By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
OVER four long nights the fate of missing Narre Warren boy Luke Shambrook was on the minds of seemingly every Victorian.
The 11-year-old had disappeared in bushland near Lake Eildon during his family’s annual Easter camping trip, and apart from a beanie no sign of Luke, who has autism, was discovered until the boy was spotted by police helicopters on Tuesday 7 April.
But his parents, Rachel and Tim, were just as conscious of the effect Luke’s disappearance would be having on his younger siblings, Matthew, 10, and Lauren 7, and this comes as no surprise to people who know the Shambrooks.
Rachel has been pivotal in setting up the Casey Cardinia Sibling Support group, officially launched late year, and is passionate about caring for siblings of children with a disability.
Rachel said the idea for the fortnightly group was born out of discussions she had held with fellow parents at local support groups.
“When we met together one thing we were acutely aware of was the challenges that our sons and daughters carry, not only now but will continue to carry in the future,” she said.
“And as much as you’d like to shelter them from it, they’re going to have to carry a lot of responsibility as our respective individuals with additional needs get older and by default they (siblings) pick up more and more.”
Rachel said the siblings’ network encouraged anyone interested to get involved with the group, including school staff, community representatives, early intervention representatives, funding bodies and councils.
“Our kids need the friendship with others to connect with others in the same situation,” she said.
“It’s sibling support for kids and it’s to say hey you kids, let’s get together.
“Let’s build you up as individuals and give you a sense of self-worth and give you a chance to offload.
“It’s a chance to make them feel special.”
For more information on the Casey Cardinia Sibling Support Group, contact Lynne Wood on 0418 147 558.
