Lifelong Collingwood supporter Joan Larkin has aimed for, and achieved, a 2026 goal – travelling to Melbourne to watch the Magpies take on the West Coast Eagles at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The trip, made possible through the support of Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS), highlights how the right care and encouragement can empower individuals to maintain independence, while living life on their own terms.
Joan, who has been part of SRS’ extended family for most of her adult life, and who currently resides in one of its supported accommodation homes, was assisted on the journey by SRS CEO, Marian Luehman.
For the past 25 years, Marian has volunteered her time to ensure that when Joan’s health and mobility allows her to travel, that all necessary essentials of accessibility are booked well in advance, and that nothing can prevent Joan from having a great experience.
For 12 months leading up the event, Joan saved every cent she could to self-fund this exciting trip to be part of a live AFL match.
What Joan didn’t realize when booking the trip, however, was that she would be witnessing history as part of the experience.
The match coincided with Collingwood superstar Scott Pendlebury equaling the AFL games record of 433 matches, drawing more than 90,000 fans to the ground!
“There were a lot of people there – mostly Collingwood supporters,” Joan said. “There was lots of cheering, and everyone had a Scott banner to hold up at the 10-minute mark of the first quarter – we were all just cheering on the Pies and Scott.
“When I picked the game, which was a twilight game, I had no idea it would be Scott’s 433rd game – I just got really lucky to be there and to be a part of it.”
Joan fully embraced the occasion, even securing special commemorative ‘433’ memorabilia, including flags and posters, and is now saving to purchase a custom playing jumper marking the milestone.
A passionate fan, she counts Pendlebury and the Daicos brothers among her favourite players.
Beyond the match, Joan made the most of her time in Melbourne, spending two days enjoying the city.
“It was nice to go for a look around, and Marian did a great job pushing the wheelchair around for two days,” she said, adding that ordering risotto twice was another enjoyment of being in the city.
Joan’s trip reflects the broader impact of SRS’ work in supporting residents to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Joan is an active participant in the organisation’s day programs, attending SRS Benetook Farm three to four days a week. There, she enjoys arts and crafts, with many of her creations showcased during the Farm’s regular market days.
Joan credits SRS with making experiences like her Melbourne trip possible.
“SRS help me live my life independently. They help get me to appointments and the places I want to go,” she said. “My support workers keep me company and help look after me. They help me live my best life.”
SRS’s commitment to person-centered care ensures participants like Joan can pursue their passions, connect with the community and achieve personal goals – no matter how big or small.
Joan is already looking ahead to 2027, saving and planning towards attending another Collingwood game at the MCG.
It’s a goal that, with the ongoing support of SRS, is achieved annually.
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