Hawks Jump on Board with Afford for An Inclusive Melbourne

MELBOURNE, 8 MAY 2019 - This year, the spotlight will shine brightly on disability in Melbourne with partnerships between Afford, Hawthorn and Yarra Trams established to encourage an inclusive Melbourne that supports people of all abilities.

Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) is a not-for-profit disability service organisation that provides whole-of-life disability supports for people across Australia under the NDIS.

The disability service provider has been operating in Australia for over 65 years and is committed to creating opportunities for people with disability to live the life they want and create greater public awareness of the valuable community contributions made by people with disability.

This year, Afford has partnered with the Hawthorn Football Club, to establish the MCG's first Sensory Friendly Space to allow footy fans with sensory sensitivities, and their families, to enjoy cheering on their favourite team while having a space for respite if and when they need it.

In addition to the Sensory Friendly Space, Afford is working with the Hawks to support their Wheelchair and All Abilities Players in the 2019 season, facilitating AFL experiences for Afford participants and offering work experience opportunities at Hawks HQ for people with disability.

Afford was also named 2019 Yarra Trams Community Partner which involves an entire tram being wrapped with images of people of all abilities. 

Tram 3008 can be seen passing the MCG on Route 48 (North Balwyn to Victoria Harbour Docklands) and can also be seen on Route 109 (Box Hill to Port Melbourne) from April until July. The Afford Community Partner Tram will increase public awareness of diversity, inclusivity and encourage the celebration of everyone's unique abilities.

Afford CEO, Steven Herald, says that the partnerships with the Hawks and Yarra Trams are strong steps towards creating an inclusive Melbourne.

"We are thrilled to have established these partnerships with the Hawks and Yarra Trams. Both the Hawks and Yarra Trams are well established in Melbourne's culture and such iconic organisations that share our vision to encourage inclusiveness and acceptance."

"Through these partnerships we are sure that our message of an inclusive Melbourne will shine on the streets and on the footy fields of Melbourne and foster inclusivity for Australians of all abilities." 

"We encourage everyone to jump on board with Afford to support us in creating an inclusive Melbourne and tag @Afford in your social posts to show your support for people of all abilities."

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said the partnership supports the club’s vision to be inclusive and welcoming for people of all backgrounds.  

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for over 65 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people across Australia every day.

For more information about Afford, visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

ENDS

Editor's Note: Footage/imagery of the Afford Community Partner tram can be obtained, please contact Maria on 0402 239 929.

Media Contact: Maria Crema: Crema PR m 0402 239 929 e maria@cremapr.com.au

About the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) - www.afford.com.au

The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) is a registered charity providing disability services to thousands of people across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The supports provided by Afford include: Shared Living; Overnight Respite; Social and Community Programs; Transition to Work Programs; Transition to Retirement Programs; Carer Support; Disability Employment Services; Supported Employment; Allied Health Support and Support Coordination.