Ben had his long awaited OT Driving Assessment in October 2016, and it went really well.

Ben is behind the wheel in the photos on this page. The photos also show Ben driving on the open road. You cannot see his face as the windows are closed but you imagine him smiling!  Ben was behind the wheel with the OT assessor operating separate overriding controls from the passenger seat just in case.

This particular vehicle is used to determine what modifications Ben specifically requires. We have submitted an application to NDIS to fund at least part of the huge cost to modify the vehicle. Ben will require specialised driving lessons which cost more.

Driving means independence and a new outlook on life for Ben.

Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, in late May 2015  we were finally able to fulfil our dream to put Ben in the front seat of his own modified van.

Stage One: Ben in the front seat

Twelve months after the VW multivan was ordered from Germany, Ben’s new wheels arrived in port in December 2014. Max  then drove the van from Sydney down to Dandenong, Victoria, to undergo extensive modification for Ben to be able to use it as a passenger.

Somehow, nothing ever goes smoothly.  The three month modification process took six months with a number of setbacks. There are still some minor issues to resolve, however the good news is Ben has been using the van since the end of May.

Ben’s vehicle has already made a huge difference to his quality of life.   He no longer has to endure long waits for a Maxi Taxi.   As a result of his spinal injury, Ben feels variances in temperature much more severely than most of us.  Waiting in the winter cold and rain for a taxi impacts on his health. The van allows Ben to travel long distances or in peak hour traffic without the anxiety of an expensive taxi fare.

Stage two: Ben behind the wheel

Ben loves cars.  The Ben Lipski Foundation is now working towards the ultimate dream of Ben being able to drive his own van. Driving independently will be a huge boost to Ben, giving him more of the independence, flexibility and freedom we all take so much for granted.

How is it possible for Ben to drive?

First, Ben needs to undergo assessments.  He needs to demonstrate he can control the vehicle safely, comfortably and predictably.  We need to determine what driver modifications will be needed for this dream to become a reality.

Second, the van will need be modified.  We will likely use Problem Management Engineering (PME), specialists in the field of customising vehicles, to perform the work needed.

To our surprise, a preliminary assessment indicated that the driver modifications required for Ben would cost approximately $110,000. The high technology  components are sourced from suppliers in the US, Israel and parts of Europe.

We are planning another fundraiser, details to be advised. Despite the wonderful success of the October 2013 fundraiser, it would be unrealistic to expect that we could raise anywhere near the amount needed to finance driver modifications.  For this reason, we would be grateful if you could review the attractive items still for sale on our website and make an offer.

Also, with the financial year end fast approaching, please remember any donation over $2 to the Ben Lipski Foundation is tax deductible.

Your support and kind contributions are very much appreciated.

Ben left the Royal Ryde Rehab Centre to finally return home on Thursday 22nd May 2014. This is more than 13 months since Ben’s horrible accident.

The home modifications needed to make Ben’s home compliant were largely completed in May 2014. The building work included a number of special requirements such as ramps and railings, modified bathroom facilities, regulated air conditioning, special auto doors, security systems, other electronics, etc. The logistics are currently being worked through such that Ben can operate many of these by himself.

Aranac, the building company, have done a sterling job to ensure that Ben could be home as soon as possible.

Ben leaves Ryde Rehab and arrives home, May 2014.

Ben inspecting the works while in progress, April 2014.

The process of trialling / researching vehicles that complied with Ben’s ongoing needs commenced some time ago. Choosing a suitable vehicle has been complex but ultimately Ben’s decision. Considerations including size, engine capacity, safety, comfort /suspension, ability to future modify for Ben to drive, passenger and luggage capacity, height restrictions, etc have meant that this process was going to take some time.

However an order for a VW mulit-van was placed in May, with estimated delivery scheduled between October and November 2014.

On arrival from VW in Germany, it will be extensively modified for transporting Ben but have the flexibility to be subsequently modified at some future date for Ben to drive independently, at an  additional cost.  The engineering organisation selected, Capital Special Vehicles, is located in Dandenong, Victoria and is one of the leaders in its field.

We were all surprised to learn that the cost of the modifications will exceed the cost of the vehicle itself.

More scenes from the fundraising auction

With thanks to Jen for a selection of photos of happy auction winners

Our first fundraising event took place at Sydney’s Greengate Hotel on 20th October 2013.  The format was a fundraising auction of live and silent auction items kindly donated by some of Australia’s leading corporates and sporting identities from motor racing, rugby union, rugby league, cricket and from the English Premier League Club, Tottenham.   300 guests turned out to show their support who were well entertained by our guest speaker, Peter FitzSimons.  Our auctioneer, Ari Taibel, of First State Auctions, also entertained us with his excellent humour.

Through this fundraiser and subsequent donations received, the foundation has raised sufficient funds to purchase a suitable vehicle to transport Ben.  We are however slightly short of our target  for modifying the vehicle as this is more expensive than initially realised, and exceeds the cost of the vehicle itself.

To the generosity of so many amazing donors, to the many who attended the function and opened up their hearts through their generosity at the auction and to those who subsequently donated to the foundation so generously .. as a family we are overwhelmed by your kindness.

We acknowledge companies and individuals who supported the fundraiser with goods and services: