By Kate Lockyer
Clayfield local Max Gow is only 22, but he has already touched the lives of many men of all ages throughout Southeast Queensland since founding a support organisation in 2022.
“We really want to transform the way support is delivered to our men – finding their passions and interests and setting goals to work towards,” Mr Gow said.
Albion-based Brothers Support Network provides disability support services across Brisbane, by males for males, specialising in supporting those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, acquired brain injuries and psychosocial disabilities.
“Before we start with someone, we will sit down with them and figure out what they enjoy and what their goals are, tailoring the support to them,” Mr Gow said.
“It could be something super small, like ordering their own lunch when out in the community… or it could be something as big as gaining employment or spending a weekend away from mum and dad.”
Mr Gow was on track to play professional rugby until he was badly injured in a game in 2020.
Alongside rugby, he had been working as a support worker, and after becoming injured this became his primary focus.
He quickly realised that many of the clients he worked with needed what he had taken for granted all his life: healthy habits, a positive mindset and most of all, a good mate – a brother.
Mr Gow established the organisation with his mother Sarah Gowns, and his brother Alex also works with them as a Team Leader.
Their services include in-home support based on building life skills, and community activities and respite trips away that get clients outdoors and interacting with society.
Their community barbeques have also allowed Brothers clients to build their own networks outside of their carers, making friends with other clients.
Mr Gow and Ms Gowns agree it is great to see the growth in their clients, but also in their staff.
“Over the year, we have a few barbeques, and you’ll see a kid arrive at the first one, and he’ll sit away and won’t speak, and then three barbeques later, he is kicking the footy and working the barbeque, and talking,” Ms Gowns said.
“That is the best thing about the barbeques – we want the guys to feel super confident and comfortable with us, but we’re not there to replace friendships,” Mr Gow added.
Ms Gowns said she was talking to the staff one day, and one of the young guys got a tear in his eye, saying, “I just love the fact that I’m making a difference”.
“We’re helping these young guys, but for our staff it’s an incredible journey as well,” she said.
If anyone is able to offer tickets, collaborations or opportunities for Brothers and their clients, get in touch with them at info@brotherssupportnetwork.com.
