Disability social group ADventure Out is under lockdown limitations like the rest of us but when things get back to normal, the Woolooware charity will facilitate more outings in its brand new - second hand - bus. Donated by the good folk at Georges River 16ft Sailing Club at Sandringham, the 12-seater vehicle has room for wheelchairs and walkers, and picnic items like coolers and fold-up tables. "We have transport now, so we can grow," said ADventure Out co-director Michelle Steck. The group was launched as a not-for-profit early this year after it was demerged from its former management organisation. "The clients, their families, staff and volunteers were all left feeling devastated so another staff member, Danielle [Mirabito] and I started up ADventure Out to pick up the pieces and start afresh," said Ms Steck. The capital A and D in ADventure stand for Accessible Disability, and the group aims to "develop and strengthen meaningful connections and to reduce social isolation" among clients by facilitating access to "a range of fun and exciting social group outings". These include live shows and movies, picnics, ferry trips, museum visits, walking and swimming. They have even been wheelchair ice skating and have visited 101.7 WSFM radio hosts Jonesy and Amanda at their studio. "Once a month we go out for our Big Night Out, to experience a bit of nightlife," said Ms Steck. CEO of Georges River 16ft Sailing Club, Joshua Swift, said: "We had a courtesy bus that was no longer being utilised, so rather than it sit dormant, the decision was made by me and the board that it could be donated to the community organisation and make a real difference for them." "We hope in the future to be able to do more things like this as it brought great reward," Mr Swift said. ADventure Out is now on the hunt for another, accessible, bus. Find out more at facebook.com/AdventureOutLtd or www.adventureoutltd.org
