Orana’s Galway Supported Independent Living apartments have recently undergone a transformation and are a fantastic community hub.
Galway has transformed into a hub of excitement with a focus on community and inclusion, thanks to the support of Galway Team Leader Helen Yankova.
Helen has introduced a number of new programs to the complex since becoming Team Leader in December 2022, with the goal of getting everyone involved and building on skill development.
Helen joined Orana 17 years ago and has always worked in clientfacing roles within Independent Living Services. Helen is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about client wellbeing and the value of community.
“Orana is a great place to work, and I love working with our clients. Galway is so special and it’s great to see that it’s become such a neighbourly environment for not only current residents, but with clients from other Orana homes too.” Helen Yankova, Galway Team Leader.
Every Tuesday afternoon, all residents can participate in a newly-introduced arts and crafts program.The program focuses on a new theme each work, with each participant showcasing their creations at the end of each session over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
These ‘crafternoons’ are perfect for everyone to get involved and demonstrate their creative
talents. Each session is packed with an abundance of supplies and boasts an array of variety so each participant can pick and choose what they would like to do.
In addition to crafternoons, Helen has introduced a Literacy and Numeracy program. Participants can get involved with crosswords, basic sums, dotto-dots, alphabet puzzles, word searches, colouring in and more, with a selection of difficulties available so all are welcomed to participate.
Throughout Winter and the colder months, each program will be held inside, allowing the programs to continue even when wet. Helens goal is to waterproof the outdoor area, so that the programs can run long-term and in a familiar environment.
These programs are important to the community because they allow participants to build friendships with not only one another, but with all Orana clients who attend.
“It’s really good to come together and form friendships and build a sense of community. I’m really lucky and am excited to be working at Galway.” Helen Yankova.
The outdoor area at Galway has recently been refurbished with new furniture, a new BBQ, and a pizza oven that were generously donated, adding to the community environment.
The outdoor gathering space has more greenery to make it feel more welcoming, as well as a variety of furniture to accommodate everyone.
The community has recently held a number of parties, celebrating events and holidays, such as New Years Eve. Community BBQs also
held on a regular basis. Helen’s plans for the year include the creation of an accessible community garden. The community garden will serve as an educational resource for learning about gardening, the life cycles of plants and vegetables, and food preparation hygiene.
In addition, Galway residents are getting involved in their own AFL footy tipping competition. Kicking off just before round one, all residents will submit their favourites and picks. After round 18, when the finals begin, entrants will be treated to a dinner out, with the winner, second, and third place tippers announced.
Galway currently has three vacancies, and the apartments are perfectly located, close to a diverse array of facilities including a pharmacy and medical clinic, public transportation, and Orana’s Netley Business Services site. It’s the ideal location for people who want to maintain their independence without relying on public transportation.
With such a focus on community and becoming an inclusive environment, Galway is the perfect place to build and form new friendships and become part of a strong community.
Find out more about our vacancies at Galway online at oranaonline.com.au/ourservices/home, or contact our team on 8375 2000.
After assuming this position in February 2022, get to know Jim Liu, our Chief Executive Officer. Jim joined Orana as the Executive Manager, Business Services in July 2021. Jim quickly thrived and became a well-respected member of the team and wider Orana community, with a background in the commercial sector, specifically in business growth, improvement, and customer engagement.
Jim has gained a deeper and broader understanding of Orana’s operations and our industry since assuming the role of CEO a year ago.
What were the highlights of your first year as CEO?
The highlight for me, has been meeting our staff, families and supported employees over the last 12 months. Hearing so many stories and positive feedback on what Orana does and how we make a positive impact and the difference in people’s lives has been so encouraging and fulfilling.
It has also been valuable listening to feedback on how we can improve and enhance our services to continue to improve the lives of people we support.
What is one meaningful story or interaction that comes to mind from your time as CEO?
Presenting service awards in June last year gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of staff and to see the passion and commitment in our workforce. To see the genuine affinity amongst our staff who provide the best care to our clients is fantastic. It’s so important to recognise our teams’
commitment, contributions and passion in their roles, and we commend each and every member of the team. It’s fantastic to see that some, staff or employees, have been with Orana for over 20 years, some even reach 50 years, a huge milestone.
I love having conversations and interactions with many of our long-term supported employees. Listening and seeing the pride, enthusiasm, joy and engagement they bring to work each day, is such a wonderful and humbling experience.
What goals would you like to see Orana achieve over the next few years?
Orana has been around for 73 years, and I would love to see us around for another 73 and beyond.
Our aim is to be one of the best providers in South Australia for offering market-leading support and superior service that meet the needs of our clients.
To do this, we need to build a culture of high performance and attract, retain and develop the best talent to provide the highest level of support and service to our clients.
Enhancing and developing our HR framework, including our processes and systems is the
foundation and a focus for the next few years.
We are also working toward growing our service offering by extending our core services without compromising the quality of the supports delivered, or the safety of our clients.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES.
Volunteerability was recently informed of an extremely important volunteer at the City of West Torrens. The Volunteerability team was introduced to Vicky, a passionate and committed volunteer, after speaking with Shannon Lopez, the Volunteer Project Officer.
Vicky has been a part of the community bus program and, more recently, a social program for the elderly population in the City of West Torrens for the past 13 years.
With the social program coming to an end, Vicky was keen to continue with her passion and
find a new program to be a part of and make a difference.
On Vicky’s behalf, Shannon contacted Volunteerability in search of a new suitable volunteer role that would be a perfect fit for Vicky’s skills and interests.
Volunteerability had the opportunity to meet with Vicky and her Support Coordinator, to learn more about her and get to know her. Vicky proudly displayed a number of certificates of service for her work in the volunteer sector, beaming as she spoke to each.
Vicky enjoys spending time with and getting to know people as part of her volunteer work. And, as part of our mission to find her a new volunteer position, we explored a number of different opportunities along her regular public transportation route that met her criteria.
Calvary
Residential Care Home, a leading aged care community with excellent lifestyle programs, had a number of volunteer positions available.
This opportunity allows Vicky to combine her love of meeting and getting to know new people
with her passion for encouraging people to connect with one another. This volunteer position also allows her to connect with residents while serving tea and coffee, chatting with them and learning more about them.
According to David, the Volunteer Coordinator at Calvary Flora McDonald, the team was more than happy to create a role that allowed Vicky to use her skills and interact with the residents.
Vicky was eager to finish the paperwork and get started as soon as possible after a brief tour and induction.
Volunteerability can provide support to volunteers who are required to complete paperwork, various police and government checks, training and other requirements.
With the support of our Volunteerability Engagement Officer, Adam, Vicky was able to complete some additional training after a number of weeks in her new volunteering position.
Adam read the training material, and Vicky responded by answering and selecting the correct options within her training modules, proudly completing all of the training!
Vicky has been in contact with Volunteerability on a regular basis since beginning her volunteer position to relay the many positive comments from residents and staff at Calvary Flora McDonald.
Vicky embodies all of the qualities of an outstanding volunteer: dedication, dependability, friendliness, compassion, and enthusiasm.
We are confident that she will continue to volunteer in the community for many years to
come, improving the lives of those she supports.
Volunteerability was developed to create more inclusive communities in South Australia by providing and generating volunteer opportunities for people with disability.
Volunteerability also offers awareness training sessions, toolkits, and resources to organisations and businesses interested in recruiting volunteers.
Find out more on how Volunteerability can support you by contacting the team on 8375 2080 or at volunteerability.com.au
For Whyalla Supported Independent Living client, Hayden, dreams really do come true. In early March, Hayden had an incredible opportunity to meet with, chat to and hang out with world-renowned American rapper and superstar, Snoop Dogg!
Supported by his Client Coach Sam, the duo made their way to Adelaide from Whyalla to have the experience of a life time.
Snoop Dog is Hayden’s idol and a rapper he has followed and
cherished for years, so when the opportunity to meet the megastar arose, he couldn’t pass it up.
“I had a really good day and enjoyed every part of the concert.”
Hayden’s meet and greet with the performer was an incredible, positive experience, with the rapper gifting him with a gold chain. The chain is a 14k gold and white gold chain from Snoops’ record label, Deathrow Records, and was given as a gift to welcome Hayden to the Snoops family.
According to Sam, the concert had a very positive energy to it, and was a great environment,
packed with adoring fans. With some encouragement, Hayden became immersed in the concert, rapping, dancing, and waving around his phone light in the sea of lights overhead.
After such an exciting and eventful event, Hayden and Sam headed back to Whyalla the following day, ready to show off his new accessory and share his incredible experience with family and friends.
A taste of adventure, some encouragement from your family and friends, and a big smile are all that Graham needed when he took a helicopter flight over beautiful McLaren Vale.
2023 marked a new year with a new goal for Amarooo resident Graham, wanting to be out and about more.
With the support of his family and Amaroo Client Coach Rolly,
Graham took to the skies in a spectacular start to achieving his goals.
Flying over the Cube, rows of beautiful vines and taking in the spectacular views, passengers aboard the helicopter were delighted to see Southern Adelaide from a new angle. Being out and about in the community is a great way to build on social and independence skills, and for Graham, it’s a great way to enjoy and live a fun-filled life!
Orana Community Options in Port Augusta operates Monday to Friday in our centrally located premises. The service provides recreation and leisure activities, as well as opportunities for people with disability to learn new skills in a group environment. A wide range of centre-based options are available to support people in developing skills to meet their individual goals.
Activities in Port Augusta include developing independent living and social skills, cooking and sensory experiences, outdoor activities, fitness, art and craft activities, and much more.
This Community Options program provides fantastic community-based programs that encourage people to be active members of the community. Participants often explore nearby towns, swim at the local pool, go shopping, practice their ten-pin bowling, and often attend local community events.
Our experienced team is available to support you in trying something new and engaging with your community so you can live life how you would like.
No experience is necessary for any Community Options programs; however, you will need NDIS funding or be able to self-fund.
Find out more information or to join Community Options in Port Augusta, please contact our team on 8375 2000 or via oranaonline.com.au
The staff and employees have worked tirelessly over recent times to secure the longevity of the service, and this has been supported by the wider Port Augusta community.
After weeks of deliberation, Orana’s Port Augusta Pets and Accessories shop, located at 23 Commercial Road, will be closing its doors on Friday, March 31. Our pet shop, like many other small businesses, has struggled with rising costs that are now unsustainable. With the current economic climate and the aftermath of Covid, restoring Orana’s pet shop in Port Augusta as a viable service has become difficult.
The decision has not been taken lightly. The staff have been exceptional in working as a team to make it work, but limited opportunities have prevented a positive outcome.
We will now review our resources in the region with the goal of relocating our staff, employees, and current Business Services employment activities to the nearby Orana Community Options site at 8 Marryatt Street.
We would like to thank the Port Augusta community for their continued support over the years.
disposable cups at a typical event.
the potential to expand across multiple metropolitan Business Services locations in the future.
Turning recyclable materials on their head, Orana is excited to partner with world renowned, environmentally friendly company, TURN.
Recently chosen as one of three most innovative companies in reuse for Upstream, TURN has been selected by a number of worldwide companies as their reusable plastics provider. Delta Air and the new Australian airline Bonza Airlines have chosen TURN for their in-flight sustainable offerings.
TURN’s collection of products and washing technologies make reusable items scalable, easy and affordable. Each TURN cup, has a lifespan of 120 uses before being recycled, saving up to 50,000
Employees at Orana’s Netley Business Services Site are getting their hands ready to work with TURN products
Kicking off in March, Orana will be TURN Australia’s first wash hub servicing the Australian market exclusively. Employees at Netley will use TURN washing technologies to ensure all cups are thoroughly cleaned before reuse.
“We believe at TURN, to always give back where we can. Having a partner like Orana, means we can confidently run our systems whilst focusing on other areas, like ensuring we stop more single use plastics hitting the waste streams.”
This new partnership will employ up to five people, with
“Since day one, Orana has been nothing but helpful, strategic and willing to adapt quickly. We’re excited to see how this partnership will grow. Changing the world, one cup at a time!” Jack Charewicz, Director, Turn.
Orana is excited to be working closing with such a sustainable company, which will help reduce our carbon footprint as well.
Adelaide Direct Stationers (ADS) is a local South Australian familyowned business and a nationally recognised supplier. Since 1995, ADS has been a one-stop-shop for all business products including stationery, tech, furniture, appliances, health and safety equipment, and much more.
In 2022, employees at Orana’s Para Hills West Business Services site took on their first role within this new partnership. As one of the largest stationery businesses in Australia, back-to-school time requires all hands on deck, making it the ideal time to kickstart our partnership. ADS and Orana worked collaborated to pack back-to-school bags and supplies quickly and effeciently.
“It made life a breeze having the team at Orana helping us during one of our busiest times of the year.” Catherine Walsh, Marketing Coordinator, Adelaide Direct Stationers.
As a locally owned and operated business, ADS believes that partnering with local community organisations is critical to longterm viability.
ADS is proud to invest in local communities and businesses, like Orana, to actively promote the development of local industry.
“At ADS, we’re big on giving back to our local community, so partnering with Orana was a natural choice.”
Our ongoing partnership will not only provide employment for several employees, but ADS is also committed to supporting the wider Orana community.
ADS recently donated an oven to the team at Para Hills West Business Services to support clients and employees with kitchen and cooking education.
We are excited to build on our partnership with the fantastic team at ADS.
Interested in finding out how Orana Business Services can help you?
Contact our team on 8375 2000 or visit oranaonline.com.au
Is there an opportunity for a pay rise?
What jobs can I do?
How do I get a job at Orana?
Once you have checked your eligibility, contact Orana and we will set up a time to talk to you about your employment options, what you’re interested in, and what we can do for you.
How much pay will I receive?
When you first start, the staff will assess your productivity and what your key skills are. This is your starting salary. You will be assessed again after your threemonth trial period. If the second assessment is higher than the first, you will be paid paid for your three-month trial period.
Yes! Your wage will be reassessed every year. If the results are higher than your current wage, you will get a pay increase.
Do I need to work full time?
No, but you will need to work at least two days a week. We can talk about your work hours before you start your job. Our team is flexible to support your requirements for employment.
Do I need any skills or experience?
We train you on the job, so you don’t need any skills beforehand. However, if you have any skills or experience, you should let Orana know when you contact us.
We have positions available in a number of areas including assembly and packaging, horticulture and landscaping, industrial sewing, timber manufacturing, wine packaging, and worm farming.
Where are you located?
Orana has locations in both metropolitan and regional South Australia. Job vacancies and roles vary across each site
Interested in finding out if supported employment is the perfect fit for you?
Contact our team on 8375 2000 or visit oranaonline.com.au
FREqUENTLY ASkED qUESTiONS.
More than 400 Autism Inclusion Teachers started their new positions in Feburary to help South Australians better understand and support autistic children and teenagers.
As part of a major election promise, the SA Government has allocated $28.8 million to offer access to an Autism Inclusion Teacher (AIT) in every public primary school, from reception to year 12.
AITs’ responsibilities will include expanding their own knowledge and skills in order to influence the professional behavious of other school staff members.
This will cover how to create calm environments, emotional support strategies, and other learning skills to help neurodiverse individuals learn more effectively in the classroom.
In total 417 AITs have been nominated across South Australia, with some small, rural, or regional schools choosing to combine the role across multiple sites.
The Education Department surveyed people with Autism, parents and carers, educators, schools, students, families,
professionals, and community organisations to ensure the AIT position meets community needs.
The AITs will develop their skills through a focused professional learning package that includes in-person instruction, workshops, and online modules.
An additional 100 specialist staff, including Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, and Counsellors, will be hired to support schools and preschools.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he is proud to see South Australia leading the way in this area, by harnessing and expanding the dedicated efforts of passionate and committed teachers.
“This nation-leading initiative will see these teachers build their own skills and in turn each school’s capacity to work with autistic children and young people.”
Assistant Minister for Autism Emily Bourke, says that the Government has listened to the calls of the autistic and autism communities.
“We are not waiting 10 years, 5 years or even 2 years to make change. Today, we are delivering the nation’s first statewide autism inclusion teacher network.”
MARCH
AdelAide festivAl
whAt: A celebration of the arts and cultures in the heart of South Australia. Showcasing opera, theatre, dance and music, the festival encompasses all things creative and spectacular.
where: Various locations
more info: adelaidefestival.com.au/
APRIL
AdelAide internAtionAl kite festivAl
whAt: A beautiful, big and bright community event, free for all attendees! Held annually at Semaphore Beach, see the beautiful kites fly high!
where: Various locations
more info: facebook.com/ AdelaideInternationalKiteFestival/
MAY
tAstinG AustrAliA
whAt: Showcasing delicious South Australia produce, Tasting Australia is a celebration of eating and drinking. Enjoy the tastes that only South Australia has to offer.
where: Various locations
more info: tastingaustralia.com.au
the shAdow initiAtion
whAt: An experience life no other at the South Australian Museum! Race against the clock on an adventure in order to join the top-secret societyThe Secret Order of Quill and Compass.
where: Botanic Park
more info: samuseum.sa.gov.au/event
All information is correct at the time of publication. COVID-19 restrictions may impact events. Please check event website for up-to-date information prior to attendance.
CLUB SLiCk is a monthly dance party providing opportunities to have a groove with new and old friends to a range of funky music throughout the decades.
DANCE DOWN is a weekly dance class for ages 5 and up. Dancers learn a number of styles including Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Rock’N’Roll.
DANCE DOWN ZOOM is available for dancers to join in from the comfort of their own home.
CLUB STRikE is a monthly bowling event at Zone Bowling. A great opportunity to catch up with friends, learn new skills and have fun!
CAMPS (10 – 17 years) AND GETAWAYS (18+) offer a fun group holiday experience where you can build on your social skills, make new friends, and build your independence. Camps and Getaways run for two nights with a jam-packed schedule of fun activities and experiences.
EARLY INTERVENTiON PLAYGROUP is an opportunity for parents and caregivers of young children with Down syndrome to meet other parents and enhance their knowledge and skills to meet the learning and developmental needs of their child.
Would you like to join us at any of our upcoming events?
To find out how, call our team on 8375 2000.
Did you know, Orana’s shortterm accommodation can give people with disability a safe, supportive, and enriching experience whilst providing families a break from the caring role?
Short-term accommodation is flexible and a great way for someone to gain experience living independently. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about Supported Independent Living and whether it’s right for you.
Orana collaborates with a number of local businesses to provide memorable experiences for our short-term accommodation guests.
Our association with West Beach Caravan Park enables guests to stay in one of their cabins throughout the year. The park has a water park, a bouncing pillow, and a multitude of other attractions, making it ideal for a summer getaway.
An added benefit of shortterm accommodation, is the opportunity of trying new things. People are able to explore the local community and take part in any experiences or activities. It allows people to form new relationships,, make new friends, and improve their social skills.
“I regularly use Orana’s shortterm accommodation as a way of being independent away from my home with my parents.” Said Caitlin, a regular short-term accommodation user. Short-term accommodation is available for as little as one
night, to two weeks at a time. Each option can be used on a regular basis, as a one-off, or during school breaks. Our aim is to give people and their families support and care that gives them peace of mind.
Our experienced staff can provide short-term accommodation in your own home, our city-based apartment, Whyalla, or at a location of your choosing.
To be eligible for our short-term accommodation service, you will need to have funding in your NDIS plan or the ability to pay for your own support.
Want to know more?
Contact our team on 8375 2000 or visit, oranaonline.com.au
ORANA HAS A NUMBER OF VACANCiES LOCATED ACROSS METROPOLiTAN & REGiONAL SOUTH AUSTRALiA.
BRAHMA LODGE
vAcAncy for:
One female tenant.
feAtures:
Open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, with low maintenance front and rear yard. Just a short distance from local shops and amenities.
CLARENCE PARk
mills street
vAcAncy for:
One female tenant.
feAtures:
Home in a community setting with a beautiful garden space, full of activity and plant life. Just a short drive to the city and local shopping complex.
MARLESTON
GAlwAy Avenue
vAcAncy for:
Three tenants.
feAtures:
Homey apartment in a community setting, available for respite. A short distance from the city and Glenelg Beach.
MELROSE PARk
morGAn Avenue
vAcAncy for:
One male tenant.
feAtures:
Perfectly located between the city and beach with ducted air-conditioning and big backyard for the green thumb or garden lover. Only 11 minutes to Westfield Marion Shopping Centre.
MORPHETTVILLE
le cornu street
vAcAncy for:
One tenant, male or female.
feAtures:
Large open plan living, dining and kitchen areas allow for easy mobility and space. The alfresco entertainment area is perfect for sharing a cup of tea whilst overlooking the neat rear yard.
PARA HILLS
liBermAn roAd
vAcAncy for:
Two tenants, male or female.
feAtures:
This home is low maintenance with open plan kitchen, living and dining areas. The large backyard is perfect for the green thumb or garden lover, with lush grass and plant life.
WOODCROFT
BordeAux drive
vAcAncy for:
One tenant, male or female.
feAtures:
Situated across the road from a large open community park, with a large backyard, this home is perfect for the nature lover and green thumb. Open plan living, kitchen and dining area.
