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Wynyard NDIS participant Chelsea Gunn collects beach driftwood, dries it, then meticulously strings colourful beads onto fishing wire and attaches them to make decorative beaded wall art. The 23-year-old, who has an intellectual disability and autism, has become so good at her craft, each time someone sees her make one, or they see one hanging up in her house, they ask her if she would sell it to them or if she could make them one to buy. Proud and inspired by the popularity of her beaded wall art, not to mention the joy she gets making them, Chelsea, with...

Paralympian and swimmer Braedan will be reaching for Commonwealth Games gold when the NDIS participant represents Australia in the 50m freestyle s13. While it will be his first Commonwealth Games due to the classification being offered for the first time, Braedan has represented Australia in 2 Paralympics, the most recent in Tokyo where he had his best result in the men’s 400m freestyle s13 placing 4th. The 24-year-old Sunshine Coast local began swimming at 8, and started as a nipper in Surf Life Saving around the same time as he was diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy. Braeden – who is legally...

Para-powerlifter Ben Wright is hoping third time’s a charm, when the NDIS participant attempts to end a 16-year Commonwealth Games medal drought for Australia in Birmingham. Ben, the Oceania record holder in 2 divisions and 3-time national champion, will become just the 2nd Australian to compete in Para-powerlifting at 3 Games when he takes on the Commonwealth’s best. Making his Games’ debut at Glasgow 2014 the 35-year-old West Australian, who lives with Spina Bifida, followed up with a courageous 6th placing at Gold Coast 2018 following a broken back sustained in a seizure just 10 weeks out from competition. Now...

Swim star on track for future in and out the pool

Able to engage a mentor artist to support him with his NDIS funding, Mal James has produced an array of colourful and creative artworks and recently held his very first exhibition at local art space, Redrock Books and Gallery.

A work trial to test her capabilities ended up landing Ballarat National Disability Insurance Scheme participant Amanda Weston her dream job and she’s celebrating one year in the role. Working at one of Ballarat’s historic watering holes, The Bunch of Grapes Hotel, the 24-year-old, who has an intellectual disability and lives with her dad said she’s never been happier, and after losing her mum she feels like she’s gained a second family. “I do three shifts a week and I just love working there. I pour wine, soft drinks; direct customers to their tables; take orders; deliver meals; help clean...