our social impacts

estara has sponsored the acquisition of equipment to make beach access possible for all during summer.

Partnering with the City of Holdfast Bay and the Rotary Club of Glenelg, on published days there will be 50m of beach mat from the foreshore to the water to provide access for wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties.

Our volunteers are on hand on the day to provide support. Experience the ocean by booking a spot for a beach wheelchair or mobi-chair floating wheelchair between 10 am and 2 pm on the designated days.

See regional beach access options at Inclusive SA.

estara provides multi-disciplinary therapies with modern facilities and equipment established in 2023 at the Dulwich headquarters.

Alongside two therapy rooms, there is an accessible kitchen with height-adjustable benches.

Participate in Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week

Each year estara holds events during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, which usually falls in September.

Community members can learn general information about living with spinal cord injury and there are special events such as sessions with Spinal Nurse Advisors on health management and problem-solving issues.

Throughout the year we host activities to connect and inspire our community, such as the ‘Festival of Fashion’ event in 2023.

estara has donated South Australia’s first paragolfer, enabling keen golfers at West Beach Parks Golf Course to utilise an all-terrain wheelchair that raises the player to a standing position for a traditional golf swing.

It’s free to use the Paragolfer, simply contact West Beach Parks to enquire and book.

This donation from estara in October 2022 helps to remove barriers to the sport and is an opportunity to come and try golf, play recreationally, or pursue a goal to play in the Australian Wheelchair Golf Championships.

Our technology hub is based at the Repatriation Health Precinct Spinal Unit, where all patients and staff may access it, as well as outpatients.

The hub provides a space to meet socially, stay in touch with friends and family and improve digital access and skills. There are currently computers and printers that patients can access, as well as various types of accessible equipment depending on a person’s disability, such as a joystick mouse, large key keyboard and Dragon Naturally Speaking.

estara employs an Information and Technology Officer who is responsible for coordinating our technology hub, while volunteers assist to pass on technical and practical skills, including using the internet, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets and multimedia.

Our volunteers provide connection and practical support for people living with a disability in South Australia. From home and garden maintenance to walking a dog or providing companionship via a phone call, our volunteers make a positive difference in our community.

The Ramsay properties in Hillcrest are a group of three homes available for patients of the Repatriation Health Precinct, while modifications are made to their existing home, or while waiting for an accessible home to become available.

These homes provide a sustainable and comfortable living environment, applying sound passive design techniques to regulate temperature in summer and winter. Double-glazed windows, insulation in ceilings and water heaters that move heat from one place to another provide energy-efficient temperature regulation.

estara makes funding available through grants to enable people living with a disability to live more independently.

Grants fund people to live more independently

A grant may be used towards equipment, modifications to the home such as ramps, and creating access so the recipient has full use of their home and garden. An electric bed can enable the person to rise when they wish and gain independence in their daily routine.

In particular, estara supports grants for people over 65 with spinal cord injuries as they do not receive NDIS support.

“With the new bed, I’m able to rise when I choose and start my day” – Colleen is over 65 and lives with a spinal cord injury.

Scholarships enable further study and career paths

estara connects you with scholarships that can help them undertake training or tertiary education. Scholarships provide the means for people to pursue a fulfilling career in an area they are passionate about, and to make a difference.

Purpose and passion are important elements in living a fulfilling and meaningful life, and these scholarships aim to empower people to do just that.