Studio23 offers place for people with diverse abilities can connect

13 Apr

**Studio23’s Erin with Abi from Maleny IGA.**

Shoppers at Maleny IGA or patrons of the Laneway may have become familiar with some of the friendly faces of Studio23 team members over the past couple of years.

Studio23 is a not-for-profit centre in Maleny which was founded in 2018 by Kris Fitzgerald and Craig Cole.

“Basically, Studio23 Maleny is a place where people with diverse abilities can socialise, connect, and create,” Kris said. “We started out with just a handful of members and now we have over twenty.”

Kris has an adult disabled son and she saw the need for local, accessible and flexible programs for people aged from 18 and over, with disability, or disadvantaged community members. So she enlisted the help of Craig, an experienced support worker, educator and professional musician, while he was teaching art and music at the Sunshine Coast TAFE.

“What we wanted to provide were opportunities in a safe and supportive space for our members,” Kris said.

“Some customers wait until Wednesdays to do their shopping just so they can catch up with our members. It is really wonderful.”

“We have specifically put together a programme of activities and opportunities that are valuable and fulfilling on many levels. The entire programme is member driven and I think that is why it has become so popular. Our activities run 5 days a week and at the moment, we only have vacancies left on Mondays and Wednesdays.”

Studio23 is at the Maleny Community Centre. Members benefit from support on a one to two ratio, or one on one depending on needs.

“We started out playing music one day a week but our members love it so much, it has turned into two days a week,” said Kris. “We have enjoyed fantastic support from the Laneway in Maleny, where our musicians are able to go along and gig every second Thursday.”

“On Wednesdays our members go to the IGA to help out around the shop, including on the registers. This came about because Wednesday is cooking day, and they would go to the IGA to buy their ingredients. It was a bit of a natural progression and has worked out so well that we are continuing with it.

“Some customers wait until Wednesdays to do their shopping just so they can catch up with our members. It is really wonderful.”

On Fridays, the team embarks on a variety of social activities, ranging from swimming to bowling, going to the movies or the Zoo.

“It is common for disabled people to find socialising more difficult,” said Kris. “We know how important social interaction is and we are determined to ensure that our members have access to the same opportunities for social connection and enrichment that their peers do.”

• The Deck Room, Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple St, Maleny www.studio23maleny.org