Nambour golf charity driving for inclusion & changing lives

Denis Oliver, Michelle Dalton, Sophie Bolton, Darrell Dalton, Ted O’Brien MP, and Caitlin Larson.

An innovative Nambour charity is in ‘full swing’ after opening the doors to a new mentoring space for people living with an intellectual disability.

Golf Programs Australia (GPAI) offer unique support services for people living with a disability which incorporates a private nine-hole golf course in Diddillibah alongside a brand-new social enterprise mentorship studio.

Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien said he was privileged to officially open the new facility, at the request of GPAI Founders Michelle and Darrell Dalton, following the support of a $15,000 Federal Government Grant which was matched dollar for dollar by the charity.

“I declare the Golf Programs Australia Social Enterprise Studio officially open for business,” Mr O’Brien announced at the October 13 ribbon cutting ceremony. “With each swing of a club, the team here at Golf Programs Australia are driving inclusion, breaking isolation and changing the lives of local people in our community.

“I’m proud to support this exciting new chapter for the organisation, and I commend Darrell and Michelle for the fantastic community work that they do.”

GPAI has been delivering weekly golf programs for people living with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or mental health challenges since 2014.

President of Golf Programs Australia Incorporated, Darrell Dalton said that their successful application for the Stronger Communities Grant was a big step for the Nambour charity.

“Ted encouraged us to apply for the grant, which we secured and it has enabled us to set up the most amazing space and everyone is very excited,” Mr Dalton said.

“The new sub-basement studio has extended the charity’s retail space opportunities which incorporates the sale of donated pre-loved golf equipment, donated furniture, a creative textile design area, containers for change recycling bay, golf simulator training area, inwards and outwards goods and more.

“We are so thankful for the incredible community support we have received including businesses such as Ken Mills Toyota Nambour, Eco Cottages Cooroy, Rosemount Auto Marine, Dave’s Furniture Restoration, Crunch Forest Glen, Day & Grimes Real Estate, Nambour Upholstery, Yandina Hardware and Showcase Property Styling.”