By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
SINGING and dancing his way into their hearts, Andy Zammit has turned up the music and made many friends along the way.
For a couple of hours every Wednesday morning up to 80 people with disabilities from around Casey get down and boogie with the local dance teacher and disco organiser.
“We get people from Wallara, Outlook, Blairlogie and some who come along with their parents or carers and it’s fantastic, it’s something different,” Mr Zammit said.
After being approached by disability support service Scope six years ago, Mr Zammit now runs six discos with strobe lighting and loud music throughout the south east.
He said he absolutely loves it.
“My cousin has had to fill in for me a few times and he reckons it’s the best job in the world.
“I get up in the morning with a big smile on my face and rush out the door – I can’t wait to get here,” he said.
The disco is held at the Factory Rehearsal Centre in Cranbourne and is a place where participants are free to dance, sing and socialise.
“They can do whatever they want here,” Mr Zammit said.
Playing music from the ’50s through to the ’80s and current hit songs, Mr Zammit DJs the mornings and said he’s seen more than just people’s dance moves being improved by the disco.
“I wouldn’t call them miracles but they’re pretty close.
“I’ve had some participants that had never spoken before and their first word has been ‘Andy’.
“And others who have never danced before are dancing here and at home and I get thankyous from parents,” he said.
The open age event costs $6 per disco.
