Breakaway Retreat is a slice of heaven for people with disabilities and their families, with their accommodation catering to all levels of disabilities.  The accommodation offers an extensive range of accessible features, including electric beds, hoists and even disabled change tables.

In today’s post, Sally Richards shares her personal journey at Breakaway Retreat, and why she loves working there. I also share with you the incredible accessible features and activities of this fabulous retreat, just 90 minutes from Sydney.

As the site hire and venue coordinator at Breakaway retreat, in 10 short months, Sally says Breakaway has touched her heart beyond words. Sally explains, “The staff and volunteers here are amongst the most passionate people I have ever come across. Their vision and hard work to make Breakaway a haven for children and adults with disabilities are immeasurable”.

Established in 1982 as a not for profit Charitable Organization, Breakaway is a registered service provider for the NDIS and a member of NDS (National Disability Services). They specialise in providing respite care and tranquil accommodation for people with disabilities, their carers and families.

Breakaway also provide emergency respite care. They also hire out the site and facilities to the general public to raise additional funds for their camps. So if you are an organization seeking a place for your participants, Breakaway is an ideal venue.

Carers need a break too

The vital role of a carer to someone with a disability is often overlooked in Australia, and carer fatigue is something I am passionate about highlighting wherever possible. Breakaway recognises that carers need a break too, and they are also most welcome at Breakaway on a holiday.

Furthermore, do ask for more information about their respite carers, as Breakaway can arrange one, or however many you may need to assist you. (Do check with your NDIS funding, as this may be included in your NDIS plan).

For their Breakaway camps, volunteers assist in supporting the carers who stay, making a camp more affordable.

Newly renovated

During a short break through the Covid Epidemic isolation period, Breakaway renovated their cabins with large wheelchair friendly bathrooms and brand new king single electric beds that are extremely comfortable. They also newly renovated Breakaway Lodge that holds up to 200 people with top of the line Disability bathrooms, which is perfect for large events. Click HERE for our listing information which provides extensive information about the accessible features.

The setting:

Breakaway is purpose-built from the ground up for people with disabilities. A tranquil retreat set on 25 acres that can sleep up to 96 people that backs onto beautiful bushland and the stunning Budgewoi lake in the heart of the Central Coast NSW. Located in San Remo, Breakaway is just 57 minutes from Hornsby, 53 minutes from Newcastle and 35 minutes from Gosford.

Positioned only moments away from the Entrance, Tuggerah Westfield shopping centre, Munmorah national park, Numerous stunning disability-friendly beaches and activities and moments away from shops. Breakaway is a slice of heaven for people with disabilities and their families.

The accommodation- best of both worlds:

Whether you are a group, a family seeking respite, or just need a regular style holiday that is accessible, Breakaway offers 16 comfy cabin-style motel rooms and total overnight accommodation for up to 96 guests. Their rooms are also available to book just like a regular motel.

Accessible features:

As the property is purpose-built for people with disabilities, Breakaway can accommodate the highest disability needs. Arrive at Breakaway and park in the secure on-site disabled parking, and enjoy the following features in their accommodation:

• Accessible Toilet Seat
• Adjustable Grab Bars
• Disabled Change Table
• Electric Adjustable Bed
• Fixed Grab Bars
• Mobile Hoist
• Service Dog Provisions
• Shower Chair
• Step-Free Access
• Step-Free Shower

The property is secure, gated with codes required for access, giving you peace of mind.

Ideally suited for all manner of events

Breakaway is well suited for all manner of indoor and outdoor events - including weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and much, much more. Apart from perfectly accessible accommodation, Breakaway has 3 great function rooms to choose from, each with its own kitchen. Also, the choice of in-house catering or self-catering and respective table seating for up to 50, 90, 200 guests.

Activities

Wheelchair friendly Beaches

Possibly one of the best parts about Breakaway’s location is the extensive options for people with disabilities to hire a beach wheelchair. Roll on the sand, or experience the freedom of floating in the water. Wheelchair friendly beaches are as follows, booking form can be filled out to hire a beach wheelchair. Click HERE for the link to book the following beach wheelchair hire locations:

• Avoca Beach
• Copacabana Beach
• Killcare Beach
• Lakes Beach
• Macmasters Beach
• Ocean Beach
• Shelly Beach
• Soldiers Beach
• Terrigal Beach
• The Entrance
• Toowoon Bay
• Umina Beach
• Wamberal Beach

Available for use during your stay:

• Playground
• Tennis courts
• Basketball courts
• Sensory trail
• Outside and inside amenities
• Tranquil garden
• Communal kitchen
• Games room
• Wheelchair accessible path to the lake

Breakaway also provide day hire of their multi-purpose tennis court, playground and barbecue/picnic facilities. BBQ areas

Their Auxiliary Cottage, fundraisers and events

Breakaway Facility has The Auxiliary cottage located on the premises with lots of beautiful crafts and homemade foods that can be purchased to help raise money for their disability camps. They are always holding events and fundraisers, so be sure to check out their Facebook page to see what's coming up.  Click HERE for the link. Events such as:

• Car boot sale Markets
• Breakaway High Tea Fundraiser
• Bryan Dorfling Budgewoi to Bondi swim
• Alec Baker 150km bike ride fundraiser
• An evening on the grass event with the roll again band playing

Sponsorship, donations and volunteers:

Sally says, “We are eternally grateful to all who support us via way of sponsorship, donations, bequests, personal volunteering, corporate volunteering, workplace giving, in-kind donations and pro bono work”. Accessible Accommodation is so very proud to support and sponsor Breakaway, and you can too. For more information about their major sponsors, please check Our Supporters page HERE and don't forget to check out the Donating and Volunteering plus. Click HERE for the link.

Breakaway is always on the lookout for volunteers, and provide free training. Such as:

• Artist and/or Dancer and/or Musician
• Assistant Camp Coordinator
• Assistant Carer
• Assistant Program Coordinator
• Carer (One to One)
• Child or Teenager Sibling Companion
• Fundraiser
• Gardener
• Health & Beauty
• Lodge Worker
• Maintenance & Trade Work
• Marketing & Media
• Nursing Coordinator
• Program Coordinator
• Registered Nurses (RN's

Simply call Breakaway Monday-Friday between 9.00 am and 5 pm on (02) 4390 7624 or pop an enquiry through on the listing HERE and the crew will get back to you promptly. To read more about their incredible journey, click HERE for a booklet to view online.

And there you have it, a true slice of heaven for people with disabilities and their families, catering to all levels of disabilities.

Kerryxx