Darryl Darcy

Fairbridge CEO Mark Anderson takes his dog, Jessie, to be washed by Darryl.


Last week I had a very inspiring conversation with Darryl Darcy. Darryl was supported for several years by Fairbridge’s ENCLAVE program, a program that gives young people with disabilities a job.

The ENCLAVE workers are employed to help maintain the grounds at the village. This is more than just a job for participants though. It is way for these young people to feel a sense of accomplishment, gain some responsibility and meet new friends. These opportunities are often not given to the young people outside the ENCLAVE program due to the nature of their disabilities.

While speaking to Darryl Darcy about his new business, Sandy’s Dog Wash, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by his story. He said that the ENCLAVE program and the Fairbridge community had given him the self belief, confidence and had enlightened him to his love of dogs. He said he wouldn’t have ever started his own business and realised his potential if it wasn’t for Fairbridge. But at the end of the day the program is there to help him. He needed to have the character to respond to the help and turn his newfound confidence into something wonderful. And he has done that.

I was warmed by his story, his personality and his ability to start his own business. Something many people would not have the confidence to do.