Toowoomba Muay Thai trainer Michael Cooper celebrates anniversary of Carers Queensland

A local Muay Thai trainer with a rare disability has spoken out about how a local organisation provided him with life-changing support.

Just a few short years ago, Toowoomba’s Michael Cooper weighed 165 kilograms and was taking 64 tablets a day.

Having been diagnosed with Corneal Keratoconus, a condition that eventually leads to blindness, Mr Cooper was in need of support, and engaging with an organisation in Toowoomba changed his life.

Michael Cooper was the first person in Australia to receive NDIS funding for his guide dog, Cody.

Mr Cooper began his experience with Carers Queensland and the NDIS in 2018, after he was diagnosed.

He applied for the Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program.

“I’ve been very proactive in the process ever since and was the first person in Australia to receive funding for my seeing eye dog Cody,” he said.

“Having the right team around me has always been key to an effective and productive plan.

“Knowing how to get the best out of your NDIS plan is also helpful.”

With assistance from a very special team of supporters, he now lives successfully with Cody, and works as a Muay Thai trainer.

He has lost 60 kgs and lives a medication-free lifestyle.

Michael Cooper was the first person in Australia to receive NDIS funding for his guide dog, Cody.

He encouraged people like him to reach out for help as soon as they could.

“Only one person can truly defeat you, the same one that changed who you were or who you will become,” he said.

“Be the warrior you are, do not defeat yourself.”

Carers Queensland, is celebrating its fifth anniversary operating out of Toowoomba, and helping people like Mr Cooper.

Kara McCollom was one of Toowoomba’s very first team leaders with Carers Queenslands.

She remembers when the organisation opened its doors in Toowoomba with only a small start-up team.

Now, the team has expanded and achieved so many goals, like the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan which launched in 2021.

“Now we have 36 staff members who support over 3500 participants who live across five local government areas – Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Maranoa and Goondiwindi,” she said.

“From taking part in the ‘Carnival of Flowers’ parade to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth groups, Carers Queensland is the region’s leading advocacy, referral and support organisation for people with disability and their families when they engage with mainstream, community and government systems.”

To get in touch with Carers Queensland, call 1300 999 636, or [e-mail].