Choices key for Chris

Choice is important to Chris Bennett.

For the past seven years, Chris has been part of Kurrajong Lifestyle Choices in Leeton.

In that time, Chris has tried his hand at many activities, including woodworking, volunteering and learning to play the guitar.

“I come to Kurrajong five days a week. We do cooking, go to the gym, and play pool. I like having different options.

“Last year Kurrajong helped me go to TAFE to do a Certificate II in Business and this year I’m doing Basic Computers.”

A football fan (and diehard Parramatta Eels supporter), Chris uses his computer skills to run the Leeton Lifestyle Choices NRL footy tipping competition.

Support Coordinator Karin Thompson said Kurrajong supports Chris in building his skills and confidence.

“Chris has come a long way.

“If we’re going to introduce something he has never done before, we’ll research it, print things out and help him gain his confidence to have a go. He tries just about anything.

“He’s always keen to bring his ideas here, too. He might see something in town that’s going to be at the Roxy (movie theatre) or when he has been to the Library for the Knitting Group, he’ll come in and tell everyone about it.

“If he doesn’t like something, we’ll change it quickly. There aren’t many things that Chris says he’d like to have a go at that we can’t facilitate.”

Recently moving to Mallee Street from the Town Circle, Lifestyle Choices Leeton now has a bigger facility. Its backyard is complete with a shed which Chris is able to use, along with the sanding equipment and paint he requested, to tackle his latest woodwork restoration project.

“I was less confident before I came to Kurrajong,” Chris said. “I have more skills now and I like coming here to see my friends.”

Chris’s mother Linda describes Kurrajong as very important to the Leeton community.

“Kurrajong gives people with disabilities a meaning in life.

“It means they are not cooped up at home thinking they can’t do anything. They want to be engaged like anyone else.

“Kurrajong staff are also very good in the sense that whether we are at home or need to go to Sydney, Kurrajong will work around our commitments so Chris can still come to Lifestyle Choices.

“I tell you, Kurrajong was the best thing I found for Chris. He really loves it.”