Nambour Charity drives new opportunities for people with disabilities

Charity Founder, President & PGA Golf Professional Darrell Dalton and golf athlete and student Bailey Smaldon check out some clubs at the Currie Street Nambour facility.

Golf Programs Australia Incorporated (GPAI) is a Nambour-based Charity delivering golf programs and social enterprise opportunities for individuals living with an intellectual disability.

GPAI essentially uses the activity of golf to drive inclusion and break isolation in our community. “While it is a small organisation, it has an enormous vision,” said charity founder, President & PGA Golf Professional Darrell Dalton.

Darrell’s goal is to establish Purpose Built Golf Facilities (PBGF) around the country with the first planned for the Sunshine Coast. 

“The proposed PBGF is unlike any other and has the potential to offer substantial training & employment opportunities specifically for the intellectually disabled,”  said Darrell. 

“The facility is a world first concept using the golf industry model, will be open to the public and offer a range of programs benefiting youth at risk, indigenous youth, the aged and those living with mental health challenges.” 

Darrell’s vision has attracted interest from Australia’s peak golfing bodies such as the Australian PGA and Golf Australia which have provided endorsement & support for the concept.

“GPAI is now embarking on a national fundraising campaign and have produced a short film introducing the organisation and its amazing vision,” said Darrell. 

If residents on the Sunshine Coast would like to find out more about the GPAI vision and journey visit www.pitchin.golf to view the documentary short film.

The pitchin.golf website offers a number of ways people can support including becoming an ambassador by simply sharing the website or purchasing a $10 raffle ticket that gets you into a ‘Play For Purpose’ draw to win $250,000.

GPAI is located at 89 Currie Street Nambour. “We encourage anyone interested in learning more about our organisation to drop in and meet our awesome team of students & volunteers,” said Darrell.

Contact 5476 0365 or admin@gpai.org.au