The clients, aged 18-60 years, who all have moderate to severe physical disabilities, will take part in a weekend Bush Retreat to the Sunshine Coast. For some residents, it will be their first beach holiday.

ANZ donated $3,000 towards the initiative and staff will volunteer time to help during the retreat.

The Bush Retreat is run by the Cerebral Palsy League’s (CPL) Moorooka Adult Day Service and offers a rare ‘weekend away’ for adults with cerebral palsy and related disabilities.

“Many of us take for granted a weekend away but for people with a moderate to severe disability, this can be a rare or even unknown experience,” said Susan Wedmaier, Manager of Moorooka Adult Day Service.

“This can be due to a shortage of wheelchair-friendly transport and disability accessible accommodation, as well as limited finances and reliance on a full-time carer.

“Thanks to the generous funds and time donated by the ANZ Staff Foundation, 12 adults can enjoy an overnight break away from their families, many of them for the very first time in their lives,” she said.

“This experience also provides valuable social contact and skills, which helps participants develop confidence and greater independence for other future social events,” said Susan.

“Having volunteers from ANZ support this program is fantastic. They provide support for carers attending the Bush Retreat and allow new relationships to be formed outside the participants’ normal social network,” she said.

Eligible Bush Retreat program participants are generally financially disadvantaged and receive no government-funded care for community activities. Adults that are in need of developing more social contact are also considered a priority.

The Bush Retreat to the Sunshine Coast will happen in May 2009, and will include trips to Underwater World and Australia Zoo provided by the ANZ Staff Foundation. Accommodation will also be provided free of charge at the Iona College Camp Site at Peregian Beach.