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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-09-29 Daily Xml
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MATTERS OF INTEREST

HOLIDAY EXPLORERS TRAVEL SERVICE

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:23): I have recently been made aware of a not-for-profit organisation known as Holiday Explorers Travel Service, which was established in 1988 and which provides the opportunity for intellectually disabled people to travel to a number of destinations. It also provides respite for their dedicated carers and families. Mr Alfred Eaton, a long-time northern suburbs volunteer of the organisation, which is better known as HX, provided me with the initial information on the work that goes into providing such a service. Mr Eaton gives freely of his time to accompany HX clients on holidays.

In addition to the information provided by Mr Eaton, I have had the opportunity to meet with the Executive Officer, Ms Lisa Albinus, who detailed the services that HX provides to the intellectually disabled people and their carers. These holidays range from local attractions such as the recent Royal Adelaide Show, where members of HX were able to enjoy a day at the show, visiting the pavilions, feeding the animals and enjoying the atmosphere, etc., to the more complex week-long tours to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, via the Ghan. Also offered on the extensive list of holidays are 'Holidays of a Lifetime', which encompasses up to 10 overseas trips a year to Disneyland, either in Hong Kong or the United States. HX depends heavily on volunteers in the community, equating up to 25,000 hours a year assistance provided by these kind, caring people, who willingly offer their time to help such a great cause.

As part of the program, home pick-up services operate, easing the stress of having to organise one's own transport to a central point and helping to avoid any extra stress that may be placed upon those with an intellectual disability by moving out of their personal comfort zone. For a small annual fee of $10 members receive issues of Holiday Time, a magazine detailing holidays that are coming up over the coming months. This allows them to choose (with their carer's guidance) a holiday—be it a day trip or longer—that is appropriate for them.

Due to the success of HX, approximately 200 holidays are provided a year, allowing as many as 600 members of the community to partake in this relaxing and fun time away from their home environment and also to get the chance to meet and make long-lasting friendships with others and give themselves and their carers some respite.

The tourists pay for the direct cost of the holiday, usually lower than normal due to group discounts, and all other costs (including administration, coordination and the provision of two volunteer support staff) are paid for through fundraising, donations, government grants, grants from non-government foundations and business sponsorships or partnership discounts. For those carers needing assistance with financial matters, a range of options is also available.

Holiday Explorers is paving the way for future organisations to help those with an intellectual disability to overcome obstacles that are not experienced by other members of our community. HX is the only organisation of its kind in Australia, and the fact that it is based in South Australia speaks volumes about the people of this state and their willingness to help those less fortunate than themselves to partake in community activities the same as the rest of the community. I commend the board members and staff on their continued efforts to ensure the ongoing success of HX and, of course, the volunteers who give up their own precious time to help others to lead a more fulfilling life.

In the time remaining I might just highlight some of the other activities that are available. There is a wide range, including: the Hofbrauhaus German concert in Hahndorf, the SteamRanger trains at Mount Barker, Harley Davidson joy rides, Arts Access SA's Club Cool music at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, the Melbourne Cup at the Morphettville Racecourse—and, sir, you might be pleased to be a guide there. Other activities include: Narnu Farm; the Victor Harbor Rock 'n' Roll Festival; of course, the Gawler Show and accompanying activities in the Barossa Valley; the Mildura Country Music Festival and a range of others. I commend Holiday Explorers for the work it does for the community.

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