Our members - annual survey results

Every year we undertake a strategic review with our board to set our direction for the short- and long-term future. This year's review has already started and the results of our annual member survey is an important part of the process.

I want to thank everyone who took part in our 2016 survey - your responses have given us a valuable insight into who you are and what is important to you.

What is great to see from the survey is that your participation in sport or active recreation has gone up by nearly 10% from last year's survey. Now 87% of you are gettting out and getting active.

In next month's edition of Vortex, we will share how this compares with the rest of Victoria as part of the Ausplay survey.

More of you are also happy with the service you receive from DSR and our staff - 97% say we are courteous, knowledgeable and responsive (up from 93%) and 88% say you are satisfied with our services and programs (up from 83%).

We still need to work on telling you about our equipment library. Our collection of adaptive equipment can help you enjoy your sports and recreation activities, and is a real benefit of your membership.

We also need work harder on advocacy, as 22% of you were unsure that we are the peak body for the disability sport and recreation sector. You told us that you would like us to work more on marketing, events, build stronger relationships with a wider range of sports and disabilities, as well as work on improving the number and range of activities available in regional areas. This is all incredibly valuable information.

Many organisations would be satisfied that 80% of their members said they would recommend them to others, but we see this as an opportunity to work even harder to convert the 20% into DSR advocates. We want to be challenged, we want our members to hold high standards for us, and we are aiming to deliver real value to each and every one of you.

In the next few weeks, we will be formally responding to a discussion paper for the future of Sport and Recreation Victoria, in which we will be advocating for a stronger focus on disability sport and recreation. Your thoughts are welcome to guide our response.

Yours in health,

Richard Amon
CEO

Need gear? We have a whole library!

We have a library of adaptive equipment for our members to hire.

Importantly, our recent member survey indicated that 46% of those who don't participate in a new activity cite that equipment is the biggest barrier.

If you want to try something new this year, visit our website to see what equipment is available.

Give us a call to make a time to get fitted, and you could be spending your summer playing wheelchair tennis, going for rides in a hand cycle, or tearing up the courts playing wheelchair basketball or wheelchair rugby.

Visit our equipment library

Volunteer spotters for blind archery

The Waverly City Archers have two blind archers to are training for the national championships, which will hopefully lead to their selection in the Australian team to compete in China at the World Para Archery Championships in September.

They need volunteer spotters to help with the archers' training. Duties will including setting up equipment used by blind archers, ie: foot markers, tripod & tactile sight, helping the archers into the foot markers making sure they have the correct equipment, that the field is clear and they are ready to shoot. The volunteer spotter also tells the archer where the arrows have landed, records the score and collects the arrows.

A qualified archer will train the volunteer and anyone who is interested is encouraged to attend a come-and-try session.

When: Wednesday (am or pm) or Saturday from 1pm for up to 3 hours

Where: Waverley City Archers, Wellington Road Reserve. Enter through Kernot Avenue and keep driving to the clubhouse at the end of the road.

More information: Call Tony Hodges on 9764 4327 or email secretary@waverleycityarchers.org.au

Basketball at Donald High School

All Abilities basketball starts this Wednesday 8 February, at the Donald Basketball Stadium for people with disability aged between 18-50 years-old.

When: Every Wednesday from 8 February to 22 March, 10.30-11.30am

Where: Donald Basketball Stadium, Charlton Rd, Donald

Cost: Free

Wear: Comfortable, loose clothing and flats shoes (no heels)

More information: Cal Rhonda Allan from the Mallee Sports Assembly on 5493 7796, mobile 0427 780 109 or email rhonda@malleesportsassembly.org.au

Thanks to the Donald Baskeball Association and Donald High Schoool VCAL students for their volunteer coaching and assistance, and for supplying all the equipment.

Barriers and Facilitators to Participation in Organised Physical Activity Survey

Parents, guardians, coaches and children aged between 4 -17 years, are invited to take part in a study to explore the benefits and barriers to participation in organised physical activity programs around Australia for children with physical and developmental disabilities and challenges.

Parents and coaches complete an online survey which will take approximately 20 minutes. Children are also invited to complete 2 questions as part of the online survey, which will take up to 5 minutes.

The information will be used to plan future research that aims to better support developmentally vulnerable children to participate in physical activities. This project will assis the development of resources for parents, coaches and health professionals to identify:

• What key factors translate to participation in physical activity for children with a disability
• What may help to enable children with a disability to participate in organised physical activity

This study is being conducted by the NDIA in collaboration with Deakin University. This study has been approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee [App #2016-336].

Complete the survey

For more information, email Dr Nicole Papadopoulos, allplay@deakin.edu.au, or call 9244 5295

FitSkills - work out, get fit and have fun

Are you a young person with a disability aged 13 to 30 years and want to be more physically active? If so, then you might be interested in FitSkills!

What is FitSkills?
FitSkills is a physical activity program for young people with disability. You will be matched with a buddy who will go with you to a gym in your local community. At the gym, you will work out together and have fun.

What do you get when you join FitSkills?

• One-on-one mentoring with a student mentor (Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science). 
• 12-week program
• 2 x 1-hour sessions per week
• access to your local gym

How much does FitSkills cost?
$24.95 per session

Contact
For more information or to sign-up, contact:
Professor Nora Shields
Telephone: 03 9479 5852 or email: n.shields@latrobe.edu.au

Junior blind tennis

Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria, and Tennis Victoria are proud to present the brand * NEW* junior blind tennis program

When: Friday 17 February, 3 and 17 March, at 6.30-7.30pm

Where: The Melbourne Tennis Centre (access by tram and train available or free parking is provided for parents of participants)

Who: Children aged between 5 and 15 who are blind or vision impaired, enjoy being active and love having fun!

Inclusions: Qualified and professional coaches, and all equipment.

Cost: $15 for all three evenings

Registration: Email Janelle, janelle@blindsports.org.au, or call Blind Sports & Recreation on 9822 8876 by Wednesday 15 February.

Ballarat sports season launch

Hey kids, have a go at sport this summer! The 2017 AAA sport season launches on Saturday 11 February at Ballarat Grammar. 

Come and learn about football, cricket and soccer, meet some of the coaches and coordinators, and you might even get to have a kick with a member of the Ballarat Bulldogs!

When: Saturday 11 February, 9.30-10.30am

Where: Ballarat Grammar, Gate D, Forest Street, Wendouree

Cost: Free, including a show bag for the kids

Registration: Call Kellie Tait on 0416 504 314 or email aisha_britt@hotmail.com

Wheelchair basketball - Melbourne

The Melbourne Wheelchair Basketball Program is for adults and children with a mobility restriction where you can learn all there is to know about the game in a fun, supportive and social environment.

When: Sunday afternoons, 1.30-3pm

Where: Court 7, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Aughtie
Drive, Albert Park

2017 sessions:
February: 19
March: 5, 19
April: 23
May: 7, 21
June: 4, 18
July: 23
August: 6, 20
September: 3
October: 15, 29
November: 12, 26
December: 10

Cost: The total cost for the year is $120
Registration: You must register by emailing Karen Pearce at Basketball Victoria, karen.pearce@basketballvictoria.com.au, or call on 9837 8000.

Wheelchair basketball - Knox

The Knox Wheelchair Basketball Program is for adults and children with a mobility restriction to learn wheelchair basketball in a fun, supportive and social environment. Able-bodied players are also encouraged and welcomed.

When: Sunday afternoons, 12-1:30pm

Where: Court 6, State Basketball Centre, 291 George St,
Wantirna South

2017 sessions:
February: 12, 26
March: 26
April: 30
May: 14, 28
June: July: 30
August: 27
September: 10
October: 22
November: 5, 19
December: 3

Cost: The total cost for the year is $120
Registration: You must register by emailing Karen Pearce at Basketball Victoria, karen.pearce@basketballvictoria.com.au, or call on 9837 8000.

Table Tennis - Sunday sessions

Train where the  Australian Paralympic Committee Table Tennis Squad trains and learn from the best. Resident Coach Mick Tomlinson is a former National Para Champion with more than 20 years’ experience in Para Table Tennis.

Under his expert guidance, you can learn the sport, develop your skills and train alongside National Paralympic Table Tennis Squad Members. It's a great opportunity to make new friends and have some fun.

When: Sundays 10am to 1pm

Where: True Value Solar Centre (Essendon Football Club), 275 Melrose Drive, Melbourne Airport

More info and bookings: Call Mick Tomlinson on 0430 518 305 or email mick.mjrepairs@bigpond.com

Chair yoga - mindful movement and meditation for every body

Join yoga teacher, Christopher Potter for a weekly chair yoga class for people with disability, focusing on gentle, mindful movement, breathing, relaxation and meditation. All are welcome.

When: Tuesdays 11am-12pm

Where: The Multipurpose Room, Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda

Cost: $5 per session

Registration: Call Christopher Potter on 0424 278 342 or email chris@samyoga.com

Website: www.samyoga.com

Hunting for Pararoos

Meet some of Australia's very own Pararoos Squad at the Pararoos Community Day on Sunday February 26, run by FFV and PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria Club Hume City FC.

The Pararoos Community Day will be run by Paralympic 7-a-side state team coaches Seb Zancan and Andrew Rofo, and Victorian state team captain and Pararoo Ben Roche. The Pararoos head coach will also be attending the session to watch all the action!

Men and women of all ages and abilities are welcome, but footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms resulting from a stroke are strongly encouraged to attend. You never know, you could be the next Pararoo...

When: Sunday 26 February, 11am-12:30pm

Where: ABD Stadium, Barry Rd, Meadow Heights

Cost: FREE

Register: Register online

More info: Email All Abilities Project Coordinator, Megan Smith, msmith@ffv.org.au or call 9474 1805.

BAM Allstars

Enrolments are open for BAM Allstars' all abilities dance and drama classes in Brighton, Seaford and Frankston. 

Classes for pre‐school, juniors, teens and adults are available.

Call 0425 721 848 to book a free trial class.

BAM Allstars' Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bamallstars

BAM Allstars' website: www.bamallstars.org.au

DSR Kids - fishing and boating day

The Indented Head Boat Club is inviting our junior members for a day of boating and fishing fun. There is even an opportunity to see some seals in their natural habitat!

When: Sunday 5 March

Where: Indented Head Boat Club, 326 The Esplanade, Indented Head

Cost: FREE

Registration: Email Health Promotions Officer, Juliet Ryan juliet@dsr.org.au or call 9473 0133.

Each child must have a parent or carer on the boat with them and All fishing equipment (rods, bait, etc) and lifejackets will be provided on each boat, and there will be a barbeque lunch once everyone is back on dry land.

Member survey - thanks for participating

Thanks to everyone who filled in our member survey. Your insights are important to us - they help guide how we can best help you get active in sport and recreation.

The winner of the two Gold Class passes has been drawn and notified.

Surf before the summer ends

The Disabled Surfers Association, Mornington Peninsula have two surfing days coming up. Ring Ash on 0417 362 983 or Stewart 0418 101 645 to find out more and register your interest.

February session: Saturday 11 February 11am-3pm (registration opens at 10am)
Where: Inverloch

March session:  Saturday 4 March, 11am-3pm, (registration opens at 10am)
Where: Point Leo Beach

Visit their website

CyclePower heads to Bali

We are excited to announce that CyclePower is heading to Bali in June!

CyclePower is an intrepid fundraising initiative, combining the challenge of long-distance cycling with the chance to make a difference.

Join participants from all over Victoria, including riders with disability, for the trip of a lifetime.

CyclePower Bali 2017

What: 11 day trip, 400+kms of cycling

Where: Sanur, Bali \ Indonesia

When: 2 – 12 June 2017

Participants: 20 (max)

Cost: $4995 (all flights, accommodation, meals, guides and bicycles. Incl. a $500 nonrefundable registration fee and a donation to DSR)

If you would like to participate, sponsor or partner with us on this adventure, please contact Karla Wignall: karla@dsr.org.au or phone 9473 0133.

Glen Eira Rangers football season kicks off

The Glen Eira Rangers All Abilities Football program is starting soon.

When: Every Sunday from 19 February to Sunday 16 April, from 11am-12pm

Where: Multipurpose Sports Centre, East Boundary Reserve, Dudley Street, Caulfield East.
Entry also via Sir John Monash Drive.

Cost:  First week is a free trial session for participants to try out. Following sessions are $10 each or $80 for eight weeks.

More information: Email Danny Shavitsky, the Head Coachof the Glen Eira Rangers, dannyshavitsky@hotmail.com or call him on 0413 740 842.

Come along and fun learning some basic skills and play matches in a friendly and social atmosphere.

Join us for our golf day

We are always striving to improve the lives of people with disability through participation in sport and recreation, and your generous contribution helps to keep us thriving.

We are holding a gold charity day to put more fun into fundraising, and we invite you to join us.

Group packages are available for $950 (four players) or for individuals at $250 each. Entry fee includes a light lunch and drinks before teeing off, on-course drinks, and finishing with dinner and drinks at the clubhouse.

There are gold and silver sponsorship opportunities also available, and please contact CEO Richard Amon, richard.amon@dsr.org.au or 9473 0133, if you would like to learn more about how you can be part of this special event.

When: Monday 8 May, from 11.30am

Where: Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club, 72 Greg Norman Drive, Point Cook

Highlights: Novelty holes and challenges, disability golfing demonstrations and clinics, and a charity auction over dinner.

Thanks to our principal partner, Golf Victoria.

WheelTalk bookings now open for 2017

We are taking bookings for our popular disability awareness education program, WheelTalk. Suitable for all ages and class sizes, this interactive program gives students a unique insight into disabiltiy, while reinforcing the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Visit our website for more information and
online booking form

For PE teachers, look out for the DSR presentation at the PEAK PE conference on 24 February at the MCG.

Wheelchair AFL - recruiting now!

Wheelchair AFL is recruiting players for regular competitions and to try out for the National Wheelchair AFL Championships taking place in Melbourne from 15-17 March at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.

Get in touch with head coach, Brendan Stroud on 9473 0133 if you are interested in playing or volunteering to help out at this event.

Women and able-bodied players are also most welcome to participate.

Focus on Ability film festival

Now's your chance to shine and share in over $140,000 in cash and prizes  - the 2017 Focus on Ability Film Festival is calling for submissions.

Simply make a short film or documentary (five minutes max) with an ability/disability theme, and submit by 30 June.

Visit www.focusonability.com.au for more information and to watch the 194 entries from the 2016 festival.