Call for volunteers to grow this wonderful programme

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch took great enjoyment in launching the Beyond Disability program.

BDI has grown out of the Rural & Peninsula Disability Support programme started in 1997. Although many people said it was a good idea, most said it was too complicated to ever work. Richard Stubbs has worked tirelessly despite his own disabilities with the support of a dedicated group of volunteers and Rotarians, together with the Councils of Casey, Frankston and Mornington, Community Support Fund, Microsoft Community Initiatives and local philanthropists.

Dame Elisabeth believed in the programme from day one and has been a supporter from the outset. Her enthusiasm is a major motivation for the volunteers.

Dame Elisabeth presented a new laptop to Charlotte who is in the Wheelie Kids program and also to George and Mary. Mary has advanced multiple sclerosis and George is the President of the Mornington Peninsula MS support Group. They have been in the program for many years.

In launching the rebadged Beyond Disability programme, Dame Elisabeth asked for other community groups, Service groups and individuals who want to be part of helping other less-abled members of our community to join in helping to geographically grow this wonderful program. It is a great way for semi-retired people to get a lot of personal satisfaction from helping others.

It only takes a group of 5 – 6 volunteers with the help of training materials from BDI including paper and CD materials and a volunteer induction manual. You need a car, some basic computer skill and a lot of patience.

BDI has already put over 75,000 volunteer hours back into the community and helped many housebound disabled to reconnect with family and friends and access the world’s online biggest information base. The programme helps most physically disabled people and Wheelie Kids helps low income wheelchair physically disabled school children. Donations are tax-deductible.

New volunteers can contact Tricia McGill, team leader on 03 5995 2080. Our secretary can be contacted on phone/fax 03 59776547 or by email at lewie@bdi.org.au.