Located at Balgownie, Rui’s Place is an outlet for some 24 young adults with disabilities who are gaining valuable independent living skills.

It all began in 2005 when the Committee of Management of Essential Personnel and its Community Participation Program felt it was time for them to purchase their own property.

What followed is a story in itself, but under the leadership of The Community Participation Program Manager Cathy Potter, the fundraising commenced and the hard work began.

Regular barbecues at Bunnings Wollongong set the pace, with profits ranging from between $600 to $800 each time one was held, and a trivia night attracted some 350 people, with profits exceeding $10,000.

Luke Potter, along with another staff member, completed a fundraising bicycle ride from Goulburn to Wollongong, raising a further $7,000.

Then in October 2007 the dream was realised and the Balgownie property was purchased.

It was decided to name the property “Rui’s Place” in honour of the sterling work put in toward the restoration of the property by Rui Espada, the Lifestyles Coordinator at Bunnings.

The property is used to train younger people with disabilities who have completed Year 12 at school and who want to improve their independent living skills.

There are currently 24 such people from Shellharbour to Thirroul who are being helped by the scheme and who undertake ongoing skills development in such things as arts and crafts, recreational activities, community access and socialising.

Luke says the students learn many new skills which include such things as accessing the community, travelling on public transport, first aid, cooking, budgeting, doing their own laundry, gardening, playing snooker and basketball, fishing, 10-pin bowling and music, just to name a few.

Apart from Luke there are six full time trainers at the house, one part timer and one casual, as well as volunteers and the program is funded by the State Government’s Department of Aging, Disability and Home Care.

Disabled uncle set the scene

Luke says his contact with a disabled uncle gave him his first insight into the Essential Personnel operations and the fact that his mother Cathy was so involved in the program led him towards his new role in life. Over the past seven years he has learned the ropes and has taken on the role of 2IC of the program.

He had left school in Year 11 and was working at McDonald’s when he first volunteered for the program and after seven years in the job he couldn’t be any happier with life.

“I continue to meet great people who become friends and what we do each working day continues to be a real eye opener for me,” he says.

Luke also wants to thank his mother Cathy for her incredible drive and enthusiasm, Joe and Nina Russo for their wonderful generosity and Jordana, Frank, Elizabeth and Simon Brusic for the many hours they have spent working tirelessly on the restoration of the Balgownie property, including every weekend for 6 months and even during their Christmas holidays.

The group are busily preparing for a disabled mini–Olympics to be held at Beaton Park when it is hoped to attract some 300 entrants, and then there’s the task ahead of raising money to purchase their own bus.

“What we want is a wheelchair accessible bus that will enable us to comfortably transport our wheelchair clients,” he says.

If you can help please call Essential Personnel on 4283 1166 or call into their premises at 4 Margaret St, Balgownie.