BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney will be teeing off on the Bellarine today (Friday, May 23) to support a cause championing the rights of people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
The former Western Bulldogs and Essendon midfielder is the event ambassador for Gateways Support Services’ 21st Annual Gateways Charity Golf Day, a fundraiser with a mission to build a more inclusive, accessible community for everyone.<\/p>\n
The event will run at Clifton Springs Golf Club for the first time, with tee-off from 12pm before dinner and a silent auction.<\/p>\n
It will raise funds to refurbish the kitchen within Social Connect, Gateways’ innovative program that supports 41 adults with disabilities to build independence, social skills, confidence and friendships through community-based activities.<\/p>\n
The cause is deeply personal for Cooney. His daughter has benefited from similar support programs, giving him an authentic perspective on the life-changing impact these services can have.<\/p>\n
“What I really like about the Social Connect program is that it’s not just about support, it’s about creating real access to the community,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s getting out to the local gym or grabbing a coffee at a caf\u00e9, it’s about making everyday life more inclusive for people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
“For me, inclusion means making sure everyone has the chance to be seen, heard, and involved. Gateways does that in such a down-to-earth, practical way.”<\/p>\n
Gateways stated the kitchen refurbishment might seem like a simple upgrade but inclusive and accessible environments are the difference between participation and exclusion for people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
“A thoughtfully designed kitchen becomes a space where people can learn to cook a meal, make their own hot drink, or host a morning tea with friends, skills that many take for granted, yet are vital for independence and self-confidence.”<\/p>\n
Social Connect started in 2010 to support people with autism and complex needs who could not use other services, and it has since grown into a space that offers tailored support to anyone wanting to build their independence in their own way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney will be teeing off on the Bellarine today (Friday, May 23) to support a cause championing the rights of people with disabilities. The former Western Bulldogs and Essendon midfielder is the event ambassador for Gateways Support Services’ 21st Annual Gateways Charity Golf Day, a fundraiser with a mission to build a […]<\/p>\n