As the last few weeks of 2021 near, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and partners for your support across the year.
After another year full of challenges as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, we once again pivoted to deliver many of our programs and events in a virtual model, allowing key outcomes to still reach our participants, in a time when they were arguably more important than ever.
Over recent months it has been incredibly satisfying to recommence delivering in-person events including the Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Awards and the Victorian Disability Sport & Recreation Festival while in sports delivery our Wheelchair Rugby Program and the Wheelchair AFL Grand Final (in partnership with AFL Victoria) welcomed back many participants. To see so many smiling faces and to receive so much positive feedback reinforces the importance of our work and the impact it has.
We were thrilled to host a briefing session regarding our Phoenix Project (as part of the Working For Victoria Program) with key Victorian Government Ministers Ros Spence (Community Sport) and Jaala Pulford (Employment). The session outlined the significant achievements so far including the creation of a new Disability Advisory Committee and Disability Sport and Recreation Organisations Alliance. With the project just over the halfway point, these and many other initiatives will consolidate DSR’s role in the sector, simplify the pathway for participants, strengthen communications and enhance the capacity of the sector with new training and volunteering programs being developed.
The future is also bright with our re-developed home at Kevin Coombs House on 341 George St, Fitzroy in full construction to provide a new office environment for our operations in mid-2022 that will also include spaces for lease to other organisations. There will also be co-working and meeting/training spaces available for lease so contact us if these opportunities suit yourself or your business as we’d love to work side by side with you.
I wish to pay my respects and sadly acknowledge the recent passing of DSR Wheeltalk Presenter and Collingwood / Victorian Wheelchair AFL captain coach Brendan Stroud after a long battle with cancer. BJ was a fierce advocate for DSR and his positive energy (and wheely bad jokes) will be incredibly missed. Sincere condolences to Nat, Miles and Brendan’s family at this difficult time, we will never forget you.
Finally, I offer my sincere thanks to all of the DSR team who have continued to deliver incredible outcomes throughout a difficult year and our many program partners, donors, sponsors and supporters. We certainly couldn’t have done it without you.
Note that many of the team are already enjoying their leave however our office will be fully closed from December 25 to January 5. We hope you and your family have a relaxing and safe holiday period, and we can’t wait to work with you into 2022 and beyond!
Kind regards,
Richard Amon
CEO
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