi trains four to six days a week, while also playing in local competitions. Zvi likes to spread himself around and plays at various Glen Eira Tennis Clubs, which includes Murrumbeena, Bentleigh, Lauriston and Maccabi. Zvi’s current coach Paul Arber, from the Maccabi Tennis Club, thinks highly of him and believes “Zvi is a fantastic player and great fun to be around! He always trains hard, but the most outstanding thing about Zvi is his never give up attitude.”
When not playing or coaching at Murrumbeena, Zvi volunteers his time with the ‘Go Tennis’ program at Ormond Tennis Club on Wednesday mornings. However, Zvi also has a passion for Basketball and is an assistant coach with the McKinnon Basketball Association Super Star Cougars program on Saturday mornings. Through the support of Basketball Victoria and McKinnon Basketball Association Zvi achieved his level 1 Basketball coaching accreditation earlier this year.
Sport and particularly tennis for Zvi has proven to be no barrier when it comes to competing across all competitions. When you speak to him, it is noticeable that sport has helped to shape the person he is both through his super competitiveness on the court and very friendly, fun loving nature off the court.
Finally, with a big smile on his face Zvi provided some advice to all budding tennis players, “Tennis is such a great sport that everybody can play, because you can play it either competitively or as a recreational activity with family or friends. Either way, tennis helps maintain your health, fitness, strength levels, but most important, it’s just lots of fun!”
If you are interesting in joining a local tennis club, please contact Access Unlimited.
Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre - Opening soon
The new 41.2million dollar Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) is fast taking shape and on track to be opened this summer. The Centre is purpose built to provide the best accessible aquatic and recreational facility for all the community.
GESAC’s Sports and Operations Coordinator Jacqui Hawkins believes “GESAC will provide something for everybody, so when people walk through the door, they will experience the best and most inclusive sports and aquatic centre. We are very proud of what we are building and we know that all of the community will benefit”.
The Centre will provide some of the most innovative programs for people with a disability. According to GESAC Assistant Manager and Health, and Wellbeing Coordinator Paige Buse “The new accessible programs will provide a unique and dynamic range of programs that will cater for all people with a disability”.
The programs include:
Swim School Unlimited is an inclusive program supporting people with a disability to learn how to swim and water safety skills. Wherever possible, participants will be integrated within the mainstream lessons creating a social and educational environment where all swimmers progress successfully.
Aqua Unlimited is a warm water movement class for people with a disability. This is a fun, social class that provides low impact exercises in the warm water pool.
Sports Unlimited is an indoor sports program for people with a disability. The program will be a mixture of skill acquisition, training and competition that allows participants to build new skills in a range of sports.
Fitness Unlimited provides a low impact circuit class for people with a disability. The class incorporates boxing and fun exercises led by a qualified instructor in our mind and body studio.
Living Longer Living Stronger is a specialised strength training program that is designed to meet the needs of older adults. It is endorsed by the Council of the Ageing and includes:
- · Fully qualified and committed instructors
- · Initial and on-going assessments so programs are tailored to the ndividual needs of clients
- · A safe and supportive environment
- · Multiple sessions through the week
- · An opportunity to socialise
Notably, strength training has benefits no matter what your age. It is particularly important for older people because as we age, our muscle mass and bone density decrease, resulting in the function losses we associate with getting older.
Additional Rehabilitation Services
GESAC will also offer a range of complimentary rehabilitation services for both members and the public. These services will include physiotherapy, remedial massage, aquatic physiotherapy classes, podiatry and spinal rehabilitation.
For further information, contact GESAC on 9570 9200 or visit www.gesac.com.au
Social Cycling Group - Sunday 4 December 2011
Following on from the positive responses received, the Glen Eira BUG and Access Unlimited will be hosting our second ‘Come n Try’ bicycle afternoon at the Parker Park Velodrome on Sunday 4 December from 1pm till 3pm.
The afternoon will provide the opportunity for people to come together and have some fun cycling around the track in a safe environment.
The aim of the afternoon is to establish a regular group of people willing to meet monthly for social rides around the City of Glen Eira and beyond.
For more information please contact Rachel Mackay on 0438 774 679 or rachelsrack@hotmail.com
Venue: Packer Park Velodrome
Leila Road, Carnegie
Melways: 68 J8
Expression of Interest Page
Lawn Bowls @ Coatesville Bowls Club
Would you like to try lawn bowls?
Are you also someone in a wheelchair like Anthony (to your right)
and wish to try? Then, Coatesville Bowls Club would like to support you to play.
For more information, please contact Ray Barnett at Coatesville Bowls Club on 0437 246 015 or raybar@bigpond.com
Busy Feet – New Dance program
Busy Feet will be a new dance program commencing in February 2012 for children aged between 6 and 16 with a disability.
Busy Feet is all about expanding the children’s horizons through dance.
Busy Feet is based upon the popular Sydney dance program called Dance Ability.
Based in East Malvern, this exciting new program will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Chadstone / East Malvern.
For more information please contact Lin Hughes on linhughes@aol.com.au or 0406 795 817
Walk Stonnington
Here is your opportunity to join a new walking group based at Central Park in East Malvern. The walking group will meet on Monday mornings from 10am commencing in February 2012.
The aim of the group is to provide a social and active walking opportunity for all the community. It will be a weekly program that will provide all people with the opportunity to connect in a fun and safe environment.
If you would like to join this weekly walking group, please contact Access Unlimited for further information.
Please note places will be limited.
Under 12 All Abilities Aussie Hoops Basketball Program
McKinnon Basketball Association wants to conduct Aussie Hoops Basketball for children with a disability under 12 years of age in 2012. The 40-minute session will be based in the Bentleigh area.
To register your expression of Interest or for more information, please contact Paula Mueller at McKinnon Basketball Association on 0404 190 858 or paulamueller1@hotmail.com
All Abilities Cricket – Moorabbin CC
Sunday Training Sessions
Following from the success of previous two seasons, Moorabbin Cricket Club will again support All Abilities cricket in season 2011-12.
Cricket training commenced on Sunday 23 October at 10.30am with over 20 players. The next session is scheduled for Sunday 6 November which will prepare the players for the first Moorabbin Cricket Club All Abilities Carnival day on Sunday 13 November 2011.
Further Sunday cricket sessions will be allocated after the carnival day. New players are always welcome.
Club Name: Moorabbin Cricket Club
Address: Moorleigh Reserve
90 – 92 Bignall Road, Bentleigh East.
Melway Ref: 78 B5
Time: Sunday morning from 10.30am till 1pm (BBQ included)
When: November 27
Cost: $30 season membership
Age: 12 years and up
Contact: Steve Lefebvre on 0418 923 956 or sjlefebvre@optusnet.com.au
All Abilities Cricket Carnival Dates
This season Moorabbin, Croydon Ranges, Kananook and Cricket Victoria will host All Abilities Cricket Carnivals on Sunday throughout the cricket season.
The first carnival will be held on 13 November at Moorabbin Cricket club. The aim of the carnivals is to provide all players with the opportunity to have a fun and competitive day of cricket.
The cost to attend the first three carnivals will be $5 which will include a BBQ for all registered players.
New players welcome.
1st Carnival: Moorabbin Cricket Club
Address: Moorleigh Reserve
90 – 92 Bignall Road, Bentleigh East.
Melway Ref: 78 B5
Date: Sunday 13 November 2011
Time: 10.30am - 3pm
Registrations: Access Unlimited on 8290 1185
2nd Carnival: Croydon Ranges Cricket Club
Address: Silcock Reserve
William Road, Croydon.
Melway Ref: 51 A1
When: Sunday 11 December 2011
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Registrations:Bill Stafford on 0400 442 050 or billstafford1@bigpond.com
3rd Carnival: Kananook Cricket Club
Date: Sunday 29 January 2011
Registrations:Bernadette McGrady on 9792 3588 or BMcGrady@optionsvic.org.au
4th Carnival: Cricket Victoria All Abilities carnival
Address: Casey Sports Fields
Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne
Melway Ref: 134 E7
Date: Sunday 19 February 2012
When: Between 9:30am – 4:00pm
Cost: Registration is FREE
Contact: Stephanie Newton on 9653 1172 or snewton@cricketvictoria.com.au
Tennis for All @ Kings Park Tennis Club
Tennis for All is a weekly coaching program which is held during school terms to cater for participants of all abilities wanting to learn and improve their tennis skills while having fun.
Club Name: Kings Park Tennis Club
Address: King George VI Memorial Park,
70 Boundary Road, East Bentleigh
Melway Ref: 77 J3
When: Wednesday between
5.30 to 6.30pm (School terms)
Cost: $10 per session
Equipment: Tennis racquets are available
Requirements: Please wear appropriate tennis shoes
Contact: Colin and Lyn Price on 0414 584 991
Tennis Development Squad @ Kooyong
Tennis professional Bob Crump will provide expert tuition for players with a disability wanting to improve their skills. This is a monthly program conducted by VICSRAPID.
Club Name: Kooyong Tennis Club
Address: 489 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong
Melway Ref: 59 C3
When: Every fourth Sunday of the month between 12pm and 2pm
Cost: $5 per session
Equipment: Tennis racquets are available.
Requirements: Participants are required to register with VICSRAPID prior to attending. Please wear appropriate tennis shoes.
Contact: VICSRAPID on 9926 1380
Table Tennis @ Princes Entertainment Centre
Princes and Maccabi Table Tennis Clubs provide inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities to learn basic skills and play the game.
Specialised table tennis coaching is available along with the opportunity to play casually or competitively.
Contact Paul Bronstein for more information.
Club Name: Princes and Maccabi Table Tennis Club
Address: Princes Entertainment Centre,
1068 Dandenong Road, Carnegie
(level 1, access via stairs only)
Melway Ref: 68 J3
When: Tuesday from 6pm onwards
Cost: $15 per session, which includes coaching and play
Equipment: Comfortable clothing and runners.
Contact: Paul Bronstein on 0412 804 036
or 9563 5570
Basketball - McKinnon Super Star Cougars
Entering its third season, the McKinnon Super Star Cougars basketball program has proven to be very successful with up to 25 players participating each Saturday morning at Bentleigh Secondary College.
Under the watchful eye of the McKinnon coaching staff, all players are given the opportunity to develop their basketball skills and increase their confidence while meeting new people and having fun.
New players welcome.
Club Name: McKinnon Basketball Association
Address: Bentleigh Secondary College
Vivien Street, Bentleigh East
Melway Ref: 77 J3
When: Saturday between 9.30 - 10.30am
Dates: Term 4
November 5, 12, 19 & 26
December 3 & 10
Cost: $45 per term or $7 per casual session
Age: 12 up
Contact: McKinnon Basketball Association Office
on programs@mckinnonbasketball.org or 9579 1200
Social Lawn Bowls @ Malvern Bowling Club
Would you like to learn or play Lawn Bowls during the summer months? The Malvern Bowling Club offers Wednesday night social bowls and two-course dinner from 6pm at the cost of $12 per person.
(Please note, the club is not fully accessible)
Club Name: Malvern Bowling Club
Address: 14 Coonil Crescent, Malvern
Melway Ref: 59 D9
Dates: November till April 2012
When: Each Wednesday between 6 and 9pm
Cost: $12 per person
Contact: Malvern Bowling Club on 9509 2004 or info@malvernbowls.com.au
iKarate
iKarate is a program aimed at providing students aged between 8 – 18 years with aspergers and high functioning autism the opportunity to learn Karate under professional instructor Keith Geyer
Based in Elsternwick, the program will assist students to learn and experience the benefits that Karate offers for life. Due to the success of the program, the weekly sessions have been divided into two classes; 4.45 – 5.15pm (younger group) and 5.20 – 6pm (older group)
For more information or registrations, please contact Tracy at the City of Glen Eira.
Club Name: Keith Geyer School of Karate
Address: Caulfield Scout Hall
1 Beavis Street, Elsternwick
Melway Ref: 67 H3
When: Thursday 4.45 – 6pm
Dates: November 17
December 1 & 8
Cost: $5 per session
Age: 8 – 18 years
Contact: Tracy Cassidy on 9524 3283 or Tcassidy@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Dance Funk
The inclusive dance classes are for children and adults wanting to develop their dance and social skills.
Professional dance instructors, along with support staff conduct the weekly Saturday afternoon dance classes. The three classes are a lot of fun and a great way to improve fitness levels, while providing the opportunity to make new friends.
Club Name: Toe-Knee’s Dance School
Address: Monash Sport – Caulfield Campus
Building S, 2 Princes Ave,
Monash University Caulfield
(off Sir John Monash Drive, next to the Caulfield Railway Station and Coles Plaza Caulfield)
Melway Ref: 68 F1
When: Saturdays during school terms
Times 3 - 3:45pm Junior (7-10 years)
4. - 4:45pm Teenagers (11-17 years)
5. - 5.45pm Adult (18 plus)
Cost: $13 per session
Contact: Toni Storey on 0415 928 167
Swish
The game Swish is based on table tennis and involves hitting a ball that is filled with bells under a net. It was developed by returning World War II veterans who had lost their sight and wanted to create a game that allowed all people, whether blind, low vision or sighted, to be able to compete on equal terms.
It is a fast and invigorating game that can be played on a recreational or competitive level.
Club Name: Swish Association
Address: Vision Australia
454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong
Melway Ref: 58 E5
When: Thursday 7.30-10pm
Saturday afternoons (under 18 players only)
Cost: $2
Equipment: Comfortable clothing and runners
Contact : Michael Fogarty on dhemfogarty@bigpond.com or
0409 182 035 (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it)
Warm Water Wellness
Come and enjoy this new gentle warm water exercise group designed to improve health and wellbeing!
Commencing on Monday 7 November at Harold Holt Swim Centre, the Warm Water Wellness program is a low-level exercise program in the warm water pool, which will assist in improving individual fitness levels.
The program will continue in 2012.
Dates: November 7 till December
When: Monday 2pm – 3pm
Where: Harold Holt Swim Centre
Corner High & Edgar Streets, Glen Iris
Cost: SRS residents are free
Bring: Bathers, Towel, Water bottle, Thongs, Toiletries
Contact: Harold Holt Swim Centre on 8290 1678
Gentle Exercise @ Caulfield Recreation Centre
The City of Glen Eira, YMCA, Caulfield Community Health Services and Access Unlimited provide a free weekly gentle exercise class for people living in Supported Residential Services (SRS’s) and anyone else wanting to be involved.
The free sessions are held each Monday during school terms from 12 till 1pm.
Club Name: YMCA – Caulfield Recreation Centre
Address: Caulfield Recreation Centre
6 Maple Street, Caulfield South
Melway Ref: 68 A6
When: Monday 12 – 1pm
Equipment: Towel, comfortable clothing and water bottle
Contact: YMCA on 9519 7500
Get Fit with Gecko Kids - SNAP Program
Gecko’s Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) offers a unique and inclusive environment, which is specialised program for children with a disability aged 4 to 18 years. All participants enjoy a sense of belonging and are given opportunities to participate fully and equally in the fitness/gym program
Classes will help improve muscular strength, fitness, coordination and teamwork. Qualified exercise specialists from the Gecko facility conduct classes.
Club Name: Gecko Fitness
Address: 338 South Road, Hampton East
Melway Ref: 77 C5
When: Sunday mornings
Times: 10 – 10.45am Age 4 – 9 yrs
10.45 – 11.30am Age 10 yrs up
Cost: $200 per term (8 week program)
Contact: Paul at Gecko Fitness on 9532 0077
Monash Sport Access Program
Sessions are held at the Monash Sport Caulfield Campus, Monash University on Fridays at 10.30am. If this time does not suit, please contact Monash Sport to discuss other options.
The program is also mobile, with staff able to conduct sessions off site. The sessions are open to all members of the community.
Monash Sport also offers individualised sessions for those wishing to increase their health and fitness.
Club Name: Monash Sport – Caulfield Campus
Address: Building S, 2 Princes Ave,
Monash University Caulfield
(off Sir John Monash Drive, next to the Caulfield Railway Station
and Coles Plaza Caulfield)
Melway Ref: 68 F1
When: Friday 10.30 – 11.30am
Cost: $5 per session
Equipment: Comfortable clothing and appropriate running shoes.
Contact: Jeremy O’Halloran on 9903 2358 or access.program@sport.monash.edu.au
Bayside Dog Companion Club
The club promotes a fun and relaxed approach to training and managing dogs. There are a number of ways to get involved in the activities offered by the club and you do not need to own a dog to participate.
Please check out www.baysidedogs.org.au
Club Name: Bayside Dog Companion Club
Address: Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Road,
Bentleigh
Melway Ref: 77 F2
When: Thursday
New members 10.15 – 10.30am
All Grades 10.45 – 11.30am
Sunday
New Members 9.15 – 9.45am
Beginners – 1st Grade 9.45 - 10.30am
2nd grade & Gold Class 10.45 -11.30am
Cost: Single with concession $40 per year
Equipment: Not essential to bring your own dog
Requirements: Must love dogs
Contact: Terry Lack on 0400 551 042 or email
Sailability
Learn the skills of sailing or just enjoy the freedom and fun of sailing in a supportive social atmosphere. Sailability provides people of all ages and abilities with the joys of sailing in a straightforward, fun way for the whole family.
Where: The Boatshed
Address: 3 Aquatic Drive, Albert Park Lake
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, year round
Age: All ages
Cost: $12 per session
Contact: Josh Sadler at Sailability
Phone: 0425 826 390
Please Note: Volunteers are needed. Please contact Josh at the Boatshed, if you are interested
Swim 4 All
Swim 4 All is a program specifically designed to provide children with a disability the opportunity to learn to swim from qualified Austswim instructors.
The private classes are held at indoor heated pools used exclusively for lessons. Each class is half an hour in duration and guided by the swimmers specific needs. Each lesson is followed by a half hour practice/play session supervised by the swimmer’s parent or carer.
Group classes are also available. Swim 4 All classes are offered at both Murrumbeena Primary School on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and at Berendale School on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Club Name: Swim 4 All
Address: Murrumbeena Primary School
5 Weeronna Road, Murrumbeena.
Melway Ref: 69 B4
Class Times: Saturday and Sunday afternoons
Address: Berendale School ,
2 Berend Street, Hampton East
Melway Ref: 77 C6
Class Times: Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning
Cost: Private lessons - $35 per half hour, group classes also available
Requirements: Please contact Swim 4 All prior to attending
Contact: Natalie Clarke on 0411 131 641 or email: natalie@swim4all.com.au
or visit www.swim4all.com.au
Active Living Program - Free Physical Activities Classes
The City of Stonnington’s free Active Living Program is a great way to enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens within the City of Stonnington while being active.
All classes are free of charge, cater for people of all abilities and facilitated by qualified instructors. No bookings are required. Participants are required to bring their own mats, water and need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
For more information, please contact the City of Stonnington Recreation Programs Officer on 8290 1333.
Term 4 10 October – 23 December
Tai Chi in the Park
Monday 10.30 - 11.30am
Malvern Gardens, High Street, Malvern
Yoga in the Park
Tuesday 10.30 - 11.30am
Victoria Gardens, High Street, Prahran
Chi – Gong (Gentle exercise for mind & body)
Wednesday 10.30 - 11.30am
Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park,
32 Chadstone Road, Malvern East
Yoga in the Park
Thursday 10.30 - 11.30am
Princess Gardens, Essex Street, Prahran
Learn to Swim @ Harold Holt Swim Centre
The new learn to swim program has been very well received with up to 13 children participating. The program provides a low cost ‘learn to swim’ opportunity that will equip children under 18 with disabilities with the skills and confidence required to swim. The sessions are provided by appointment only.
If you would like to participate in the program, please contact Melanie Charles at Harold Holt Swim Centre on 8290 1683.
Caulfield Photographic Society
Caulfield Photographic Society aims to develop better photographic skills and presents social opportunities for those interested in photography and friendly competition.
They meet on alternate Monday evenings where participants take part in monthly competitions, workshops and enjoy guest speakers.
Club Name: Caulfield Photographic Society
Address: St Peters Anglican Church,
Corner Neerim Road and Ames Avenue, Murrumbeena
Melway Ref: 68, K5
When: Every second Monday evening from 7.30 to 10pm
Cost: $35 per year – single concession
Equipment: Your own camera, but not essential.
Requirements: Love photography
Contact: Kath Gilles on 9560 7097 or email enquiries@caulfieldphoto.org
Snap Shot Photography Course @ Carnegie Library
JCAAA host the Snap Shot Photography Course at the Carnegie Library on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm
The course is designed to help people with mild to moderate disabilities between 18 – 55 years of age learn all there is to know about photography.
Address: Carnegie Library,
7 Shepparson Ave, Carnegie
Melway Ref: 68 J4
When: Saturdays 10.30 – 12.30pm,
Cost: $100 for 10 week term
Requirements: Your own camera
Contact: Stella at JCAAA on 9209 6159
Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever provides a great opportunity to put your dancing shoes on and dance the night away with friends, family and our great DJ.
Address: Melbourne Bowling Club
138 Union Street, Windsor
Melway Ref: 58 D 7
When: Saturdays 7pm – 10pm
Date: 26 November 2011
Contact: Stella at JCAAA on 9209 6159
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is back for Spring 2011. Ricketts Point is a marine sanctuary and underwater wonderland of sea life. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.
Please note: Parents or a carer will be required to stay and encouraged to also get involved in the program.
Club Name: Disabled Divers Association
Address: Ricketts Point
Beach Road, Beaumaris
Melway Ref: 86 C9
When: Wednesday between 10am – 12pm
Beginning in December 2011
Cost: $25 per person per week (includes
snorkelling equipment & snorkelling instructors)
Age: 12 years and older
Contact: Mike Letch on 0407 353 696
Hype
Get out, meet new people and have some fun! Hype is a new social recreation program for 14 to 18 year olds with a mild to moderate disability.
Participants meet at the Peterson Youth Centre once a month and enjoy a range of activities.
When: One Saturday each month 12pm to 4pm
Where: Peterson Youth Centre
Cnr Highett Rd & Peterson St, Highett
Age: 14 to 18 years
Cost: Dependant on activities
Contact: Amanda at JCAAA on 9209 6159
Southern Respite Website
The Respite South website provides information about disability respite services in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne. It is an online information service for people with a disability aged 6 and above years of age, their carers and families. Key features include a comprehensive news and events listing with a strong focus on disability respite and recreation options in the southern region; a library with an extensive range of information and resources; and the Respite Finder - a searchable directory of disability respite and recreation services across Victoria.
Find it at www.respitesouth.org.au
Let’s Play Soccer – North Caulfield Maccabi FC
“Let’s Play Soccer” is a program that has been scoring goals for a group of local soccer enthusiasts with a disability for the past year. Through the support of Maccabi Victoria, Jewish Care and Access Unlimited, the program has provided 12 individuals the opportunity to participate in the ‘World Game’.
The program started indoors at Monash Sport’s Caulfield Campus, before moving to the Orrong Romanis Recreation Centre in Prahran. The weekly indoor sessions provided a great platform for the establishment of the program and allowed participants to develop their skills and knowledge of the game. Before this program, the opportunity to play soccer in a team environment was not a realistic option for many in the group.
While this provided a great introduction to the sport it did not allow the group to belong to a local club, wear a club uniform and be included in club activities.
Then in June 2011 the North Caulfield Maccabi Football Club offered to integrate the program into the club and have the team train outdoors at Caulfield Park. Club members Kevin Milstein and Sam Gamsu championed the shift and have incorporated the players into the club with the team now wearing the North Caulfield Maccabi Football Club shirt. With it come a sense of belonging and identity for the players.
Furthermore, with the generous support of the Reagan Milstein Foundation, the team was provided with football boots and soccer balls.
All kitted out, on Sunday 25 September the team played their first game against Doveton SSS. Unfortunately for the team, the scoreboard was not on their side, but to play and represent the club was a major milestone and opening opportunities to play against other all abilities soccer teams around Melbourne.
The support of the North Caulfield Maccabi Football Club has been a great success and according to Kevin Milstein, “The club is very proud to be able to support an all abilities soccer team, we believe they have the same right to play like everybody else and we hope that the future of the team and all abilities soccer in Melbourne grows stronger and stronger.”
If you want to be involved in the Let’s Play Soccer program in 2012, please contact Access Unlimited on 8290 1185 or visit www.ncfc.org.au for more information.
Glen Eira City Council - Foundation for Youth Excellence (FFYE)
The Foundation for Youth Excellence (FFYE) program recognises young people who have achieved excellence in fields of sports, leadership, education, creative and performing arts. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis to young people living in Glen Eira between 10 – 25 years, to help them pursue further success in their chosen field.
For an application form go to www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/youth or call on 9524 3676.
Enhancing Vacation Care
The Enhancing Vacation Care program works in partnership with local school holiday providers to facilitate the inclusion of children and young people with disabilities into holiday activities. The Joint Councils Access for All Abilities Program (JCAAA) can assist by providing an extra support worker to assist your child or children to be included into school holiday programs. To be eligible for the program, participants must live or attend a school within the Cities of Glen Eira, Stonnington, Bayside or Port Phillip. For more information about Enhancing Vacation Care, please contact JCAAA on 9209 6753.
TADVIC - Technology for Independent Living
To understand the extraordinary picture from the front cover, please read on...
Imagine someone coming to you who had no use of their hands or legs and insisted he wanted to play lawn bowls. Impossible you would think..??
Anthony Bartl approached Access Unlimited in February 2011 wanting to play lawn bowls and in this case, it seemed impossible. Anthony who lost all use of his arms and legs due to being involved in a car accident at age 6 needed the impossible made possible.
Thankfully, there are organisations like TADVIC who have access to retired engineers who are interested in making a difference; it does provide for an exciting prospect, that sometimes the impossible is actually possible.
Anthony wanted to play lawn bowls, something you need to have at least the use of one arm at very minimum, but not Anthony.
TADVIC came to the rescue in May with the support of the Coatesville Bowling club to provide a space to investigate the possibility of creating a modified bowling arm that would be attached to Anthony's wheelchair. At the initial meeting, the conversations went in all directions, but a couple hours later, our ingenious volunteers at TADVIC went away with a hazy concept plan in hand. Five months later, after many hours of hard work and numerous prototypes, Anthony rolled that first bowls right next to the Jack, amazing, the impossible had been made possible thanks to the TADVIC team.
Ingrid Maine of TADVIC commented, “we are very proud that we are able to assist people to achieve their dreams, to fulfil normal activities that all people may take for granted and to assist people to be more independent. It’s very exciting that we can help people achieve things that are normally not possible.“
Earlier in the year TADVIC again came to the rescue to support people from Scope who wanted to play cricket. For the participants, mostly in electric wheelchairs, the dream to play cricket seemed very distance, but the desire to play cricket actually presented an opportunity. The team at TADVIC put there thinking caps to good work and created adaptive cricket equipment (picture below) that now allows for a regular cricket competition, all due to the genius of TADVIC and people’s dreams that never say never!
If you are interested in knowing more about TADVIC, please visit their website www.tadvic.asn.au
or contact Ingrid Maine on 9853 8655
Autism Awareness Training - Supporting community sport and recreation environments
The session will educate and enhance the skills of coaches and volunteers involved in supporting people with autism within a community sport and recreation environment. We welcome the attendance of any interested sport and recreation providers, sports coaches, Council staff, people with disabilities, carers, family members, disability services and the general community.
When: Tuesday 22 November 2011 from 6.30 – 9pm
Address: Stonnington Depot – Conference Room, 293 Tooronga Road, Malvern
Melway Ref: 59 F6
Contact: Access Unlimited on 8290 1185
We want to hear from you so that Access Unlimited can deliver more sport and recreation opportunities throughout the Cities of Stonnington and Glen Eira.
Please contact Access Unlimited on 8290 1185 or email pholtsch@stonnington.vic.gov.au to see what we can do for you and your club.