Our Commitment to Participant Safety and Wellbeing
On 15 July 2025, Scope (Aust) received compliance notices from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission outlining areas for improvement in some of our Supported Independent Living (SIL) services.
As the Hawthorn Hawks power through another thrilling AFL season, one Scope resident is kicking goals of his own. Stuart, a lifelong fan and proud 33-year member of the Hawthorn Football Club, continues to live out his passion – backed by his family, fellow fans, housemate Harry, and a dedicated team of support workers.
Stuart lives at Scope’s Supported Independent Living home in Kew. He and his mother Elaine, also a Hawks member of more than 33 years, share a deep and enduring bond through their love of the game. Elaine once took Stuart to matches week after week – a cherished tradition that continues today, thanks to the support of Scope staff.
With Elaine now older, support worker Emma steps in to accompany Stuart and Elaine to matches. They’re often joined by fellow resident Harry, a recent Hawthorn Legend member.
Together, this spirited trio makes every game day count.
Emma, who regularly supports Stuart and Harry, said their growing presence at matches hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“You start to recognise familiar faces,” she said. “People get to know who Stuart and Harry are, and they engage with them — which has been lovely to support and witness.”
Stuart is quick to acknowledge others he remembers from past games, always eager to say hello and strike up a conversation. His enthusiasm is infectious – whether Hawthorn wins or loses, Stuart remains gracious, always celebrating the game.
Last year, Stuart took his passion to new heights. With support from Emma and joined by his sister, he flew to Launceston to watch the Hawks take on GWS. The plan was ambitious: a same-day return flight, two of his favourite things – football and planes – packed into one day.
Unfortunately, thick fog delayed the flight, and after four attempts to land, they arrived well into the second quarter. Like many other Hawthorn fans on the flight, they missed their scheduled participation in the guard of honour – a special moment arranged by the club after hearing Stuart’s story which was emailed earlier.
Despite the setback, the day was still magical. On the return flight, Stuart found himself starstruck, sitting among the GWS playing group. “It was a day I’ll never forget,” Emma said.
This year, Stuart and Harry also attended Hawthorn’s Family Day, where they met members of the club’s wheelchair footy team and snapped some treasured photos.
For Emma, supporting Stuart and Harry isn’t just a job — it’s a privilege.
“I’ve been lucky enough to tap into their shared love of footy and help them build real community connections and a strong sense of belonging,” she said.
Over time, Stuart has inspired Harry’s interest in the game, helping him learn the rules and appreciate the atmosphere. Every week, Stuart eagerly prepares for the game – laying out his supporter gear and reminding Emma, “We’re going to the footy!”
During the off-season, they replay classic matches on 7Plus to keep the footy spirit alive.
Stuart recently attended his annual check-up with his GP of 23 years, who was thrilled to see how happy, healthy, and settled he now is.
Just five years ago, Stuart was facing significant health challenges and relied on a wheelchair to manage daily life. Today, he only uses a wheelchair for long outings – like visits to the zoo or trips to the footy. At home, he’s independent, active, and engaged in every part of his routine.
After each match, Stuart and Emma sit down together at the computer to build something truly special – his own photo books. Their latest creation? The Hawks Games 2025 edition, with Stuart proudly featured on every page.
These books are more than keepsakes. They help Stuart relive joyful moments and provide an engaging way for others to better understand what he’s trying to communicate. They are a conversation-starter for Stuart and help his support workers explain what he is trying to communicate.
Emma confessed she’s a Melbourne Demons supporter – but that doesn’t stop her from proudly donning a Hawks jumper when she supports Stuart at games.
“Stuart has agreed that I can cheer for Melbourne... but only when they’re not playing Hawthorn!” she said.
The actions perpetrated against Lee-Anne were abhorrent
The past acts of assault towards Scope client Lee-Anne Mackey are distressing and unacceptable. Scope has apologised to the Mackey family for the gross mistreatment Lee-Anne has endured. We continue to engage Lee-Anne and her family and work with them to identify ways to improve her care.
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