FORWARD STEPS MOBILITY – 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
By Kim Pilic

So, what have we been up to in the year 2020,
Some exciting things really, quite a lot, or, plenty,
Orientation and Mobility, the obvious for sure,
But you’ll be surprised, there’s so much more.
We’ve walked along beaches, and atop mountains,
Circumnavigating lakes, with attractive fountains,
Traversing a dam wall, with peaceful surrounds,
Walked among rainforest canopies, above the ground.
We’ve completed bushwalking treks, at Curtis Falls,
We’re definitely adventurers, beyond our four walls,
Climbing Burleigh Heads lookout, hastening our gaze,
Witnessing a Qantas 747, on its final air-born day.
We’ve visited regional settings, near and yonder,
Such as Toowoomba and Lismore, a countryside wander,
From CBD landscapes, to the mountains and sea,
Enjoying opportunities to explore, and walking free.

As for group activities, some milestone occurred,
Some logistical challenges, but we’ve not been perturbed,
The benchmark set high, reflecting people’s competence,
Signifying folks, with commendable confidence.
Commencing at Emerald Lakes, our numbers, a few,
Then, upping our challenge, for a Broadwater view.
Traversing Broadwater Parklands, all digging in deep,
Including little Nathan’s stroll, for a toddler’s peep.
Fish and chips by the water, with pelicans around,
Enjoying olfactory scents, and pleasant surrounds.
Then, Gold Coast Botanic Gardens, next on our list,
Exploring scents, mosaics, and playing games with a twist.
Like white cane limbo, with Hailey performing best,
And cane folding comps, where Christine won the test.
Next, Roma Street Parkland, trekking all the way around,
Dodging lazing water-dragons, enjoying heat from the ground.
Such a pristine Parkland, a most pleasant locale,
Landscaping at its best, on a grandeur scale,
We heard cascading water features, surrounding this place,
Whilst enjoying our walk, of a more moderate pace.

Of course, group activities covered public transport too,
We’re seasoned travellers, through and through,
We are intrepid commuters, accessing trains and light rail,
Engaging Apps such as ‘Moovit’, being on time without fail.
There’s no holding us back, catching Brisbane Ferry Cats too,
And bus routes travelling, heading somewhere quite new,
We have accomplished great feats, with strident gait,
Demonstrating our ability on bends, twists and straights.

Accompanied by working dogs, setting a cracking pace,
A couple with driven-urges, to be up front, like a race,
Then, finding their place, with determined legs and hearts,
Avoiding obstacles and weaving crowds, in doing their part.
Long cane travellers seen, walking commendable paces,
Utilising effective techniques, for safely accessing places.
Some opting for guiding approaches, to hasten their stride,
Providing social companionship, whilst walking alongside.
Now, where would we be, without Support Workers on hand,
Keeping an eye out, for things planned and unplanned,
Offering tremendous support, assisting logistical cares,
Providing descriptions and info, like, “Watch-out for the stairs”.

To all of the participants, you’ve done yourselves proud,
Walking many kilometres, whilst weaving through crowds,
I applaud your determined efforts, and individual feats,
Your travel abilities and calibre, saw you walking the streets,
With pavement underfoot, appearing strident in gait,
Extra springs in your step, as you reached the home straight.
Collaborating as a team, considerate care shining through,
Quite frankly, there was nothing these groups could not do,
Such commendable efforts, with camaraderie on show,
Getting ready for 2021, we have many places to go.