September is really Steptember for Right at Home Australia and the month we recognise those working tirelessly to research, treat, service, and assist those living with cerebral palsy (CP). We would like to take this opportunity to introduce our brand ambassador Lucas Protopapas, who lives with CP. We thank Lucas for his commitment to our mission to improve the quality of life for those we serve and for taking the time to sit for an interview.

Tell us about yourself. What are your favourite things to do?

I’m 27 years old and I have CP. I have two supportive older sisters and beautiful mum! I love playing lawn bowls, darts, and basketball. I also love watching the AFL footy, NBL, darts, and of course lawn bowls on television. I go to as many games as I can. I also enjoy playing mini golf too.

What jobs do you do?

I work at Bowls Australia two days a week, one day in the office doing office work – little jobs helping the staff members – and one day at home doing the National Ranking Points system. I also do one day during our summer season at Bowls Victoria helping their staff. Most importantly, I’m brand ambassador for Right at Home Australia!

Who is your favourite work mother, lol?

Glenda Manne

What is your favourite footie team?

Essendon Football Club (AFL).

Can you tell us about your cerebral palsy journey and how you got into lawn bowls?

I was born with cerebral palsy and as a result have had several surgeries on my legs, feet, and toes each requiring six to eight months of intensive physiotherapy during recovery. I have also had many treatments of Botox injections, which required hospital day procedures.

My grandparents took me down to their local bowls club at Blackburn RSL at six years old but I didn’t know at the time if I would enjoy it. Unfortunately, that club closed so my grandparents went to Heatherdale Club and then when I was nine years old, I had another go and I instantly loved it! I was too young to join at the time on my own, so my parents and my sister joined with me. Mum and I have been playing competitively for 19 years now, but Dad and my sister stopped.

Can you tell us about what you have been doing for Cerebral Palsy Alliance?

I have been doing guest speaking for Steptember at organisations promoting and talking about Steptember, talking about living with CP and of course my bowls journey as well. It’s very important for the public to understand the challenges of living with CP and how the donations can help research and provide assistance for equipment and therapy throughout our journeys. Like most disabilities and diseases, CP affects us differently and our needs can be significantly different.

What are you doing for Steptember 2023?

During September I will be walking or bike riding – 10,000 steps a day – to raise money and awareness for people living with CP. Something that is of course close to my heart.

What is the link to your fundraising page?

Visit my fundraising page here! 

What are your bowls goals this season?

I have lots of goals, but my main ones are to play at the highest level I can at my bowls club Heathmont in pennant and to win a club, regional, state, and national title.

What has it meant for you to be a Right at Home brand ambassador?

IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME!

I never thought anyone would want me to be their brand ambassador! Admittedly, I didn’t really understand what it was but I’m so grateful to Glenda for taking the time to teach me. I feel so privileged to be representing Right at Home, the more I learn about what they do, is exactly the type of business I would like to be representing, it makes me proud.

I love trying to come up with new products for our show bags and new ways of getting the word out there. I have met some really nice people like master franchise owners Daryl and Karen in Brisbane, Gold Coast owner Jim, and Warrnambool owner Jeremy who is also a lawn bowler making our time together more special, playing, and wearing the Right at Home uniform together. Now I look forward to meeting some of the newest franchise owners – Aidan from Melbourne Glen Waverley and Jenny from Melbourne Brighton.

Right at Home has given me so many opportunities to learn new skills and play in bowling events I never thought would be possible. Spreading the Right at Home word is fast becoming my favourite thing to do. All my bowling friends talk to me about Right at Home and are always commenting when they see the commercial on television – this makes me feel very privileged.

My bowling friends are always happy to play events with me wearing the Right at Home uniform and being on the Right at Home team – this makes me feel right at home on the green!

Your support has given my life a boost and I will always be very grateful.

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees, Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT Canberra; ACT & Queanbeyan; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Greater Logan; Mackay; Melbourne Brighton: Melbourne Glen Waverley; Moreton Bay Region; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Sunshine Coast; Townsville; Central West New South Wales; Gosford; Hunter & Port Stephens; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Southern NSW; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southwest Victoria; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney Five Dock;