Cherrybrook disability service provider, Inala, is excited to announce entertainment royalty Richard Wilkins AM has accepted their invitation to become Patron of this much-loved community organisation.
Inala supports nearly 200 individuals living with disability to live a life they choose. Offering both residential and day services, participants have direction over their lives, choosing the programs and activities they take part in, and contributing to the running of their homes.
CEO Alexandra Davis said Inala is proud to be able to offer individuals with disability support and services that provide opportunities to live a meaningful and purposeful life.
“We are delighted to have Richard join Inala as Patron, to support and advocate for the work we do at Inala. We enable each individual to take part in activities they choose, which could be yoga, packing boxes of vegetables for community members or pottery. There is a program for everyone,” Mrs Davis said.
Inala’s very popular cooking program has been busy reopening the Dulkara Café, in Cherrybrook on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We welcome customers who, for a donation of $5.50, can come and enjoy a scone and a cuppa.
“The Dulkara Café re-opening has involved almost every program at Inala. The pottery group made the plates, woodwork made the cart, and felting made the table runners. And the cooking program works hard every week to deliver a variety of delicious treats for our customers,” Mrs Davis said.
Richard was inspired to take up the role of Patron for Inala by his son Adam, who was born with Down Syndrome. Richard welcomes the opportunity to give back to the community that has provided Adam with a beautiful, strong and caring environment that has enabled him to live a life full of meaning, joy and purpose.
“We know Richard will make a huge contribution to Inala and we are so pleased to welcome him to the extended Inala community,” Mrs Davis said.
As Channel Nine’s Entertainment Editor and host of weekend shows on SmoothFM nationally, Richard has been at the forefront of Australia’s entertainment industry for 30 years.
“I have witnessed firsthand how it takes a community to raise a child, and especially one with a disability. Adam has to be one of the happiest people on the planet, and that is because of the many, exceptional people he has had in his life,” Mr Wilkins said.
During his long and distinguished career, Richard has hosted a number of top-rating TV shows including MTV Australia, Entertainment Tonight, and New Year’s Eve Festivities on Sydney Harbour for a decade. More recently he had a significant role at the state memorials of Olivia Newton-John and Barry Humphries. Richard is also the author of the best-selling book Black Ties, Red Carpets, Green Rooms.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to assist the wonderful work Inala does and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disability,” Mr Wilkins said.
