Fremantle’s Recruitment Assistant Ben ‘Wheelz’ Marks has just moved into his new home and he’s a happy man. Although a thirty year-old man getting his own place may not seem like a remarkable event—in this case it is.

Ben has muscular dystrophy and needs an electric wheelchair to get around. But he doesn’t let his disability hold him back and he has been an employee at the club for 12 years.

‘Wheelz’, as he is fondly known as around the club, assists the recruiting department with match analysis and is a popular member of the staff group.

Although Ben’s parents Deborah and Russell were more than happy to have Ben continue living at home, she supported his desire to have a home of his own.

Ben applied for housing with the Department of Housing four years ago, requesting a location not too far from Fremantle headquarters.

A few of Ben’s mates from Fremantle including Antoni Grover, Andrew Foster and Rhys Palmer were at his new home in Beaconsfield during the week with Housing Minister Troy Buswell to congratulate Ben and the housing team who helped make his dream a reality.

“This purpose built home was designed in consultation with Ben, by architect John Blake and Department of Housing occupational therapist Susan Davis,” said Mr Buswell.

“The overall design and the layout and selection of the fixtures and fittings have been done with Ben in mind: specifically, to allow him to be as independent as possible in every aspect of his daily life.”

The lengthy design and construction phase of the home gave Ben time to adjust to the prospect of leaving the family home and his very supportive mother and to secure care funding. He also diligently saved so he could purchase everything he needed to furnish his new home and lifestyle.

“Ben is extremely grateful to the Department—especially Sue Davis, to John Blake and to Brian Weston of the Bullcreek Lions for the opportunity to live independently,” said Ben’s Mum, Deborah.

“He’s thrilled with the finished unit and the fact that he can get to work at the Fremantle Football Club so easily.”

Troy Buswell said the new home highlights the Department’s interactive role in ensuring people with disabilities are housed to support their disability and have access to essential work and community services and how vital this was for people such as Ben.

“Great outcomes such as this are the result of a lot of hard work: careful occupational therapy assessment of housing and lifestyle requirements and planning to fit with our building opportunities programs,” he said.

“We must continue to support those who support people with disabilities.”