swara Information

Who are we? 🧡 swara is a learning and life skills centre for people with disabilities and is situated in 101 Park Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane. The centre is open Monday-Friday and provides a learning environment that aims to inspire people with disabilities to improve their life skills and enable them to engage more fully in the wider community. Types of activities include; metal work, horticulture, kitchen training, bakery, art & craft, exercise, independent living skills, music and drama. The centre is run on the principles of mutual respect, self help and co-operation where each individual is an active stakeholder. What's our history? 💗 swara was founded in 1975, by Pink Twins Dorothy and Moyia O’Brien who saw the need to help families and communities. They used their own funds, and those of loyal supporters, to establish swara in the Roma Street Parklands. The Twins understood that many people with disabilities need, first and foremost, a sense of value, of belonging, and of relationships that are secure and not too dependent on conformity. These two wonderful ladies identified that, often, the greatest handicap was the lack of self-esteem, and the experience of isolation and rejection that befell many in our community with disabilities. The Twins would often talk about finding a spark in another, and fanning that spark until it becomes a roaring flame. We at swara are committed to recognising and nurturing sparks and flames in all who walk through the door at 101 Park Road, Woolloongabba. We will work on that human potential. In everyone, and not just our clients. And we will celebrate as we make those flames roar. We will do this through Loving Service.