Scotty has always loved talking football. Today, thousands of people are listening.
The 27-year-old Essendon supporter, who has an intellectual disability, entertains thousands of football fans through TikTok and has become a regular football voice on community radio after discovering broadcasting through Wallara Australia’s Media Pathways.
Scotty has built a loyal following of more than 26,000 people on TikTok, where his football videos have attracted fans from across Australia.
Every year, more than 100 people with intellectual disability participate in Wallara’s Media Pathway day programs, creating community radio programs, Spotify podcasts, social media content, photography, animation and video while building communication, storytelling and digital media skills, confidence and pathways to employment.
Clients create content for audiences, gaining practical experience alongside experienced broadcasters and media professionals.
The program extends across Radio Port Phillip FM (RPPFM), Casey Radio 97.7FM and Wallara’s purpose-built media studio at The Hub @ Sages Cottage Farm, creating one of Australia’s most innovative opportunities for people with disability to become broadcasters, creators and storytellers.
Scotty“I love being able to work with my mates and just banter about football.”
Finding his voice behind the microphone
While football helped Scotty build an online following, it was behind the microphone that he truly found his voice.
Since joining Wallara’s hospitality team at Sages Café, one of six social enterprises operated by Wallara, in 2020, Scotty discovered a passion for broadcasting after joining Radio Port Phillip FM’s monthly outside broadcasts from the farm.
What started as a guest appearance alongside broadcaster John Shore OAM quickly became one of the station’s most popular segments.
Today, Scotty travels to RPPFM’s Mornington studios every Friday, where he interviews AFL players, shares match predictions and entertains listeners with his infectious passion for football.
A favourite with listeners
President of Radio Port Phillip FM and Friday Breakfast presenter, John Shore OAM has watched Scotty’s confidence grow.
“From the little fella I met seven years ago to the young man now, what I see is poles apart. He’s not shy anymore and he can talk about football with his head underwater. It’s a match made in heaven.”
Shore says Scotty’s segment has become a favourite with listeners.
“We always get messages come through on the text line — the listeners love it. Seeing these young people come out of their shell, it’s beautiful.”
For Scotty, the opportunity has been about much more than football.
“Sages Café is one of the best places on Earth to come to. I love being able to work with my mates and just banter about football,” he said.
Media opportunities across Wallara
Wallara CEO Phil Hayes-Brown says communication has become one of today’s most valuable life and employment skills.
“Scotty is a fantastic example of what’s possible when people are given genuine opportunities to build confidence and develop practical media skills.”
“Wallara clients aren’t just learning about media—they’re creating it. They’re interviewing guests, producing radio programs, recording podcasts and creating digital content that reaches real audiences.”
“15 years ago, we decided to invest resources in building our media operations to tell our own stories and we created WallaraTV. Today our YouTube channel under that name has over 500 videos and we are often engaged to produce video stories for third parties.”
“We know media is popular for young people leaving school, so we have expanded the program to most of our sites now and the partnerships with local radio are a great extension. This allows our clients to have their voices heard, develop real-world skills and participate in community life in meaningful ways.”
What started as a love of football has become something much bigger.
Today, Scotty is interviewing AFL players, entertaining thousands of listeners and followers each week, and proving what’s possible when people are given the opportunity to find—and share—their voice.
Interested in media at Wallara?
Radio, podcasting, photography and video and social media are some of the ways people can explore media at Wallara.
