Local disability organisation Limestone Coast Ability recently took seven of its clients on an exciting weekend ‘group getaway’ to Robe.

The group getaways are funded by the NDIS under core support, with those taking part staying at Tarooki Campsite.

Limestone Coast Ability Director Kylie Withers said the weekend breaks were about developing capacity and independence, building relationships, spending time with peers and experiencing life. She hoped to host group getaways every three months.

“Group getaways are a weekend of fun, experiences and building peer friendships that last beyond the weekend,” Ms Withers said.

“Our skilled staff work to support clients to participate in a range of activities and explore new experiences over the weekend.”

Activities included night walks, dinner at the Robe hotel, kayaking, beach adventures, sight-seeing, games, roasting marshmallows around campfires and a talent and skit night. The photo scavenger hunt on Sunday was a highlight, where the group got competitive while having lots of fun along the way.

The Robe Lions Club donated their beach wheelchair for the weekend, which allowed LCA client Nath to enjoy the ocean for the second time in 15 years.

Ms Withers said the group received donations from local businesses She’s Apples, Bakers Delight, Foodland, Woolworths and Coles.

LCA Client Liam said he enjoyed the night walk, kayaking and toasting marshmallows around the campfire.

“It was also great meeting new people, socialising and hearing their stories,” he said.

LCA client Chantelle said she enjoyed kayaking for the first time.

“I also really liked the talent show as this was my first time to sing up in front of everyone,” she said.

Staff member Melanie Childs said the getaway was a great success.

“No words can sum up what both clients and staff got out of the getaway,” she said.

“It was every time you looked around and could see all the smiles and hear endless laughter, that spoke those words.”