Footy fan Brad gets in the game

While the season is over for his team, die-hard Broncos fan Brad is glad he was in the stand for their final home game against the Eels.

When the 31-year-old from Logan speaks of his loves – footy, car racing and horses, his infectious smile grows wider and his energy is palpable.

Brad has faced some challenges in his life. Raised in foster care, he rarely found himself in one place long enough to call it home. Things changed for Brad when he turned 18 and moved into supported independent living accommodation provided by Centacare.

Alongside two like-minded housemates, Brad now enjoys living as independently as possible with complete wrap-around support tailored to his goals. His team of Centacare support workers assist him with daily activities and to get out and about in the community and pursue his passions.

He now walks to the local IGA by himself and can cook his favourite meal. He regularly visits a horse, Nachi, who lives in a nearby paddock. Brad takes food with him and when Nachi sees him, will trot up to the fence. Nachi’s owner has gotten to know Brad and will invite him into the paddock to walk Nachi around.

“Making choices and exercising control over his life are really important to Brad,” said Centacare Service Delivery Manager, Lake.

“He has an amazing team who know what’s important to him and will go the extra mile to make sure he gets the support he needs to not only do the things he loves, but to live life with a sense of purpose.

“Elijah has worked with Brad for nine years and Dylan, for seven years. They take Brad to Broncos home games and to the team’s training sessions. The players know Brad and will run up to the fence to say hello to him.

“Another member of his support team, Alex, put the word out and got Brad his dream job – running water for the Newtown Lions, an A-grade rugby league club based in Toowoomba.

“Brad took his job very seriously. It was incredible for him to be part of something that’s so special to him, rather than watching from the side lines as a spectator. Alex is now talking to some local clubs who have shown interest in having Brad run water and help with training drills.”

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What’s important to you, is important to us. Our support workers are friendly, down to earth people who love nothing more than to see you kick goals and get what you want out of life. Check out our range of disability care services.

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