A long-awaited reunion: Brothers Adam and Bradley reconnect at Yooralla
After years of separation, two brothers, Adam and Bradley, are finally able to spend precious time together at Yooralla’s Wangaratta Community Hub.
After years of separation, two brothers, Adam and Bradley, are finally able to spend precious time together at Yooralla’s Wangaratta Community Hub.
Adam and Bradley moved into separate Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes at a young age. While Adam remained in his Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Wangaratta, Bradley’s journey took him from care near Wagga Wagga at the age of eight, to Melbourne when he was eleven, and later to Glenroy in 2006. During this time, there were not many opportunities for Adam and Bradley to be together.
Due to their disability, Adam and Bradley were unable to contact one another during these years apart.
The reunion
That all changed in early 2024, when Bradley’s care team reached out to Bridie, Acting Service Manager – Wangaratta Community Hub.
Bradley’s team advised that he was moving to Wangaratta from Melbourne, and they would like him to attend Wangaratta Community Hub with his brother. Bridie helped make this happen, so Adam and Bradley could attend the hub together twice a week.
At this point, Adam had already been attending the hub for over ten years, so staff were very excited to meet Bradley.
“Staff would often talk to Adam about Bradley joining our programs in the lead up. Just hearing Bradley’s name always made Adam smile,” said Bridie.
The bond between Adam and Bradley
Despite being apart for so many years, the brothers share remarkable similarities. Not only do they look alike, but they also both enjoy the outdoors into the sunshine, and love going for drives.
Adam and Bradley both receive 1:1 support on the same day at Yooralla twice a week. “The staff support [Adam and Bradley] to be together as often as possible,” said Bridie.
Though they are non-verbal, staff at Wangaratta Community Hub often observe the brothers interacting in their own way—touching each other’s hands or legs and seeking each other’s presence in the room. These moments speak volumes about the bond they share.
Seeking connection?
Yooralla’s Social and Community Participation services can be tailored to your needs and interests. Talk to us today about what’s important to you, and together, we can work on a plan for you to find your passion and live life your way!