Winter Arrives At Summer House

Last Friday, All Abilities Mackay’s Summer House, the disability initiative providing a variety of program for children in the community, closed its door for one last time.

From mainstream activities for all children with their parents, smaller group programs for children with disabilities, after school programs for children with disabilities, and school holiday programs for children with disabilities, the programs of Summer House were a hit amongst the Sugar City’s parents.

Founded in 2019 by Bec Nicol, the aim was to create a place where families struggling with disability could have a safe, predictable place for kids, and then bring in neurotypical kids to socialise with them in an inclusive play setting.

Letting kids interact with other kids was the idea, but with struggles in achieving NDIS funding a constant bane for the initiative, as well as pandemic problems, Summer House closed its doors last Friday.

Ms Nicol said that she wished the circumstances were different.

“We have loved the time getting to know families and support you the best we knew how to,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we must recognise when things aren’t meant to be, and for us the time has come.”

Summer House was a “long term dream” for Ms Nicol, who said the current uncertain times forced her to be unable to continue.

“I don’t have the time, energy or tenacity left to continue,” she said.

She thanked the exceptional businesses, organisations and individuals who supported the group over the years.

I would like to shout out a special mention to Sharon and the crew at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Flagon & Dragon Mackay,” Ms Nicol said.

“Without their tens of thousands of dollars of support over the years, we couldn’t be anywhere close to where we are without them.”

The community have expressed their support for Summer House, and hope that it will continue on in some form or another, or be reborn.

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