Robbie started the year with two goals:
- Catch a Newcastle Knights home game
- Bring his backyard veggie garden back to life
Although he was recovering from a fall, with the support of his Ability Options Supported Independent Living (SIL) staff
and his Occupational Therapist, he was determined to move forward towards these goals.
First up? The garden.
Robbie’s love of gardening goes way back. It’s something he learned from his mum, and it’s always held special meaning for him.
“I feel good working on the garden here and the one next door,” Robbie says.
“It has special meaning because we can cook the food that I grow, and I can eat the strawberries. I want to grow more food; I need to go back to Bunnings. I learned to garden from my mum, I used to help her.”
“It has special meaning because we can cook the food that I grow, and I can eat the strawberries. I want to grow more food; I need to go back to Bunnings. I learned to garden from my mum, I used to help her.”
With the support of his Ability Options team, Robbie’s garden got a major boost. The SIL staff helped him research the best solutions, and with a bit of help from the neighbours, they sourced raised garden beds at just the right height for him. By Spring, Robbie was harvesting his first crop—proof that, with a little help, his green thumb was still going strong.
Next on the list: footy.
This footy season, Robbie and his fiancée Colleen embarked on an adventure to watch the Newcastle Knights play. With Ability Options staff member Darren helping organise everything from the NRL tickets to Robbie’s wheelchair, the day was set to be one for the books. After a two-hour road trip with a pit stop at McDonald’s for a quick lunch, they arrived at the stadium. Thanks to pre-booked parking right in front of the entry gates, getting to the seats was a breeze. The view from their seats was fantastic, and Robbie and Colleen settled in with chips, chocolate, and drinks.
Throughout the game, Robbie couldn’t contain his excitement. Every time the crowd cheered, he asked, “Who scored that time?” The smile on his face told the whole story when his beloved Newcastle Knights scored. While the Knights ultimately lost, it was a victory in Robbie’s eyes.
“We watched Newcastle play, we liked going to McDonald’s for lunch,” he says. “We enjoyed travelling far away and watching my team play. They lost, but I liked watching them score tries. Colleen liked it too.”
Robbie’s year is a reminder of what goal setting is all about – supporting participants to achieve something that is meaningful and unique to them.
Looking for support to help you achieve your own goals?
With Ability Options’ Supported Independent Living (SIL), you can access tailored care that empowers you to live independently and confidently.
See how we can help you here.
