On course for coaching

WALLARA is asking businesses to hit the golf course to help make wishes come true.
It’s been supporting and coaching adults with disabilities in the Dandenong area to improve their independence for more than 50 years.
But chief executive Phil Hayes-Brown said government funding only went so far.
So in 2011 Wallara created its Wish Foundation to help service users with items outside the scope of basic support that made a profound difference to their lives.
It’s since granted more than 55 wishes and handed out more than $85,000 in funds from local businesses and the community.
“The wishes granted over that period range from something small like purchasing a special alarm clock for a young deaf man to help him get to work on time, to restoring a smile and self-confidence to a young man with an intellectual disability who had suffered from years of poor health care in his birth country,” Mr Hayes-Brown said.
“At the last Wish Foundation meeting we granted a wish from several young men to start their own lawn mowing business which is now called Grass Busters.
“The smile on their faces as they head off to work with their mowers is priceless.”
To keep the good work going, Wallara is holding a corporate charity golf day at Keysborough Golf Course on 25 October.
All funds raised will go towards the Wish Foundation.
Mr Hayes-Brown said the day included a round of ambrose golf, lunch prior and a gourmet dinner and premium wines afterwards.
Guests will be treated to some special insights into the world of disability and hear from and meet some of the inspiring people Wallara supports, including past beneficiaries from the Wish Foundation.
Wallara’s Sing and Sign choir, a partnership with the Auslan Company, will also be performing.
“We are calling on all local businesses to join us for what I promise will be a very special day of unique entertainment,” Mr Hayes-Brown said.
To book or for more information, call Julie Cosgriff at Wallara on 9792 2985.