Taum’s Fishing Day: A Special Group for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Moreton Bay
Taum’s Fishing Day in Moreton Bay was chosen as a finalist in the Disability Team Excellence category of the Hesta Excellence Awards. Taum, an Indigenous woman with an intellectual disability who loves fishing, started this group. The group helps people with intellectual disabilities come together to enjoy a day of fishing in a fun and supportive environment.
Taum’s Leadership and Confidence Building
Taum works as a peer leader for Parent to Parent (P2P) as part of the Stand by Me project. Over the past four years, she has learned how to lead and inspire others with intellectual disabilities. Taum listens to people and helps them feel confident to speak up and share their thoughts.
Matt, the Project Coordinator, and Tee, a Parent Peer Facilitator support Taum. Both have personal experience with disabilities. Matt shares his leadership skills, while Tee uses her expertise in communication and music to connect with the community. Together, they have created this innovative way for people with intellectual disabilities to support each other.
Listening to the Community
The success of Taum’s Fishing Day comes from listening to what the community needs. The team asked people in Moreton Bay what kind of group they wanted. They started with meetings in coffee shops but soon moved to fishing days, which let people relax, learn, and make friends outdoors. The fishing days became popular, and more people began to join.
Fighting Isolation and Building Friendships
Many people with intellectual disabilities feel alone. Taum’s Fishing Day helps by giving them a place to meet others and form friendships. Over fifty people now attend, and five service providers help with transport and promotion. Taum’s Fishing Day also helps break down stereotypes, as people with disabilities are seen enjoying fishing together.
A Model for Other Communities
Taum’s Fishing Day has inspired similar events in the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, and Gladstone. The group’s success shows how important it is to be flexible and listen to the needs of people with disabilities. The group continues to grow and make a positive impact in the community.
Recognition and Congratulations
Even though Taum’s Fishing Day didn’t win the Hesta Excellence Award, being a finalist was a big achievement. The group has brought people together, created friendships, and helped people with intellectual disabilities feel accepted. A big thank you goes to Taum, Matt, Tee, and everyone who support this wonderful initiative.
Let’s keep celebrating Taum’s Fishing Day and the bright future it’s building for people with intellectual disabilities in Moreton Bay and beyond!
