Steven Paull JP (Qual) President
The Editor’s Desk
Inclusive sport refers to sports and physical activities that are accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all individuals, regardless of their background, abilities, gender, age, or identity. It involves creating an environment where everyone, including people with disabilities, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and those of various genders and ages, can participate on equal terms. The goal is to break down barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to engage in sport, not just physically, but also socially and emotionally.
Inclusive sport goes beyond simply allowing diverse participants – it focuses on actively adapting rules, equipment, and practices to accommodate the needs of different individuals. This could mean offering adaptive sports for people with disabilities, creating noncompetitive or beginner-friendly programs for those new to sport, or ensuring that facilities are accessible to people with mobility issues.
Additionally, inclusive sport emphasizes fostering a positive and respectful environment. It includes addressing issues like discrimination, harassment, or bias, ensuring that people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities feel respected and supported. It encourages diversity in leadership and coaching roles and promotes the representation of underrepresented groups.
Ultimately, inclusive sport is about making sure that everyone, no matter their starting point, can experience the physical, social, and mental benefits of sport, and that they feel they belong in the sports community. When sports clubs and organisations embrace inclusivity,
they contribute to building stronger, more diverse communities where people from all walks of life can come together through shared physical activity.
My own experience with inclusive sport begins when I was playing AFL. I was a reasonable player having represented my club, my school, my region and my state. I loved the game and my team and together we won the High School Championships Grand Final every year that I played.
All it took was a second to change all that when, while contesting a mark in a pack, I landed awkwardly and twisted my left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). My game was over that day.
At the hospital the field umpire, “Squeeky” McClane (his voice gave him his nickname) came and saw me. He said that my playing days were over as I would be favouring that knee from then on and I should consider umpiring. Right! As if that was my first choice.
I refused to believe this and spent the next 3 months in a plaster support and worked on strengthening my knee.
Next season I was on the field ready to play. I sprained my ankle as I was concentrating on my knee and not the game. Squeeky was right so I went and saw him about becoming an AFL umpire.
For the next 20 years I umpired hundreds of games, finals and even an interstate game. There was no better way to watch a game as well as continuing with the game I love.
It only takes one person to change you.
Steven Paull JP (Qual)
President
WhatsUp NDIS Minister
Bill Shorten Retires
As the inaugural architect and later the Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten has been a pivotal figure in its development and reform. Public opinion on his tenure as NDIS Minister is mixed, reflecting both commendations for his dedication and critiques of certain policy decisions. Advocates have lauded Shorten's commitment to the disability community. His proactive approach in appointing individuals with lived disability experience to leadership roles, such as the co-chairs of the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee, El Gibbs and Dougie Herd, both prominent figures in the disability sector, were appointed to these key positions, reflecting Shorten's emphasis on co-design and community involvement in policy implementation.
However, Shorten's tenure has not been without controversy. Proposed reforms aimed at reining in the scheme's growth by $14 billion over four years have faced criticism. Some disability advocates have expressed concerns that these changes might limit participant choices and reduce support packages. Shorten has countered these claims, emphasizing that the reforms are designed to enhance access to necessary supports and address inefficiencies within the scheme. Upon announcing his retirement from politics to assume the role of Vice Chancellor at the University of Canberra, disability advocates urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ensure that Shorten's successor as NDIS Minister remains within the cabinet. This appeal underscores the importance of maintaining high-level representation for the disability community in government decisionmaking.
New NDIS Minister
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten stepped down from his position on Monday 20 January 2025, 9 days ahead of schedule.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Amanda Rishworth will take over as NDIS Minister.
Minister Rishworth is the member for Kingston in South Australia. She has been the Minister for the Department of Social Services (DSS) since 2022. She will continue in that role in addition to the NDIS Ministry.
Minister Anne Aly will serve as Minister Assisting the NDIS Minister. Minister Aly is the Member for Cowan in Western Australia. She has been the Minister for Early Childhood and will continue in that role.
DSS has been leading many of the current NDIS policy changes. Therefore, the change in leadership might not necessarily signal a new direction for the NDIS.
The Ministers for DSS and Early Childhood will both be instrumental in developing and implementing foundational supports for people with disability outside the NDIS.
So, these Ministers also being responsible for the NDIS might signal the government’s desire to prioritise building a disability support ecosystem. Or it might not. If we could read the Prime Minister’s mind, we would all be a lot richer.
Minister Shorten’s profile of Government Services, which includes Centrelink, will be picked up by Finance Minister and Minister for Public Services Katy Gallagher.
Amanda Rishworth MP
Elected to the House of Representatives for Kingston, South Australia, 2007. Reelected 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022.
Parliamentary positions
Member of the Speaker's Panel from 13.3.2012 to 14.5.2013.
Ministerial appointments
Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water from 25.3.2013 to 1.7.2013.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers from 25.3.2013 to 18.9.2013.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Urban Water from 1.7.2013 to 18.9.2013.
Minister for Social Services from 1.6.2022.
Cabinet Minister from 1.6.2022.
Elected to the House of Representatives for Cowan, Western Australia, 2016. Reelected 2019 and 2022.
Minister for Youth from 1.6.2022.
Minister for Early Childhood Education from 1.6.2022.
Committee service
House of Representatives Standing: Economics served from 22.7.2019 to 8.10.2020
Australia's Family Law System served from 22.10.2019 to 22.11.2021
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade served from 15.9.2016 to 1.7.2019
Law Enforcement served from 15.9.2016 to 11.4.2019; Law Enforcement served from 22.7.2019 to 24.7.2019; Law Enforcement served as Deputy Chair from 24.7.2019 to 11.4.2022; Intelligence and Security served from 3.9.2020 to 11.4.2022
WhatsUp Inclusion
To create a truly inclusive sports club, it’s essential to recognise and embrace the diverse needs of individuals from all walks of life. Inclusion goes beyond simply allowing people of different backgrounds, abilities, and identities to participate; it involves actively creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Here are several practical strategies a sports club can adopt to be more inclusive:
1. Accessibility
The first step towards inclusivity is ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can access the club’s facilities and programs. This means more than just offering wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets; it also involves providing equipment, like adaptive sports gear, for athletes with disabilities. Additionally, training staff to assist individuals with physical and cognitive challenges can go a long way in making the environment feel more welcoming.
• Ensure the facility is wheelchairaccessible and has designated areas for individuals with specific needs.
• Provide adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs for basketball or tennis, for athletes with disabilities.
• Offer sensory-friendly options for athletes who may have sensory processing sensitivities (e.g., quieter spaces, soft lighting).
2. Diverse Programs
A sports club can be more inclusive by offering a variety of sports and activities that appeal to a broad audience. This includes creating opportunities for people of different skill levels, ages, and backgrounds to participate. Consider introducing a range of options, from competi-
tive leagues to recreational or social sports, to cater to individuals who may not identify as “elite” athletes.
• Introduce non-competitive or "beginner" programs for those new to sports or those who may not feel confident in their abilities.
• Offer a variety of sports, catering to different interests, such as yoga, swimming, martial arts, or eSports, alongside traditional offerings like football or basketball.
• Create family-friendly programs that allow parents and children to participate together.
3. Ensure Gender Inclusivity
Many sports clubs have historically been segregated by gender, but inclusivity in sports should embrace people of all genders. It’s essential to create environments where non-binary and transgender individuals feel welcome, supported, and treated equally. This can involve revising policies and offering education on how gender identity should be respected.
Provide clear, non-discriminatory policies on gender participation, ensuring that all athletes can compete in ways that align with their gender identity.
Organise events or activities specifically designed to welcome non-binary and transgender individuals.
Educate members and staff on the importance of using preferred pronouns and creating respectful environments for gender-diverse participants.
4. Foster a Welcoming, Respectful Culture
A sports club should actively work towards building an atmosphere where re-
Inclusive Sports Clubs
By Steven Paull
spect, empathy, and support are at the forefront. This includes addressing any form of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Training staff and members on inclusive behaviours and encouraging open communication will help establish a culture where everyone feels safe and valued.
• Implement mandatory antidiscrimination training for all staff, volunteers, and members to raise awareness of biases and create a respectful environment.
• Establish clear protocols for reporting any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion, with follow-up actions to ensure accountability.
• Celebrate diverse identities through cultural events that highlight the importance of inclusivity.
5. Community Engagement
Sports clubs can also build inclusivity by engaging with local communities and reaching out to underrepresented groups. This includes offering outreach programs, partnering with schools or community organisations, and offering scholarships or financial aid to those who may not otherwise have access to the sports and activities provided.
• Partner with local schools, youth organisations, or community groups to provide access to sports for underserved or marginalized communities.
• Establish scholarships, financial aid programs, or discounted memberships for those from low-income households or underrepresented communities.
• Organise outreach programs to ensure people from diverse backgrounds are aware of the opportunities available at
the club.
6. Representation in Leadership Roles
A diverse sports club should reflect inclusivity not just among participants, but also in leadership and decisionmaking roles. This helps ensure that the voices of marginalized groups are heard, and that decisions about the club’s direction prioritize diversity and inclusion.
• Promote diversity within coaching staff, board members, and leadership positions, ensuring that the club’s decision-makers reflect the diversity of its participants.
• Offer mentorship or training programs for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to help them transition into leadership roles.
• Encourage diversity in marketing and communications, so that all members see themselves represented in the club’s materials.
Conclusion
Being an inclusive sports club isn’t a one -time effort but a continuous commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, no matter their background, identity, or ability. By promoting accessibility, offering diverse programs, fostering a respectful culture, and encouraging engagement with underserved communities, clubs can build a more inclusive sports culture. When inclusion is prioritised, not only do participants thrive, but the entire community becomes stronger, more vibrant, and more united.
Get your club involved. Kickstart your inclusion journey by registering to take part in Sport4All’s inclusive sports program.
WhatsUp Scottvale
Inclusive Sports Club
With almost 50 years of history, “Scottvale” began in 1977 as the Scottvale Park Squash Centre. In more recent years the services provided expanded to include Allied Health under the careful eye of the Steffen Family and now also has an active NDIS presence through sister organisation BigDog Support Services. With the current custodians, the Paull and Carroll families Scottvale is excited to further develop and improve on this amazing and rich history, we welcome everyone from all walks of life to – Scottvale Health Club. We have continued to grow with an amazingly knowledgeable & experienced staffing team & feel we constantly reflect to create a strong sense of family and community. We use our passion for health to educate and provide care for the community-bringing people together through creative exercise and movement!
As your local health hub, we want to create a generational movement:
“
Where Every Body Counts
”
From the Young to the Older. We want to focus on bringing Families Together …. Being Your One Stop Health Hub!!
We’re passionate about all areas of health and fitness, so we have specialised health professionals that can assess, treat, and maintain any of your health concerns.
We have a strong background in working with all health funding schemes including NDIS, DVA, Medicare, Workcover, private insurance, and seniors’ health. We understand that each stage in life has unique concerns, and we aim to address them all.
We specialise in:
• Chronic disease management including diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and heart disease
• Chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions/injuries
• Neurological conditions including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Parkinson’s disease
• Mental health
• Children’s health and development
• Seniors’ health and fitness
Our holistic services and facilities are what make us an interactive health hub. We have access to some of the most varied services in Rockhampton, including Virtual Reality! We’re trained in using both traditional and technological services to help your family find your favourite way to move. Our teams work together to provide the best care available across our three main service divisions.
Squash
We’re Rockhampton’s largest squash facility, welcoming all to join in the fun!
Scottvale Health Club has been providing squash services to the Rockhampton community for over 30 years. We strive to integrate our squash activities into general fitness as families discover the joy of the sport. Together we create a social environment where all can come to have a good time while squashing in some exercise.
Fitness
Scottvale Health Club offers an array of fitness services through our familyfriendly facilities. Our fitness team includes a specialist team of exercise sci-
entists, allied health assistants, and exercise physiologists. We’ve been trained to work with people from all walks of life with differing concerns and goals. As we work with you in our gym and fitness facilities, let us help you reach all your goals through fun and hard work. We offer an array of group fitness classes that provide supportive and social environments to help you reach new heights, while making friends.
Allied Health
Assessing and treating all aspects of health to restore, manage, and maintain your wellbeing!
At Scottvale Health Club we have a close -knit team of exercise physiologists, allied health assistants and clinical counsellor. Together we promote individual and family health as we work collaboratively with one another. We pride ourselves on working with our clients to best treat all health concerns while prioritising client autonomy. We work closely with several health schemes including NDIS, DVA, Medicare, Workcover QLD, My Aged Care and Private Health Insurance.
Our services are tailored to you!
We strive to accommodate everyone who comes to see us through our allied health services, which include:
• Exercise Rehabilitation
• Clinical Counselling
• Hydrotherapy
• General and specialised health assessments
• Virtual Reality and Mindfulness
WhatsUp Health
By Steven Paull
I'm at Scottvale Health Club and I'm talking to Michele Ryan. Thanks for coming along and having a chat. So tell us a little bit about what you do here at Scottvale.
“So I work as an EP or an Exercise Physiologist, but EP for short. So working with people who have got chronic health conditions in a range of very different conditions and, yeah, just trying to help them manage that and get some exercise and keep moving.”
Can you give me some examples of Chronic Health?
“Yeah, so that could be diabetes, somebody having chronic low back pain, so a musculoskeletal condition, somebody who has problems with their kidneys, or it could be people who have overall chronic pain conditions like multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia.”
That’s interesting as I suffered from polymyalgia after my knee operation, brought on by the trauma of the operation.
“We are expected to work with people with various conditions so it could be somebody with low back pain or somebody who has constant pain in their foot for no particular reason. It's a very interesting area.”
My mom suffered for many years with fibromyalgia I remember spending lots of having to rub the muscles around her shoulders and her arms.
“Yeah, and it's those kinds of invisible diseases that interest me, that, you know, looking at you, you could look perfectly fine and healthy, but, you know, inside you're screaming with pain.”
So what are some of the techniques that you use to assist people?
“It's working with the people on how they feel that particular day. They may come in saying, yeah, I'm feeling really good and energetic, being mindful of that, that they don't actually push themselves too far because at the end of the day they still have to go home and go about their business, and they may not see me for another week. So I feel it's really important to err on the side of caution.”
“That's my approach because if I would do a really hard session for somebody who has a chronic pain condition and they go home and they feel that they can't do anything for the next three days, well, I don't think I've done my job properly. That's a very difficult line, isn't it? So it's a balancing line between not doing too little but also not doing too much. Because as I said, at the end of the day, somebody might see me once a week for half an hour and then they still have to get through the rest of their week before I see them again.”
During your career you would have had some great successes. Can you think of one that you can tell me about?
“Well, I'm still relatively new into my career. This is coming to the end of my second year as working as an exercise physiologist. I think for me, if I have people that keep coming back to their appointments, even though they may not be feeling up to it, but they feel it's important. to them to come and do their little bit of exercise for the week, I find that's a huge win because I know myself if I'm super tired after a day of work the last thing I want to do is exercise. So for me people who do have these chronic
Exercise Physiologist
health conditions who keep showing up and doing their exercise and they keep moving because they know they need to. That's a win.”
“But you can't just know where someone is in pain because it's not visible and that's like what I call the invisible diseases. Somebody could look quite young and healthy but yet they have something terrible that's going on with them that they have to live with daily but it's not like they're missing a limb or they're in a wheelchair, so which is something that's very visible.”
That's right you can make some assumptions based on visible signs. So where do you think this is going to lead for you in the future?
I’m kind of just starting my career but I do have a few of my clients that do have the chronic pain diseases and that that's really piquing my interest at the moment. I originally thought I would be more injury rehab and musculoskeletal injuries sports. I have a dancing back-
ground and I'm a retired professional dancer so that was always an interest of mine, but now it's now shifting more into the neurological area.”
How would a potential client of Scottvale get in touch with you? Is it a GP referral?
“They can come through a GP referral where people with chronic health conditions can get up to 5 visits to an allied health professional and they will have a health care plan. There is always an initial appointment where we have a chat and ask what their goals are and what their main health concerns are, and then we go from there.”
Can participants of the NDIS also access these types of services?
“Absolutely, so in a similar type of process but it doesn't necessarily have to come through a GP referral. It might come from the person themselves especially if they're managing the plan themselves and they make contact through their support coordinator to engage my services.”
Are there other areas of study that you can do to improve your knowledge?
“As an exercise physiologist, I have to maintain accreditation with the governing body. I can do a number of professional development different courses as well as if I'm wanting to find something to do with pain or a neurological condition, I can research those ones that will give me the points that I need but will also help or give me new information and better ways to help the clients that I have.”
WhatsUp AFL Legend
How wheelchair footy helped Ben Green back to the game after 17 years.
The captain of WA's wheelchair football team once aspired to play AFL. Now, he's representing his state at his sport's biggest annual tournament.
Ben Green is focused.
His gold-shirted Western Australia teammates are showing plenty of energy, but Green is scanning the playing area through the goggles he wears in place of his usual glasses, checking his own players are where they need to be, and sizing up his opponents. His energy is 'captain energy'. Green also happens to be in a wheelchair on an indoor court. 2023 was Green's first year in wheelchair footy, joining the West Coast Eagles in the Western Australia Wheelchair Football League (WAWFL). By year's end, he was playing in the Grand Final of the Toyota Wheelchair AFL National Championships in Melbourne. Western Australia went down by 57 points to Victoria Metro, but Green was named his state's Best and Fairest for the series.
Watching him in action, directing his players into position and launching long left-handed passes from all parts of the court, it would be easier to believe he has been captaining his state for the last decade.
While the 37-year-old from Australind, 150 kilometres south of Perth, would have loved his side to go one better than last year, the week proved tough for the West Aussies. Halfway through the tournament, Green was realistic about his side's chances.
"We came into this year with a bit of an unknown of what our team could do. It
was a very different team to what we took last year," he said.
"We had a quite a lot of new players, quite a lot of experienced players, so yesterday was more of a feeling-out kind of day, finding out where our best positions are."
The Toyota AFL Open gives players like Green the national stage they deserve. Combining the wheelchair and inclusion national championships into one event effectively doubles the audience for both tournaments. It's the kind of audience of which Green once dreamed.
"My ambition when I was around the age of 13 to 15 was definitely AFL," he said.
"I played Peel Thunder development squads all through those years. I wasn't quite getting the cut when it came to 16 and 17-year-olds, so I cut back and just played the local footy. I never really got the opportunity to play proper senior level league footy, though."
That opportunity was lost late in 2006 when Green had an accident at work which badly injured his right leg and left knee. He spent three months attempting to rehabilitate his leg before concluding that his best option was to amputate.
"We won a Colts premiership two years before in 2004, then I had a year off playing footy for work commitments. I was going get back into it the following year, started pre-season and everything," he said.
"Pretty much that same period time was the Eagles premiership and then my accident happened."
Footy also lost Ben. He played some wheelchair basketball in the intervening 17 years, a sport for which he says the only crossover skill is the ability to ma-
By Daniel Viles AFL.com.au
nipulate a wheelchair. Once Green learned of the existence of wheelchair Australian football, he had a path back to the sport he loved and the chance to be treated like the athlete he most wanted to be – a footballer.
"When I speak to friends and family and other people, and the way that West Coast and WA All Abilities promotes the game, we are promoted as football players. We are a part of the club; we are accepted as football players," Green said.
Wheelchair footy even seems to be 'troll -proof' on social media.
"Most of the time the comments you see on Facebook are like, 'Oh, I didn't even know that wheelchair football was a thing'. We don't really get any kind of negative comments," Green said.
Those new to watching wheelchair football usually love the novelty of watching players handballing to each other and through the goals while gliding around a court, but those who keep watching are rewarded by seeing the range of tactics available, even with only five players per team on court at once. Green can see the links between the strategies used outdoor and indoor.
Ben Green
WhatsUp AFL
"You've got the teams like Vic Metro that play a very good possession game. They slow the game right down with a kickmark game," he said.
"And then you've got us who like to do the 'Pagan's Paddock'. Get up forward, get up high and then get out the back with pace. That's more our game style."
Inclusive forms of different sports often find themselves in an unending struggle between providing opportunities for inclusion and opportunities for excellence. Green's experience is that the Toyota AFL Open allows him to enjoy the best of both worlds.
"I think it's great that it's promoted that way. There are some guys who play who don't quite have the ability that I might have, and it is all about inclusivity for those guys," he said.
"But then there are guys like me who want to go out and win it and play hard and go hard and just be fierce at the ball. I think it goes both ways.
"(When) we play in our Perth league, you take it bit easier on some of the teams because they're not quite as good, but over here, you can just go as hard as you like, maximum effort every time and you don't have to worry about making anyone feel bad."
It's difficult to imagine the affable and articulate Green ever making anyone feel bad. Playing full-back during his side's loss to Victoria Country, he is beaten to a mark by a forward who had not yet scored in the tournament. Once the set-shot handball sails through for a major, Green allows himself a brief rueful grimace before handing out some genuine congratulations.
"It's great just to be able to hang out
with all these guys that are in the same situation as me getting around in a wheelchair or some sort of disability," he said.
"We spend the days hitting the court with this fierce competition and then at the end of the day we get to relax, go out, do a few functions and things like that. It's a lot of fun."
In the minutes after handing out congratulations to his opponent, Green launches a right-handed pass from midcourt to find his full-forward in front of goal, then sneaks forward to score his own major.
Inclusion and excellence. For both Ben Green and the Toyota AFL Open, that doesn't have to be a choice.
Wheelchair Australian Rules
The first organised game of competitive wheelchair Australian rules football was played at the RAAF base in Adelaide, South Australia on 8 November 2015. The game involved a team of wounded Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel undergoing rehabilitation at Darwin's soldier Recovery Centre and a Disability Sports Australia (DSA) team made up of players from South Australia. The game was organized by the ADF, Australian Football League and DSA. The final score was: DSA team 16.8.104 defeated the ADF team 14.5.89.
In April 2015, Prince Harry whilst visiting Darwin, Northern Territory raised the profile of this new sport by participating in a game of wheelchair AFL. The game involved wounded Australian soldiers. Rules of the game have some similarity to AFL rules for Australian rules football and include:
Wheelchair AFL
Game is started by throwing up the ball in the centre of the field.
Six points for a goal, and one point for a behind.
Kicks are replaced with handballs, and handballs replaced with underarm throws.
A red Sherrin football is used, with the
game split into four quarters.
Game is played on a basketball court with plastic posts at each end of the court.
Only five players from each team can be on the field at any given time. Team is divided in backs, centres and forwards but only forwards can score.
WhatsUp Awards
Neale Daniher AO
Born on 15 February 1961, in West Wyalong NSW, Neale is a prominent figure in Australian sports and health advocacy. He emerged from Ungarie, a small town in NSW as the third of eleven children in the Daniher family. Demonstrating exceptional athletic talent from a young age, Neale pursued his passion for Australian Rules football, leading to a notable career with the Essendon Football Club in the AFL.
Neale’s tenure with Essendon spanned from 1979 to 1990, during which he played 82 games and scored 32 goals. Despite his promising abilities, his career was marred by injuries, limiting his onfield contributions. Following his playing days, Neale served as the senior coach for the Melbourne Football Club from 1998 to 2007. He also held positions with the Essendon, Fremantle, and West
Coast football clubs, further cementing his legacy in the AFL.
In 2013, Neale was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease (MND), a progressive neurological condition with no known cure. Facing this personal challenge, he co-founded FightMND in 2014, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness and funds for MND research. Under his leadership, FightMND has garnered over $100 million, significantly contributing to advancements in understanding and combating the disease. Neale has shared his journey through his autobiography, "When All is Said & Done."
Neale Daniher's legacy transcends his athletic achievements, embodying a spirit of determination and hope. His contributions continue to inspire and mobilize efforts toward a future without Motor Neurone disease.
Australians of the Year
Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM
Born in 1940, “Ollie” has dedicated his life to humanitarian service and community development. In 1996, he cofounded Wheelchairs For Kids, a volunteer-driven organisation based in Wangara, Western Australia, aiming to provide custom-built, adjustable wheelchairs to children in developing countries at no cost.
Under Brother Pickett's leadership, Wheelchairs For Kids has produced over 60,000 wheelchairs, benefiting children in more than 80 countries. The organisation operates with the support of over 250 retiree volunteers, making it one of Western Australia's largest volunteer-led charities. These volunteers, with an average age of 74, contribute their skills to
manufacture wheelchairs that meet World Health Organisation standards. Additionally, around 550 individuals from aged care and community groups assist by sewing covers, crocheting rugs, and crafting soft toys to accompany the wheelchairs.
Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett's life exemplifies compassion, innovation, and dedication. His initiatives have not only transformed the lives of thousands of children but have also inspired a culture of volunteerism and community service, leaving a lasting impact on both national and international levels.
"This award is for all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring mobility and joy to children around the world."
WhatsUp Community
Legally blind photographer finds focus and inspires his community
A Sunshine Coast photographer, left legally blind from childhood illness, is winning hearts and bookings across the region with his remarkable images. James Norquay, 24, survived brain cancer as a child but emerged from treatment with only 2% of his vision. Far from limiting his horizons, the challenge inspired him to seek out new ways of seeing the world.
At 14, James picked up a camera for the first time and found it to be more than just a hobby a it was a transformative outlet that reignited his confidence and helped him embrace his disability. Since then, photography has become both his passion and a growing career, with clients turning to James for everything
from family portraits to large events and celebrations.
Recently, Parent to Parent (P2P) – a local organisation supporting individuals with disabilities – booked James to capture their annual Christmas party and AGM. P2P CEO Jodi Wolthers said James’s story embodied the spirit of empowerment and resilience that Parent to Parent promotes every day.
“He’s incredibly talented, and we wanted to share his story,” Ms Wolthers said. “He shows that disability does not have to define a person’s abilities or potential.”
James is particularly renowned for photographing animals, using his unique perspective to capture emotion and personality in a way that resonates with families and pet owners and capturing details in the animals’ expressions.
“With my camera in my hand, I believe I have 101% vision that enables me to visualise the world”.
Over the years, he has worked with various disability organisations, including P2P, which has been assisting people with disabilities, parents and carers since 1998. The group’s aim is to provide resources, advocacy and peer support, while helping individuals set goals and plan for a positive future.
For more information visit jamesnorquayphotography.com.au
Raelene Robinson
comes to suit their own personal situations.
As a Counsellor I am trained to assist people in working through their personal and emotional issues. I provide a safe and confidential environment in which clients can learn to work through their issues and develop strategies to address and resolve problems on their own.
My service also focuses on the treat-
ment and prevention of mental illness while actively promoting mental health and wellbeing. Everyone faces personal challenges or issues during their lives.
As a Counsellor/ Psychotherapist, I can provide professional expertise and counselling for individuals as well as small or large groups. Some of the counselling methods used include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Micro Listening, Pathway Journeys and Leadership Development.
I can provide counselling interventions for: Grief and Loss, Couples Counselling, Self-Esteem, Relationship Problems, developing safety plans for suicide risks and self-harm, Peer pressure and conflict, Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Addiction, Depression and Parent Management training.
I can also provide Psychometric assessment assistance, assistance with wellbeing programs, support with educational, behavioural, career and personal counselling.
My role also consists of networking in the development and implementation of plans, programs and procedures to assist clients in achieving positive educational, developmental and lifelong learning outcomes.
Raelene is at Scottvale Health Club
WhatsUp NDS Report
National Disability Services
NDS is Australia’s peak body for disability service organisations, representing more than 1,000 service providers.
The latest State of the Disability Sector Report shows significant challenges remain. In the 2023–24 financial year, half the respondents made a loss and 13% said they broke even.
80% of respondents said that they worry they won’t be able to continue providing NDIS services at current prices.
21% are considering getting out of the disability sector entirely more than double the response last year.
It’s clear that for many in the sector viability is an issue, and providers are concerned that this will cause widespread disruption to services to people with disability.
NDS calculated that the organisations in the survey that are thinking of quitting the sector support more than 28,000 people with disability. If extended to the whole sector, more than 100,000 people could be facing disruption to the services and supports that are a core part of their daily lives.
The survey found that not-for-profit organisations and those established before the NDIS are much more likely to report a loss. Many of these organisations were established decades ago by families to create a better life for their children.
But pressures are being experienced across all organisations, not-for-profit and for-profit, those that have been around for fifty years, fifteen or five. Supports for people with the most complex support needs are at greatest risk.
Poor pricing approaches and unfunded supports mean that the NDIS and other
government programs are at risk of not realising their potential.
This has added to the uncertainty created by the lack of a detailed plan for the reform agenda.
It’s unreasonable to expect any sector to operate in such an environment, let alone one that provides such essential services.
That most organisations, despite these most challenging of circumstances, remain resilient and are determined to thrive is one of the most positive findings in this report.
Although stretched, almost all providers (96%) say they are working hard to improve productivity; fifty-one per cent plan to expand their operations. Of these, 89% are working on increasing their client base and 58% are working on increasing their workforce. There is a general will to do things smarter and get creative.
But they can’t do that much longer under current conditions, and they can’t do it alone.
Since the federal government controls many of the levers on the market, government must also help shape the conditions providers need to operate effectively and fast.
For their part, states and territories cannot lose any time in putting foundational supports in place that will contribute to overall sustainability of the NDIS.
The Way Forward
Governments, providers and NDS share the same aim: an Australia where people with disability receive the highest quality support to lead their best lives.
NDS believes that, with pooled wisdom, shared solutions and combined effort,
Disability Sector 2024
we can create a diverse and sustainable market for high-quality disability services.
With the right funding, policies and relationships, we can all play a part in finding a way forward.
What providers are doing
• Listening to the people who matter most Working to improve customer experience, and better meet expectations and preferences.
• Lifting productivity and efficiency Working smarter, not harder, with new technologies, systems and financial controls.
• Taking a strategic approach to growth Using research and data to find new paths.
• Training the workforce of tomorrow Setting up the supervision and mentorship for great on-the-job training.
• Investing in strong leadership and skilled staff Creating the pathways that reward and encourage quality.
• Collaborating with other providers on complex support Working together with participants and partners to find workable solutions.
What we need from governments
• Renewed relationships with stakeholders.
• Reforming not just the disability system but all its vital connections.
• Fair and independent pricing
Creating a disability service market that works.
• A clear direction and action formulat-
ing a detailed, sequenced roadmap.
• Support for sector transformation and new ways of working Supporting the sector in reform and helping it to be the best it can be.
• Bold workforce initiatives Finding tomorrow’s skilled workforce and keeping them in the sector.
• Continue with regulatory reform Setting high standards that apply to all providers.
• Prioritise employment and social procurement
• Using government’s economic strength to support people with disability.
• Consultation with stakeholders at every opportunity
• Drawing on the expertise of the community, including providers.
The sector is ready and willing to be part of the solution.
How NDS plays their part
• Leading policy and advocacy expertise and engagement Listening to their members and amplifying their voices.
• Acting as a sector steward Shaping the future of disability services and quality practice.
• Providing in-depth information and analysis Supporting members with timely and trusted sector insights.
• Delivering change guidance and business support Providing tools, resources and training to support providers to strengthen their organisations.
Continued next page
WhatsUp NDS Report
Continued from Page 21
• Creating opportunities for networking and collaboration
• Being the hub that connects providers to share experiences, learn and innovate.
• Providing local expertise and influence Harnessing our strong presence in every state and territory through deep understanding of the local context.
• Building community inclusion and support
• Driving the inclusive future that Australians with disability deserve.
The NDIS Review
Much of the NDIS reform agenda over the past 12 months has been driven by the recommendations and findings of the Independent Review of the NDIS. Making 26 recommendations and outlining 139 actions, underpinned by almost 1,300 pages of supporting analysis, the NDIS Review went to the heart of longstanding and well-known issues affecting the NDIS. Key recommendations included clarifying distinct and tailored pathways for young children and families and people with psychosocial disability; establishing an ecosystem of supports where the NDIS is one option as opposed to the only option — for people with disability; and reforming the way that the NDIS operates.
The Review noted that almost all critical steps in a participant’s journey through the NDIS required reform from access, budget setting, planning, engaging supports and finding providers through to how these supports are paid for. Calling out issues with homes and living, workforce, quality and safeguarding,
sustainability and market stewardship, we were pleased that many of the solutions proposed by the NDIS Review aligned with the ten priorities for reform that NDS outlined last year in their State of the Disability Sector report.
NDIS Pricing
The 2024–25 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (2024) dealt a significant blow to a sector already grappling with viability issues. The modest 3.19% increase for most core supports barely covered the annual wage rise from the Fair Work Commission. Even more troubling, support coordination, plan management, and allied health services (except for a small increase for psychology) saw no price adjustments for the fifth consecutive year despite rising operational costs.
And, in a move that perplexed participants and providers, the definition of high intensity support was changed, meaning participants requiring behaviour support would no longer receive this support in their plans. It was only through strong advocacy from NDS and others that common sense prevailed, and this decision was eventually reversed.
This year’s pricing adjustments seemed to reflect misunderstanding of the real costs of delivering safe, quality services. It is time for a fresh approach to pricing, one that recognises the need to support quality providers committed to continuous improvement, fair wages and robust staff development.
Independent pricing is not a silver bullet for sector sustainability, but it represents a crucial and positive step forward that we can all support.
Singer Songwriter
By Craig Reardon theeteam.com.au
Gerry Smith refuses to let a little cerebral palsy get in the way of his musical dreams
“Maybe get a blister on your little finger Baby get a blister on your thumb” I want my MTV – Dire Straits
Blisters like those parodied in Dire Straits’ famous hit may well be something of an impediment to some musicians, however they won't prevent you even getting in the door of Melbourne's premier music venues, an obstacle Gerry Smith has overcome many times in his motorised wheelchair with a little help from his friends.
Basic accessibility is just another routine challenge to navigate for Melbourne singer/songwriter Gerry Smith.
Gerry was born with cerebral palsy, with the chronic condition providing a perfectly legitimate reason to dismiss the notion of realistically creating and performing music.
Not so with Gerry.
After busking for years and chipping away at writing enough songs for a debut album, Gerry was awarded a grant by Music Victoria in 2021. The original purpose of the grant Gerry was to tour disability homes and care facilities with the aim of bringing music to people in the disabled community.
However, after having to pivot several times during the long lockdowns of COVID, the grant was finally used to help Gerry and his team of awardwinning musicians (under the moniker of ‘Gerry’s Well-Oiled Machine’) to record the songs for his debut, self-titled album and to make videos of the process and the songs.
The result is an impressive collection of tunes with many sung by Gerry as accompanied by his crack team of performers including Eric McCusker (ex Mondo Rock), acclaimed singer/ songwriter/producer Jake Mason, Tim Wild (ex Taxiride) and Jessica Paige (APRA award winning songwriter and independent musician).
If the restrictions of negotiating rehearsal spaces and recording studios to create the album weren’t enough, Gerry is now taking the album on the road by touring Victoria, thanks to a new grant from Creative Australia.
And Gerry finds no reason to hide his excitement at both achievements.
Ive long dreamt of being able to bring my songs to life and ultimately release them to the public”, he says.
So releasing the album and then taking it on the road to perform them live is literally a dream come true for me.
Gerry Smith
WhatsUp National
The boss of the National AntiCorruption Commission says he is considering launching a public inquiry into the $44 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme including holding open hearings for the first time.
“I am considering the possibility of a
The NACC was a key 2022 election promise of the Albanese Government, but it has been beset by scandals, including over its refusal to investigate referrals from the Robodebt Royal Commission.
The government promised to deliver a
public inquiry into corruption risks and vulnerabilities relating to the NDIS,” said NACC Commissioner Paul Brereton.
“Should that eventuate, the Commission will call for public submissions”.
Brereton made the statements in a letter Thursday to lawyer Karen Kline, who blew the whistle on serious wrongdoing by NDIS administrator, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The cost of the NDIS has blown out to $44.3 billion a year and it has been beset by claims of corruption and waste.
“transparent” NACC “with teeth” but instead installed a body that operates almost entirely in secret, with public hearings in undefined “exceptional circumstances”.
It has held no public hearings since it was created on 1 July 2023.
The NACC has completed just three investigations since it was launched 18 months ago and in each case it says it found no corruption.
That’s despite the NACC only launching investigations in the most serious of cases and after multiple stages of triaging
Paul Brereton
Anti-Corruption Commission
By Anthony Klan
and having rejected and spent around $140 million to date.
What the three completed investigations were about is being hidden by the NACC, which says it is not required to provide a report when it states it has found no corruption.
The NACC is refusing to say whether they include the $80 million “Watergate” water buy-backs scandal involving shadow treasurer Angus Taylor.
Brereton’s statements come as the NACC has refused to investigate Kline’s case, despite top-level findings of serious wrongdoing.
Gold Coast-based lawyer Kline has since April 2022 been fighting the NDIA for documents in connection to a client who was rejected for certain NDIA funding.
As previously revealed, Kline’s whistle-
Karen Kline
blowing drew public condemnation of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) by Elizabeth Tydd, head of the Of-
fice of the Australian Information Commission (OAIC) and the nation’s Freedom of Information Commissioner.
In response to Kline’s case, Tydd found the AAT which in October changed its name to the “Administrative Review Tribunal” (ART) had engaged in a string of breaches and called for major changes.
Kline had applied to the AAT, as the chief reviewer of Federal Government decisions, for documents related to her FoI case under freedom of information laws. She says the documents she received were “a mess”.
“It was very, very clear this file had been manipulated,” she told The Klaxon. “There were files missing and the number of duplicated documents was just unbelievable”.
Kline then took the matter to the OAIC. The OAIC said it would not undertake a formal “review” because a “merits review” would “most appropriately be handled” by the AAT.
Regardless, Tydd then the Freedom of Information Commission but not yet OAIC boss issued a 31-page document, based Kline’s 9 complaints.
Tydd found overwhelmingly in favour of Kline.
She found the AAT had ”unduly delayed” providing documents; improperly disclosed private information and “made contradictory statements” as to the “existence of documents” applied for.
Tydd called for the AAT to officially apologise and issued it with 13 “formal recommendations”, giving it timelines of between one and three months to comply.
Regarding Kline’s complaints, Tydd
WhatsUp Commission
Continued from Page 25
found that in 5 of the cases the AAT had failed to comply with FoI laws and guidelines. (In 2 cases Tydd made no findings because they were outside “FoI complainant investigation”).
Kline said the case involved “serious wrongdoing at the highest levels” and so she was pursuing the matter despite her client having given up on the NDIS funding.
Brereton has now written to Kline saying the NACC will not launch an investigation into the matter, including because material she provided did not provide any “further information” that “documents have been improperly withheld”.
“The Commission is not satisfied that the additional information you have provided demonstrates a viable hypothesis that any corrupt conduct…may have occurred,” he writes.
“Even if it did, it would be disproportionate and inappropriate for the Commission to open an investigation”.
Brereton said he had appointed an unnamed NACC “Deputy Commissioner” to consider the case, before he “reviewed” it personally.
“We can only investigate a relatively small proportion of the numerous matters that are referred to us,” writes Brereton.
Kline said the NACC’S refusal was a “disgrace”, and she would continue to fight the matter.
In the year to June 2023, the NACC launched investigations into 24 matters and decided to take “no further action” in 221 cases, its annual report states.
The NACC is suffering from serious credibility issues after it announced last June
it would not investigate six public officials referred to it “for civil action or criminal prosecution” by Robodebt Royal Commissioner Catherine Holmes SC.
“Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people feel like criminals,” the Royal Commission found.
The Robodebt scheme, run by the former Liberal government from 2015 to 2019, unlawfully raised over $1.7 billion in debts against 526,000 social security recipients, with some taking their lives.
Brereton said the NACC’s Robodebt decisions were made by a “Deputy Commissioner” who he and the NACC refused to name.
It was subsequently revealed Brereton failed to “recuse” himself from those decisions, despite an admitted conflict of interest.
Following widespread public anger, NACC Inspector Gail Furness SC launched a formal investigation and found Brereton guilty of “officer misconduct”.
In response, Brereton was caught lying about the findings, heavily downplaying their seriousness.
There are widespread calls for Brereton to resign, allowing for an overhaul of the agency to restore public trust.
He has refused.
Not one public official has been stood down or even demoted over the $1.76bn Robodebt scheme since it was launched a decade ago.
On 13 December Brereton said the NACC had appointed former High Court judge Geoffrey Nettle KC to “reconsider” its decisions to not investigate the Robodebt referrals.
Get Active, Stay Involved
Now’s the time to get active and start playing sport.
50% of Australian’s living with a disability want to participate in sports, but aren’t regularly active.
This book is filled with motivational stories, goal setting and tons of helpful links and ideas to get started.
WhatsUp
The Hub
By Keren Briskey
(07) 4659 5662
Meet funny Ryan and all the other wonderful people that make The Hub Programs for Purpose, unique and one of a kind. Unleash your creativity with music and motion is one of the Hub’s exciting Film and TV programs, whether you’re dreaming of creating your own music video or writing your own song, this program helps you bring those ideas to life. Learn valuable skills in Video editing Storyboard development, special effects...and, of course, playing with the animals at the Farm Hub and have a blast doing it.
“What is your favourite thing about The Hub?”
Haille: “Doing the music, the artwork and I guess the fun we have”
Chrissy and (dog) Woody: “Everything”
“Doing videos”
Susan: “singing and dancing and doing videos”
Andrew: “I like seeing the animals at the farm hub and doing the videos” What was your favourite video to make?”
Chrissy and (dog) Woody: “Me and Ryan did the video with Woody King”
Andrew: “My time for smoke video”.
Susan “Doing my neighbours video with Chrissy, (dog) Woody and Ryan” Would you recommend this program to any other people?
Haille “Yes, it is good. Ryan is a good guy. And we have a lot of fun.”
Chrissy and (dog) Woody: “Yeah! What do you think Woody?”
Suzan: “Yeah I would, anyone could come, they will enjoy it”
Andrew: “Yeah I would”
What would you like the Hub to be?
Chrissy and (dog) Woody: “More animals... just more animals”
Andrew: “Yeah more animals.”
Susan: “Have cow milking and chickens so you can collect the eggs and have some veggies growing”
What would you tell other people coming to the Hub to expect?
Susan “Just come down try out everything at the Hub, including the farm animals”
Andrew: “A lot of fun”
Chrissy and (dog) Woody: “Video editing, script writing - come have a look”
Ready to start your creative journey and meet all the animals at the Farm hub? With baby goats, Highland cows and Dash the wonder pony. Just like these happy clients are doing, the Hub Programs for Purpose.
Keren Briskey has spent her whole life living in the Pittsworth Community, also working at the local Woolworths since March 2008 and lives on a property not far from town. Keren likes animals, especially cats and dogs, doing puzzles and loves listening to music. She is very sociable, very independent, incredibly caring and thoughtful and passionate about her community. Keren is also a great advocate for herself and others. Keren has agreed to take on the Ambassador and Marketing Advisor for the Hub Programs. She brings many skills to this role, including videography and film editing, journalism, writing and her ability to engage and communicate with anyone. Keren is super excited to take on this role and represent the Hub in the community.
WhatsUp In January
WhatsUp Community
WhatsUp Sponsors
WhatsUp Executive Team
STEVEN PAULL President
COURTNEY CARROLL Editor
JESS WRIGHT Secretary
ANN PAULL Treasurer
PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA)
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OFFICE: Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street Toowoomba (open Monday to Friday 9:00am-3:00 pm)
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E-MAIL: steven@bigdog.au
MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven Paull (President) Courtney Carroll (Editor) Jess Wright (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer)
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www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
With Sarah Rossiter
Inclusive Sports
Our award-winning Change Project provides residents of Toowoomba Region with a wide range of low-cost activities, encouraging everyone to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The program provides activities to suit a wide variety of fitness levels.
Make the Change
This is a sports program designed for disability participants and their carers to develop sporting skills, become more active and engage with the community through sports and fun activities. Offering soccer and T-Ball, these sessions are fun and accessible for anyone over the aged of 18. Middle Ridge Park, Stenner Street, Middle Ridge on Tuesdays 3:304:30pm. $5:00 per person, per session.
www.whatsupindisability.org
Seated SOSA
This class is a chair-based low impact dance programme for older adults, disabled participants, those with long-term health conditions and GP referral/ rehabilitation clients. The Programme delivers special considerations and adaptations for all levels of ability and ranges of movement, making it inclusive for EVERYONE. Authentic steps with body and arm styling movements from 37 different dance styles are utilised and choreography is set to an amazing range of happy, memorable and catchy tunes so you can have fun, sing along and of course chair dance!
St Thomas More's Parish Hall, 71a Ramsay Street, Toowoomba Mondays 10.15am $5 per person. per session
https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/communitybusiness/educational/healthy-livingchange-project/7537-the-change-project -activities#disabilityfitness
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