Our Top 3 Arcades in Melbourne

We love our local Melbourne gaming arcades – especially since they are open rain, hail or shine. When it comes to What Ability and providing the safest disability support for our participants, we’re big fans of our local arcades!
When it comes to supporting NDIS participants and ensuring inclusive community access, Melbourne’s arcades shine bright. These venues provide a fun and safe environment that promotes:

  • Social interaction
  • Skill development
  • Community engagement

For individuals aiming to improve their social skills, the arcade offers a space to interact with peers, fostering communication and relationship-building in a relaxed setting. The various games and activities available can help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities, aligning with goals related to physical and mental development.

Additionally, the arcade structure is a safe and stimulating place for participants to practise independence, build confidence, and experience a sense of accomplishment. By integrating these experiences, a local gaming arcade supports the holistic development of NDIS participants, making strides towards their personal and social goals!

Whether you’re battling it out in a classic game of pinball or teaming up for a high-stakes round of air hockey, arcades are a great tool to build confidence and improve social skills.
With participants enjoying community access year-round, the answer was clear!

 

Looking for new support workers in Melbourne? Our team is ready! You pick the adventure and we’re in! To get started check out our top pages:

 

 

 

3. Akira’s ARCADE

326 Chapel St, Prahran

Coming in at third place is Akira’s Arcade! This vibrant, family-friendly gaming venue, combines the excitement of classic arcade games with modern entertainment. Also known as “Melbourne’s Hottest Anime-Themed Gaming venue”, it offers a diverse range of games, from nostalgic favourites to the latest interactive experiences. With a welcoming atmosphere, tasty snacks, and fun prizes, Akira’s Arcade is a great destination for a fellow quest lover or Dungeons and Dragons fan.

  • Fun fact: We may be biased, but we think this arcade may have the best claw machines in Melbourne!

 

 

 2. B Lucky & Sons Melbourne Central

Level 3/211 La Trobe St, Melbourne 

Claiming the second spot on this list is B. Lucky & Sons Melbourne Central. This unique, retro-themed arcade offers a nostalgic gaming experience. With a wide selection of games and good food options, it’s the perfect spot to get the heart rate up and have a laugh! We especially love the basketball and Mario kart games. 

  • Fun fact: The team at B Lucky & Sons have developed sensory maps for over five of their venues nationally! Keep your eyes peeled for yours Melbs!
  • Companion card: Fun and inclusivity is at the heart of the arcade! Bring your companion card and receive free access for your carer!
  • Ticket link

If you haven’t already, consider joining What Ability Foundation for your first arcade experience – you might even win a family pass to our #1 pick!

 

 

 1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Chadstone

1341 Dandenong Rd Service Rd, Chadstone

Topping this list is Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq located in Chadstone. This fan favourite arcade is much more than your typical arcade games, you’ve also got easy access to bowling, laser tag, VR experiences, as well as Dodgem Cars! 

In our opinion, it’s a fun-filled destination for all ages – thank you Funlab crew! There’s lots of different games for all abilities so you can play alone or grab the crew and book a bowling lane! If it’s a weekday, it’s likely you’ll spot a support worker or two with their participants at the Jurassic Park game. 

Good news, they also have good food. So after all that gaming, our crew typically grab lunch there. The American diner meets amusement park themed menu is definitely a crowd pleaser so the crew were very well fed! For more information or to make a booking, head to their Archie Brothers website.

  • Fun fact: They serve up the best hot chips in town—crispy, golden, and absolutely addictive!
  • Companion card: Good news! Archie Brothers welcomes Companion Cards and gives free arcade access to carers. 
  • Ticket link

 

 

Looking for more fun in Melbourne with your support worker? Follow us on socials or if you’re a What Ability participant, check out our activity planners here. 

If you’re keen to know more about how What Ability can support your needs, head to our website or call the team on 1300 358 714. Our Melbourne team can’t wait to hear from you!

By |2024-07-12T04:04:19+00:00July 12, 2024|News, VIC|0 Comments

You’re invited to our What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium!

Hey Perth! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at WA Athletics Stadium on Sunday, 4 August.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at WA Athletics Stadium is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

Secure your free spot here!
By |2024-06-25T23:28:41+00:00June 25, 2024|News, state based, WA|0 Comments

Three things you missed at the What Ability Day at Ballymore Stadium!

Sunday 12th of May marked the first year that we took over Ballymore Stadium for our free community event ‘What Ability Day Brisbane’. The event hosted over 100 people, celebrating all abilities and having fun on the field with their favourite local athletes like Tom Lynagh, Max Craig, Max Bryant, Dee Heslop and Nat Sligar!

Thanks to the support of our Major Partners, AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners and Tyrepower, and friends at Virgin Australia the day was a roaring success!

If you’re looking for disability support that puts happiness first, sign up today!

So, what were the top three highlights of event day?

Game Day: Utilising the Power of Sport

Athletes and Participants, name a more iconic duo! 

We believe sport has the power to change the world. Sport unites, celebrates and champions. 

At What Ability Days, participants get to meet their sporting heroes, some of whom are their disability support workers! From the likes of Max Bryant, Tom Lynagh, Max Craig, Dee Heslop and Nat Sligar, attendees had the best time playing games with their favourite athletes. 

Athletes are some of the most influential figures in our community. They have the power to break down existing barriers and stigmas in the disability sector. Part of breaking down stigmas means increasing visibility in a positive light. People living with a disability are key members of our community, and what better way to showcase this than taking over a stadium for a disability inclusive event that celebrates all abilities!

Ballymore Buzz: The Perfect Event Day Backdrop

The event was hosted at the newly redeveloped Ballymore Stadium, providing an awesome event day backdrop for Mother’s Day. 

Taking over the stadium was an unforgettable experience for all attendees. A huge, accessible space which participants and families made their own personal playground. A money can’t buy experience which allowed attendees to truly take in the massive scale of the stadium and play games where many historical sporting moments have occurred.

This once in a lifetime feature of What Ability Days is something we aspire to continue and increase visibility of, as we build an inclusive world. 

It Takes a Village

Building an inclusive world is a team effort. The What Ability Days would not be what they are without our friends at Virgin Australia and support of Major Partners AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners and Tyrepower.

Inviting local clubs to activate at What Ability Days, enhances the experience even more for our Brisbane community, as they interact with their favourite sporting teams! 

From planning to executing the day, we are working together to make sure we are LOUD, we are HEARD and we are making a collective difference. Together, we are leading the charge to build a future that is disability inclusive for all abilities. 

If you’re looking for 1:1 disability support with community access and overnight camps, get in touch with the team that’s putting happiness first!

By |2024-05-27T02:10:25+00:00May 23, 2024|News, QLD, state based|0 Comments

You’re invited to our What Ability Day at Ballymore Stadium!

Hey Brisbane! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday, 12 May.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at Ballymore Stadium is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

Secure your free spot here!
By |2024-04-10T23:07:57+00:00April 10, 2024|News, state based, VIC|0 Comments

NSW Waratahs Partner with What Ability

NSW Waratahs partner with What Ability 

Tuesday 5 March 2024

The NSW Waratahs are proud to announce that they will be joining forces with What Ability as an Official Community Partner in 2024.

What Ability is an NDIS registered disability support service that specialises in 1:1 community access and camps. What Ability employ capable, fit and friendly support workers across the country, some of which are professional and semi-professional athletes. What Ability’s vision is to build an inclusive world. Through their use of athletes as support workers, they aspire to break down the stigma of disabilities and help more families.

What Ability Founder Steve Dresler saw the benefits first-hand of athletes as support workers having faced early retirement through injury. What Ability is the evolution of Steve’s innate desire to create a positive impact amongst his peers.

Jared Chapman, What Ability CEO is thrilled about the new partnership, saying “We couldn’t be more excited to make our partnership with the Waratahs official. Both Angus and Leilani have been an integral part of our story and vision to build an inclusive world. It is partnerships like this that are helping us put happiness first for more families across the country.”

The Waratahs have previously had an association with What Ability through players such as Angus Bell and Leilani Nathan and are thrilled to formalise a partnership with the entire organisation in 2024.

“I’ve fallen in love with the work that What Ability does and I’m excited that they’re now an Official Community Partner of the Waratahs,” said Bell, who first joined What Ability as a support worker back in 2021.

“Athletes can play a massive role in the sector and in turn, it’s provided a positive ripple effect throughout my life.

“The whole experience has been a massive eye-opener for me. I absolutely love spending time with the participants, and I’ve grown a lot by having the responsibility of supporting someone else.

“Through giving to someone else you can also make yourself really happy.

“I’d highly recommend being a support worker with What Ability to other athletes because we can provide a positive difference in raising awareness and helping those with disabilities integrate into the community.”

Angus Bell What Ability Athlete Support Worker

Leilani Nathan is similarly thrilled to be broadening the Waratahs relationship with What Ability.

“What Ability is a wonderful organisation that makes a huge difference in the community, particularly the disability sector,” said the talented backrower.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with What Ability, making connections with some awesome people, and seeing the smiles on their faces.
“I know a lot of my teammates are looking forward to getting involved this year and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

The Waratahs partnership with What Ability will be officially launched in the Rugby for Good Round (Round 4) on March 16 at Allianz Stadium, where participants from What Ability will take the field forming a Guard of Honour for the men’s match against the Blues.

Alongside What Ability in the Guard of Honour will be, Platinum Partner of the NSW Waratahs Women and Official Charity Partner Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation, NSW Waratahs Charity Round Partner Bear Cottage, and the Positive Rugby Foundation.

Purchase your tickets for the Waratahs double-header here, where the women’s side will be going head-to-head against the ACT Brumbies, followed by the men’s clash with the Blues.

By |2024-03-04T22:53:24+00:00March 4, 2024|News, NSW, state based|0 Comments

Manly and What Ability Renew Community Partnership

Manly Sea Eagles renew their partnership with What Ability for another year of putting happiness first.

Thursday 22 February 2024

Manly Sea Eagles and What Ability, a leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, have announced the renewal of their community partnership focused on another season of unforgettable moments, unwavering teamwork, and unmatched dedication to building an inclusive world.

What Ability specialises in one-to-one community access for people living with disability by pairing them with support workers, which include a number of Australia’s elite and emerging sportspeople including Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Ben Trbojevic and Karl Lawton from the NRL Manly Sea Eagles. Activities are tailored to participants’ goals and needs which can see them meeting their sporting heroes while accessing community activities and overnight camps.

As part of the renewal, Manly Sea Eagles will continue to support What Ability in putting happiness first for people living with a disability. To benefit What Ability, Manly Sea Eagles will facilitate inclusive initiatives throughout the season; such as significant involvement in their community round, tickets to home games for What Ability participants and visibility to their community and network.

What Ability Athlete Support Worker Trbojevic

What Ability’s General Manager of Sport, Georgie Exton, said the decision to renew the community partnership was easy. 

“We saw such success in the first year of the partnership with Manly, with our players having active support worker roles and participants cheering along during games. This partnership brought joy to our participants and their families. The 2023 season provided unforgettable moments for our community and really raised the visibility of what we are trying to achieve in the sector.” Exton said.

What Ability CEO, Jared Chapman said the renewal of the partnership would ultimately strengthen the community. 

“Tom, Jake, Ben, Karl and Sean’s involvement has been a true testament to the partnership and Manly’s role in our story of building an inclusive world. Their involvement goes beyond mere participation; it embodies a shared vision, resonating with our collective mission of putting happiness first for people living with a disability. Essentially, the partnership highlights Manly’s pivotal role as a catalyst for change and influence in the community.”

To follow this partnership, check out What Ability (@whatability) and Manly Sea Eagles (@manlyseaeagles) on socials or if you’re looking for disability support, head to https://whatability.com.au/services/need-support/ to find out more.

By |2024-02-22T05:01:22+00:00February 22, 2024|News, NSW, state based|0 Comments

You’re invited to our What Ability Day at AAMI Park 2024!

Hey Melbourne! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at AAMI Park on Sunday, 17 March.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at AAMI Park is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

Secure your free spot here!
By |2024-03-05T05:01:35+00:00February 18, 2024|News, state based, VIC|0 Comments

Australian Grand Prix partner with What Ability Foundation

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation are thrilled to announce the What Ability Foundation as the community impact partner of the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024. The What Ability Foundation’s vision is to create an inclusive community across Australia, embarking on a mission to unlock one million experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Today’s announcement emphasises both organisations’ commitment to prioritising fun for people living with disabilities and ensuring that the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 is an event that is accessible for fans.

The FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 will see What Ability act as a presenting partner of the Turn 12 accessible platform as well as an activation site for all the fans to visit at Albert Park. The partnership spanning two years will also offer money can’t buy experiences for people with a disability to see behind the scenes of the Formula 1® spectacle.

“We are very excited to announce What Ability Foundation as the community impact partner for this year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.” – Haydn Lane, Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager Corporate Affairs & ESG.

“The partnership will support What Ability Foundation in their goal of fostering inclusivity throughout Australia by unlocking one million experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

“We believe sport has the power to build an inclusive world. Partnering with sporting events like the Australian Grand Prix, play a significantly influential role in breaking down barriers and stigmas in the disability sector.” – Jack Burey, What Ability Foundation Manager.

“Today’s announcement is all about putting fun first for people living with a disability. Our action-packed experience here at the Victorian Go Karting Club has been amazing, as we aim to create unforgettable memories for people living with a disability.”

For more information visit grandprix.com.au

By |2024-07-29T00:18:00+00:00February 1, 2024|News, state based|0 Comments

Top Athletes unite to celebrate International Day of People with Disability!

Our final What Ability Day of 2023 happened at GIANTS HQ and what a day it was!

The day brought the Sydney community together for a day filled with athletes, activities, fun, smiles and of course, happiness. 

Over 200 people attended the event, including Tom and Jake Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles), Piper Duck (Wallaroos), Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Lauren Cheatle (Sydney Sixers) and more!

Participants had the best time kicking the ball around and relaxing on the field alongside athletes from the top sporting codes.

Jared Chapman, What Ability CEO said “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. Seeing the community, athletes and staff come together for a disability inclusive event like today is so special.

Being able to include our Melbourne participants and their support workers was a once in a lifetime experience experience, thanks to our friends at Virgin Australia, I know our team will never forget.

Days like this reminds me why putting happiness first for people living with a disability is so important. We couldn’t be more grateful for the support of our Major Partners, volunteers and our What Ability athletes, for embracing our ‘why’ and helping us make our community a more inclusive place.”

The event was even featured on Channel 7, 9 and 10. We are very grateful to be able to share our work in helping to build a more inclusive world.

Thank you to everyone involved in the day, including our community partner, GWS GIANTS, our athletes, volunteers and support workers. A huge shout out to our friends at Virgin Australia, and Major Partners AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners & Tyrepower for helping us create an unforgettable day for people living with a disability! 

Also big thanks to Soda Stream and My Muscle Chef for joining us on the day!

Check out the full photo album here.

By |2023-12-15T03:06:40+00:00December 15, 2023|News, NSW, state based|0 Comments

You’re invited to our What Ability Day Sydney!

Hey Sydney! Get pumped for a What Ability Day coming your way!

You’re invited to hang out with us and your favourite local athletes at VAILO Community Centre on Saturday, 2 December.

Starting at 10am and concluding at 12pm, our What Ability Day at VAILO Community Centre is a free and disability inclusive event.

We’re inviting people with a disability, and their family, to join us on the day! There will be an activity zone to play sports, a chill out zone to hang out with friends and a media zone to see our athletes.

There are only 200 spots available, so sign up here to secure your spot

By |2023-11-09T05:02:32+00:00November 9, 2023|News, NSW, state based|0 Comments
 
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