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At 25, Brenton Ponza has achieved so much, demonstrating leadership, advocacy, and a strong commitment to his local Boroondara community.
Some of his incredible achievements include:
Through various roles such as research advisor, communication advocate, athlete, coach and volunteer, Brenton exemplifies what inclusion and participation look like in everyday life.
“My name is Brenton Ponza. I am 25 years old. I love cars and the Western Bulldogs, and I have cerebral palsy (CP). CP affects my walking, balance, speech and physical ability, but it doesn’t stop me from being part of my community,” Brenton shares.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age, Brenton emphasises that accepting his disability has been an important process. “It has been very challenging for me to accept my disability, but I am happy with who I am.”
Brenton has completed the Melbourne Marathon 15 times, earning him the prestigious Blue Spartan singlet. “It was an incredible experience to take part in the Melbourne Marathon 15 times,” he says. “The atmosphere is always full of energy, encouragement, and community spirit. Finishing each race inside the MCG is such a powerful and emotional moment.” Becoming an Honorary Blue Spartan is one of his proudest achievements. “The Spartan community is incredibly supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. They made me feel like I truly belong” he adds.
Brenton’s involvement in gymnastics started as a participant and grew into coaching. “I’m proud to give back as a volunteer gymnastics coach at the Boroondara Sports Complex (BSC),” he says. “I really enjoy helping younger athletes learn new skills, build their confidence, and have fun, just like I did when I first started.”
Using his Tobii electronic communication device, Brenton provides feedback to gymnasts in both mainstream and inclusive classes. “It is a fantastic job,” he says. “People from Gymnastics Victoria and BSC have supported me so much.”
Brenton is now employed as an Assistant Gymnastics Coach at BSC, combining his interest in sport with his commitment to inclusion.
As a Disability and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Advisor at the Centre of Research Excellence, Brenton ensures that people with lived experiences are integral to research and decision making.
“Just because I don’t have a verbal voice and speak through a device doesn’t mean I don’t have opinions like everyone else. It just means I communicate differently,” he explains. His advisory roles allow him to share valuable perspectives on disability inclusion and communication access.
Volunteering is a significant part of Brenton’s life. He volunteers at several organisations, including RSPCA, Collingwood Children’s Farm, Kevin Heinze Grow Garden, YMCA, Boroondara Sports Complex, and the Western Bulldogs’ Western Oval. “This connects my love for the Bulldogs with my passion for community involvement,” he says.
Brenton also supports the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre by helping train new speech pathologists and fundraising each year through the marathon.
Brenton defines inclusion as “everyone is valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to participate, no matter their abilities or how they communicate. It’s about removing barriers, accepting everyone’s differences, and seeing what people can do instead of focusing on what they find hard.”
He believes community celebrations such as the International Day of People with Disability are crucial for promoting understanding and acceptance. “It’s a reminder that people with disability have perspectives, talents and experiences that make our community special. Celebrating together encourages real inclusion, where everyone feels they belong, and their voices are heard.”
Brenton's story highlights the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and community involvement. By sharing his experiences and perspectives, Brenton continues to make a positive impact on those around him.
