Headstart NewsLink September 2023

The Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Services commenced in 1987 and is recognised as a premier provider of specialist services for people with an ABI in the Hunter and Central Coast region. Headstart provides individually tailored services across community access, in home support, life skills, social, leisure and recreational services, case co-ordination, and community information and education.

95 Turnbull Street, Hamilton NSW 2303

P 02 4965 4420

F 02 4965 4424

E info@headstart-abi.com.au

W www.headstart-abi.com.au

ABN 75057986026 I CFN 13046

Headstart ABI Services is a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Our Vision

For people living with brain injury to have opportunities that strengthen and enrich their lives.

Our Purpose

To make a difference in the lives of people touched by brain injury by providing opportunities and inspiring hope.

Leadership Executive Director: Sue McHattie

Manager Service and Supports: Kesley Skippen

Finance Manager: Therese Paksi

HR Lead: Katherine Fitzgerald

Quality Lead: Mitchell Rixon

Office Administration: Kathy Provost

Marketing Lead: Andy Meier

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What kind of stories or information would you like to see in NewsLink?

Do you have some great stories or photos? We’d love to hear from you!

Email Andy at our office: comms@headstart-abi.com.au

Nominate a staff member for outstanding achievement

We continue to recognise the work of our staff who have gone above and beyond in any capacity to support our consumers in their daily lives. Please help us thank and encourage our workers!

To make a nomination please contact us or email: info@headstart.com.au

Have you checked us out on Facebook recently? Catch all the latest news, stories and rec activities.

What’s your passion? It’s a question worth asking, and perhaps easier for some of us to answer than others. You don’t need to be good at something for it to be your passion, just something you love to do. We can all improve on any skill with practice and persistence.

In this issue we talk with a number of our consumers who all have a passion in common. They love music and are working on their craft at The Vibe in nearby Hamilton. Enjoy their stories, watch their videos and get inspired by their enthusiasm. Their stories may encourage you to pursue your own unique gifts or pastimes, whatever that may be.

Headstart are always looking for ways to help educate our community about brain injury. In recent years we have participated in Hunter Homeless Connect which is held annually in August because there is a very strong and documented link between homelessness and brain injury. The most recent 2021 Census reveals that 122,494 Australian’s were experiencing homelessness then, and that number can only have increased since. The stats reveal that just 7% of people experiencing homelessness ‘sleep rough’, with many couch surfing, in refuges, boarding houses and emergency accommodation. Read more on page 3.

With Carer’s Week coming up in October I’d like to personally thank all of the amazing care givers out there. You go above and beyond every day. We so appreciate all that you do!

Sadly we farewelled consumer Mick Mears who passed away in recent weeks and our heartfelt sympathies are with his family. The grief of losing a person you love affects all of us at one or many stages in our lives, so please read the NALAG news on page 22. I have been involved and known of NALAG for many years and the work they do on loss and grief is vital to staying mentally healthy through the pain, the tears and the fears.

On a happy note, it’s my pleasure to welcome our new office staff in Tejal, Emily, Mitch and David. And Co-worker Lauren is leaving very soon on maternity leave so we wish her all the best on this next journey in life, but she will be back!

Till next time, look after yourself : )

Sue

Tracey pursues her passion for sailing as often as possible at Sailability in Belmont. What makes you smile?

Hunter Homeless Connect Day 2023

130 service providers were situated in and around the exhibition centre at Newcastle Showground for Hunter Homeless Connect on 9 August. The current cost of living crisis has pushed many people to the brink, with the support services on offer more in need than ever. Consumer Shaun joined our staff Renee, David and Cheryl as we helped our community understand the connection between ABI and homelessness. A fantastic event with attendance exceeding 3000.

We were proud to be representing Headstart ABI services at this amazing event and would like to thank Hunter Homeless Connect for putting on such a great day for those in our community requiring support and assistance. - Renee (CoWorker)

Community Education Team news: Ausgrid grant

Thanks to Ausgrid for a grant which allows us to deliver ten free CET presentations to local high schools in the next couple of months. This will impact up to 500 students.

“Dayne and Ray presented to Yr 12s of Irrawang High School as one of the first in our series thanks to the support of Ausgrid,” says Brandi, Headstart’s CET Coordinator.

“The students were involved throughout the presentation as they shared their own thoughts on how people can sustain brain injuries. Students later asked Dayne and Ray personal questions about their experiences as our consumers shared their powerful and heartfelt stories.”

The presentation allowed time for students to take time to process and be engaged in further conversation with Dayne and Ray after the talk. Students asked questions such as “has having a brain injury impacted what you eat?” or “do you still have seizure’s regularly?”

Dayne had even been able to demonstrate his ‘party trick’ by bringing students/teachers over to a quieter area and tap on his head which made a hollow sound.

Ray had been able to relate to a student who had also been in a car accident and still had memories of that experience that really impacted her.

The teachers thanked CET for coming out and said it was ‘absolutely fantastic’.

It was a great morning and it always great to see how much of an impact the consumers stories can affect the community”.

Meet ‘n greet

Our newest team members

Finance Manager

Tejal

I grew up in southern India in a city called Hyderabad and then moved to Ahmedabad in western India. My family migrated to Australia in 2002 and we have called Newcastle home since around 2003.

I am a qualified accountant and have worked in various industries throughout my career. The not-for-profit sector is close to my heart. Prior to joining Headstart, I worked for a not-for-profit organisation, a special education school based in Shortland.

Get to know Tejal

Favourite food: Anything that is fresh and vegetarian

Favourite movie: Dil Chahata Hai (Hindi movie)

Favourite band/music: Bollywood

Favourite sport/team: Not much into sports but like the Indian cricket team

Favourite cartoon character: Mowgli from The Jungle Book

Favourite hobby: Yoga

Favourite place on earth: Home

If you could be any animal? Lion

If you could meet someone famous who would it be? Amitabh Bachchan

Craziest thing you’ve done?

Yet to be done! (Ed: there’s a challenge!)

Three words to describe you: Reliable, independent and caring

Describe your first month at Headstart: The work that Headstart does is very warming and has attracted me. I was at my career crossroads and looking at different paths and was drawn towards Headstart. It’s been a great start and I hope to build a long lasting relationship.

I grew up in country NSW and I have two children 36 and 34. I have worked in various workplaces over the years and spent 25 years working in the Thoroughbred industry before moving into the Operations of horse transport company. So I’m a country boy at heart!

I moved to Newcastle in 2015 and started working the Disability and Aged Care sector in 2016 and I found my passion in the Disability Sector.

I discovered the love of travel while in America for 9 weeks in 2019 prior to Covid and went back again in 2022 for 4 weeks. Looking to travel to Europe in 2024 with my partner in life.

Get to know Dave

Favourite food: Thai

Favourite movie: Avengers End Game or anything Marvel

Favourite band/music: Cher and 70’s and 80’s but I enjoy most music

Favourite sport/team: Rugby Union/ Wallabies

Favourite cartoon character: Eeyore

Favourite hobby: Spartan obstacle course racing

Favourite place on earth: Loved America especially West Virginia

If you could be any animal? Horse, to be a free spirit

If you could meet someone famous? Ant Middleton - a true leader of positive mindset

Craziest thing you’ve done: Trifecta weekend 2022 of Spartan 5km - 20 obstacles, 10km - 25 obstacles and 21km - 30 obstacles

Three words to describe you: Crazy, caring and young at heart

Describe your first month at Headstart: It’s been a completely new adventure, I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone at Headstart and looking forward to meeting all the wonderful consumers and working at Headstart.

Quality Lead

Mitchell

Family, friends and sense of purpose are my foundations. I live with my wife and two sons in Sydney and we go back to visit my in-laws in England when we can.

In 2009-2010 I lived in England playing a bit of cricket and met my now wife. I started in this industry as a support worker back in 2008 and worked up to being a quality manager by 2015. I have always gravitated to the service industry and grateful that I have a job that I enjoy and gives back.

Get to know Mitch

Favourite food: Spaghetti bolognese

Favourite movie: Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring

Favourite music: Foo Fighters, The Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran

Favourite sport/team: Cricket, Sydney Thunder

Favourite cartoon character: Buggs Bunny and Scooby-Doo

If you could meet someone famous? Ricky Gervais

Favourite hobby: Reading

Favourite place on earth: Cape Panwa beach, Thailand

If you could be any animal? A stag Craziest thing you’ve done: Moved to England for 2 years by myself to play cricket

Three words to describe you: Loyal, hard-working, friendly

Describe your first week at Headstart: It’s been absolutely brilliant, loved meeting so many new, interesting and kind people to work with. Already it feels like we’ve gotten a lot done and starting to build up some steam.

Payroll Co-ordinator

Emily

I grew up in Newcastle however, for the last 5 years I have lived on farms while working in an administrative role at the local Soldiers Club in Yass NSW. I have a husband, Billy and two gorgeous children (Joey 3, and Amelia 8 months old).

In April 2023 we relocated back to Newcastle. We decided it was time for a better work life balance.

Our life used to consist of cows, sheep, quad bikes, and tractors, thankfully these days a little more relaxed with beach trips, walks to the park and spending as much time with our family and friends as we can.

Get to know Emily

Favourite food: Henny Penny chips and gravy

Favourite movie: 50 First Dates

Favourite music: Country music

Favourite sport/team: Rugby League / dancing

Favourite cartoon character: Mini Mouse

If you could meet someone famous? Anne Hathaway

Favourite hobby: Spending time with my two children

Favourite place on earth: The beach or being back at the farm

If you could be any animal? Koala

Craziest thing you’ve done: Getting lost in Paris with my elderly grandfather and mum trying to find Tiffany & Co

Three words to describe you: Trustworthy and easy going.

Describe your first week at Headstart: My first week at Headstart was busy. So much to learn, new programs, new procedures. However, I am excited to be here, and ready for the challenge a new role brings.

Thanking our carers

October 15 to 21 is National Carers Week, an initiative of Carers Australia. It’s a time for us to recognise the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend with disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.

Anyone at any time can become a carer, and our consumer stories often describe how a person is thrown into the position with little or no choice.

National Carer’s Week provides us with a chance to show our appreciation for carers who often go unnoticed. Carers make an enormous contribution to our communities as well as our national economy.

We want to take the opportunity to say ‘thank you!’

Did you know that more than half of Headstart’s consumers have carers (54%) with around one third of carers being males?

Please share your carer story with us, email: comms@headstart-abi.com.au as we’d love to hear about your experiences.

Caring for our carers

Emotional and practical support for carers looking after family or a friend living with a disability or long term medical condition.

Carer Gateway aims to make your life easier. By calling Carer Gateway, you will be connected with a new Australia-wide network of service providers to help you. Services are delivered in-person, online and by phone.

1. Carer support planning - helping you identify the areas affecting your quality of life and wellbeing, supporting you to be effective in your caring role

2. Peer support - providing you with an opportunity to meet other carers in similar situations to you, where you can share experiences and knowledge

3. Counselling - giving you support through one-toone sessions with a professional counsellor

4. Carer directed support packages - one off amounts or packages for practical supports incl. cleaning, respite, cooking and transport

5. Emergency respite care - providing care in case of something urgent or unplanned arising, ensuring that the person you care for is well looked after.

It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.

- Mother Theresa

Amy’s neurologist calls her the ‘miracle girl’. It’s not been an easy journey for this courageous woman, but with her family’s support - and some timely medical intervention - she is loving life and hitting a few aces.

Amy smashes it!

“I

love tennis, it’s great cardio and my coach Richard Nicholls is awesome!

I go on Thursdays for an hour,” says Amy.

“We play a game of two against one –support worker Stella and I versus Richard. Stella’s pretty good! Sometimes he has to give a new CSW a quick lesson and some practice shots before we play against him.”

“One Christmas mum and dad gave me tickets to the Sydney International and I got to see Sam Stosur play. My favourite player - who I never got to see play - is Ash Barty. She retired and had a baby.

I also like Serena Williams and Dylan Alcott who is very inspiring”.

“I’ve always lived in Merewether and I do like the beach. I’ve got one of those giant doughnuts to take into the small waves. But tennis has always been my favourite. My brother Dean, my sister Katie and I took tennis lessons from a young age”.

“Amy has probably had tennis coaching for 15 years now,” says Amy’s father Jim. “I actually think Amy’s coach enjoys it more than than she does! Richard has been great and even came along to Amy’s 30th birthday. We don’t expect a Serena Williams, we just want her to have fun.”

Jim continues, “Amy was six months old and sitting in a car seat when the accident happened. She was with her sister Katie in the back and I was just driving my wife Kathy to work one day. We were rear ended by a truck in front of the Tighes Hill TAFE. Life just turned around and was never the same again. They say most accidents happen within five kilometres from home and I think we were only a kilometre from home.”

“Kathy had a shoulder injury and we were shook up but it didn’t seem like anyone suffered anything major. We went straight

With tennis coach Richard - with his thumbs down as he lost this game to Amy!

to the Mater and they said we should just go home to wait rather than hang around the hospital. In the end Amy was in hospital for about 11 days and we thought she’d come good once she was back home.”

It took weeks and months to dawn that this could be an ongoing issue when we started seeing specialists and a physiotherapist.

“This happened over 30 years ago and medicine in trauma care has improved so much over that time. We didn’t see a neurologist for months. We’ve done a hell of a lot of research ourselves over the years. Especially Kathy who is a legal secretary of nearly 40 years. She’s really good at this stuff and has built up a huge volume of notes,” says Jim. “The insurance company paid for a support teacher through school, so Amy went right through mainstream school with about five hours of daily support from kinder right through high school.”

Amy says, “I was very young at the time of the accident so I obviously can’t remember anything. I’m the middle child and the only one living at home now. I have an elder sister and younger brother.”

My earliest memory is going to Sydney for medical appointments.

“My schooling was at Hamilton South Public School and Newcastle High which was good, and I’m still friends with some of my old schoolmates.”

“Amy went through a period where she had really bad epilepsy,” shares Jim. “She was four or five and she went on a Phenobarbital medication and the seizures stopped dead overnight. So she had quite a few years of relief but then she went through puberty and the epilepsy came back and got much worse.”

Then in 2013 she had brain surgery. We’d seen a heck of a lot of specialists and somebody recommended we go and see Professor Dominic Rowe at Macquarie University.

“He picked up the problem straight away and Amy had brain surgery within a matter of weeks of seeing him. He’s our guru and calls Amy his ‘miracle girl.’ We love Dr Rowe! He is working on a cure for motor neurone disease and I believe they’re about to start trials soon.

“This may sound crude, but in simple terms they cleaned up part of her skull where the brain was growing through the ‘cracks’ and inserted a titanium plate. Then she went back to Macquarie Private in Sydney a few months later to have a shunt put in. Two more weeks in hospital and it was a slow recovery as Amy was pretty sick from those two surgeries, but she’s come good.”

Amy’s been almost seizure free and going well the last 18 months.

“My gall bladder has been removed so I have to be very careful what I eat, and I have had a lot of tummy issues to deal with,” explains Amy.

“In 2009 I joined Headstart”, says Amy. “In that time I’ve had many different support workers. I couldn’t have just one person every day. They’re all unique and have different personalities, but they all do a good job. We do tennis, gym, shopping, different things like bowling. On Monday we went to Holey Moley mini golf at Charlestown Square. I won that one! I haven’t been down to the Royal Easter show in Sydney since 2019 so hope to go again soon. Without Headstart I wouldn’t get out in the community or do very much, so it’s important for me. Knowing the girls over so many years you form a close friendship because you see them often.”

“I’ve previously been to the Capitol Theatre in Sydney to see Mary Poppins and Matilda with support workers. I like the theatre and movies. I’m going to see Barbie soon! I like animated movies like the Little Mermaid and also Rom Coms.”

“I enjoy puzzles and just finished a thousand piece one over 12 days. The latest was a Barbie puzzle that I had to finish before the movie! I love Barbie and played with the dolls when I was a kid. I enjoy Bananagrams which is like scrabble but without the board. So I’ve got quite a lot of patience. We play Jenga and board games like Monopoly.”

“CoWorker Joel is great and puts my timetables together. I get a monthly timetable so I know what I’ve got on and who is supporting me.”

As far as my goals go I’m still working on that. Right now my health and fitness is a big one.

Amy delights in her families COVID baby Delilah, who is three years old.

Amy with her dad Jim (above), and siblings Katie and Dean with his partner Mathilda.

“As parents we like to keep Amy motivated,” says Jim. “While she’s got paralysis down the right side we like to keep her active and not sit around watching telly all the time. Amy continues: “I’ve been going to the gym twice a week since the lockdowns. Scott is my Exercise Physiologist and he helps me with the gym program. We might do upper body on Tuesday, then we’ll do something else on Friday. Even though I’m quite a motivated person my gym CSW’s Jasmine and Lauren give me that extra bit of motivation.

My fitness goals are: more muscular tone throughout my body, more core strength and improved posture. It’s good for my tennis too!

In Amy’s treatment sessions I am looking to reduce the decline of muscular strength, mobility and function on her affected right side – with Amy’s efforts she has been able to extend the active range of motion of her right elbow and increase her gripping strength on her right hand. Amy has been making good progress in building strength and functional capacity in movements that match the needs of her daily life. Aerobic exercise in the form of skiing, rowing and stationary bike riding is a major part of Amy’s training, keeping her cardiovascular health in check.

In particular, Amy has been able to demonstrate progress in her strength and muscular control in exercises such as:

• The barbell hip thrust

• Pulling movements such as seated rows, overhead pulldowns and hanging onto a bar

• Squatting and lunging with up to an additional 5kg weight added.

Overall, I am pleased with Amy’s progress, particularly with her willingness to take on more intense strength training – which I believe holds huge musculoskeletal benefits for people with brain injuries. A vital and irreplaceable part of Amy’s adherence is her support workers, Jasmine and Lauren, who always get involved in Amy’s sessions and encourage Amy to keep going.

Scott Witchard, Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist.

I started with 5kg’s and now I’m up to 40 kilo hip thrusts. That’s pretty heavy. I’m proud of that! I also use on the bike, rower and other strength machines.

- Amy

-

Scott and Amy

Amy and support worker Lauren

Sailing forever!

Friday’s are special days for Mark, who regularly heads out at Belmont with Sailability. Headstart have been supporting Mark to access his favourite pastime for two years and we love seeing the smile it brings him. When he was younger, Mark used to sail catamarans with his Dad John and mate Keith up on the lake at Hawks Nest. Being able to get back on the water has been fantastic for Mark who exclaims “Sailing forever!”

Fun at the farm

What a lovely experience for Marika to get out and about on a beautiful Saturday!

To watch a short video of Mark sailing scan the QR code with

Marika had a wonderful day out at Oakvale Farm in Port Stephens in early August with her support worker Christine. Christine had come to Coworker Beth with the idea and thankfully we were able to arrange it. Marika thoroughly enjoyed her day – petting the animals, looking at the wildlife and even feeding a baby lamb with a bottle. The day was such a success that Marika spoke about it for days afterwards.

Can you dig it?

Jason comes from a family of who worked with diggers in excavation.

“I was walking down the street and had to get a photo of myself in this digger,” says Jason.

“It really gave me flashbacks, although the machines I used were about six or seven times the size of this one! I used to work on construction sites, pools or dig trenches.”

- Jason

Good Vibes

“I’m a true Novacastrian”, says Grant.

“The Walmsley’s actually come from what was called the Sandhills which is around Newcastle beach. So we really are from the sand, from the earth. Working class all the way through.

I come from a family of community minded people. My parents are very elderly now and still involved with the Lions Club and even now they raise a lot of money for charity. Dad worked with Vincent DePaul and Mum volunteered looking after all sorts of people in the community. A lot of people in Newcastle know my parents and I’m very grateful for what they did for so many people. So I was born as part of a family that’s been there for the community. My brother and sister are the same. I don’t want any medals and I’m not a ‘great guy’. I’m human and I have as many issues as anybody else.

Now that I work in the disability support area I’ve started to realise how many people in the music industry struggled mentally in the 80’s and 90’s.

If you had any mental illness at all you were just moved over. There was no talk about it and there wasn’t any care available.

When I look back at the amount of people who have since been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression... it’s ubiquitous through the arts and music industry. In some ways it’s ubiquitous in society as a whole. I certainly saw it as a very serious thing back then. There were

always individuals that you would notice and make an effort to help and support. Unfortunately, over the years, a lot of people from bands succumbed to their afflictions as there was no place to really put your hand up if you were struggling.

I love being part of a time and an era now where people can ask for help and we can all help each other and find support.

Having been a professional musician for 40 years, of course I’m getting a bit older now. Centre stage for much of it was recording and touring the globe with my band the Screaming Jets and then doing other solo things. But on top of that I’ve been a teacher and mentor throughout.

I’ve taught sound production, music and other creative things from my early 30’s. When I was younger I was able to juggle doing that and touring as well. Plus I’ve always found I’ve had a very close bond with people that were in need of support. One of the first people that I really developed a strong connection with and really enjoyed helping was Shaun (a Headstart consumer). That was when I was teaching music programs around 15 years ago. Shaun’s been back here for about a year now and can’t stay away!

Over my time teaching in educational institutes over the last 15 - 20 years I saw that at times there was support for people that needed it, while at other times there wasn’t. With the rise of the NDIS my journey has led me to the place where education meets support and disability.

The last educational institute that I was working with had a group of predominantly autistic students that nobody seemed to be able to connect with. With arts being the common bond I was able to just connect straightaway, and we had a fantastic time!

This led me to wanting to offer creative support programs for creatively minded people with mainly intellectual disabilities. Hope is my business partner and we worked under the umbrella of another company before becoming standalone. The Vibe has been this building for three years. Besides music we also offer a lot of different arts such as sewing, cooking, leatherwork, socializing, independent living stuff. We run 20 to 25 programs depending on demand. We help younger people that need mentoring in certain areas as well as employment skills. We run The Vibe as a community and it really is. Our staff are wonderful, compassionate human beings with empathetic traits and real life experiences in supporting people. SoThe Vibe really is unique. If you walk in here you’ll see recording studios, digital editing suites. We’ve run jam sessions for musicians, we’ve got a kitchen, cooking, sewing room, art room, the list goes on. It’s a home away from home and a safe and inclusive place.

I don’t know of anywhere in Newcastle or further afield that’s anything like it. We don’t market ourselves or advertise. People know what we do and they find us.

The Vibe is located in Adamstown and is co-run by founder and former band member of the Screaming Jets, Grant Walmsley. The Headstart consumers who attend are all musically inclined, but there’s far more going on at the Vibe.

We like it that way and it allows our clients some privacy. We also don’t want our clients thinking we’re a ‘disabled centre’. We often talk about capacities and potentials especially with the younger people we support here at The Vibe. We help them understand that they’ve got to get used to juggling things in life. You can’t just do one thing, particularly if you want to be creative. You’ve got to do a range of things if you want to earn money and earn a living.

I’m still a record producer and while I co-run The Vibe for 40 hours a week I still do 20 to 40 hours outside of that. It’s big hours but I enjoy it and it gives me a balance creatively. Being a creative you’ve got to practice your art and my art takes a lot of time. I’m still a songwriter and every song you produce is 30 or 40 hours per song. People don’t realize that songs are a lot of work with a lot of layers.

The Vibe has quite a number of clients that come from Headstart, which is fantastic. We love our relationship with Headstart who are amazing!

We have George on the drums. I’ve known George since he was quite young and he played in some of the big bands in town and I love having him here. George plays with an fantastic old style groove and swing that’s pretty rare these days.

Trae has a tremendous spirit and a country superstar. I’m currently producing an original song that he’s

written and we’re making it as good as we possibly can.

He loves working with me because although people wouldn’t know it, I have an affinity with good country music. Trae is a very fun guy and the best card player here at The Vibe.

Brett is a newcomer and it was exciting seeing him pull out an old Maton guitar and play Pink Floyd and other 70’s songs.

Ben is wonderful synth doof magician who is a lot of fun and has a great ear for music. He’s a cheeky charmer and loves the social side of things too.

We’ve loved seeing Jason dust the cobwebs off and get the fingers moving again after a little bit of a break from playing guitar.

And of course Shaun who I’ve known for quite a long time and is a wonderful human being. He loves to be part of a group. Sean is a real rock singer and we’ve had some tremendous jams with him singing.

It’s a privilege to play music with these Headstart guys. They’ve become part of our fabric and make the Vibe what it is.”

Pgs 12-19 of this special edition of NewsLink features stories of our many Headstart Vibe participants.

To watch a short video of Grant introducing The Vibe scan the QR code or visit www.vimeo.com/860752661

Memories of the ScreamingJets

“I started the band with my best mate from high school in about 1980. Frankie, and I were already playing music and since we were about 13. I was writing songs and a guitar player. We asked David Gleeson to join us as the singer.

Ten years after that we started to really hit our straps and became Screaming Jets. As you’ll have heard, there’s no overnight success in anything. We’d probably done 1000 to 1500 shows before we signed a record deal. We did a lot of studio work and I continued to write songs for the band.

We had a good run and sold about a million units and travelled the world. We toured Europe and the States. I’ve been to every place in Australia a hundred times. We were on the road for a long time and during the busy ten year period we lived in a suitcase. We lived the dream and it was an exciting life for a young man. We did allright for a Newcastle band, even though we did move to Sydney where you had to be based back in those days.

Life moves on but we certainly had an incredible 20-25 years and I completely acknowledge how lucky we were.”

- Grant Walmsley

I’ve played the guitar for 25 years but just stopped playing. So I just started coming to the Vibe to brush up on what I know because I’ll be playing for Headstart at Christmas time.

I’m just jamming with the blokes and it’s helped me get back into it. I used to only play music that I like, but now I want to play the music that everyone else likes because then I’m more likely to get a clap or a cheer!

I’ve played with heaps of bands over the years but then I had an illness with my epilepsy and had a couple of brain operations. I had to take a break but I’m getting back into it slowly. I feel pretty good when I’m playing drums with Grant and the boys. Hopefully one day a band will come along looking for a drummer and pick me up so I can be part of a working band again.

I’ve been coming to the Vibe for around 12 months. I’ve been practicing the guitar and learning about the recording process and we’re also producing a country song of mine. I’m a country boy at heart!

This place is my second home. I love these guys! They’re family to me. Grant, Mark and Sarah - they showed me what I can do. I just to release songs and entertain.

Trae

To watch a short video of Jason at The Vibe scan the QR code or visit www.vimeo.com/857789052

To watch a short video of Trae at The Vibe scan the QR code or visit www.vimeo.com/859640743

Shaun’s all in

Shaun

I’m lucky that I can still sing. I’m doing lessons because I want to improve my vocal range to be able to sing better and clearer. Already I think I’m singing a bit better than before my accident.

The Vibe is like a small family with everyone able to come here, so it’s a bit like Headstart in that way.

Music to me is my life and I’d like to find a band that can help me perform.

Shaun faces his challenges with a friendly smile while keeping a firm focus on his passion: music.

“Iused to be a singer and guitarist, playing hard rock and heavy metal. Since my accident I can’t play a guitar anymore - and that sucks.

I’ve been coming to The Vibe to work on my singing for about a year now. It’s the best place ever! Besides being the ex Screaming Jets guitarist, Grant is also an awesome bloke. I’ve known him for around 15 years now and we just click. Everyone coming to The Vibe has their own injuries and hurt and stuff. People help one another on their journeys and becoming more independent.

I think I’m singing better now than before my accident. It’s bloody awesome!

My favourite band is Metallica. I saw them in Sydney through the Starlight Wish Foundation which came about because of my accident. They gave me a car for a week plus a five star motel and that was great! I was sitting having a smoke one day when this limo pulled up and said ‘Is your name Shaun?’ They said I should get my family to come and meet Metallica. It was awesome and they were such down to earth blokes! We had top seats and got signed autographs.

Two days later I went to the Big Day Out and saw Metallica again. So good! My

favourite Metallica song depends on the mood I’m in. They were very heavy in the early days and became a bit more rock in later years. Some of my other favourite songs are Led Zeppelin’s ‘No Quarter’ and Radiohead’s ‘Creep’.

I wrote a song a long time ago now. It’s classic heavy metal and is called ‘Welcome to Hell’. It starts with ‘30,000 metres underground’ so it is a bit dark. It was the only full song I wrote and sang before my accident.

When I’m having my coffee now I think of lyrics and write them down. I’ve got a lot of words and unwritten songs in my head, but not a band to make a song. I’m also a big fan of karaoke.”

To watch a short video of Shaun at The Vibe scan the QR code or visit www.vimeo.com/ 859258753

“When I was 16 I had a motorbike accident. My friend had an old motorbike and a group of us went to Minmi to have turns riding it. On my second go I fell off and connected with a cement drain pipe. It was pitch black dark, there were no lights on the bike and I was going flat chat with no helmet.

I suffered severe head injuries, and died 3 times. They told my family that I would not survive the night and to prepare for the worst.

My father saw me in hospital and didn’t recognise me. He said ‘that’s not Shaun’. He looked closer and started swearing. After that he paced up and down the hallway saying ‘he’s gone, he’s gone, he’s gone’. My mum was devastated and lost a lot of weight from my accident, and started smoking heavily. My sister said ‘he’ll be right’. Luckily, I survived and spent 6 months in John Hunter hospital. Recovery was like being a little baby all over again. I had to relearn how to swallow, chew, talk and walk. I was being fed through a nose tube. I didn’t know my own name, who my parents were or

my mates. I knew that I knew them but I didn’t know where from. This must have been hard for them.

I left the hospital in a wheelchair. I was unable to speak properly. I made up words (like toke) to replace words I couldn’t remember. I didn’t know what 1 + 1 was or what the a..b...c... looked like. I got angry easily. At the time it was really frustrating and I even thought about ending my life. Apparently thoughts of suicide are very common in the early stage after an acquired brain injury because of the complete change to your life. I was unhappy but I kept going. Now, physically I am blind in my right eye. I have lost feeling in my right hand and I have lost some feeling in my right leg. I have also lost my sense of smell and I can barely taste anything. I miss being able to smell things like fresh cut grass, and women’s perfume, and I really miss being able to taste.

I went to rehab for about a year and a half, and had intensive physio, speech therapy and occupational therapy. My mum took me to the gym three times a week even in the wheelchair and dad stopped working while I was recovering.

After this rehab I started TAFE to relearn my maths and English which I did for 4 years and I’m still working on it. Unfortunately my memory is crap so I forget things easily. Even so I have completed certificate 3 in Business and only have two subjects to pass to complete Certificate 3 in Technology.

Before my accident I was athletic and popular and had lots of mates. I am still in contact with some of my mates and my accident helped me realise who my really good mates are. The majority of my schoolmates are all married now with kids and jobs so it’s pretty difficult to catch up with them.

I’ve been part of Headstart’s Community Education Team for years now. I talk about how motorbikes are very dangerous and not very forgiving.

What I did was really stupid, but the reality is that accidents happen every day, even when people are doing the right thing. Even low impact accidents can have devastating results. I tell people to ride safely, and if driving a car to keep an eye out for motorbikes.”

Shaun and Romeo have had a lot of adventures together... they managed to stay out of trouble (most of the time!)

“When presenting for the Headstart CET I tell people that I would not be in this position had I been doing the right thing. My injuries are with me 24/7 and I would hate to see anyone go through what I have.”

Once I was at a pub after speaking at an event and a girl ran up to me and gave me a big hug. I didn’t know who she was, but she said she’d done the traffic offenders course that Headstart had been at. She even cried when she told me how it had impacted her. That’s awesome!

“I’d like to work in the music industry although I’m not really looking for a job at the moment because I’m just too busy. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

I have my support workers and we go to physio, speech therapy, occupational therapy plus I see my psychologist. Plus The Vibe. So I’ve got a lot going on. My support workers help me with grocery shopping, cooking meals and come and celebrate birthday’s with me, so I’ve formed a friendship connection with many of them.

I live in Kotara and my Dad lives close by and he is part of my life every week. On the weekends we usually have lunch and go for a drive and do something together. My sister lives in Melbourne but she’s still a big part of my life and helps me a lot through Facetime and text messages. I see my son every second Friday and Saturday. Kyron is three years old and lives with his mum in Mayfield. Every time I see him I’m happy as Larry!

I enjoy catching up with people, and I used to meet up with Stefan (support worker) and Romeo (Headstart consumer) every week for ages and we’d go and do loads of different things together. It was great having the company but the moment I’m going to The Vibe and I can’t do two things at once, so unfortunately I can’t do that anymore. Once a week I still try to catch up with a guy who I used to work with at Aruma as we are pretty good mates. My approach is to just take every day as it comes. Music to me is my life. It’s everything to me!”

Thank you Shaun for being a core member of our Community Education Team. Rock on!

Shaun enjoys the camaraderie of the CET.

Stories are powerful and Shaun’s is no exception.

Singing the blues away

myself. I put new windows in, a carpet, flattened the backyard and repaired the front steps. I still plan to do the floors. My accident happened at age 19. I had moved out of home for a few months and worked as a fitter and machinist for BHP. A workmate was driving when we hit a telephone poll up Scott Street. I suffered a crush fracture and was in a coma for two months. I then got grand mal epilepsy and post traumatic stress. Afterwards I went back and finished my apprenticeship at BHP. I thought I was going to carry on but five months later, after my first epileptic fit, they decided to let me go. I simply couldn’t be working on a lathe anymore.

So I’ve been on a pension since I was 19 which is how I’ve survived. I’m starting to get a little pride back. People that have had a lot more opportunities than I’ve had have achieved a lot less. While I’ve made an error here or there I’ve got something to show for it. Maybe not much of a consolation prize, but I’ve paid my way and I own my home. I got very close to marriage once and I have a daughter who is 27 yrs old.

“I’m still getting used to having people around me who have my best interests at heart. That’s a new thing for me after an abusive upbringing and some very frustrating experiences with solicitors over many years. Much of my life has played out like some kind of b-grade movie.

I grew up here in Lambton and still live in the same house. I was one of the only kids around here that wasn’t spoilt rotten. As kids, my friend and I were really jealous of everyone getting what they wanted. It’s almost like a biblical tale because now we are the only two that own our houses and didn’t need our inheritances to get somewhere.

A lady I know used to say ‘self-esteem is very expensive’ and I’ve grown to appreciate that. The first valuation of this house was so low and they said to knock it down. I was willing to pay 50% more than this house was actually worth to keep it. This house was a mess after my parents got divorced and moved out, and so I’ve spent a lot of time fixing it up

It took to meeting Headstart to help put things in perspective and help me move on from a lot of negativity that I’d been feeling about my life. I know there’s always someone worse off than me. I recently turned 60 and I still believe I’ve been pretty lucky to get this far. I’m bearing a few scars but I tell my support workers that I’m not bitter when they ask me how I’m going.

“No, I’m not bitter!” has become a bit of a gag or running joke considering the trauma that has happened with my family and losing out on my compensation just recently. Headstart drove me down to Sydney about fourteen times for my recent court case. It was David and Goliath and the dust has settled on that now even though it’s not been a great outcome for me.

Having Headstart help around the place and with the lawn is great - helping with the shopping, transport to where I need

A very old photo of his band “The Wouldbes” still on Brett’s wall at home

to go or finding a part for my car. While I do have a car in the garage it’s not registered and needs some work done.

I’ve had my EK Holden since 1986. This car, my guitar, a broken neck and a whole lot of nights I can’t remember are about all I’ve got to show for my apprenticeship at BHP. I would say symbolic of some sort of misguided achievement. My support worker Ben is helping me get to the Men’s Shed at Adamstown who are going to help me fix the tailgate of my Holden. I’ve only just started going to the Mens Shed the last couple of weeks and so far it’s been extremely helpful. I’ve been to one Headstart Christmas BBQ and it actually helped me to get some perspective and think to myself ‘what have I got to complain about?’

I’ve been playing the guitar since 1985 when a guy called Derek introduced me to the instrument. We used to go busking and when I was asked to tap my foot I felt that was a bit too extroverted. We made more money when Derek was singing, let’s put it that way!

Playing relaxes me and so I think that the guitar has kept me out of jail, seriously. Let’s just say it’s helped keep me ‘subdued’.

The Vibe have been teaching me a bit over recent months. Back in the 70’s it was much easier to pick a favourite song when the girls liked Sherbet and the men liked Skyhooks. Those were simpler times. I mentioned to Teri-Anne

at Headstart that I was a bit of an AC/DC fan and she arranged for me to go to an AC/DC tribute band which was good.

The mother of my child used to tell me I’d wake up saying ‘the band, the band!’ We were called ‘The Wouldbes’. That was a long time ago.

My goal for the future is to start a band when I grow up!

A woman at New South Wales trustee and guardian introduced me to the NDIS and then to Headstart, which I’m very happy about. The support workers have helped me with my stairs out the front which before was a few besser blocks. I don’t feel ashamed of my house anymore.

My granddad is my hero for a number of reasons. He was a good man. My past relating to my relationship with parents has given me a pretty dark sense of humour but that’s how I cope.”

I’ve been coming to The Vibe about two months.

It was a welcoming atmosphere and I’m learning more than I thought I would.

It’s a place where you can express yourself. You don’t feel like you have to be a professional rock star to be there, and for obvious reasons I like that!

- Brett

To watch a short video of Brett at The Vibe scan the QR code or visit www.vimeo.com/856260136

Brett on his front lawn with his EK Holden

Ben’s gentle spirit is accompanied by a fiercely sharp and curious mind with a wicked sense of humour. Coffee connoisseur, eclectic collector, creative soul are all words you could use to describe the man, and still there so many more facets to Ben, including inventing words like ‘Ben-tastic!’

“I grew up in Warners Bay so I’m a Lake Macquarie boy,” says Ben. “I was in a band with some friends and we recorded songs and even made some film clips. One of our videos was on the Arias!”

“I like the mornings when there’s dew on the ground. In 2008, when I was 25 years old I was photographing a sunrise over Newcastle and I accidentally stepped off a rooftop. That’s where my brain injury happened. I broke my chin and have a metal piece in my jaw. I’m pretty much a robot! I was in hospital for two years and went back to mum and dads for about a year then I came here to my own place. Ben loves to be as independent as possible. “I own my own home,” says Ben. “I’m proud of that. I have a sister who married another Ben, the captain from my high school and has had two kids. Most of my friends live in Sydney now and got married and having kids, doing their thing.”

Ben’s mum Cheryl and dad Gary are still very involved in Ben’s day to day support. In addition, Headstart provide daily support for Ben. “Headstart do a good job,” he says.

Support workers help Ben with weekly cooking that’s kept in his freezer. “Beef casserole and veggies, tuna mornay, chilli con carne are regulars,” says Support worker Maria “Everything’s got vegetables as he likes to be healthy. Ben takes photos of his food and sends it to his mum!”

“I make and effort to be environmentally friendly and want to look after the planet as much as I can,” says Ben. “I eat organic. Dad started with a fruit and veg garden at home and compost bin and when I moved out I got better at doing things for myself.”

I try and be a good person. Do the right thing and put it in the bin.

“Ben’s just grown massively over the past two years,” says CSW Maria. “His confidence in himself has grown . He loves to be healthy. He likes to get out more now. He’s always showing me what he’s doing with his photography and he’s absolutely brilliant! Ben’s brain is

amazing too and he’s always researching things on the internet and expanding his knowledge. He’s into everything from the environment to science, the foods we eat, the best or the safest way to do things. He’s like a sponge and it just stays in.”

A coffee connoisseur, Ben says “My support worker Maria brews a good drop but Belmont’s best coffee shop is Common Circus. I love my coffee and food”, says Ben, whose taste isn’t affected by his brain injury. “I’d be upset if I couldn’t taste anything.”

“Ben eats lots of fruits, but especially loves apples,” says CSW Maria. “Pink ladies are his favourites and they’ve got to be the brightest red ones. He buys about $20 worth of apples a week.”

Besides satisfying Ben’s appetite, Maria and other support workers support Ben with daily medications, personal care, cleaning, community access and shopping. They ensure that Ben is ready for work each morning. Muru Pathways provide Ben with regular transport to his various appointments and activities. We arranged to meet Ben at the Avenue in Warabrook. “It’s a good place. I’d better make sure I’m working hard for you. I’ll try and get a sweat up!” he says with a smile. Ben attends the Avenue for work four days a week and is passionate about building his photographic business called Parkotographic - based on his last name. Photography helps me to focus my mind and express my inner “CHI”, says Ben.

Ben’s photographic skill is clear from his images, with technical skill, a wonderful sense of composition and an amazing understanding of light to capture the right mood in his scenes. Ben’s always looking for a photo opportunity. “I often take photos out of the car window. I like images of water - it’s always changing, always moving. Belmont Bay is a good spot for photography. I want to become the best photographer in the east of Australia.... actually in the east of the world! I want my own successful business. I like to capture light. Without light everything would be black.

I’m a lover of light. I don’t want to be in the dark. My goal is to be a happy chappy.

“I feel so good being able to work and go to the Avenue,” says Ben. “I feel like a complete human. I’m part of the community, a working man paying my way and not sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. I’m working on my website, and learning about running a business.”

Don’t whinge about what you can’t do. I just try and get better where I can.

Ben’s images can be purchased on coasters, cups, postcards, shirts, drink bottles and more at Redbubble.com (Read more on the following two page of NewsLink for more about Ben’s business.)

CSW Maria says, “Ben comes home all revved up and really loves what he’s doing at the Avenue!”

For his physical wellbeing Ben has previously attended the local gym and is planning on doing more hydrotherapy. “I hope to go back again soon,” says Ben. “Walking through the water is helpful for my independence.”

When it comes to leisure Ben enjoys dropping a line in the water. “I grew up

Ben comes in to the Vibe and loves to set up his synthesizer in my studio. He’s got a great ear for music and it’s wonderful to see Ben’s face light up when we get the beats and loops going. Ben is cheeky, loves to socialise and brings a charm to this place.

- Grant (The Vibe)

fishing and went every weekend with my Dad and my neighbours. I love it! I like to fish from the lake and the beach, so a bit of everything. I’ve been a few times from the piers lately and caught some whiting and bream - but all illegal so they went back in.”

“I’ve always loved music and have mixed since I was back at school. I used to throw gigs back in the day,” says Ben. “We didn’t like paying for it and so my mates and I learnt to mix music ourselves.”

While he is now focusing on his business, recent times have seen Ben a regular attendee at The Vibe in Adamstown. Here Ben loves the social side as much as the opportunity to work alongside Grant Walmsley (ex-Screaming Jets) to mix and record music. “Grant is a nice bloke,” says Ben. “The BBQ sausages are also pretty good at The Vibe!”

Cont. next page >

To watch a short video of Ben at The Vibe scan the QR code or visit www.vimeo. com/860036664

Ben is a whip-smart, friendly, environmentally conscious guy with the ability to make you laugh with his classic one-liners!

Ben lives independently in his own apartment with his budgies - or as he fondly calls them his “flockers”. He enjoys building his entrepreneurial side by attending work at The Avenue most days throughout the week. He showcases his talent to all who meet him (his photography and his interests).

Ben enjoys joking with his workers and laughing at everyday life. I love Ben’s sense of humor and getting to support him in my role. Benny (as his mum calls him) lightens up your day with his smile!

- Beth

The “Ben-pire” begins

Ben works in our entrepreneurs section where he’s building his micro business and growing in confidence.

Ben is great fun to have around the Avenue! He gives us all a good laugh during the day and keeps everybody feeling pretty happy. But he’s also very serious about what he’s doing.

Ben has started a Redbubble account where his photos are available on all sorts of products.

- Cari (Avenue Support Worker)

Get to know Ben better

Favourite food: Steak and chips.

Favourite movie: I like interesting movies, emotional and horror movies. The Babysitter is a good thriller.

Favourite music: Rise Against, an American punk rock band.

Favourite sports team: I used to play footy but I don’t watch it anymore. I used to support Manly Sea Eagles.

Favourite cartoon character: None. I’m a big boy!

Favourite hobby: Op shopping. I love looking for opportunities and bargains.

I enjoy collecting things.

Favourite place on earth: We live in a pretty good place. Lake Macquarie is the second biggest lake in the southern hemisphere. I went to a friends wedding in Bali once and met the royal family (his mother was an Indonesian princess). So I’m pretty much royalty!

If you could be an animal: Koala. They’re cute.

If you can meet someone famous who would it be? Victor Wooten, bassist. A word to describe you? Dope.

(Headstart CoWorker)

Ben at Avenue with support worker Cari

To watch a short video of Ben at Avenue scan the QR code or visit www. vimeo.com/858863048

You can buy items with Ben’s photos at: www.redbubble.com/people/Parko10177/shop

Avenue: a workplace for all

Avenue provides two core services: Avenue Work and Avenue Social. The work area has teams that support people with disability to engage in meaningful work tasks. The social aspect is based on a varied social calendar with different activities, locations, group sizes and timings. This allows people access to the community regardless of support needs.

Location-wise, Avenue is based locally in Warabrook, with three other coworking spaces in NSW at Frenchs Forest, Botany and Parramatta.

The heart of Avenue is the coworking spaces that are supported work teams which are led by a Team Coordinator and consist of team members with similar skills and interests.

Avenue is a day program alternative where people with disability can ‘make a purposeful contribution and generate revenue through microbusinesses’.

Participants (known as team members) are empowered to join work teams and contribute to microbusinesses which carry out order fulfilment, kit assembly, flyer distribution, pet care, and more.

Headstart consumer Ben is really excited to be a working member of the community and now attends four days a week as he builds his photography business. The difference being a contributing member of society makes in Ben’s life is amazing. Avenue are driven by the belief that everyone can be productive, and fully take part in society economically and socially. By breaking down work tasks according to team members’ abilities and eliminating barriers, they offer a workplace for all. Each work team earns a small remuneration from their work activities, which is shared equally among all team members in a profit share model.

Avenue aspires to support people with disability to contribute to their communities and to reach their full potential.

Avenue are always looking for opportunities for new and different types of work for their teams – so if you have a business need that isn’t listed, get in touch with Avenue. More info: www.avenuecoworking.org.au

Avenue is a day program alternative where people of all abilities are supported to complete work tasks, socialise and develop their individual skills, regardless of their support needs.

Help through the tough times

What is Grief?

Grief is a natural part of life and is our reaction to loss. Your reaction is very unique to you. The intensity of the grief, the pain of grief and how individuals express their grief has no set pattern. Someone who has experienced a loss that is significant to them can feel like they are on a rollercoaster of emotions, thoughts, physical impacts. Grief can affect so many different parts of their life.

Grief is expressed in many and varied ways. Some people can feel incredibly alone in their grief. Sudden unexpected and traumatic loss brings with it the added distress of how the loss came about. Trying to make sense of the ‘why’s and what’s next’ when your world feels like it is tipped upside down can be exhausting. There is no “normal” timeline for grief. It can’t be forced or hurried. For many there is a readiness factor when a person wants to share their story and feels they can talk through the impact of their loss in a private and personal way with someone outside of their natural supports.

The National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) is an independent, notfor-profit registered charity which was formed after the Granville Train Disaster in 1977. NALAG has been a leading provider of grief and loss support, training and education for over 45 years.

NALAG’s main purpose is to help people find a voice for their grief, learn ways to cope, and find hope and healing after loss.

As Branch coordinator of the NALAG Hunter Branch, Rhonda White coordinates activities in the Hunter region and acts as a Loss & Grief Support Worker. This often involves helping people who are bereaved but also includes supporting people who are experiencing other losses such as the impact of changed circumstances; diagnosis of chronic and life threatening illness; the impact on carers; anticipatory grief; grief at the loss of independence; the losses experienced due to natural disasters; and the pain and aloneness of silent sorrow.

Many of the volunteers have been on their own grief journey. This lived experience in addition to their grief and loss support training enables a supportive ear to anyone that utilises NALAG’s services This free, confidential, grief and loss support service to the Hunter is via telephone, zoom, facetime with face to face support and counselling also available.

Any questions or need help? Contact NALAG’s on 02 6882 9222 or email the Hunter branch: rhonda@nalag.org.au

Michael, or Mick as he was known to his friends, family and support workers was an authentic country boy, a true gent and loved the outdoors. Mick has always worked physical jobs - in a timber mill as a boy, and got a start in a scrapyard salvaging copper when he moved from his hometown of Dorrigo to Raymond Terrace many years ago. Mick was close to his siblings and children who reside in Dorrigo, Tamworth and the Hunter and saw them all as much as possible. He was also the proud Dad of his beloved 3 pooches: Frank, Zara and Mustang. Mick’s family managed to get Mustang over to visit him right before succumbing to a long term cancer battle, made worse by Covid-19 whilst admitted.

Mick loved camping, bushwalking and most of all fishing, which was the highlight of his week for many months before his passing. He spent many a glorious hour, with a line in the water mainly around his favourite spots, Karuah, Hunter River and Ash Island alongside his regular worker Frank, with whom he had a lot in common. Mick was a thrill seeker as a teenager, and loved motorcycles.

His sister Brenda recounts a story where Mick came careening down their street in Dorrigo and stacked it in the front yard. Mick stood up after it, brushed himself off, and casually said “Well, that’s one way to stop”. This pretty much sums Mick up perfectly.

www.nalag.org.au

"Grief is not a sign of weakness. It is the price of love."

People instantly warmed to Mick, and he will be missed by his whole family, and by everyone who knew him here at Headstart.

Furry friends

Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) is a unique community promoting inclusion and happiness. It is a place where people and animals come together to break down personal barriers and create space for change through fun, curated programs.

HPHH shelter programs are open to individuals (12 years+) and are designed for participants with a range of abilities and support needs. Participants join tailored, small group sessions and spend time with a wide variety of rescue animals in shelters across Australia. Locally, HPHH are at situated at the Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre. Participants learn the basics of animal behaviour, enrichment, care and training with hands-on activities, while also building personal development skills, social networks and self-confidence.

If you love animals and are interested in our programs, then call HPHH’s friendly enrolment team on 1300 077 984 and they can guide you through the enrolment process. More info, including an online form to register interest at: www.hphhfoundation.org

Note that consumers will need to be Plan or Self-Managed (not Agency) to access Happy paws Happy hearts programs independently. If you have any questions please contact your CoWorker.

$10 $7 $6 for 2 or more

Style up with some of our Headstart merch... contact us or pop into the office to buy these items.

500ml Thermo stainless drink bottle

$12 Cap

Headstart’s attractive and durable hessian bads are perfect for all your shopping needs. Size 35cm H x 40cm W x 20cm D, with double 17 inch handles.

Our favourite walks

Some of the best things in life are free! If you fancy the sun on your face, fresh air and those feel-good endorphins then get out and head to Newcastle and Lake Mac’s amazing walking tracks. I’ve put together a list of some of Rec Group’s all-time favourite, all accessible walking paths. These are all flat and sealed paths that are suitable for all fitness levels and abilities with easy access, and plenty of parking.

Fernleigh Track

Although there are many entry points onto the Fernleigh Track, our favourite spot starts near the Fernleigh Track Café. Located in Adamstown, and handy if you want to start your journey firstly having a sneaky cup of coffee. The café also has a great area out the back to sit and enjoy one of their yummy burgers. Just watch out for the bikers along the way!

Green Point Reserve

Walking along the lake while listening to the bird life is like music to the ears. Along this walk you may spot seagulls, pelicans, ducks, crows, and kookaburras. A great location to take a few photos as well.

Swansea Boardwalk

Swansea is a beautiful and picturesque location with views overlooking the Swansea Channel. The local council has done a remarkable job with this allaccessible board walk with bridges over the ground water and channels.

Wangi Wangi Bay Walk

Starting from the carpark of the Wangi District Workers Club is an easy location to park the car and head off along the sealed and flat path. This path is shaded with magnificent, huge gumtrees and runs along the waters edge of Lake Macquarie. You can see all the dinghy’s parked up along the shoreline as well as a boats of all shapes and sizes in the peaceful calm waters.

Bar Beach to Merewether

Starting off at Swells café for a quick drink before heading off is a great way to

start your day. Sip on your coffee while admiring the surfers taking on the waves of the ocean. Keep in the view of the ocean the entire walk from Bar Beach to Merewether. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The is the must do of all the Newcastle walks!

Nobbys Breakwall

Hands down probably Rec’s favourite walk is along the Breakwall of Nobby’s Beach. With the Beach on one side and the Harbour on the other your eyes are filled with interesting things to look at. Be amazed by the incredible size of the barges that are coming into load or unload, and the little tugboats that assist them. Just be mindful the waves can come up over the path and you may get some water spray. A good spot to chuck a fishing line in as well.

Speers Point

Ample car parking within and next to the local Speers point swimming pool which is a good place to start or meet up with a friend. The park here is shaded and beautiful, a lovely spot for a picnic after your walk. The pathway is sealed and flat and runs along the waters edge of Lake Mac. You may come across some of the many purple electric bikes and scooters available for hire.

Nikki, Rec Coordinator

Would you like to join our Rec sometime? To receive our Rec calendar get in touch with your CoWorker or call our office on 4965 4420. Hope to see you soon!

Fernleigh Track

Nobbys Breakwall

Bar Beach to Merewether

Something fishy

The day started at various train station pick up points from Hamilton to Hornsby. We arranged ramps at four access points, which of course meant we also had them prearranged for exiting. As Rec Coordinator I had discussed with everyone beforehand to assist where possible to help anyone with mobility challenges and their support workers. It was all hands-on deck for the entire day.

The morning carriage was the quiet carriage and chosen by a majority vote. This was a nice idea as it allowed us to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Although being quiet was real challenge for some of us!

At Central Station we changed to the light rail. Once arriving at Pyrmont Bay, the lift was out of order so we managed to find an alternate route to cross Pyrmont Bridge. It was at this point everyone’s faces lit up with excitement. It was really a wonderful uplifting moment. Spectacular views could be seen of the harbor and the high rises such as the Sky Tower.

We entered Sea Life Aquarium and instructions were given beforehand for our next group meeting point and the process required for our journey back home. Everyone was able to wonder through the aquarium at their own pace with our support workers.

What an incredible adventure through the Aquarium. Everyone had an absolute ball!

To get through without rushing you needed a good hour and a half. One consumer was tired and quite worn out, so we arranged for a wheelchair to be brought to them. The support worker said this was a “game changer” for their consumer and made the experience so much more enjoyable.

On the trip home half of the group opted for the quiet carriage and the other half wanted to be able to talk freely, where there was lots and lots of chatter on the way home.

- Nikki

A really good day! I couldn’t believe how many fish there were. Loved watching the sharks. - Gary

Fantastic Day. So worth doing. Well organised, the day ran like clockwork.Nicole (CSW)

“What an absolute fantastic day. I had the best time, and my support worker was wonderful. The day was very organised, and I just love how everyone looks out for each other. The Aquarium is magnificent!” - Kaley

Beautiful day for it with good company. The aquarium was eye opening. I did like being in the quiet carriage of the train! - Ken

An awesome adventure. Best Rec day I have ever had!

- Jay

“I never thought I would get an opportunity to do something like this. My anxiety and health were once so bad from my accident and stopped me from doing so much stuff. I loved everything about this day and feel so happy I can do these things now.” - Dave

Have you checked us out on Facebook recently? Catch all the latest news, stories and rec activities.

Rec Activity Promo

Photography Course

Our popular 6-week course with Eddie Cross kicks off again on 13 October (every Friday from 10am12.30pm) and involves location visits and classsroom editing. Get in quick! For more info contact your CoWorker.

Come and try karate!

FREE Karate Open Day

Thurs 12 Oct, 9.30 - 11am Morning tea at 11.45am

Headstart’s weekly karate class is for people of all abilities and has been running for 30 years. It’s a lot of fun and great exercise. We welcome anyone to this open day - come and check it out! For more info contact your CoWorker.

Making a Complaint

If you would like to continue receiving NewsLink, become a member by contacting us on 4965 4420 for a membership application.

Our membership year starts from the 1st July. Your contributions to the newsletter are welcomed, and we will keep you up to date on all the issues, activities and the developments in services.

You have the right to complain under the Community Services (Complaints, review and monitoring) Act 1993. If you have a complaint there are steps to take. At each step, every effort will be made to resolve your complaint before going to the next step.

Step 1. Talk with the person concerned

Step 2: Talk with Co-worker/staff member

Step 3: Talk with Director

Step 4: Talk with Chairperson

Step 5: Talk with Committee

Step 6: Talk with an outside service

Traditional Owners

At each step you have the right to have someone else present if you wish. This person is called an advocate and may be your friend, family member, staff member, paid advocate or someone else. If you wish Headstart can help you locate an independent advocate.

We recognise, respect and embrace the Aboriginal elders and people of this region as the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders if this land. We further acknowledge the cultural contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with disability and reaffirm our vision of a world where every person is welcomed.

NewsLink is produced by many people at Headstart ABI Services. We welcome contributions from everyone: an article, letter, photograph, poetry, etc. We also welcome suggestions as to articles that we could write about for future issues - so please get on touch!

We appreciate feedback on things like the kind of stories, size of our typeface, layout and general appearance of our newsletter.

HAVE YOUR SAY on these, or any other issues by writing to us at: Headstart ABI Services

95 Turnbull Street HAMILTON NSW 2303 or email: comms@headstart-abi.com.au

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.

The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

-Thomas Edison