By Brendan Rees
Casey Council will set up a charitable foundation focused on supporting people with a disability to be actively involved in sporting and arts activities.
At their 3 July meeting, councillors voted to establish a community based Casey All Abilities Foundation which will act independently of council with an official launch to be held in the coming weeks.
Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said the four sports the foundation would focus on were cricket, football, High Powered Vehicles and riding for disabled.
“That’s not to say we couldn’t branch out, we could also work as a catalyst to all abilities teams who are maybe playing basketball,” Cr Ablett said.
“We’ll act as an information agency to let groups know when grants are available to be applied for.”
Cr Ablett said there had been great support from residents: “It’s Casey people looking after Casey people.”
“We’ll have a launch about what it is and what it’s about, the strategy behind it and what we hope to achieve and how people can get involved and get some sponsorship. After that we’re going to be holding a big fundraiser,” he said.
Cr Ablett said it was hoped $50,000 would be raised in future fundraisers to help cover registration fees, equipment, travel costs, and making sure kids are “living their dreams.”
“It’s all about inclusion and giving them opportunities they may not get and being able to afford to do it – that’s the whole aim of it.”
Five members of the Casey community have already put their hand up to be a part of the foundation’s board including president of the Cranbourne Football and Netball Club president Gerry Kelly; Pearcedale Bendigo Community Bank Darryl Sutcliffe; Highview Accounting partner Silvio Marinelli, Cranbourne All Abilities Football Team representative Julie Cath and Sally Francis, who is involved with riding for the disabled in Tooradin.
Cr Ablett said two council delegates will also be elected All Abilities Foundation to assist with the management of funds.
Cranbourne Football and Netball Club president Gerry Kelly said the club saw an opportunity to help out local kids with disabilities.
“We’ve got an all abilities team down at the footy club already and want to help more boys and girls playing footy with disabilities,” he said.
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