Joe Michell Award Winners
The 2019 Joe Michell Award went to four very deserving winners, Jack Day, Asha Melville, Ashleigh Johannes and Madison Heady.
The Joe Michell award was launched in 2003, in honour of the late Joe Michell, one of Ability Centre’s founders. The Michell family founded this award to recognise his passion for education and to celebrate the achievements of young adults with disability.
Asha Melville has been an Ability Centre customer since she was four. She was always enjoyed being around children and is now pursuing a career in early childhood education. Asha will be using her award to undertake a four unit course called Uniprep as part of her final year in school, with the goal of attending university to study a Bachelor of Education Early Childhood.
Ashleigh Johannes has just graduated from high school and has been accepted into Edith Cowan University to study a Bachelor of Youth Work. With this award, Ashleigh hopes to empower young people with a disability to build life skills, develop healthy relationships and facilitate good decision making. She wants to build a career where she can pass on what she has learned and experienced to help and inspire others.
Jack Day is also a recent high school graduate and is looking forward to transitioning to university, where he will begin a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Jack spoke of his desire for independence in his application, and how the challenges he has faced growing up with a disability has driven him to succeed both physically and emotionally.
Madison Heady, another recent high school graduate intends to study Business and Community Services through TAFE. She will use this award to complete a public speaking course through the Emotional Intelligence Institute. In the future Madison wants to set up her own motivational public speaking and mentoring business, to create more awareness about disability and inclusion with the community and to inspire young people living with disability.
Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Thomson said, “This year’s applicants were a very high calibre. The panel of judges was impressed with the enthusiasm and passion they have for building an inclusive community in their chosen fields. I am very excited to learn about their future achievements.”
The 2020 Joe Michell Award will open in September.
2019 Award Winners Jack Day, Asha Mellville, Ashleigh Johannes and Madison Heady
(L to R) Ross Richardson, Richard Gapper, Rob Chomley and Peter Shields.
Farmers with big hearts
Our favourite group of farmers, the Old Rams held their annual luncheon at the Royal Agriculture Society at the end of October. This is the twelth year the group has got together to raise money for Ability Centre.
Ability Centre CEO Jacquie Thomson addressed the group and acknowledged their ongoing generosity. They presented her with a cheque for more than $21,000 which will go towards funding specialist therapy equipment.
A special thank you to all the sponsors of the luncheon whose kindness made the day a huge success.
777 Pharmacy
Augmaster
Albion Hotel
AWTA
Coles Claremont
Elders Farm Weekly
Harold Loton
JAZ Creative
Jeremy’s
Butcher
JP Stratton Trust
Kochii
Eucalyptus Oil
Landmark
Ocean Spice Restaurant
All thrills at Drift-Ability
Drift-Ability is an inclusive event that gives people living with a disability the chance to enjoy the thrills of the speedway.
In the second year of the event, over 100 people living with disability including 18 Ability Centre customers participated in the event. It was an action packed day, with 15 drivers and 30 volunteers coordinating the rides.
All profits raised from the event were donated to Ability Centre. In early January, event organisers Aimee and Matt
Ability Centre customer Michelle, pictured here with her driver.
Perth Perth Hire
Peta’s Cusine
Peter HugallHL Geospatial
Primaries
RAS
Richard Alder
Stihl Shop
Osborne Park
Swanbourne Cellars
The Entertainment Book
Woolworth Subiaco
handed over a cheque for $7400 to our CEO Jacquie and customer Michelle. Michelle thanked Aimee and Matt by saying ‘means millions to us thanks mate,’ on her communication device.
Drift-Ability will be back later this year with an even bigger event planned.
Nedlands School Bequest: Vale
Late last year, six Nedlands Primary School students got together over the school holidays to raise money for Ability Centre.
The group sold their toys and books as well as baking delicious cakes and brownies at a garage sale. They raised an amazing $378 for Ability Centre, as well as donating four bags of new toys to our customers.
One student Avalon said, ‘We really hope Ability Centre can spend the money on the kids who really need it the most.’
Gerry Bromley
Last year, Gerry Bromley one of the sons of our founding member Patricia Bromley passed away at the age of 86.
Gerry had mild cerebral palsy and was the WA Cerebral Palsy Club President in 1966 when the first National Conference was held.
Gerry kindly made a gift in his will to Ability Centre.
us
Perth Kilt Run
Thank you to our Board Director Melissa Northcott for donning her kilt for the fourth time to complete the annual Kilt Run. For Melissa who has cerebral palsy, the 2.5km course is a huge challenge.
With the support of her parents she completed the 2.5km course in a new personal best time of 33:32. Melissa raised $1,018 for Ability Centre.
Melissa said “I love this event, I will be back again next year raising funds and doing the Perth Kilt Run. It’s an amazing day and I encourage everyone to join in.”
Cottesloe
Ladies Bridge
The ladies bridge competition at Cottesloe Golf Club has more than 70 weekly attendees. Every year they make a donation to Ability Centre, in 2019 they donated $3,000.
The funds will be used to purchase equipment for the Opportunities woodwork group. 30 customers attend the monthly group – they will be ecstatic with their new tools.
Thank you to our community sponsors
Point Walter Ladies Golf Club
Point Walter Golf Cub Association
RAC Corporate Volunteering teams
Gage Roads Brewing
Lions Club of Kalamunda
Lions Club of Morley
Lions Club of Ellenbrook
Yokine Bowling Club
Support Ability Centre with the purchase of your Entertainment Membership and enjoy thousands of valuable offers across Perth, the South West and Bali.
The Entertainment memberships are great value and a great gift idea, with 20% of each sale through us going directly to our fundraising.
For more information and to place your order, visit entertainmentbook.com.au/ orderbooks/830p03
Board Member Melissa proudly sporting her Perth Kilt Run medal.
Christmas Appeal
Thank you to the hundreds of donors who supported our Christmas Appeal.
The appeal raised almost $40,000 that will allow us to continue to run our early intervention playgroups this year. The money will also be used to support more children attend these important programs.
Philanthropy Manager Georgina Harvey said Jasper and August’s story, and the need for early intervention services has really resonated with our donors.
‘We have received many notes from donors wishing the boys and their parents a Merry Christmas. It’s wonderful that our Early Intervention program is fully funded by fundraising.’
The twins mum Whitney is delighted the playgroups will continue for families like theirs thanks to the Christmas Appeal.
‘We are back at playgroup for the year and it’s wonderful to see the therapists and therapy assistants who have helped us so much.’
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Twins Jasper and August with Dad Evan and Mum Whitney.