Kalan thrives to reel in new adventures and kickstart his goals

With a smile brimming from ear to ear, Kalan is a young man motivated by his infectious love for the outdoors.  

This passion not only reflects his gentle nature, interests, and aspirations but has also inspired him to seek new opportunities and adventures, shaping a fresh new path in his life. 

Through the NDIS Disability Support Services provided by Bamara, he has received a helping hand and invaluable support, which has helped him forge meaningful connections and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. 

“I like coming to Bamara; it gives me more time to myself. I’m more confident and able to be myself around others,” says Kalan.  

Kalan is a young man who lives with autism, OCD, and ADHD. He grew up on a farm near Dubbo, forming a lifelong passion for the outdoors, where he finds solace and joy in nature.  

Kalan first connected with Bamara when his mother, Fiona, reached out to a support unit facilitated by our team at his high school to learn more about our local services. 

At that time, Kalan was quite shy and lacked confidence and motivation, often avoiding social situations. Fiona believed that Bamara would be a good fit to provide the support Kalan needed to enhance his life skills, become more active, and explore his interests and goals. 

“It was hard to find interests that Kalan really liked, but Bamara has been good with him giving him a go, and introducing him to new activities,” Fiona said. 

“Fishing is an activity for instance that he loves very much, and you can see it in his face.” 

Kalan embraces every moment outdoors, whether participating in weekly activities, having lunch on our Social Wednesdays with other participants, shopping for groceries, or simply exploring the sights and sounds of Dubbo. This enhances his adventures, growth, confidence, and happiness. 

Kalan takes full advantage of the recreational fishing included in our Day Programs. Fishing is not just about casting a line but also about building community and creating lasting memories for him. 

Throughout Kalan’s time at Bamara, he has received continuous support from Simon, Bamara Dubbo Team Leader. Simon remains dedicated to helping Kalan achieve his goals. 

Some of these include exploring more of his interests, connecting with our Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP) team to obtain his driver licence and exploring potential career options. 

He has been a constant source of encouragement for Kalan and has been instrumental in helping him achieve his goals. 

“We ensure that his schedule is filled with activities, striking a good balance between quiet time and fun,” Simon said.

“He has come out of his shell; he communicates effectively, expresses himself clearly, is keen to socialise, and connects with others in his community.”  

Combining hands-on experience, community involvement, and Simon’s guidance helped Kalan explore his immediate goal of working with animals, which developed throughout his upbringing on the land. 

“We raised orphan lambs that I hand-fed and nurtured,” Kalan said. 

Additionally, it is paving the way for Kalan to start thinking about his long-term goal of becoming a sheep shearer and building a sustainable living through wool sales. 

Connect with our NDIS Disability Support Services team 

Bamara is a registered provider of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We have an experienced local team, who know the area, and will strive to assist you in reaching your goals, whether they are big or small. 

Learn more about which of our services and programs might be a good fit for your lifestyle.