Celebrating 30 Years of Disability!

Transcription

1 Winter 2016 Interchange Gippsland News in this issue Supported Holidays P.2 Volunteer Awards 2016 P.5 Program Updates P th birthday in pictures P Celebrating 30 Years of Disability! What a month April turned into as Interchange Gippsland celebrated turning 30 with two fabulous celebrations. 30 years ago disability services and support in Gippsland looked very different to what it does today. Interchange Gippsland opened its doors offering respite and support to a small number children under the age of 18 living in the Gippsland region through some small but innovative disability support programs. Fast forward 30 years and today Interchange Gippsland has grown to provide support to over 200 people with disabilities and their families living across Gippsland. We operate two offices and have 64 staff and 81 volunteers and specialise in support and recreation programs that facilitate social inclusion and opportunities for individuals with disabilities from birth through to adulthood. We are very proud of the past 30 years and we will continue to advocate for people with disabilities and seek funding for the 119 individuals waiting to access our services. On page 10 & 11 you can see a selection of fabulous photos from both events. We would like to extend our thanks to all who assisted, volunteered and donated to make each celebration successful. In particular we would like to extend special thanks and acknowledgment to: Koko the Clown for his fantastic video interviews and family day performance Dan Clancy video production DJ Mike Kitwood DJ at family day Moe Apex Club Cooking BBQ at family day Merilyn Newnham editing our book The Sky is the Limit! Megan Harris of Creative Edge Media who did such an expert job being our MC at the Ball Premiere Function Centre for sponsoring the ball Eziway for sponsoring the pre-dinner food and drinks for the ball As part of the celebrations we produced 2 videos about Interchange Gippsland which saw participants talk about us in their own words. If you have not seen them check them out on YouTube. The Adults video can be viewed here - AeeSoBLzcjM and the Children s video can be viewed here -

2 Mothers Retreat South Update In February South Gippsland and Bass Coast mum s enjoyed a well earned weekend away at the gorgeous Inverloch Resort. Mum s were treated to dinner out at Manna Gum Asian Fusion restaurant and the Radius restaurant with its stunning panoramic views of Bass Strait. Massage, facials as well as shopping at the Mossvale markets. The resort had a heated pool, beach walks, spa, sauna and gym which provided the perfect way for hard working mums to rest and rejuvenate. Supported Holidays for over 18 s New Caledonia Cruise - Expressions of Interest The supported holidays program are off on their next exciting adventure. We are planning a cruise around the Islands of New Caledonia for 7 fun filled nights. The cruise departs from Brisbane on 14th January We will fly to Brisbane on the day of the cruise and fly home to Melbourne on 21st January Participants need to be over 18 and suited to a 1:4 staff ratio to be eligible to attend. On board activities include an abseiling wall, flying fox, a cargo net race and a high ropes course plus more! On the Islands we will enjoy snorkelling, sightseeing or just relax on the beach. We are currently seeking expressions of interest to ascertain who would like to attend. Given that the cruise and flights must be booked well in advance your expression of interest needs to be a definite commitment to attend. RSVP closes on 27 June

3 FROM THE CEO It is certainly getting colder with Winter now with us. Time to rug up and start making all of the yummy soups again, my favourite at the moment is Pumpkin Soup. Our 30th Birthday Ball was well supported and very enjoyable, it was good to see so many participants, families, volunteers, staff and friends having a great night out together. There were many photos taken on the night of the ball and the family day. You can see these on pages 11. Thank you all who attended. I always look forward to our Connecting Families days where we have the opportunity to share time with families and participants. At our 30th Birthday Family Day we tried a new venue at Moe PLACE which was very spacious and a great venue. We are hoping we can utilise this facility in the future. You can see these photos on page 10. Thank you to our volunteers (our quiet achievers), without your dedication and support we could not provide the same level of services. Last newsletter we called for nominees for Young Volunteer of the Year and Adult Volunteer of the Year. We received 4 nominations, 2 for Young Volunteer of the Year and 2 for Adult Volunteer of the Year. All nominees were worthy recipients and greatly valued by our staff and participants and families. All Volunteer Awards and nominees are on page 5, well done to all Finally I would like to offer our congratulations to Kaytlyn Leinberger and partner Shane on the birth of their baby boy Ryder who arrived in early March. Regards, Debbie Knight, CEO ANNOUNCING ROADIES EAST! Interchange Gippsland are excited to announce that ROADIES is coming to East Gippsland! ROADIES East will offer participants 8 day activities during the school holidays over the year. On ROADIES East teenagers are matched with a volunteer similar to their own age who act as their supportive peer for the duration of the trip. A team of adult Support Workers provide support and supervision to the group. Transport is provided via minibuses with two centralised pick up locations in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance. To be eligible participants must be between 14 years and 17 years and have a disability that is intellectual, physical, sensory or fits into the Autism Spectrum range, living in the local government area of East Gippsland Shire. Tanya Lynch will be the Program Coordinator and advertising for staff and volunteers will commence in the coming weeks. 3.

4 The Sky is the Limit! BOOK SALES - $30 a copy Following our ball and family day we launched our 30th Birthday Book - The Sky is the Limit! The Sky is the Limit! is a book that will take you many places and you will discover so much more than you ever knew no longer does what happens on a ROADIES camp, stay on camp! The book follows the lives and journeys of past and current participants, families, staff, volunteers and supporters. The Sky is the Limit! is for everyone who has an interest in the aspirations, achievements, the highs and lows of Interchange Gippsland and its community. The participants, their families, the volunteers, staff and the broader Interchange Gippsland community tell such compelling tales, which we are confident you will enjoy immensely. The Sky is the Limit is also the ideal gift, for any occasion and can be purchased by contacting Admin on or admin@icg.asn.au PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW! POSITIONS VACANT We are seeking Support and Community Access Staff Interchange Gippsland provides supports and services to children and adults with disabilities. We deliver community and in home supports that are flexible, innovative and rewarding. We are seeking motivated and skilled individuals to join our team for casual weekday, weekend and school holiday work in South Gippsland, Bass Coast and East Gippsland. Experience in personal care is advantageous. Position Descriptions and applications are available online at Interchange Gippsland is a Child Safer organisation and successful applicants will be required to undergo comprehensive screening. Bass Coast and South Gippsland enquires to Rebecca Massaro East Gippsland enquiries to Shilo Wilson Telephone for a confidential discussion 4.

5 Volunteer of the Year Awards 2016 Four nominations were received for 2016 and each one of the nominees were worthy of an award. There could only be one winner in each category and the selection panel had a difficult time deciding the winners. Read on to discover the outcome! Congratulations to all nominees and thank you for a great year volunteering! Young Volunteer of the Year Nominees Cleo Seinen of Latrobe Valley for her work on the ROADIES Program Keeley Frost of Baw Baw Shire for her work on the ROADIES program WINNER - Cleo Seinen Cleo joined our young Volunteer Program early in 2015 and has since been a very regular fixture with our Roadies Program in Latrobe and Baw Baw. From the time Cleo signed up as Volunteer her dedication and enthusiasm for the role has been amazing! In the last 12 months Cleo has clocked up more volunteer hours than any other young volunteer with Interchange, which was highly impressive. Cleo actively fosters participants with her outgoing, caring and fun loving nature and is a great role model for our participants. The staff of Interchange Gippsland are truly impressed with Cleo s people skills and we can see a bright future for this dedicated young lady. She is a true role model and actively helps participants settle into the program and her sunny personality is cherished. Congratulations Cleo! Cleo will be presented with her award at her upcoming school assembly in the middle of June. Cleo is pictured left with Bridget on a recent ROADIES trip. Adult Volunteer of the Year Nominees Aaron Boscombe-Hill of South Gippsland for his work on HoP South Vicki Gibbs of Latrobe Valley for her Host volunteer work WINNER - Vicki Gibbs Vicki has had a long association with Interchange Gippsland and has been volunteering with our organisation for over 8 years. Vicki provides 1:1 support to individuals with disabilities, many of whom have high support needs. Vicki has been involved with a large variety of Interchange Gippsland programs and currently supports 3 families as a Host Volunteer for Interchange Gippsland. Vicki was a reluctant winner and very much stated she does not volunteer for the accolades! On Sunday 29th May Interchange Gippsland hosted a quiet lunch for Vicki that involved 4 Interchange Gippsland participants and their families. We were aware that Vicki had a desire for her Host families to meet her children and grandson, so we coordinated Vicki s daughters and their families to be here from Melbourne and made Vicki s celebration as low key as possible! Thanks to Helen and Amelia for making this happen. We have included some lovely pictures of Vicki and her Host families at her celebration lunch. The Host Families were incredibly proud of Vicki and her volunteering award. Nessa meets Vicki s grandson Hayden proudly displays Vicki s awards Vicki with Ben Anthony and Vicki 5.

6 HoP BAW BAW HoP Baw Baw were very busy over the April school holidays. Our first activity over the school holidays was travelled to Narre Warren to Paint a Pot where we decorated a plaster sculpture of our choice. We also visited the local playground having plenty of fun running off our delicious lunch that we had eaten. For the second activity over the April School holidays we visited Inflatable World in Traralgon. All participants, volunteers and staff had a great day, running, jumping and climbing on the inflatables! We all got back on the bus very hot and sweaty from chasing each other around. Staff were asked by participants when can we go back to Inflatable World before we had even left the premises, so it was a really great day! Feedback from families on the HoP Baw Baw program has been very positive and all of the participants are really enjoying the activities and getting along very nicely. Vanessa and Hayley battle it out Ollie at Inflatable World Vanessa and Eloise enjoy pot making Malachy enjoys time at Inflatable World HoP LATROBE Ryan focused on his art HoP SOUTH Thumbs up from Josh! Jasper gives climbing a go In March, the group headed to Narre Warren to have a go at painting pottery. During the April school holidays the group enjoyed the chocolate factory and Churchill Island Heritage Park at Phillip Island. In May HOP Latrobe headed to the Kemizo Entertainment centre to have a go at rock climbing and laser tag. They enjoyed the fast pace laser tag and the challenge of rock climbing. HoP South enjoyed a day visiting a new attraction on Phillip Island the Antarctic Journey. The group had fun taking part in the hands on interactive experiences set in a Antarctic and Southern Ocean theme. They also enjoyed a lovely walk along the boardwalk looking out to The Nobbies and Seal Rocks. During Easter school holidays, HoP South went horse riding. Each participant took part in a trail ride through the Bunyip State Forest, a rugged bush setting with scenic views. It was wonderful to see photos of Floyd up on a horse after undergoing recent surgery, well done Floyd! Hop South also tried their hand at Archery, they had the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques associated with Archery from experienced instructors and I am told the group were really focussed and readily took in advice given. It is exciting to hear about the new friendships being formed on HoP as we welcome a number of new participants to the program. Jarvis at the discovery theatre Floyd enjoys horse riding 6. Eli lines up the target

7 ROADIES BAW BAW & LATROBE ROADIES has had an active 3 months making the most of the good weather. The group have attended the Wave Pool in March to enjoy a day in the water jumping over the waves. In April, the group stayed at Camp Rumbug, the participants enjoyed canoeing and abseiling as part of this camp. In May the participants enjoyed Ten Pin Bowling in Warragul. Lucy enjoys the water at the Wave Pool Cynthia and Michael enjoy canoeing at Camp Rumbug ROADIES SOUTH ROADIES South has enjoyed a day trip in March to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and then visited the Churchill Island Heritage farm where the highlights seemed to be the whip cracking, interacting with the animals and having a go at milking a cow. In April ROADIES South stayed at the Summit Camp in Trafalgar for four days. The group enjoyed the many challenges on the camp, favourites were Laser Skirmish, Inflatable City, Mud Challenge and an afternoon shopping in Moe. This camp we welcomed new participant Georgia to the group. Kyla milking the cow Alfie, Matilda, Liam, Darcy, Kyla Matilda and Courtney hanging out 7.

8 FRIENDSHIP GROUP BASS Friendship Group Bass has been very busy over the last few months. In March we attended the Boolarra Folk Festival. It was great that so many participants could make the day. In April had a fun trip to the Sand Sculptures in Frankston and then visited the Aquatic centre for a swim and spa. CWe have taken on the feedback from participants and will look to plan activities around their Saturday netball commitments during the winter playing season. We have planned a little trip away to Melbourne in September 2016 for Friendship Group Bass. Keep an eye out for the flyer. For any further information on Friendship Group Bass please contact Rebecca Massaro or Sarah Cantwell. Gabby, Em and Mitch busting a few moves to one of the performing bands at the Boolarra Folk Festival. Brodie, Eva and Mycalie showing off their temporary tattoos! Cath and Em at the Frankston Sand Sculptures. FRIENDSHIP GROUP LATROBE I d like to start by introducing myself, as I m new to Interchange Gippsland and to the Friendship Group. My name is Sheree Delacy and I ve been with Interchange now since February 2016, and wow have those 10 weeks flown time sure flies when you re having fun! It has been a busy year so far with the group attending a BBQ and Beach Day trip to Inverloch, Interchange s 30 th Birthday Ball and a trip to Science Works; where the group watched the lightning show and also a show in the planetarium. In June the group plan to meet up for lunch and a movie at the Mid Valley Village Cinema. I m busy planning new and exciting places that the group can attend in the coming months. Whilst I haven t met all of the members of Friendship Group Latrobe yet, I have to say that the participants and families that I ve met so far have been friendly and welcoming and I can t wait to get to know everyone better. You are an amazing group of people. James has fun in Wonderland! Angela and Sally all dressed up at the ball Joshua makes an impromptu speech at the ball! Lincoln shows his moves! 8.

9 FRIENDS FOR LIFE The Friends for Life group have had a great few months. We attended many restaurants around Gippsland. Through February we have enjoyed pizza at Rookies in Newborough, a fitness class and the Top Pub in Morwell, pizza at Newmason in Warragul and line dancing in Newborough. In March Friends for Life visited Inverloch for Fish and chips and the beach, Churchill Chinese, Don Louie s Buffet, an Easter activity night and dinner at the Yinnar Hotel. In April the group attended the Interchange 30th Birthday Ball, La Porchetta in Traralgon, the Newborough Pub and La Vita Pizza in Yarragon. In May Friends for Life went to Amigos Mexican in Traralgon, Warragul Ten Pin Bowling, the Little Mermaid Performance and the Italian Australian Club in Morwell. Fun times at the park! Troy, Cass and Dylan having fun YOUNG ADULT SERVICE - YAS Rachel at the Little Mermaid YAS participants have been enjoying the last of the nice weather before the cold sets in. We have had 2 opportunities to sail out at Newhaven which was so much fun and a great experience. In March we had our Autumn social activities that saw us spend a day at Wilson s Prom, a day at Toora Pool and then we visited the movies and watched Zootopia! Some YAS participants have been spending a lot of time in the Community Garden. We have been weeding and planting and clearing up our garden beds ready to plant again. Brodie planted some garlic last week and it is already starting to grow! We use the produce we grow in our Independent Living Program to cook some great lunches. Andy is still enjoying his time at the Men s Shed. He has been making a sign to advertise his latest sale, canaries! Jaimie is ready to sail with the Newhaven Yacht Club Andy, Paul and Barry playing basketball in the Toora pool Andy painting his sign that he made at Men s Shed Brodie planting garlic in the community garden Paul and Jaimie having fun at the beach 9. YAS enjoyed a nature talk at the Prom education centre

10 30th Birthday Family Day Celebrations 10.

11 30th Birthday Ball Celebrations Do we have your address? THE NEWSLETTER IS GOING ELECTRONIC Please contact us to ensure we have your correct address on file. Our newsletters are distributed electronically. To stay up to date and not miss out on any opportunities contact us on or to update your contact details. More than one address can be recorded under a participant name, so all people in the family can receive a newsletter. 11.

12 Staff Member Profile Each quarter we will feature a staff member from our organisation to help you get to know us better. Many families have requested this as an opportunity to get know the people behind the scenes working with or for their children. Name and position: Sheree Delacy - Program Coordinator When did you start working for Interchange Gippsland and what is it about your job you really enjoy I started working at Interchange on the 29th of February So far I ve loved every minute of working here, getting to know the fantastic staff members, the participants and their families. The part I love most about my new job is the rewarding feeling that I get when I know I ve made a small difference in someone s life, by providing them with either a listening ear or facilitating regular respite for them. What does your job with Interchange Gippsland involve? I co-ordinate the Friendship Group - Latrobe, and organise a monthly activity for the group. My role also includes managing Individual Support Packages and Purchased Care. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time? What s that? LOL. I have 3 children at home aged 7, 12 and 14 years old who do their best to keep me busy. I love to read and I also have an adopted dog Tiger who loves to go for a walk. Newborough and Wonthaggi PO BOX 303 Moe VIC 3825 t e - admin@icg.asn.au i Our programs are supported by: