The Canberra Raiders are pleased to announce a new community partnership with Wattle Blue.
Wattle Blue are a disability support service who provide care for children, teenagers and young adults in Canberra.
Wattle Blue create fun and engaging environments for youth, so that they can develop skills, further independence, and a better quality of life.
Wattle Blue are set on finding support workers who share their values, and display enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
The Raiders partnership with Wattle Blue incorporates club players from SG Ball to NRL as support workers.
Raiders development player Brad Morkos is one player who has been working as a support worker for Wattle Blue and has formed a strong connection with client Cooper.
Melissa Hadley, parent of Cooper, said “Wattle Blue have been providing support to Cooper for over two years now. We have an amazing team who are able to provide for all of Cooper’s disability and medical needs.
"Brad willingly took on board the medical training required for Cooper’s tracheostomy (artificial airway) and feeding peg (gastrostomy).
"He also assists with his therapy and personal needs. He’s such a caring, genuine, and humble guy who has formed a strong mate-ship with Cooper. They can often be found playing video games, chess, or monopoly together. Coops loves going to watch Brad play footy and cheers him on from the sideline”.
Founder of Wattle Blue, Jack Cheeseman said “When the Raiders put the partnership to us it was a no-brainer. The program perfectly aligns with our company values and allows us to amplify disability support as a career to young Raiders fans”.
Canberra Raiders Wellbeing, Education and Careers Manager Sam Wentworth notes “I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of our players to engage with their clients at Wattle Blue. I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on the youth within our community. It gives clients the opportunity to have a mentor for life.”
Last Saturday the Raiders had some of the Wattle Blue participants attend captains run at GIO Stadium. To find out more about Wattle Blue, visit wattleblue.com.
