Brand
CEO From our
Welcome to our October edition of Brand News. I am very pleased to share some of the stories and projects we have been working on recently with you. It is also an opportunity for me to introduce myself.
I joined Ability Centre as the Chief Executive Officer in September. I was previously at Lotterywest for over 20 years where I had a number of senior leadership roles. I started my career in the not for profit sector and I am very excited to have returned to it to work with an organisation of the calibre of Ability Centre.
Brand News provides a small window into the myriad of programs and activities our staff provide for our customers. I have been very impressed with our capacity to support such a wide range of age groups and disability types and I know this is an important reason why people choose Ability Centre as their provider.
We are incredibly appreciative of the financial support we receive from individuals, organisations, community groups and government. Not only do you make it possible for us to continue our work, you are helping ensure some of our community’s most vulnerable people and their families continue to receive the excellent support and service they should.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank those of you who participated in our recent donor survey. This is providing valuable
Jacquie Thomson Chief Executive Officer
information that will help us target your interests in supporting people living with disability and ensure we are effectively helping you to engage with Ability Centre in the future.
The end of the year is fast approaching and we will be contacting you with details of our Christmas Appeal very soon. So many of you open your hearts to others at this time of year and I hope you will be able to support us.
Thank you for everything you do for Ability Centre.
Warm regards, Jacquie
In 2017, a group of therapists in our North Hub identified the need for a group type intervention for children with disabilities. The result was The Drum and Beats Group that has been inspired by the DRUMBEAT program that uses drumming and rhythm to break down barriers.
The musical therapy program focuses on social and emotional difficulties children with autism and intellectual disabilities may experience, by providing a safe environment for them to engage in positive social interactions and self-regulation.
In small groups, children aged 8 to 11 participate in drumming, electronic beat making and movement break activities that tackle issues like emotional awareness, social behaviour and peer pressure, whilst facilitating therapist-led discussions.
Thanks to a grant from the City of Joondalup, the program was able to upgrade all of its drums.
Occupational Therapist Velma says, “Having the drums be all the same has made a world of difference. Each child now has the same equipment and they can focus on the activity, rather than who has the better drum.”
The funding was also used to purchase tonal chimes and iPads for creating beats, removing
the need to borrow equipment from other projects each week. The tonal chimes have added an additional activity to the group, which has a calming effect on the children and helps facilitate cooperation.
Feedback from parents and participants has been extremely positive, with children requesting to return each semester and developing friendships that extend well beyond the weekly session.
Following the success of the eight week primary school program, an additional program aimed at high school children aged 12 to 17 has also been initiated.
Beating
down barriers
Arty Commys – a life of caring
Arty Commys has been involved with Ability Centre since the 1960s, when it was known as the Spastic Welfare Association. Over these 50 years she has seen many changes in the centre, and in how people with disability live.
Emigrating from Holland, Arty and her family moved to Mt Lawley, where they befriended their neighbours who had a child with cerebral palsy.
It was the first time Arty had any experience with someone with a disability. “It wasn’t common in those days for children with disability to be living at home with their families.”
After seeing how the family relied on support from the Spastic Welfare Society, Arty became involved as part of the fundraising team. This was at a time when the Association relied solely on donations, as there was no government funding.
Arty was part of a group of around 20 fundraisers who would go door-to-door soliciting for donations. “On a good day, you would come back with $20. My best day, I stumbled across a group of professional snooker players and walked away with almost $600.”
A trained nurse, Arty soon moved to work in the Rookwood nursing home. A three-story house, Arty and the carers looked after residents with no assistance.
“We didn’t have the amenities or assisted technology they have nowadays, so it was just the carers lifting residents in and out of chairs and beds, and up and down the stairs!”
In the 1980s, Arty started at Goodwill Engineering, Ability Centre’s assisted employment manufacturing plant, where she stayed until she retired.
She remains in contact with many of the families she befriended over the past five decades, catching up with them on a regular basis. “It really is like a family,
“It wasn’t common in those days for children with disability to be living at home with their families.”
Thanks to our community donors!
Old Ram Muster morning tea
In July, we hosted our annual morning tea with long term supporters, the Old Ram Muster.
The Old Ram Muster has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Ability Centre since its inception in 2001. The annual luncheon held in October started out as a small get-together between friends to become a charity event attended by over 100 stock agents, Merino breeders and farmers.
In 2017, the luncheon raised over $6,000 which has been used to fund therapy equipment for our Bradford Views customers. At the morning team, current and incoming committee members met with Ability Centre staff including our Chairman Justin Scanlan.
After the morning tea, the Old Ram group where invited to view a therapy session with Bradford Views resident Luisa Swann, to see the equipment in use. We thank the Old Ram Muster for their ongoing support and generosity.
Perth Kilt Run
Ability Centre board member and customer Melissa Northcott has participated in the Perth Kilt Run at the City of Armadale Highland Gathering for the past three years.
Having cerebral palsy along with other disabilities, Melissa used the Kilt Run as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Ability Centre. This year, Melissa completed the 2.5km run in a personal best time of 50:50 and raised over $650 for Ability Centre.
Melissa said, ‘I am proud to represent people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Finishing the race, highlights no matter what disability you have, you can achieve your goals.’
Right: Old Ram Muster members Simon Joel, Rob Chomley and Glen Keamy
Top: Melissa taking part at this years Perth Kilt Run
Water Corporation inter-office cricket match
Water Corporation staff came together for some team building and fundraising with an interoffice cricket match.
Over $800 was raised on the day, with all funds being donated to Ability Centre which provides support to a number of families of Water Corporation staff.
Organiser Gun Sandhoo said “it was a fantastic bonding experience and we are thrilled to have raised money for Ability Centre”.
Decades of support
For over 20 years, Point Walter Ladies Golf Club have been hosting events to raise money for Ability Centre, donating thousands of dollars each year for equipment and support services for our customers.
This year the ladies raised a record $7,500. President Phyl Moynihan and members will join Ability Centre Executive for an annual morning tea in recognition of this generous donation.
Emslie’s Pharmacy runs for a reason
Emslie’s Pharmacy made Ability Centre their reason in the 2018 HBF Run for a Reason.
Team leader Kellie Davis, Tyler 6 and Cale, 4 were joined by 22 staff, family and friends on the day and raised over $1,400.
This year’s event saw 137 participants raise over $6,000 for Ability Centre, for which we say thank you.
Right: Emslie's Pharmacy Run for a Reason team members at this years event
Water Corporation staff
31st Annual Golf Classic
On Thursday 6 September, Ability Centre’s corporate and community partners came together for the 31st Annual Golf Classic at Joondalup Resort.
20 teams enjoyed perfect golfing conditions, as well as oncourse tastings by Gage Roads Brewery and the opportunity to win a brand new 2018 Toyota Corolla, thanks to major partner, Scarboro Toyota.
Several novelty holes across the course gave players the opportunity to have some fun and compete against team mates and highlighted the generosity of each participant, with close to $4,000 raised on the course alone.
Ability Centre staff and customers, as well as board members Gary McGrath, Priya Cooper and Melissa Northcott joined players in the evening for a Cocktail Reception where one of the Commonwealth Bank teams was awarded first place.
The day raised over $60,000 which will go towards the implementation of WA’s first Motion Analysis Lab at Ability Centre. Motion Analysis uses cameras with three dimensional technology to look at how a person walks and the problems that occur. This will allow for more accurate decision making for therapists and surgeons regarding the treatment plans for West Australians living with physical disability.
Event Sponsors:
SCARBORO TOYOTA
CREDENTIA CONSTRUCTION
KEVREK
TREVOR’S CARPETS
MARGARIA CLEANING
WILLIS CKA
CLARITY COMMUNICATIONS
GAGE ROADS
Thank you to the following generous organisations
Supporting Sponsors:
PCEC
COCOS
WEST COAST EAGLES
FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB
JOONDALUP RESORT
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE
DIVE BUSSELTON JETTY
GANNAWAYS TOURS
PULLMAN RESORT
ALLURE LIMOUSINES
STATE BUILDINGS
CLAIRAULT STREIKER WINES
THE LOOKOUT BAR
GROUND TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS
GRAND CINEMAS
Meet our Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager
Georgina has been working for Ability Centre since February 2018, in the newly created Philanthropy Manager role.
For the past 15 years, she has worked in the marketing and events industry. In 2017, she began working in the not for profit sector, this experience ignited her passion for being in an industry that helps people.
Georgina enjoys building strong relationships with our donors to ensure we continue to help people thrive in their community. Her portfolio includes our community supporters, individual donors, corporate partners, payroll giving and people interested in leaving a bequest.
If you would like to find out more about how you or your organisation can get involved with Ability Centre, Georgina would love to hear from you. You can contact her on 9443 0357 or georgina.harvey @abilitycentre.com.au
Birds of prey
Bradford Views residents were treated to a morning of fun when Yvonne from WA Birds of Prey visited along with several of her birds to offer customers some hands on experience and education.
Holiday Friends
Ability Centre runs a number of programs during the school holidays for customers. ‘Holiday Friends’ is a social skills group which facilitates children in developing their friendship skills by asking questions and problem solving through functional games and activities.
Jenny, whose son Zachary attended said, ‘It’s great for him to be in a group of kids similar to him, where he can be himself and make friends. He’s really enjoyed the week, and hopefully will be able to attend a course again.’
Bradford Views resident Anita with Yvonne and brown falcon ‘GT’
Holiday friends biscuit making class
Nick finds job success
One of our long term customers Nick, is a great example of the breadth of support Ability Centre offers. Nick has received services from Ability Centre since childhood and when he needed to find meaningful employment it was time to introduce him to Create Employment.
Create Employment provides support to people with a disability, health condition or injury to find and keep a rewarding job. Nick began working with Create Employment in 2014. His goal when first meeting with Amy, his employment coordinator was to work in the warehousing industry and have health and safety be a key part of his role.
Amy has helped Nick find the right job and team to fit his skills. Nick wanted to be in a supportive team environment, to be able to work on a forklift and have a job for life. In 2017, Amy was able to support Nick to find a permanent job at Ward Packaging. Nick loves his job. The support he receives from both Amy and the team at Ward Packaging have meant that his job fits his goal. Nick now works on the forklift, helps as a safety coordinator and with other general tasks around the warehouse.
To makes sure that Nick was set up for success, Create Employment has provided him with special tools and equipment to help him achieve his day to day work tasks.
Rob, General Manager at Ward Packaging said that Nick has made a positive impact to their team and has really gelled.
Above: Nick and Employment Coordinator Amy Left: Nick operating the forklift at Ward Packaging
