Six clients from Orana’s Loxton Accommodation Service recently had a whirlwind holiday in Queensland with Service Manager Karen and Client Coach Dakota.
With a jam packed itinerary, this adventurous group set out for eight days of fun and new experiences.
Each day was packed with activities that would help the group develop social skills, gain new experiences, and form a stronger bond.
Staying in an AirBnB along the Gold Coast, the group were situated in the perfect spot between the beach and local attractions.
“After an early morning start and a bumpy first day, we had a fantastic trip!” Said Karen.
The first day began with an early morning flight from Adelaide, followed by dinner at Mermaid Waters Tavern.
On day two, the group visited Warner Brothers Movie World,
where they met the stars of popular movies such as Madagascar, The Wizard of Oz, and Batman.
The park is filled with fun entertainment and attractions including roller coasters, theatre shows and immersive environments.
The group was welcomed at Paradise Country Farm on the morning of day three. The farm provided a great insight into country Australia and its native animals. In addition, the group witnessed entertaining horse riding, opal mining, and stockman demonstrations.
The afternoon was spent at Sea World getting up close and personal with water animals. The group dove below the surface to view the exhibits of sea jellies, rays, sharks, polar bears, turtles, tropical fish and seals.
“I had the best holiday, my favourite part was standing at the Surfers Paradise sign at the beach - the food was also fantastic. We were very spoilt while away.” Said Ashleigh.
On the fourth day, the group went to Dreamworld, which has slides, rides, and wildlife all in one location.
On day five, the group boarded the AquaDuck, Queensland’s first river cruise city tour!
With live commentary on board, it’s a unique way of seeing the sites and natural wildlife along the Gold Coast Canal.
The group also visited the extraordinary Australian Outback Spectacular, an arena show featuring animals and immersive technology to tell the story of two Aussie farmers. The show also included a three course dinner.
On day six, the group went to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, home to over 300 exhibits and artefacts that are all crazy, exciting and mostly immersive.
The group spent their final day in Queensland at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where they enjoyed interactive exhibits and wildlife encounters with native Australian animals.
This fantastic week long holiday proved to be a great trip for
everyone. Over the course of seven days, the group walked 35 kms and carried nearly 60 kgs of luggage!
“We couldn’t ask for better weather, it was perfect! The clients had a ball! Hopefully next year we can venture up to Cairns” said Karen.
A holiday or getaway is an excellent way to improve social and independence skills, as well as to meet and make new friends.
A number of Orana Port Pirie clients have been selected to represent South Australia in ten-pin bowling at the Special Olympics Australia’s 2022 National Games in Tasmania.
Six members of Orana’s Port Pirie Business Services team are among the 32 bowlers travelling to Launceston in October. Eight Port Pirie-based athletes were selected.
Athletes representing their state include, Jordan Lubcke, Mark Bond, Kellie Martlew, Daryl Vermeeren, Lisette Waterman, Donna Ruffles, Andrew Rufnak, and Steven Haylock.
Maxine Bowden, secretary of the Spencer Club of the Special Olympics, stated that a great deal of Port Pirie pride will accompany the team to Launceston.
“The best part about this, with our sport, our team can do what any other top athlete can do. The can go world, state, national; they’ve got a change of being honoured by their country.” Said Maxine.
The Special Olympics Australia is part of a global inclusion movement using sport, health and education programs to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.
From 17 - 21 October, 732 athletes with intellectual disability will be flocking to Tasmania to compete in 10 different sports including athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, gymnastics, soccer,
swimming, table tennis and tennis.
Recently, the eight team members from Port Pirie travelled to Adelaide to meet with the Honourable Frances Adamson AC at Government House to be presented with their travelling and ceremonial uniform, back packs and essential travel items.
Mark Bond has been bowling every Tuesday evening and travelling to Adelaide once a month to practise with the remainder of the SA team in preparation for the October games.
Mark lives in SIL accommodation,
supported by the Orana team to attend bowling practice and regular competitions.
Each athlete competing in the games is required to pay $3,000 for transport and other processes.
We look forward to following along and watching the SA team show their talents at the games in October. Good luck team!
If you would like to make a donation for any player, or would like to follow the progress of the games, visit nationalgames2022.com.au
Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the world?
According to research, having a Guide Dog has psychological, social, and physical benefits. Guide Dogs, also known as Service Dogs or Seeing Eye Dogs, are specially trained animals that assist people who are blind or are vision impaired.
These dogs support people in identifying potential hazards and navigating the community safely.
These furry friends are also great companions and help reduce the risk of feeling lonely and anxious. They encourage social interaction and boost the confidence of a person with a visual impairment by providing assurance that their companion can support and assist them in social settings and unfamiliar locations.
Orana Netley Business Services employees Cheryl and Michael,
are supported by their guide dogs, Winston (Cheryl’s Labrador x Golden Retriever) and Whitney (Michael’s Labrador).
Winston and Whitney, each have their own bed under their work stations, providing support and companionship throughout the day.
“Having Winston by my side provides an immense amount of mobility support and freedom,” said Cheryl. “Offduty, Winston, is the perfect companion too.”
Michael and Cheryl both work on assembling various items, most recently parts for water sprinkler systems.
Cheryl began working for Orana in 2013, navigating to Netley each morning via public transport and then to her work station with the assistance of her Guide Dog.
Michael, who began working for
Orana earlier this year, is also supported by Whitney each day to arrive safely to work.
“When we get our dogs, we go through training together.” said Michael. When a Guide Dog transitions from training to working, they are matched with their handler, and then undergo training to develop a bond and understand the needs of their handler.
Guide Dogs can provide assistance for 10 years before retiring and becoming household pets.
“The Royal Society for the Blind do such a fantastic job in training dogs and providing services for people with low or no vision” said Cheryl.
After two cancelled seasons, the Bedford Community Soccer League kicked off again earlier this year.
The Bedford Community League is an inclusive competition providing opportunities for athletes with disability.
The League has six teams from around the city, providing tough competition.
This year, Orana’s soccer team returns to action with a new coach and a few new players!
Meet this years team, image below, back row (L-R) Bradley, Anthony, James, David, Michael, Darren, and Coach, Xiaoxing. Front row (L - R) Shane, Joel, and Assistant Coach, Kerry.
After a competitive first few matches, the Orana soccer team continues to power through the season with three wins under their belt!
Teammate James has also topped the stats list so far, with four goals in the last four games. The upcoming grand final is looming and the Orana team has set their sights on victory.
“This season has been tough but our team love being in the middle of the action! It’s great to see the community spirit and sportsmanship throughout each game. Fingers crossed we make it into the finals!” Coach, Xiaoxing said.
S OCCERSoccer fanatics and supporters can watch the remainder of the season and the grand final at the State Centre for Football in Gepps Cross.
Follow along and find out more at footballsa.com.au/ bedford-community-league
The newly redesigned website features:
• A refreshed and completely redesigned user interface to improve the visitor’s online experience
The new site integrates Orana, Down Syndrome SA, and Learning4All’s websites.
Throughout the redesign process, our primary goal was to create a more valuable, user-centric, and responsive resource across all platforms and devices. We wanted to focus on making it easier for visitors to find useful information about our solutions for their specific needs.
• Accessibility features such as text size choice, colour contrast and more to be more accessible to people with disability
• Simplified and easier navigation so visitors to the site will be able to find the information they’re looking for quickly
• Full mobile and tablet responsiveness across devices
• Improved page loading speed
• Improved security
“It was clear that we needed to make improvements to increase accessibility for our visitors,” said Orana CEO Jim Liu. “This is where the newly redesigned website comes into play. We consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including people with disability and their families. In the end, what people told us they wanted had a significant influence on the final layout of the new site.”
Make sure you pay a visit to our brand-new website. We hope you enjoy our new look!
Visit our new site at oranaonline.com.au
WE ARE THRiLLED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW WEBSiTE!
disability release their emotions and artistry through the arts.
The exhibition features works by over 120 artists with disability, and organisations whom are involved in the disability community.
The event was also host to an array of performances and speeches, most notably from the Executive Director of the NDSP, who spoke about the importance of celebrating artists with disability.
This year, Orana Life Education clients took part in this year’s NDSP SALA Festival.
The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, is a statewide festival, celebrating all kinds of visual art, taking place in galleries and non-traditional gallery spaces across the state.
With this year’s theme of ‘Unmasked,’ the exhibition is a playful juxtaposition of two spaces: the pandemic-stricken world we are currently living in that can be limiting and isolating at times; and the creative space where people living with
As a team, the Orana Life Education clients created and submitted multiple art pieces to be displayed throughout the month.
Two clients, Jake and Amanda, attended the grand opening on behalf of all clients who helped bring these artworks to life.
The grand opening event featured discussion from spotlight artists, Jamila Main (actor and writer), and Hussain Alismail (photographer), about the liveability factors of South Australia and who the city is most liveable for.
Each of the pieces that were submitted were collages of Australia, and South Australia, showcasing known landmarks and the local attractions. Three pieces were submitted for the festival.
Recently, the Orana Board of Directors and the Executive Team welcomed Tim Baker, State Director SA for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The purpose of this visit was to discuss the NDIS practice standards and what Orana can do to further implement these when providing services.
The NDIS Practice Standards highlight the rights of NDIS participants and the responsibilities of providers that
deliver supports and services to them.
The core modules are based on rights and responsibilities, provider governance and operational management, provision of supports, and provision of support environments.
At Orana, we look forward to continually expanding our knowledge to provide better services to our clients, so they can live the life of their choosing.
As the first organisation of its kind in Australia, Autism SA has a long and distinguished history for providing information, training and resources to the autistic community.
Since 1974, when Autism SA opened the first autism-specific school in South Australia, Autism SA continues to grow its research and training functions.
A new aspect of the company is the introduction of The Spectrum of Autism Resources, bringing together over 55 years of information, resources and accessible tools, available to the community.
The vision for these resources, according to Autism SA CEO Helen Graham, was to bring a trusted source of knowledge and information to the community in one place, allowing users to build on their capacity at any time with the click of a button.
This new platform offers a variety of training and workshops, as well as downloadable resources and tools available on a subscription. Subscription prices vary for individuals and organisations.
Find out more online at autismsa.org.au/trainingconsulting
Volunteerability is pleased to welcome Adam in his new role as Engagement Officer.
Adam’s role is to help create inclusive opportunities for clients and the disability community. His lived experience of disability has provided him insight and an understanding of some of the barriers and challenges many people face.
The Department of Human Services recently released a new campaign, See Me For Me, featuring people with disability. The campaign aims to help make South Australia more inclusive and accessible, authentically representing people with disability giving first-hand accounts of their experiences.
See Me For Me features Volunteerability Co-facilitator, Annette, and her Guide Dog, Molly, as she discusses her love for all things fast cars and motorsports.
Over the past few months, Volunteerability has continued running Disability Awareness sessions, aimed at breaking down barriers and learning about creating a more inclusive community.
These sessions support volunteers and organisations, giving participants the confidence, skills and knowledge to increase community inclusion.
Volunteerability recently hit a key milestone, providing training to
600 people across metropolitan Adelaide. The goal is now set to 1,000, with training sessions continuing throughout the remainder of the year.
Training sessions are free and can be presented at an Orana based facility or at the participant’s organisation.
Would you like to take part in Disability Awareness training?
To find out how, visit volunteerability. oranaonline.com.au
Congratulations to our staff and employees who recently celebrated major work achievements.
Staff and employees at Orana’s metropolitan and regional sites across the state, have celebrated service awards of five - 50 years of service.
These accomplishments are fantastic and demonstrate our team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Over the past few decades, Business Services employees have assisted in the success of many projects, and have contributed largely to the accomplishments of large operations.
During each presentation, Orana CEO, Jim Liu, along with members of the Executive Team,
visited each site to meet and congratulate the team.
“The success and growth of Orana is built on the hard work, commitment, and dedication of all our staff and employees, and I sincerely thank each one of you for your ongoing efforts and continued support,” said CEO, Jim Liu.
In total, 93 Orana staff and employees were recognised for their years of service.
This included:
• 34 people received recognition for 5 years’ service
• 19 people received recognition for 10 years’ service
• 9 people received recognition for 15 years’ service
• 10 people received recognition for 20 years’ service
• 4 people received recognition for 25 years’ service
• 6 people received recognition for 30 years’ service
• 1 person received recognition for 35 years’ service
• 7 people received recognition for 40 years’ service
• 2 people received recognition for 45 years’ service
• 1 person received recognition for 50 years’ service
Thank you to everyone for their continued loyalty, enthusiasm and dedication to Orana.
MURRAY BRIDGE BUSINESS SERVICES
NETLEY BUSINESS SERVICES
PORT PIRIE BUSINESS SERVICES
PARA HILLS BUSINESS
RIDLEYTON SERVICES
We love celebrating and recognising the achievements of our clients, and there’s no better way to do so than with our Annual Client Awards.
Any client who receives a service from Orana and who meets the award criteria are eligible to be nominated for these prestigious awards. Nominations are open and will be closing in late October 2022.
We invite staff, volunteers, and community members to get involved and nominate clients for these awards.
These awards are announced and presented to winners and runner-ups at the End of Year event in December.
The Award categories are:
• Community Inclusion Award; for clients who have demonstrated involvement with community or service groups, volunteer positions, or leadership in championing issues within the community.
• Education/Vocation Award; for clients that have demonstrated personal achievements as a result of training, completed an accredited or certified training program, or has 100% achievement of IPP or VP goals.
• Health/Wellness Award; for clients with demonstrated achievements in fitness or sporting programs, a healthy eating lifestyle change, achievements in educating or supporting others in their health/ wellness journey, or if they have overcome a particular health illness or barrier.
Nominate a client today at bit.ly/3P9oaFP
Orana is excited to announce new partnerships with Bionat Australia Pty Ltd, ManukaOz and SEIMA.
Bionat Australia offers unique customised packaging solutions specialising in Manuka honey consumables, and acts as a leading sourcing agent of natural and raw materials to suit the individual needs of export and domestic business in the health and wellness space.
Its strategic and collaborative partnership with ManukaOz, Australia’s forward-thinking honey brand, and Orana, sees our facilities at our Netley Business Services location housing custom-built machinery to pack products for export to Korea and other international
destinations, and will employ up to 7 supported employees.
A state-of-the-art room will be constructed specifically for the packaging of Manuka honey products offering unique and modern solutions for natural health food supplements and honey-based products.
SEIMA is a leading Australian supplier of kitchen laundry and bathroom ware.
You’ll find their passion for innovation and design, and pursuit of high-quality products evident across their Collections. Whether you’re setting up your sprawling township or renovating a bathroom, you’ll find a SEIMA Collection that is in flow for you and your next project.
Having previously worked with similar social enterprises, the partnership between Orana and SEIMA began slowly, eventually leading to Orana becoming the company’s sole source of packaging and assembly support.
This venture will be based at our Para Hills West Business Services location, where Orana supported employees will pack a variety of bathroom products, such as basins and baths, as well as other small items, for national export.
Interested in finding out how Orana Business Services can help you?
Contact our team on 8375 2000 or visit oranaonline.com.au
Assistive technology is a range of equipment or devices designed to help people with disability in their day-to-day life. Assistive technology can also help you complete a task more quickly or safely and is designed to help you do things you can’t do because of your disability.
Assistive technology (AT) can be simple or complex and consist of different equipment, technology, and devices for different areas of your life. They can also reduce the pressure placed on caregivers and the requirement for formal health and support services.
Social interaction is crucial for happiness, safety, and overall wellbeing. For those who struggle with hearing, vision, cognition, memory, movement, agility, or difficulty producing speech, products based on technology are available to assist with communication. Some helpful products could include braille smartwatches and specialised phones and tablets. Independence can be empowering, and being safe at home encourages this. Assistive technologies can help live more independently, preventing mishaps if you are unable to smell gas or smoke, checking your wellbeing via security cameras, and easily or remotely controlling appliances through smart technology. Door, window, and smoke or air quality sensors are high on this list to create
ease and safety in your home. Independence also means looking after your health, for which plenty of monitoring devices are available, some that even alert family members or loved ones if something has happened.
Assistive technologies can assist with rehabilitation and recovery, movement, getting help from loved ones, detecting falls, setting or sending reminders for appointments, taking medication, drinking, eating, and moving around. Assistive technologies can come in the form of wearables, like smartwatches, or sturdy mobility structures like walking frames, wheelchairs, scooters, walking canes, and walking stabilisers that eliminate falling.
Assistive technologies are beneficial for people with disability and their friends and
families. They can create a sense of happiness and wellbeing through independence, encourage you to be productive and engaged, improve health by predicting and preventing accidents, and create peace of mind for family and carers.
For more information on how assistive technology can fit into your NDIS plan and if it is right for you, contact our team of Support Coordinators on 8375 2000.
Please note that assistive technology needs to meet the NDIS funding criteria before it can be included in your plan.
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.
what: Uncover the treasures of Hahndorf with events across food and drink, arts and crafts, family fun, workshops and masterclasses, or simply free events!
where: Hahndorf
More info: hahndorfsa.org.au/events
hahndorf handpicked ozasia festivaL
what: A bold and contemporary arts festival showcasing the best theatre, dance, music, food, and cultural events from across Asia. where: Various locations
More info: ozasiafestival.com.au
nationaL pharMacies christMas paGeant
what: A magical, free community event, full of fantasies, floats, colourful characters, bands, dancers, Santa, and more, shared by generations of Australians.
where: King William Road, Adelaide City
More info: christmaspageant.com.au
adeLaide farMer’s Market
what: A delicious fresh food market, open every Sunday. You’re welcomed to buy direct from local farmers and food producers, finding the best seasonal and sustainable goods. where: Wayville Showgrounds
More info: adelaidefarmersmarket.com.au
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.
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 a great way for a person to experience the feeling of living independently. It’s a great opportunity to be introduced to what Supported Independent Living is like and if it’s suitable.
An added benefit of shortterm accommodation, is the experience of trying new things. People are able to explore the
local community and take part in any experiences or activities. It gives people a chance to build new relationships, make friends and build on 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
Want to see more?
View all vacancies online at oranaonline.com.au
BRAHMA LODGE
francis road
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:
Community setting home with a beautiful garden space, full of activity and plant life. Just a short drive to the city and local shopping complex.
MANSFIELD PARK
heinrich street
vacancy for:
One tenant, male or female. features:
Featuring open plan living, kitchen and dining areas with separate laundry space. Low maintenance home just five minutes from Arndale Shopping Centre.
GaLway avenue
vacancy for:
Three tenants. features:
Homey apartment in community setting, available for respite. 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.
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.
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.
