Toowoomba’s Autistic Angels owner plans $7m gym for people with disabilities, funds raised in Run The Range event

Toowoomba residents with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities could soon be able to train in a gym built specially for them. We show how the project will look.

Rosie Scarlett and Bradley Hindmarsh are not only preparing to take part in one of Toowoomba’s toughest fun runs, they’re also raising money to build a $7m gym that is tailor-made for people like them.

The Toowoomba pair, who have intellectual disabilities, are part of personal trainer Isaac Rae’s team tackling the Rotary Run The Range Milne Bay Challenge on May 7.

Mr Rae runs fitness business and NDIS provider Autistic Angels (soon to be called Activelife Support Services), and his charity Autistic Angels Indigenous Corporation is one of many that will receive part of the proceeds from the event.

(from left) Bradley Hindmarsh, Isaac Rae and Rosie Scarlett. The team from Autistic Angels gym will take part in Run the Range. Saturday, March 25, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“We’ve got 10 (in the team) at the moment but we’re hoping to get 50 involved,” he said.

“It’s going to be a marathon for Rosie, because one of our strides are two of hers.

“We go training about two or three times a week, and she’s a lot healthier.”

Mr Rae, who has autism, said his ultimate goal through his charity was to build a specially designed gym and training facility for people with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities.

Concept art for a new specialised disability gym and training facility in Toowoomba, spearheaded by Autistic Angels director Isaac Rae. Art by Hutchinson Builders.

“We’re building a disability-focused gym — children (and adults) with autism have sensory issues that make going to normal ones hard, so we’re building one ourselves,” he said.

“$7m, that’s the price — it’s going to be a big gym.

“We’re just starting off, but we’ve got the 3D renders thanks to Hutchinson Builders.

“We’re still in the process of securing the land, so we’ve been talking to the Toowoomba Regional Council.”

Concept art for a new specialised disability gym and training facility in Toowoomba, spearheaded by Autistic Angels director Isaac Rae. Art by Hutchinson Builders.

Mr Rae said the gym would cater to people who were sensitive to light and loud noises, would be fully accessible for all body types and even include special courts for wheelchair sports.

“It’s all for the community, and the more the community backs it, the faster it will be there for them,” he said.

“It would bring everyone together, because a lot of kids and teens (with disabilities) feel isolated, and I wanted to bring everyone together and feel safe.”

Mr Rae noted the plan was still in its infancy and would take significant fundraising to get off the ground.

To learn more about Autistic Angels and how to support the Run The Range team, head to the website.