Golf charity marks six years of driving for inclusion

GPAI Secretary Michelle Dalton opened GPAI Creative’s doors in December 2016. Here she is pictured last week.

Local charity Golf Programs Australia Incorporated (GPAI) is celebrating its sixth year operating out of the heritage listed Chadwicks Chambers in Currie Street, Nambour.

GPAI  works with individuals living with an intellectual disability who are provided opportunities in the low impact activity of golf.

GPAI also provides social enterprise training in Retail, Business & Creativity  via the organisation’s store and pro-shop.

GPAI Secretary Michelle Dalton opened GPAI Creative’s doors in December 2016 with a few hand made cushions, a chair, desk and more than a few years of experience in retail and family business.

Michelle has developed the retail space over time into an eclectic offering of many varied items underpinned by an ethos of repurposing quality materials destined for landfill.

“Our first range was our scatter, lumbar and floor cushions created from high quality upholstery materials saved from landfill and donated from ‘Nambour Upholstery’, local interior decorators and textile mills,” she said. 

“What began as a space for the charity’s office and a range of items for sale has developed into the Retail, Business & Creativity training offered to our golf program participants today.” 

“By the time our golfer’s move from the organisation’s golf program to instore social enterprise training the transition is seamless as the relationship and trust between all parties has been established over time,” said President, charity founder and PGA Professional Darrell Dalton.

GPAI Creative has weathered many storms under the watchful eye of Michelle who navigated the retail operation in the wake of the loss of her 24-year-old son in 2020.

The charity’s vision is to establish a purpose-built golf facility to provide meaningful training and employment for individuals living with an intellectual disability.

“Our vision sometimes shocks people who discover the small charity store they stumbled into is driving a world-first concept that has gained world-wide attention,” said Darrell.

“GPAI Creative is the foundation stone of something much larger,” he said. “On the surface it appears quaint and eclectic but the processes being developed under Michelle’s extensive experience will be transferred to the charity’s vision.

“Many find it difficult to connect our small charity store to such an enormous vision. And even families of children who will benefit from the facility have a hard time comprehending we possess the capacity ... and some say audacity, to believe we can deliver such a life altering concept.”

The GPAI PBGF Concept has managed to secure support from Australia’s key drivers within the golf industry including the PGA of Australia & Golf Australia who have voiced their support for the establishment of similar facilities around the country with the first planned for the Sunshine Coast. 

• GPAI is at 89 Currie Street Nambour. Visit www.pitchin.golf or Visit www.gpai.org.au or contact Michelle on 5476 0365 or admin@gpai.org.au.