The Purple Family, inside and outside of the Gym.
We love our Purple Family
Our community is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, our team works with people struggling with life-changing injuries and conditions. We don’t take this responsibility lightly.
When you enter our big purple sheds, you will immediately be welcomed into the Making Strides purple family. We are loud, we are fun, we don’t take life too seriously, we love a sweet treat, and we are always here to listen, laugh, cry, give you a hug and make you do an extra rep.
More than just rehab
We know that what you’re going through isn’t always fun or easy. We do our best to understand how hard it can be, both mentally and physically, to get up every day and face the reality of a spinal cord injury or neurological condition. It is clear to us that the world isn’t always accessible, and we understand how powerful it can be to enter a space and be surrounded by people who genuinely get what you’re going through.
The nature of neurological injuries means we cannot promise that life will return to ‘normal’.
What we can promise is a group of great people, experiencing similar life challenges, and an environment that will feel like home. A place where you can be surrounded by peers who know what you’re going through, and a team that will work hard to help you achieve your goals.
We promise you’ll never leave a session without a smile, and we can guarantee that a visit to Strides will always help you feel less alone in your struggles.
Let’s be friends!
Our family extends beyond the purple sheds, too! Join the Making Strides Fam and Crew Facebook Group to stay in the loop with all the Strides events and connect with other clients.
Don’t forget to give us a cheeky follow on Instagram while you’re at it.
Accessible Activities on the Gold Coast
Keen to get out and make the most of the Gold Coast? There’s a heap of accessible adventures and activities on offer in South East Queensland. Check out some of our favourites below:
Disabled Water Skiing
Each year, our team volunteers with the NSW Disabled Water Ski Association on the Tweed River in Chinderah. Running sessions throughout summer, disabled water skiing is open to all ages with various physical disabilities and vision impairments.
Sailability Gold Coast
Sailability Gold Coast provides a safe and friendly environment for people of all ages with disability to participate in the sport of sailing or other ‘on-water’ activities.
Accessible Horse Riding
Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled is centrally located on the Gold Coast and offers horse-riding experiences for adults and children with disabilities.
What Disability?
Making Strides client, T7 paraplegic, and all-round mad dog Andy Hensel has created ‘What Disability‘, an organisation that helps those living with disabilities get back to the sports and activities they love. Offering everything from dirt biking to arts and crafts, wakeboarding, and go-karting—if there is a sport you’re keen to try, Andy is the one to help.
Good Vibes Boating Adventures
Enjoy fishing, whale watching, river cruising, and more from the comfort of a fully-accessible charter with Good Vibes Boating Adventures on the GC and Sunshine Coast.
Wheelchair Rugby, Basketball & Tennis
Our clients play socially and compete at state and national levels in several Paralympic sports, including wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair tennis. Chat to our team, and we will happily assist you with joining a social game on the Gold Coast.
Disabled Surfing
The Gold Coast Disabled Surfers Association offers surfing for people of all disabilities and ages in a safe, fun, and friendly environment. Check out their Facebook page for information on their next event.
Accessible Beaches
Gold Coast City Council offers beach matting, wheelchairs and walkers free of charge at select locations. Check out the council website to learn more.
Climb the Story Bridge
Head to Brisbane and experience the world’s first wheelchair-accessible bridge climb. Using a motorised stair climber wheelchair, folks with accessibility requirements can enjoy a smooth and safe trip with some bloody good views of Brisbane.
Yirra Care Group
Yirra Care Group’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by promoting independence and community involvement. Specialising in community access and outdoor activities, they ensure clients live active, fulfilling lives.