At the Frankston Softball Association AGM, I had the incredible opportunity to unveil my vision for the 2024-2025 softball season, specifically for the canteen. With a deep passion for inclusion, I proposed an innovative approach to running the canteen that would not only provide excellent service but also empower individuals with disabilities. As someone who works for focus Individualised Support Services, a disability organization, I was driven by the idea of creating a meaningful volunteer experience for clients, supported by our dedicated staff, during the Saturday games.

My goal was to ensure that the volunteering experience wasn’t just a task, but a real opportunity for growth, pride, and contribution for those living with a disability. I collaborated closely with focus Individualised Support Services to ensure everything was in place: from risk assessments to scope documents, making sure all the safety and logistical details were thoroughly covered.

When game day arrived, I was there, hands-on with our clients from focus Individualised Support Services, guiding them through the entire process. Together, we learned to operate the register, serve customers, and run the canteen smoothly. We even did a mock trial, with focus Individualised Support Services staff stepping in as customers, so that everyone could practice and feel confident in their roles. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, seeing our clients not just participating, but thriving in a real, impactful way.

The incredible journey began on October 5th, 2024, and the clients from focus Individualised Support Services were nothing short of amazing. They took on shifts throughout the day, working together to bring the canteen to life. With the support of the treasurer and myself, and a dedicated committee, we successfully managed to run the canteen. It was no small feat, especially with so many teams playing at Frankston Softball Association that day: Division 1 at 9 am and six Under 13 teams alongside them. To help ease the pressure on our clients, Frankston Softball Association introduced a coffee cart, ensuring the canteen didn’t feel overwhelming for those who were stepping into this role for the first time. The cart proved to be a game changer. It gave the clients the breathing room they needed to learn and serve customers at their own pace, while still being involved in the action.

But what was most powerful was watching our clients come into their own. They weren’t just filling a role—they were empowered, valued, and treated like true volunteers in a real, meaningful way. Their work wasn’t just a token gesture, it was essential, and they knew it. It gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing they were contributing to something important, something that mattered. This wasn’t a made-up, pretend task—it was real life, and they were an integral part of it.

As time passed, it became clear that the clients from focus Individualised Support Services were facing challenges with the words on the register. But Frankston Softball Association saw an opportunity to make a real difference. They brought in a brand-new Square register, complete with an iPad featuring pictures and a simple, intuitive touch system for transactions. This new register, which mirrored the one at the focus Op Shop, was a game-changer. Suddenly, the clients felt more confident and capable. Serving customers became easier and smoother, empowering them to take on more responsibility with pride.

This shift allowed Frankston Softball Association to offer more support during the busier times, such as at the end of the games, ensuring the canteen ran efficiently. But the impact went far beyond just operational success. The skill development for each individual client was remarkable—from mastering food safety to handling money, cooking food, and delivering excellent customer service.

What truly warmed my heart was the incredible acceptance from the entire Softball Committee. They embraced the clients working in the canteen with open arms, making them feel like a valued part of the team. Word spread, and soon, other associations reached out, recognizing the potential of this initiative to bridge the gap between the mainstream community and the world of disability.

The clients from focus Individualised Support Services are not just working at Frankston Softball Association—they’re a part of the Frankston Softball Association family. They’re invited to every event, from the Christmas party to the upcoming Trivia Night on February 22, 2025. And honestly, that’s what this is all about: creating a space where individuals with disabilities are seen, celebrated, and included in every aspect of community life.

I firmly believe that any idea or innovation that can empower, encourage, and bridge gaps is worth pursuing. Sometimes, it takes bravery to make a change, but that bravery can lead to profound, positive outcomes for individuals. We’re excited to watch this initiative continue to grow, and we look forward to seeing even more success for the clients at focus Individualised Support Services, while collaborating with other disability organizations. This is just the beginning, and the possibilities are endless.

As we look ahead, the excitement builds for the return of softball on February 1st, 2025, when the clients from focus Individualised Support Services will continue their incredible journey through the 2024-2025 season. The momentum doesn’t stop there—Frankston Softball Association will be hosting the Grand Final for the SEMR competition, and once again, it will be an opportunity for the clients to dive deep into the real-world experience of running the canteen.

This isn’t just a win for Frankston Softball Association; it’s a win for the entire City of Frankston, too. The community benefits from the innovation we’ve introduced, with individuals from focus Individualised Support Services stepping up as volunteers and playing an integral role in the canteen operations. It’s a powerful way to build connections, create inclusivity, and showcase what true community spirit looks like.

I am deeply hopeful that this innovation continues for years to come. This is more than just a program—it’s a movement, one that empowers individuals, bridges gaps, and creates lasting change. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see how far this opportunity will go, touching more lives and proving that when we come together, we can achieve something truly remarkable.

Terri Landt

President, Frankston Softball Association