For the second year in a row, Bart spent a weekend in regional Victoria with his footy team, the Mazenod Panthers!
On the Saturday, the Mazenod Panthers played a football match against the Bendigo Suns. The Bendigo Suns won the match, but Bart and his team had a great time on the field regardless.
Sportsmanship and team spirit were ripe in the air, and although the clouds were out, the weather was perfect for a day of exercise.
The All-Access AFL game was a huge success, and it created the perfect environment to foster new friendships and empower people with disabilities to achieve their personal goals.
After the game, the Bendigo Suns hosted Bart’s team for dinner and dessert. Bart whipped out his faithful guitar and played some Elvis songs after dinner. Everyone stayed at Park Lane Caravan Park overnight and enjoyed being surrounded by nature.
The following morning, Bart and his support worker, Laura, had the opportunity to go to the Deborah Gold Mine in Bendigo. The Bendigo Suns treated everyone to breakfast before the tour, then they split into different groups to explore the mine
They trekked through hidden underground tunnels that operated in the 1900’s gold rush boom, which Laura said was “very dark but such an amazing experience”.
Bart and Laura also went on a Vintage Talking Tram tour – they learned about the history of Bendigo while taking in the city's key landmarks and monuments. It was a great opportunity to relax and breathe in Bendigo’s diverse, rich cultural heritage.
Finally, the two footy teams had lunch at Wooden, and of course Bart sang his best Elvis songs for everyone.
Shout-out to Mazenod Panthers for empowering people with disabilities to engage in their community and creating opportunities for social and personal growth.
Thanks to the team in Community Living and Bart’s key workers, he had an excellent time in Bendigo playing footy and making friends. We hope to see him travelling the regions again next year!
