“The hardest thing I’ve done in my life is learning to walk and keeping my balance. I was born and raised in Kyabram and went to Haslem Street primary and Shepparton Special School. I left there in 1985 and the next year started work at Dual Ware in Mooroopna.
“I was there until my accident in 2007. I also have another disability called an intellectual disability.
“From the accident scene I was flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital and, when admitted, I was asked two questions. Am I allergic to anything? (my answer was yes, work) and where was I born? (my answer, a hospital).
“I was there for six and a half weeks, then I went to Epworth in Bridge Rd, Richmond for rehabilitation. While there I had to learn to get my balance back and learn to walk. I was able to come home in October 2007, but I still had physio in Shepparton for a few years. That included riding an exercise bike and hydrotherapy exercises.
“During my time in Epworth my mental health was low and one of my cousins was there to give me support. The next day I saw the chaplain and some other person, telling them I wanted to leave.
“On a happier note, I had my 40th birthday there and got to see Heath Shaw and Ben Johnson from Collingwood, but I was happier to see my brother Jim (who you will hear about later).
“After being home for some time I joined the Planned Activity Group in Kyabram which was run by the shire, but has since been taken over by Kyabram District Health Service. I still attend, but it is now called Social Support. It is nice to be independent and I am able to get there on my scooter.
“It gets me out of home and meeting other people, listening to their stories and having lunch with them. Recently, I have been to Canberra and visited many things of interest, with an October trip planned to the Gold Coast and Sydney. On the way home I am planning to catch up with family and friends.
“Last year I was asked if I wanted to join a people with disability group at KDHS, which I did and I find it interesting. Within the group we came up with the name What We Can Do-See our Abilities.
“They asked us what we would like to do and one suggestion was to check out eating places in town for their disability ‘friendliness’. Because International Day of People with a Disability was coming up and we were trying to make people aware of what we needed, we also conducted a fundraiser.
Funds raised from the event were given back to the community and also used for group activities.
“In May we went to see the film Champions and had a meal at Hurley’s Hotel. Thanks to the staff at Plaza Theatre for their help and courtesy during and after the event.
“We heard people laughing during the movie, which was good. It is also good to have a good support group for family, neighbours and local shops.”
