Inclusion Trumps All at Woollahra Oval This Saturday
- Easts Rugby
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Angus Hayman
This Saturday at Woollahra Oval, there will be more than just competition points on the line.
Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club has partnered with What Ability to raise money for the What Ability Foundation, helping Australians living with disability experience the simple moments many take for granted.
For What Ability founder Steve Dresler, the partnership is a natural fit.
"We're all about fun," Dresler said. "It's really that simple."
What Ability has grown into one of Australia's largest disability support organisations, employing around 900 staff across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. As an NDIS-registered provider, the organisation offers community access, respite care, supported independent living and allied health services.
Alongside that sits the What Ability Foundation, a charity created to fill a gap that traditional funding cannot.
"The NDIS funds the support workers and therapists, but it doesn't pay for tickets," Dresler explained.
"It doesn't cover entry to the zoo, the aquarium, theme parks, sporting events or even the arcade. Those experiences can become really expensive for families, so the Foundation exists to buy those tickets and make those days possible."
For many families, those opportunities simply aren't affordable.
"A trip to the zoo might not sound like much, but when it's $50 a ticket and you're taking the whole family, it quickly becomes out of reach. We want to remove that barrier and create memories people otherwise wouldn't have."
The organisation has built its reputation around doing things differently. While many disability support providers focus on routine, What Ability focuses on creating experiences and getting people into the community.
That philosophy extends to its workforce.
From its earliest days, What Ability has employed professional and aspiring athletes as support workers, recognising the unique energy and flexibility they can bring to participants.
Many familiar faces from the rugby world have been part of that journey, including current Beastie, Leo Jaques as well as Wallabies prop Angus Bell and former Waratahs and NRL stars have also spent time working with the organisation.
"We've got everyone from established professionals to academy players and Super W athletes working with us. It gives them flexible employment while they're pursuing their sporting dreams."
But the value stretches well beyond employment.
Dresler believes athletes have a unique ability to change perceptions around disability simply by spending time alongside participants.
"When I was younger, I never really saw athletes or sporting clubs interacting with people with disabilities," he said.
"I thought if people saw someone like Angus Bell hanging out with a kid with a disability, then it makes inclusion normal. It shows everyone that this is something we should all be doing."
That message has become central to What Ability's mission.
Whether it's a Wallaby, an Easts player or a local junior, seeing respected athletes build genuine relationships with people living with disability helps remove outdated stereotypes and encourages wider community acceptance.
Some participants know exactly who their support worker is. Others have no idea they're spending the day with a professional athlete.
Dresler says both are equally special.
"One of our first participants, JoJo, worked with Angus Bell quite a lot. He's non-verbal and doesn't know who Angus is."
"He doesn't care that Angus plays rugby. He just loves his calmness, his energy and the fact they can run around, swim and have fun together."
"That's the beauty of it."
The organisation has deliberately challenged the traditional idea of disability support.
Rather than simply accompanying participants through daily routines, What Ability encourages people to get out, explore and enjoy life.
"You don't just have to go shopping or for a walk," Dresler said.
"You can go to the footy, to Luna Park, to the aquarium or spend the day at the zoo. That's what we're trying to create."
For Eastern Suburbs, the partnership reflects values that already exist within the club.
The relationship has developed organically through players who have worked with What Ability over the years, making this weekend's fundraiser a chance for the wider Beasties community to support a cause that has already touched many within the club.
The partnership will also come to life at Woollahra Oval on Saturday. Between Second Grade and First Grade, What Ability participants will take centre stage, running from the changerooms through a guard of honour formed by the Eastern Suburbs Second Grade side before making their way onto the field. It's a moment that perfectly captures what the partnership is about – creating memorable experiences through the power of sport and inclusion.
Adding even greater significance is the commitment from Shaw and Partners, who will match all donations made through the initiative up to $10,000.
General Manager Brittany Grant said the organisation was proud to support What Ability's mission.
"We're so proud to play a part in What Ability's story," Grant said.
"What Abilitiy are genuinely changing the lives of families across Australia. They've built an organisation centred around joy. They bring people together, create real experiences and make sure everyone has the chance to be included in the fun things in life. The impact they have on the families they support is extraordinary, and we're honoured to support their mission and help share their story."
For Dresler, that's exactly what the weekend is about.
"One in six Australians lives with a disability," he said.
"You don't always see that reflected in everyday life, and that's something we're trying to change. If clubs like Easts can help make inclusion normal, then we're making real progress."
You can donate to What Ability here.
What Ability is a registered NDIS provider supporting children and adults living with disabilities across Sydney. Their team provides Community Access, Overnight Care (Respite), Short Term Accommodation, Positive Behaviour Support, and Supported Independent Living (SIL), creating opportunities for participants to build confidence, make genuine friendships and experience more of the community.
For parents, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. What Ability focuses on matching families with passionate, consistent support workers who help their participants enjoy meaningful experiences while working towards their individual goals.
If your family is looking for NDIS supports, or you'd simply like to learn more about the services they provide, visit whatability.com.au
Join us at Easts Rugby on Saturday 18th July to watch the What Ability activation between 2nd and 1st Grade at 2.45pm.
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