House debates

Monday, 13 August 2018

Statements by Members

Rebound WA

1:31 pm

Photo of Ben MortonBen Morton (Tangney, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Recently I took on Rebound WA's Wheelchair Challenge. Members of the community can accept the challenge and spend just one day of their life in a wheelchair while also raising funds to support Rebound WA. Doors aren't so easy to open, furniture does seem to get in the way and taps are hard to operate. I can better understand and respect what life in a wheelchair is like, and the challenges that people face every day at home, at school and at work. Rebound WA has been supporting our community in WA for more than 60 years and relies on fundraising and partnerships to support people living with a physical disability to break down barriers so they can live independently.

The highlight of my day was catching up with Lauren Hardbottle and the Melville Spinners wheelchair basketball team. I joined them on court for their weekly team training. They made it look very easy; I made it look very hard. I can't believe how physically demanding wheelchair basketball is. Thank you to the Spinners for their patience and for allowing me to join them; thank you to Rebound WA, led very ably by Simon Mead, for their good work; and thank you to everyone who gave me their support and donated to this very important organisation.