Club Aruma (the Club) is a vibrant program designed to support social and community participation for people with disabilities. With a growing participant base and need for a fresh new space for connecting, learning and fun, the Club recently revamped its office space to make way for a vibrant new social hub. We were thrilled to collaborate with their Community Manager, Chris Hurry, to bring this vision to life with stylish and practical furniture plus a new 75-inch HDi Interactive Smartboard. Working with resident experts Greg Gibbons and Sascha Fischer, the transformation is a great achievement for Chris, staff and participants alike.
Belong, connect, explore
Club Aruma is one of many initiatives part of leading disability service provider Aruma (formally House with No Steps), dedicated to supporting individuals with community supports, home and living assistance, therapy services and employment opportunities through its supported businesses. Collectively supporting over 5,000 individuals, their approach prioritises person-centred care, enabling clients to live inclusive, self-determined lives.
The key focus at Club Aruma is providing opportunities for individuals to connect with others, build friendships, and achieve personal goals in a welcoming and inclusive environment. With tailored activities and a focus on fostering a sense of belonging, the Club helps participants engage meaningfully with their communities. The program emphasises choice and flexibility, allowing participants to explore their interests and pursue activities that align with their aspirations.
Aruma is the disability service provider who puts You. First. Looking to get in touch? Visit our website or give us a call on 1300 538 746
Clever furniture that makes an impact
Working with Greg proved invaluable for Chris as she revamped the Charlestown Hub to accommodate its growing demand. Greg’s expert knowledge of furniture, materials, and finishes helped transform the space into a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment that now doubles the capacity for participants and support workers. With walls removed to create two large open-plan areas, the redesign ensured easy access to breakout rooms, the kitchen, and nearby offices, while also incorporating brand colours to personalise the look.
Greg recommended marine vinyl, a durable, easy-to-clean material perfect for shared spaces, for elements like teardrop bean bags and seating. Chris noted, “Greg organised for marine vinyl covering which looks great and means we can clean it easily to ensure everything is hygienic”, she said.
Additional solutions included desks with mounted screens for single-person computer booths, storage cupboards, and a custom communal table with curved edges for safety and flexibility. Reflecting on the experience, Chris shared, “Greg visited and saw our space. I had an idea of what I wanted, but having Greg talk me through options to fill the space and make it feel inviting was great.” The reimagined hub now includes a variety of zones for relaxing, collaborating and having fun, ensuring participants feel welcome and engaged.
Following the vibrant new social hub, the Club is poised to soon offer Friday night social events to provide inclusive activities that participants can enjoy.
Interactive technology
HDi Interactive Smartboards, such as the HDi Flex, are an excellent choice for community organisations offering shared spaces, thanks to their versatility, durability, and user-friendly features. With a stunning 4K resolution touchscreen, the HDi Flex delivers quality for videos, presentations, presentations and more. Its integrated operating system ensures a seamless experience similar to using a tablet or computer, while the 4mm toughened glass provides durability, making it ideal for frequent use. Content sharing is also convenient via HDMI, USB and browser functionality.
For staff and participants, having a HDi has “increased engagement with cooking classes and playing online game and puzzles” said Chris. While the large screen makes it easier to follow along with videos and recipes, the flexible, one-touch adjustable stand ensures it is at the perfect height for various activities and is mobile enough to move around the space as needed. “It’s very convenient being able to move the screen around and adjust it for participants. In doing so, support workers can also be with them as needed” she said.
Choosing the right screen can take some time. Chris, praised Sascha’s expertise in helping select the right screen, describing his insights as “very communicative and knowledgeable. ” The HDi Flex has proven to be a valuable addition, combining practicality and innovation to support community connection and learning.
Is your community organisation or not-for-profit looking to renovate? Now could be the right time to refresh your space and achieve the same level of satisfaction as Club Aruma participants and partners. Speak to Greg and Sascha to learn how you can benefit from a new furniture fit-out and HDi Interactive Smartboards to achieve the latest style and functionality. Contact us today to get started at info@sharpoffice.com.au or via 4962 1313.
