Scarborough Archives - Redcliffe Today

Memory Walk & Jog Returns to Scarborough for 2026 Dementia Fundraiser

The Memory Walk & Jog is returning to Scarborough as the community prepares for a fundraising event supporting people living with dementia.

Background of the Scarborough Event

The Memory Walk & Jog will return to Scarborough Beach Park on Saturday, 6 June 2026 as part of a national series of events. The fundraiser supports people living with dementia, their families and carers, and forms one of several locations taking place across Australia.

In 2025, an estimated 433,300 Australians are living with dementia, including more than 8,060 people in the Moreton Bay region. Projections indicate that the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to exceed one million by 2065. Dementia is identified as the leading cause of death for Australians in recent reporting.

The Scarborough event sits within a broader campaign that aims to raise more than $2.5 million to help fund support, education and services, alongside research and other programs.

dementia support — *Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog*

Event Details at Scarborough Beach Park

Participants will gather at Scarborough Beach Park from 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, 6 June 2026. The event offers three course options: a 2.5-kilometre walk, a 5.5-kilometre walk or jog and a 10-kilometre timed run.

The Scarborough Memory Walk & Jog encourages people to take part at their own pace, whether walking or running. Friends, families, colleagues and pets are all invited to join the activities at the seaside park.

At present, the Redcliffe event has raised $1,124 towards a local goal of $115,000, with 5 teams and 21 participants registered. Across the national campaign, a total of $35,753 has been raised so far toward a $2.5 million fundraising target.

Why the Scarborough Event Matters

Dementia is reported as the leading cause of death for Australians, underlining the need for continued support services and research. In Queensland alone, there are an estimated 85,000 people living with dementia.

Funds raised through the Memory Walk & Jog are directed into counselling programs, education, support lines and research efforts. The Scarborough event contributes to this national effort, supporting organisations working with people impacted by dementia.

Community Participation and National Series

Each year, tens of thousands of Australians take part in Memory Walk & Jog events across the country. This year, 14 locations are included in the series, ranging from regional centres to major cities.

The Scarborough Memory Walk & Jog is one stop in this series, listed alongside events held before and after 6 June 2026. Participants can register as individuals or groups, set up fundraising pages and share their efforts with friends and family.

What Comes Next

Registrations are open for the Scarborough event, with options for walkers, joggers and runners. People can purchase tickets, create fundraising pages and prepare for the courses at Scarborough Beach Park.

After the Scarborough event, the Memory Walk & Jog series will continue at other locations across Australia, building on the fundraising totals and ongoing awareness for dementia.

Published 17-Nov-2025

Street Spotlight: Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Sunnyside Rd runs along the first Newport development where streets were deliberately named to evoke sun and sea—a fitting tribute to Scarborough’s coastal character. This wasn’t accidental poetry; it was a deliberate naming motif that gave the area its seaside-estate feel, one that still resonates today as residents enjoy quick access to beach and foreshore amenities.

The street embodies the evolution of Scarborough itself, a suburb that transformed from a holiday destination in the late 1800s to the established residential community we see today. As part of the connector network linking the coast to inland residential areas, Sunnyside Road offers an alternative access route from the more coastal side of the suburb, whilst maintaining a quieter character than the busier Scarborough Road.

Today, Sunnyside Road is also home to the Scarborough Bowls Club, a local landmark that adds to the street’s community appeal. The road’s location within the grid means it serves both as a residential thoroughfare and as part of the evolving active transport network that reflects the suburb’s shift towards more pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure.

Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 5 townhouses, 28 houses, 3 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years and 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 50%

Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON SUNNYSIDE RD, SCARBOROUGH

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
36 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$1,166,000	Aug 2025
44 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$1,100,000	Jun 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON SUNNYSIDE RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
10 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$128,000	Feb 2000
22 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$130,000	Nov 1998
38 Sunnyside Road, Scarborough	$144,000	Feb 1996

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $800,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $500,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $300,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $960,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $600,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $360,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,239,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $775,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $464,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,593,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $875,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $718,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2025 was $655,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2021 was $435,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $220,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,040,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2021 was $599,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $441,000

If you know Sunnyside Rd, Scarborough well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 12-November-2025

Street Spotlight: Donkin St, Scarborough

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Long before it became the residential thoroughfare we know today, Donkin St had a far more modest beginning. An early map from around 1915 shows the street—then called Stuart Street—as little more than a short segment running between Mein Street and Landsborough Avenue. By 1921, the street had been extended to run through from Scarborough Road all the way to what would later become the Esplanade, reflecting the suburb’s evolution from scattered allotments to a more connected residential neighbourhood.

The street was renamed to honour H. Donkin, who was elected to the Central Board of Health in 1895. This renaming marked a shift in the suburb’s identity—from a simple grid of numbered avenues to streets that honoured local figures who shaped the community. That growth from a short stub to a through-street mirrors Scarborough’s own transition from a seaside holiday town to a fully developed suburban enclave.

Today, Donkin Street serves as one of the key inland cross-streets that link the main Scarborough Road corridor to the quieter residential areas and, ultimately, to the coastal foreshore. It’s a street that balances accessibility with residential calm, providing both connection and character to the Scarborough community.

Donkin St, Scarborough Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 6 townhouses, 43 houses, 40 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 80%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years and 2 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 41%

Donkin St, Scarborough – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON DONKIN ST, SCARBOROUGH

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
5 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$1,575,000	Jul 2025
6/9-15 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$930,000	May 2025
2/9-15 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$965,000	Feb 2025
38 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$1,300,000	Feb 2025
3/17-21 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$870,000	Jan 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON DONKIN ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
35-37 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$1,000,000	Feb 1998
33 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$95,000	Dec 1997
4 Donkin Street, Scarborough	$148,000	Jan 1995

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know Donkin St, Scarborough well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 29-October-2025

Street Spotlight: Kennedy Esp, Scarborough

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Where the street meets the sea, Kennedy Esp has long served as Scarborough’s coastal promenade—a ribbon of bitumen and beachfront that anchors the suburb to Moreton Bay. As an esplanade, this street does more than simply connect residential zones; it provides one of the leisure and access fronts to the bay, offering residents and visitors alike quick access to beach and foreshore amenities. The street thus anchors the suburban grid to the water’s edge, defining the character of the area as much through its function as through its address.

The properties along Kennedy Esplanade reflect this privileged positioning. With uninterrupted views to Moreton Island and the gentle lap of the bay at their doorstep, homes here have always commanded attention—and premium prices. The esplanade’s proximity to the water has made it a destination for those seeking the quintessential seaside lifestyle, whilst its role as a foreshore promenade ensures it remains a thoroughfare for walkers, cyclists, and families drawn to the shore.

Over the decades, Kennedy Esplanade has witnessed Scarborough’s transformation from holiday retreat to established residential suburb. The street name itself—typical of esplanades—evokes its purpose: a place for leisure, for strolling, for connecting community to coast. And whilst the suburb around it has matured, with residential streets behind it forming a quiet hinterland, Kennedy Esplanade remains the front door to the bay.

Kennedy Esp, Scarborough Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 12 houses, 2 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 13 years and 3 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 25%

Kennedy Esp, Scarborough – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON KENNEDY ESP FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
7 Kennedy Esp, Scarborough	$3,000,000	Jul 2019
1 Kennedy Esp, Scarborough	$300,000	Sept 1991
3 Kennedy Esp, Scarborough	$235,000	May 1991

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know Kennedy Esp, Scarborough well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 15-October-2025

Coastal Resilience Plans Strengthen Preparedness in Scarborough, Beachmere and Redcliffe

Photo Credit: Pexels

Coastal communities in Redcliffe, Scarborough and Beachmere are working with the City of Moreton Bay to strengthen their resilience against flooding, erosion and rising sea levels through new Local Resilience Plans and preparedness initiatives.

Building Community Preparedness

Taskforces in Scarborough, Donnybrook and Dohles Rocks have finalised Local Resilience Plans aimed at addressing the increasing risks of coastal hazards. These plans, part of the City’s Living Coast Plan, mark a Queensland-first effort to empower residents to take an active role in preparing for natural disasters.

Meanwhile, Redcliffe continues to strengthen its coastal defences and preparedness measures following past flooding, as Beachmere and Toorbul begin discussions on developing their own plans.

Costs and Local Actions

The City of Moreton Bay estimates coastal hazards currently cause about $42 million in annual damage to buildings, facilities and infrastructure, with potential losses rising to $468 million by 2100 if no action is taken.

Actions proposed under the Local Resilience Plans include flood-proofing homes, improving emergency preparedness and identifying key infrastructure priorities to reduce long-term risks.

Community Involvement Across Redcliffe, Scarborough and Beachmere

Residents have participated in mapping and hazard identification exercises to understand the effects of sea level rise and tidal inundation. The process encourages communities to prepare early and collaborate on localised solutions that reduce exposure to extreme weather.

Redcliffe Scarborough Beachmere — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Preparedness Activities and Next Steps

The initiative aligns with Get Ready Week, held from 6 to 12 October 2025, featuring community expos, school workshops and emergency service displays, including the Emergency Service Expo at Bribie Island from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to access the Disaster Dashboard for live updates on severe weather and sign up to the MoretonAlert system for early warnings.

Moving Toward Coastal Resilience

The ongoing development of Local Resilience Plans across Scarborough, Beachmere and nearby suburbs reflects a growing focus on community-led adaptation and preparedness. Through collaboration and planning, the City of Moreton Bay aims to reduce future impacts and strengthen long-term coastal resilience.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Street Spotlight: Mein St, Scarborough

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

While specific naming origins remain elusive, Mein St has long been an integral residential link in Scarborough’s coastal suburb. As the area matured from its 1870s subdivision beginnings, smaller streets like Mein Street provided local access and quieter residential traffic compared to the main Scarborough Road corridor. These internal streets formed the “quiet hinterland” behind the more prominent roads, offering residential calm whilst still being connected to the network that supports the local community.

Today, Mein Street reflects the diverse character of modern Scarborough, with a mix of 3 units, 32 townhouses, 141 houses, and 262 other properties lining its length. The street serves as part of the residential grid that links the coast and foreshore to the more inland areas, maintaining its role as a connector within the broader neighbourhood network.

The street’s evolution mirrors Scarborough’s transformation from a holiday seaside town to a suburban residential area. Where once simple cottages and beach houses dotted the landscape, today’s Mein Street showcases contemporary coastal living, with a strong sense of community evident in its high proportion of long-term residents.

Mein St, Scarborough Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 3 units, 32 townhouses, 141 houses, 262 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 80%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 9 years and 10 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 38%

Mein St, Scarborough – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON MEIN ST, SCARBOROUGH

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
10/105 Mein Street, Scarborough	N/A	Oct 2025
6/174 Mein Street, Scarborough	$873,000	Oct 2025
4 Mein Street, Scarborough	$1,025,000	Sept 2025
9/174 Mein Street, Scarborough	$995,000	Jun 2025
126 Mein Street, Scarborough	$829,000	Jun 2025
18/174 Mein Street, Scarborough	$905,000	Apr 2025
187 Mein Street, Scarborough	$1,750,000	Apr 2025
10/82-86 Mein Street, Scarborough	$620,000	Apr 2025
2/123 Mein Street, Scarborough	$805,000	Mar 2025
24/82-86 Mein Street, Scarborough	$750,000	Feb 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON MEIN ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
79 Mein Street, Scarborough	$77,000	Sept 1992
10 Mein Street, Scarborough	$115,000	Jul 1992
151 Mein Street, Scarborough	$147,000	Jan 1992

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $800,000.
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $500,000.
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $300,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $960,000.
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $600,000.
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $360,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,239,000.
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $775,000.
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $464,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,593,000.
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Scarborough in 2021 was $875,000.
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $718,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2025 was $655,000.
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2021 was $435,000.
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $220,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2025 was $1,040,000.
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Scarborough in 2021 was $599,000.
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN SCARBOROUGH SINCE 2021: $441,000

If you know Mein St, Scarborough well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 1-October-2025

Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan Set to Transform Local Community

A new master plan for the Scarborough Boat Harbour has been released, outlining significant changes to improve maritime operations and enhance community access to one of Moreton Bay’s busiest harbours.

Long-Term Vision for the Harbour

The Scarborough Boat Harbour Master Plan, finalised in September 2024, sets a clear direction for the harbour’s future. The plan aims to balance its role as a working harbour with providing better access and amenities for the local community. It includes an expansion of marine berths, additional parking spaces along Oyster Point Esplanade, and dedicated areas for marine activities, tourism, and entertainment.

This will support existing maritime operations and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. The plan also seeks to develop Scarborough as a destination, driving tourism while protecting the environment. The vision reflects feedback from community groups, businesses, and stakeholders who were consulted throughout the process.

Community and Environmental Focus

A central aspect of the master plan is its focus on public access and sustainability. Areas of the harbour will see improved open spaces, better vessel access, and facilities designed to minimise the environmental footprint. The plan also outlines a need to integrate the harbour with surrounding areas and improve traffic and parking management to accommodate future growth.

The community played a significant role in shaping this. The Scarborough Harbour Action Group (SHAG), formed by local residents, initially opposed parts of the proposal. However, after public consultation and revisions, SHAG and other local groups acknowledged improvements in the final version.

The extended public consultation period and incorporation of hundreds of community submissions resulted in what local representatives describe as a “better-balanced plan.”

Invested Collaboration

Queensland’s $4 million investment will help implement the plan in stages. A working group made up of local businesses, community members, and stakeholders will provide input on the project’s next steps. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will collaborate closely with Moreton Bay City Council and other state agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the master plan.

The plan will guide decisions on future leasing, development, and infrastructure improvements, while respecting the environmental regulations governing Moreton Bay Marine Park. Further assessments, including traffic and environmental studies, will be carried out as part of the implementation process.

This will mark a new chapter for Scarborough Boat Harbour, setting the stage for long-term development that benefits both the local community and Queensland’s maritime industry.

SHAG’s Response to the Plan

Mandy Lake, spokesperson for SHAG, said the group is relieved that the final plan did not include any unexpected changes. She described it as “fairly similar” to earlier this year’s revised plan. SHAG, which was formed to ensure residents and visitors had a voice in the planning process, praised TMR for considering community feedback.

Ms Lake acknowledged that the final plan is a “dramatic improvement” on the initial version, noting that it reflects many of the community’s concerns. She also expressed appreciation for TMR’s commitment to ongoing engagement with Moreton Bay City Council, harbour stakeholders, and the community, stating SHAG is eager to continue providing feedback as the plan is implemented.

Remaining Concerns

Despite these improvements, SHAG still has reservations. Lake expressed disappointment that more green space could not be preserved, though some was saved on the northern arm. Another major concern for SHAG is the potential development of five-storey, 15-metre-high structures on the northern arm of the harbour. TMR has committed to seeking reductions in building heights as part of future amendments to Moreton Bay City Council’s planning scheme, but Lake said the group is preparing for a flood of development applications.

“Our work is by no means done,” Lake remarked, indicating SHAG’s ongoing vigilance as the project moves forward.

Published 3-Oct-2024

Community Input Sought on Scarborough Harbour Master Plan

Community and stakeholder consultation has now opened on the Scarborough Boat Harbour Draft Master Plan, providing an opportunity for locals to have their say on the long-term vision for the popular harbour.

Read: Proposed Project Looks to Revive Abandoned Frawley’s Tennis Club Site

The draft master plan has been informed by initial ideas and feedback gathered from community members and stakeholder groups in 2021. It aims to protect and guide future development at the boat harbour, which is an important part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of Redcliffe Peninsula and the broader Moreton Bay region.

Consultation on the draft plan is critical to ensure community and stakeholder input is incorporated before the master plan is finalised. The finalised document will be used by decision-makers as a strategic tool for protecting and developing the boat harbour.

Draft plan *(Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)*

Scarborough Boat Harbour is one of eight government-owned and operated marinas along the Queensland coastline. Originally constructed in the 1960s and 1970s to encourage recreational boating, these harbors were intended to give boaters safe, all-tide access to the water as well as spur the growth of commercial marine enterprises.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey strongly encouraged community members and stakeholder groups to provide feedback on the draft plan.

Scarborough Harbour Master Plan — Harbour boundary map (Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)

“In doing so, it will provide safe and efficient access to Queensland waters, promote activities that are commercially and environmentally sustainable, support the maritime industry, generate local employment and tourism, and improve the harbour’s appeal for the community and visitors,” said Mr Bailey.

Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said she welcomes consultation on the draft master plan for the harbour.

“This is an important step in planning for the future of the Redcliffe Peninsula and I look forward to working through the feedback,” she said.

Feedback is open until 11 December 2023 via the Department of Transport and Main Road’s website. Community members are encouraged to review the draft master plan and provide their perspective on the long-term vision proposed for Scarborough Boat Harbour.

Following the community consultation on the draft master plan until December, the Master Plan is expected to be finalised by mid-2024.

Read: Suttons Beach Pavilion to Get a New Look with National Architectural Design Competition

Published 17-November-2023

Looking For: Operator for New Barge Service from Redcliffe to Moreton Island

Photo credit: Sarah Stewart, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The planned reactivation of a barge service that will transport passengers from Redcliffe to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) may have to wait a little longer as the State Government opens another tender process to find a willing operator.

Despite strong community support for a new barge service between Redcliffe Peninsula and Moreton Island, the future of the proposed project is still unclear as no decision has been made yet as to who the proponent would be.

The State Government has already committed $4 million to go towards building related infrastructure that will make the project commercially viable. Specifically, the amount will fund the construction of a road to allow access to the barge landing site along with a seawall.

Several calls for a tender have already been made and whilst several proponents responded to the calls, an operator is yet to be officially named. A new invitation to offer was opened on 5 November 2021 and will close at 3:00 p.m. on 14 January 2022.

“The State is seeking offers from appropriately qualified and experienced Proponents with demonstrated experience in developing, owning and operating a commercial barge service and who are willing to establish a new service from a location on the Redcliffe Peninsula to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin),” the new invitation stated.

Combie Trader II ceased to operate beginning 2008 and since then, locals have been calling for the reinstatement of the defunct barge service. In 2017, the State Government funded a business case study and identified that the most suitable spot for the proposed project is at the northern arm of Scarborough Boat Harbor. However, other sites could also be considered depending on the outcome of the invitation to offer.

“While the initial process didn’t find a viable commercial opportunity at this location, we know there is still strong interest to potentially operate it from other sites on the peninsula,” Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said in a statement late last year.

“That’s why I’ve asked Minister Bailey and his department to expand the EOI process to see what opportunities might be available for other sites.”

Paraplegic Scarborough Resident on the Road to Recovery with NDIS Support

Robert Van Kuyl, a 65-year-old paraplegic and Scarborough resident, is on the road to recovery, with goals set to be out of his wheelchair by Christmas.

After a helicopter accident in 2018, Robert was left paralysed and unable to walk, but with the help of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, he is finally gaining strength and aims to be out of his wheelchair by the end of 2021.

The 65-year-old Scarborough resident regularly exercises to improve his strength and his ability to walk with crutches. With the aid of his NDIS support workers, Robert is able to regularly exercise and build up his muscles to help him navigate and maneuver around.

“My support worker drives me to exercise therapy at Burleigh where I do my two-hour training session,” said Robert. “The job they do there is amazing; they push you in that gym and the improvements are mind-blowing.”

“I can now stand up in the kitchen and get food ready for cooking independently, can walk 30 metres and getting even better over the last year; I couldn’t do a leg press when I started, but now I can do a 55 kilogram leg press.”

Robert’s daily routine starts with him performing stretches in the morning with the aid of his supports, who then accompany him and help him do the rounds as he goes to see his friends, do some gardening, and go to hydrotherapy. As part of his exercises, Robert also busies himself with the pool and weight training.

Exercise alone wasn’t enough to help Robert recover, as he had also received a stem cell transplant in Germany in 2018. “The stem cells have opened enough doors to make my life better than it was four years ago, with my exercise therapy helping too,” he commented.

With the aid of his NDIS supports, Robert has managed to adapt and become strong enough to step in and out of his motorhome and have a hand walker to help him walk around. Now, his goal is to be able to get in and out using only crutches.

Robert received help to apply for, and make use of his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Moreton Bay region. To learn more about the NDIS, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest on the services they can provide, as well as any other relevant events, dates, and exciting updates.