Brodie does his bit for Childers

For Childers teen Brodie Bache, 2018 has been a big year. Not only was he recognised as Junior Citizen of the Year on Australia Day, he also represented his town as Junior Rural Ambassador at the 2018 Childers Show. Graduating from Isis State High School and earning his P plates was just the icing on the cake.

Peter Warren, President of the Childers Show Society, said Brodie had proven himself to be an invaluable member of the community.

“Brodie’s a great young fella, in the last 2-3 years I’ve really seen him grow,” he said.

“When he first came along he was a bit nervous, a bit shy, but he’s settled down into a really great bloke and a great help, so he’ll go along way in his future. Whatever he decides, he puts 110% into it.”

As a Junior Rural Ambassador, Brodie spoke at a series of events and fundraised for the Childers Show; this meant multiple public speaking engagements, sometimes in front of State and Federal Ministers.

The Childers teen has also been busy with the State Emergency Service (SES) cadets, preparing to become a fully-fledged member of the SES once he turns 18. He said the SES was a wide network of like-minded community helpers, with Childers and Bundaberg often working closely together.

“We do a lot of training with the Bundy SES as well…we all join together to help as one,” he said.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into it. I like putting people other people first, through the SES.

“When I see a smiling face and hear them say ‘thank you’, it just makes me proud.”

Things were not always easy for Brodie growing up, as he contended with the challenges that come with an Autism diagnosis. Growing up in Emerald, the nearest supports were over 3 hours drive away. When the family moved to Childers five years ago, Brodie began to access the extra supports available locally, which stretched the family budget.

When the NDIS rolled out in the Wide Bay Brodie, his younger brother and his grandmother successfully applied for access, taking financial pressure off the family. Brodie said that since the NDIS was implemented, he and other young people with disability were able to pursue their goals and personal independence like never before.

“I’m seeing people starting to get supports, seeing businesses popping up…one of my mates is actually working at Woolworths now.

“It’s made an impact.

“IWC (Local Area Coordinator for the NDIS) has been amazing. All the guys there, everybody in that building is nice and friendly. If you need help they’ll point you in the right direction. I’ve found them real helpful.”

Since finishing his driver training with Rite Moves Driving School Brodie takes great pride in driving his ute around town, delivering resumes, attending training and chasing the next opportunity.

The next step for the 17-year-old will be to find a job and begin his next round of studies, in hopes of moving into sport and recreation as a career path. He is also looking forward to playing with Childers’ Rugby League team, the Isis Devils.

“I’ve said to them I’ll play this year - I’m fully committed. I have to say, go the mighty Devils!”

To find out more about the NDIS, visit ndis.gov.au, iwcndis.com.au or call the IWC on 1300 492 492. If you are ready to apply for access, call the toll-free NDIS support line on 1800 800 110.