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05LOOK WHAT’S POPPED UP

www.lwb.org.au

122015 NATIONAL CARER AWARD WINNERS

07OUR RECONCILIATION JOURNEY CONTINUES

18STEPPING UP IN WA

Issue #8 March 2016

LWBs Northern Territory team at their launch of the 2016-2019 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.

Life Without Barriers’ vision for Reconciliation is to undertake conscious, cooperative and determined actions that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.We launched our 2016-2019 National Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan on 12 February. It was the first day of our three-year journey to continue our whole-of-organisation focus on achieving clearly defined actions, timeframes and targets for the next stage of our reconciliation journey. More information is available on our website as well as in this edition of We Live Life (page 6-7).

We are also delighted to announce the winners of the 2015 National Carer Awards (page 12-13). These individuals were recognised for their incredible contributions as unpaid carers and foster and kinship carers. The awards were established in 2014 to celebrate, raise awareness and publicly recognise the extraordinary contribution that carers make to our nation. Our congratulations and thanks to all finalists, winners and nominees from across Australia.

I encourage you to take the time to read through the many stories from across LWB we’ve included in this issue of We Live Life and invite you to discover more about us on our website www.lwb.org.au at any time.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE CLAIRE ROBBS

In We Live Life we shine the spotlight on individuals who are making a difference.We hope you enjoy reading about our volunteers and staff who, through their passion and commitment, are helping people to change their lives for the better.

In each edition we publish articles about our work with clients and our services, and share inspirational stories from around the country. We also profile our Life Without Barriers teams, innovations and successes.

WELCOME TO WE LIVE LIFE

Did you know, Life Without Barriers is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram? Connect with us @LWBAustralia

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A ROYAL RIDE ALONG

Mikaela Worth, LWBs Administration Officer in Taree, New South Wales, had the opportunity to ride for Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, during their royal visit to the Mounted Police Barracks in Redfern, Sydney last November. While Margaret Lewis, LWBs Practice & Program Specialist for Disability was invited to present the riders and speak with the distinguished guests at the event.

Margaret meets Prince Charles.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watch on as Mikaela rides in on Scooter.

Mikaela, has been a rider with Riding for the Disabled NSW (RDA) in Manning Great Lakes for over 10 years. She was one of four people from NSW to ride with NSW Mounted Police to showcase the physical and psychological benefits riding brings to people with disability.

Many of our LWB clients access RDA across 38 centres in NSW, and find the sport fun and fulfilling.

“After the Mounted Police displayed their troop drill it was time for RDA to strut our stuff,” said Mikaela. “The RDA riders entered the arena on foot, wheels or additional support. This was to demonstrate each person’s mobility and highlight how much more movement people have when mounted on our horses.”

Margaret is also Chairperson for RDA NSW. In this role she had the opportunity to be a compere and was formally introduced to the royals and the Governor of NSW.

Both Mikaela and Margaret say the hardest part was to keep the whole thing a secret prior to the event, while their highlight was seeing riders who don’t usually get the opportunity to be out and about doing so in such a big way – second, of course, to meeting royalty!

CAREER LADDER LEADS TO NEW CAREER HEIGHTS

From left to right: Proud graduates, Deborah Yesberg, Paul Bracher and Marianne Bracher.

Participants in the Cert III Program in Atherton, applying their skills in a simulated situation.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), LWB provides training programs and assessment services across a range of nationally recognised vocational qualifications and skill sets.

In 2014, we began delivering Certificate III in Disability in Logan, Cairns and Atherton, Queensland.

“We had 26 participants across Atherton and Cairns and 25 have already found employment in the disability sector since completing the program in November last year,” said LWBs RTO Quality and Compliance Consultant, Fiona Czadrik.

Sandy, a learner from Queensland says it feels great to be able to implement all the strategies and procedures she learned through the program.

“I had no knowledge whatsoever or had even studied since leaving school,” Sandy said. “I felt nervous on the first day but our trainer made it really easy, helped me get through the course and gain my Certificate.”

Those who were already employed were looking to upskill and have their experience reinforced by formal qualification.

“I feel I have learnt so much from completing this Cert III,” says Sylvia. “It has allowed me to understand much more and I have an opportunity to share my knowledge in my own workplace.”

Another participant, Kam says the training supported their person-centred ethos.

“The program assisted in the way I look at working with clients, to support them in creating their goals centred on their choices and what is important to them individually. I also feel lucky to have the course delivered by the lovely Sharon, who showed us what the future vision of supporting people with disability could look like.”

Many people from the program have expressed interest in continuing their professional development by completing a Certificate IV or Diploma this year, and we’re looking forward to delivering future programs to a variety of organisations and individuals.

These programs include working with challenging behaviour, person centred planning, alternative and augmentative communication, personal care, workplace health and safety and culturally sensitive practice.

If you would like more information on our RTO programs, please visit our Training page at http://www.lwb.org.au/who-we-are/registered-training-organisation/

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Centreway Arcade coffee shops, Kudos (above) and Croplines (below) helping spread the word.

LOOK WHAT POPPED-UP IN LAUNCESTONIn celebration of International Day of People with Disability in December, our team in Tassie set up a pop-up shop in their local Launceston shopping centre – and the shop is still popping!The shop was offered as an opportunity for people in our Disability program to showcase and sell their artwork, while spreading the word on all things LWB including our amazing foster carers.

Gaylene Connell, LWBs Senior Disability Support Worker, Tasmania, came up with the idea and Tony Crothers, LWBs Disability Program Coordinator, negotiated the rental space. They were then supported by staff across all programs to install and run the shop.

Its bright space and colourful artwork has been a great way for the locals to learn more about LWB and our services, and in turn for the team to embed themselves in the community.

Two cafes within the Centreway Arcade joined in by using LWB branded coffee cups and encouraging customers to visit our shop.

(From left to right) Tony, Melinda and Gaylene at the pop-up shop, surrounded by artwork produced by people within our Disability program.

OUR PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRYLWB has a team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Initiative State Leads across the country who play a key role in implementing our values and reconciliation commitments. They help give life to our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in many ways such as ensuring that cultural plans are developed for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, and build the cultural capacity and responsiveness of all parts of our organisation. Our State Leads actively engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure their voices are respected and included throughout LWB. Teams in all states and territories are represented by local representatives. Over the next three years this group will play a crucial role in delivering, monitoring and reporting on the actions in our 2016-2019 Stretch RAP, and in supporting partnership with community members and other organisations. It promises to be an exciting time.

MEET AND GREET

Name: Dean Duncan Position: National Manager Reconciliation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander InitiativesCountry: Kamilaroi People Of North West NSW, Moree Joined LWB: 2 years agoAchievement most proud of while at LWB: Seeing the growth of reconciliation throughout LWB Key goals within the Stretch RAP: To ensure LWB continues to recruit and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and become a preferred employer for our people.

Name: Les AhoyPosition: State Lead, NSW & ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander InitiativesCountry: Ainiwain Nation of New England Region of Northern NSWJoined LWB: 3 years agoAchievement most proud of while at LWB: The progress made to date with embedding reconciliation into LWB NSW and ACT which contributes to ‘Closing the Gap’.Key goals within the Stretch RAP: Reinvigorate our NSW RAP Committee, RAP Implementation Plan and Area Reconciliation Implementation Plan Committees to ensure reconciliation is at the forefront in all we do in NSW.

Name: Malcolm Gollan Position: State Lead South Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander InitiativesCountry: Ngarrindjeri NationJoined LWB: 9 years agoAchievement most proud of while at LWB: Starting the journey of the RAP in South Australia in 2007Key goals within the Stretch RAP: Recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Name: Leoni LippittPosition: State Lead Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander InitiativesCountry: Erub (Darnley Island) and Kiriri (Hammond Island) nationsJoined LWB: 4 years agoAchievement most proud of while at LWB: Accompanying young people back to countryKey goals within the Stretch RAP: Working with Traditional Owners to ensure involvement in key cultural events; and building stronger relationships between LWB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, young people, families and communities.

Name: Tony SibosadoPosition: State Lead Western Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander InitiativesCountry: Baard in the West Kimberley and Wardandi in the South West: the two tribes are Saltwater people.Joined LWB: 5 years agoAchievement most proud of while at LWB: Attracting Aboriginal carers and Support Workers with: one couple winning the National Carer Awards, one carer winning the NAIDOC Carer Award, one couple winning the WA Carers of the year for Fostering and Kinship, while at the same time I was responsible for Aboriginal Business growth. Plus negotiating funding with the Attorney General’s Office to establish the Aboriginal Driver Training Program.Key goals within the Stretch RAP: Development of the local Reconciliation Implementation Plan guide which will support the implementation of the actions, plus the Terms of Reference to ensure Area Committees to keep us are aware of the current goals, monitor progress and plan future activities.

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THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW 2016 – 2019 STRETCH RECONCILIATION ACTION PLANOn Friday, 12 February LWB celebrated the national launch of our 2016-2019 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Return to Country – Land, Sea and Sky tells the story of the birth, life and migration of the sea turtle. This parallels an individual’s story of self-discovery and also the role Life Without Barriers plays in this journey.

A mature turtle guides the viewer to the morning star, where a pathway begins back to country. Bringing culture knowledge, identity and reuniting family.

The diversity of Aboriginal Australia is represented in both cultural markings and the animals found in different countries: freshwater, saltwater, bush and desert.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS: RETURN TO COUNTRY – LAND, SEA AND SKY

The three-year Stretch RAP builds on our earlier reconciliation action plans to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in every aspect of LWBs work.

To celebrate the release of this plan we held a nationwide video link-up that let teams from each state and territory share their festivities and specific pledge for action.

Each location was honoured by the attendance of Traditional Owners of the Land where the launch was taking place, community Elders guests or a member of the LWB Board.

The respectful sharing of promise, commitments, and wisdom which culminates in embracing diversity is only possible when we can resolutely stand in our organisation’s values and share our deeply held histories,” said Loretta Perry LWBs Director Values, Culture and Diversity.

“We have pledged our collective responsibility to reconciliation at multiple levels across our organisation to shape and bring to fruition tangible and sustained contributions.”

“As we start day one of living our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, we’ll be able to build on our organisation’s history of commitment and outcomes and tell of our own contribution to the new unfolding story of Reconciliation.

Our story will be one of mutual respect and a renewed commitment to whatever it takes to consciously work together to deliver reconciliation in co-created spaces,” Loretta said.

The Stretch RAP has been developed to ensure key actions, timeframes and targets are identified and documented to ensure this objective is deeply embedded in everything we do, and that real outcomes are achieved in every aspect of LWB.

Our 2016-2019 Stretch Reconciliation Action plan is available on the Reconciliation Australia website and our website at www.lwb.org.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/our-reconciliation-action-plan

Full-house at the NISS Centre in Parramatta, NSW during one of the workshops with local Police.

We love being imaginative and building relationships at LWB, and that’s exactly the skills our Cultural Liaison Officer in NSW, Teegan Samuels used to work out a healthy food distribution program for our clients.

Thanks to Coles’ Community Connect Program and the SecondBite’s Community Connect Program, our LWB Centre in Parramatta now gets fresh bread, fruit and vegetable donations three times a week. We’d like to thank both organisations for this generous supply of fresh, free food that is helping make a difference to the families and individuals we support.

Samantha Lim, LWBs Case Coordinator and Teegan Samuels, LWBs Cultural Liaison Officer pictured with a delivery of healthy food for clients thanks to Coles and SecondBite.

FRESH AND FREE: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP BRINGS HEALTHY FOOD TO CLIENTS

Our Parramatta National Immigration Support Services (NISS) team recently ran a series of workshops for clients with support from local Police and Legal Aid.More than 750 people attended the sessions, supported by interpreters for the different language groups present, including English, Arabic, Tamil, Bengali, Farsi, Persian and Pashto.

The Legal Aid workshops explained the Australian Government’s new laws for processing the claims of certain asylum seekers in Australia and how clients might be affected by these changes.

SHIFTING VIEWS ONE WORKSHOP AT A TIME

Many asylum seekers are extremely fearful and intimidated by police officers and those in authority because of past events in their home countries. So these Police and Community workshops sought to shift these views and strengthen the relationship between asylum seekers and the local police.

Uniformed police officers and the local multicultural police liaison officer, Ms Rosemary Grant, welcomed everyone, spoke about safety within the community and opened up the workshop with a Q&A session and a fun quiz for all the children.

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Armed with sunscreen, rash vests and boards, a group of 20 asylum seekers and refugees hit the beach this summer for a fun and educational day in partnership with Lifesaving Victoria.

Learning the basics for having a ‘swell’ time.

These clients in our National Immigration Support Services (NISS) program enjoyed land and water-based activities run by Lifesaving instructors to help become familiarised with the Australian beach environment. They learnt about sun safety, water rescue and what to do if you’re caught in a rip.

“For many of these families, this is the first time they have been to the beach in

Australia,” Francesca Grossi, LWBs Epping Centre Coordinator in Victoria said. “It’s so important that they feel comfortable around water, and are able to respond when things go wrong.”

Francesca said it was a wonderful day for families to have a day out of swimming, meeting other people, and cooling off, on a hot day.

“More businesses in Melbourne are seeking to employ asylum seekers and refugees and that’s a great thing for our clients,” Carla Wilkie, LWBs Case Coordinator said.

Carla said 61 clients in South East Melbourne have found employment since the program began in August, 2015 and that employers have shown enormous compassion to LWB clients looking for work.

Three-day Job Ready Workshops have been developed to support our clients in the National Immigration Support Services program in Dandenong, Victoria enter the Australian workforce.

The sessions explain how to prepare a cover letter and resume, online applications and interview techniques.

NEW JOBS AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Participants at the workshop in Dandenong, Victoria.

Carla said there were many great stories coming out of the program. “One young man from Malaysia received a work visa in early 2015. He approached his Case Coordinator and within an hour they had completed his first ever resume and were trawling the net for jobs. Only a month later, he called his Case Coordinator with the great news he had been offered not one but two jobs! He was over the moon and very appreciative of the assistance he received from Life Without Barriers.”

Being ready for work means more than just writing resumes and cover letters, the workshop also prepares clients for the mental challenges associated with entering the workforce.

Being back at work is a positive step forward in clients’ lives, because they

“It’s so nice to see parents with their kids, guiding them and helping them to feel confident in the water,” she said. “There were lots of happy smiles all day and all the way home.”

The day was organised by our LWB centres in Sunshine and Epping which provides NISS programs. For more information on NISS, visit our website www.lwb.org.au

feel a renewed sense of productivity and belonging. “The people I work with feel so much better when they have a reason to get out of bed every day,” she said. “They have a livelihood and a purpose – and most of all, they’re given the chance to give back to their new community.”

SUN AND FUN IN WILLIAMSTOWN

STEPPING INTO INDEPENDENCE WITH STYLETo celebrate Transition into Independence Month in November last year, Life Without Barriers and Next Step After Care partnered to deliver some special workshops for young people leaving Out of Home Care.The theme was “Stepping into Independence with Style” so every Thursday and Friday, young people were invited to the Headspace centre in Rockhampton to design and paint blank canvas shoes.

Not only did these workshops provide an artistic outlet for our young clients, they were an opportunity for them to interact and share stories with others with similar experiences in care.

Darumbal Community Youth Services, a local Aboriginal organisation, arranged for artist James Waterton to join Life Without Barriers staff to run the activities; and as they were held at Headspace, the young people were then able to link into other activities at the centre, including movie nights.

More than 30 participants aged 15-18 years old attended the workshops. Our thanks to the community for supporting the event and promoting these workshops. Young people from our Next Step After Care program

working on their designs and painting their canvas shoes.

Vik Jeyakumar, LWBs Area Operations Manager, South West & Goldfields, Western Australia, was recently a finalist in Western Australia’s Youth Work Leadership Awards.

While over in the Northern Territory, LWBs Operations Manager, Alice Springs, NT, Beau Thornton was recognised as a finalist in the 2015 Mayoral Awards.

MAKING A DIFFERENCEBeau was one of four finalists in these prestigious awards. He was nominated by people from the sector and from the local community in recognition of the outstanding work he has done in improving and expanding the standard and scope of services for people with a disability in Alice Springs.

In WA, Vik was nominated by youth workers from several organisations in Perth, in recognition for his work with LWB, and his commitment to building sustainable services.

“A few moments with Vik allows you to experience his genuine commitment to empowering and inspiring everyone he meets,” said one of his nominators.

Vik felt being selected as a finalist was the greatest honour of all.

Vik at the WA Youth Work Awards event.

Champion Award finalist, Beau Thornton at Alice Springs.

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LWBs Back on Track program in Tasmania, is now officially under way for young adults.

INTRODUCING BACK ON TRACKLWBs Back on Track team, from left to right: Lisa Watts,

Richard Parker, Leah Anne Wiseman, Paul Cairns, Tom Clarke, Ceara Rickard, Anne Bevan, Grant Blake.

At LWB, we’re constantly working to create better outcomes for our clients. At the centre of this is ensuring our people have the right skills and support systems in place to build meaningful relationships to deliver these outcomes.

LINKING VALUES TO PRACTICE: THE CORNERSTONE OF LWB

Leading Practice is our national program supporting frontline leaders strengthen reflective and relationship-based practice skills. These skills are vital for supporting and supervising staff who work with clients.

Our frontline supervisors are the cornerstone of good practice at LWB and a key way to link our every day practices with our values. The strategy is part of the implementation of our Pillars of Practice Framework. One of our “pillars” is “supervising our staff well” and this strategy is concerned with building our ability to do just that.

Back on Track supports moderate-to-high risk offenders aged between 18 and 25 years who are new to the adult justice system by providing intensive, tailored case management, and referrals into services that will improve skills and employment opportunities. Support is also given to address their personal triggers that lead to offending.

This intensive intervention diverts participants away from the criminal justice and prison systems to help them break the cycle of reoffending. The

program is focused on their ability to contribute more broadly to positive community engagement and safety.

The Back on Track model was developed with extensive input by stakeholders and work by the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies at the University of Tasmania.

For detailed information on this program, please contact Paul Cairns, LWBs Project Officer in Tasmania via email Paul.Cairns@lwb.org.au

Teams in Perth, Western Australia, Northern New South Wales and Victoria have already commenced their Leading Practice journey by participating in workshops focused on building change and improving client experiences. These workshops are only one part of the national roll-out, with access to resources and ongoing coaching playing a major role in our ongoing staff development.

For more information on LWBs Pillars of Practice, visit our website www.lwb.org.au

The 2015 Winners have been announced from among an outstanding group of national finalists

National Carer Awards (from left to right): LWB Chief Executive Claire Robbs with Ellie Moir – Young Carer Winner, Allan Skippen – Foster & Kinship Carer winner, Board Chair Terry Lawler, Family Carer Winner Mulu Mihreteab, Carer’s Australia CEO Ara Cresswell and Board Member Felicity Purdy, with event MC Tim Ferguson (front).

(From left to right): Carers Australia CEO Ara Cresswell, National Children’s Commissioner Megan Mitchell, Foster & Kinship Carer Winner Allan Skippen and LWB CE Claire Robbs

(From left to right): LWB Chief Executive Claire Robbs with The Honourable Christian Porter, MP, Minister for Social Services and Carer’s Australia CEO Ara Cresswell

Amidst much emotion, and with the camaraderie of sharing their personal stories, carers from every state and territory gathered in Sydney on February 26 for the final of the National Carer Awards, a program developed in partnership between Life Without Barriers and Carers Australia.

National winners and finalists were congratulated and recognised in front of family, friends and representatives from across the social services sector. The category winners were from three states and are representative of the amazing

carers from across the country. The awards were presented by the Honourable Christian Porter, MP, Minister for Social Services. Also in attendance and supporting the presentation of awards, was National Children’s Commissioner

Megan Mitchell and the NSW Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability and Minister for Multiculturalism, The Honourable John Ajaka. Master of Ceremonies at the awards Tim Ferguson, who helped entertain and amuse the crowd, said the carer stories were compelling. “Their dedication and

resilience in the face of life’s challenges should be recognised and applauded often. Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers Claire Robbs said foster carers and unpaid carers often go unrecognised but have a significant impact on the lives of people they support.

“The National Carer Awards have been developed to raise awareness and understanding of carers in regional, remote and metropolitan communities across the country where they make such a tremendous contribution to the lives of the people they support,” she said.

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FAMILY CARER Winner: Mulu Mihreteab, VictoriaSingle Mum Mulu provides continuous care and support to her six children ranging in age from 14-24, including her youngest daughter Heaven, who lives with profound disability.

Originally from Eritrea in Africa, Mulu lived in Sudan and then relocated to New Zealand as a refugee. She later became a New Zealand citizen. She moved to Melbourne in 2005 with her children so Heaven could receive appropriate medical care which, Mulu said changed her life.

With limited resources and despite the challenges of having English as a second language, Mulu has continued to provide her family with the care and support they need.

As the baby of the family, Heaven requires constant supervision and 24 hour care, and is often hospitalised. Mulu has had limited access to funding to support her ongoing care needs and the demands of full-time caring have also impacted her own health. She has learnt the skills to be able to provide high-level nursing care for Heaven at home and works continuously with professionals to ensure she has the knowledge to provide an exceptional level of care.

Mulu demonstrates amazing dedication and commitment to her whole family despite the emotional, social and financial challenges she has experienced.

FOSTER AND KINSHIP CARER Winner: Allan Skippen, NSWAllan is a foster carer who supports five teenage children aged 13-16 who live with him in long-term placements. After working in the mines for 27 years and before training as a Pastor in 2000, his vocation led him to foster caring and the community support roles which he now embraces.

Starting as a foster carer for respite placements some 15 years ago, Allan has dedicated many hours and years of his life to supporting children in care and does so with humility and compassion.

Allan has been a single carer since 2011 and is committed to ensuring the children have a cohesive home, providing emotional and practical support and nurturing to bring out the best in them as they evolve into young adults.

During the week, he also works as a Chaplain at the local primary school where he influences and supports the lives of over 500 children. Every day he is a positive role model in the community.

Allan said like all parenting and mentoring roles, providing emotional support can be the biggest challenge, especially as the children have become teenagers. “Balancing and supporting five young personalities is critical at this stage of their lives as we are preparing them so they can launch into adulthood.”

While he doesn’t do what he does for recognition, the person who nominated Allan said he is deserving of being acknowledged and thanked for the love, care, stability and compassion that he provides to children each and every day.

YOUNG CARER Winner: Ellie Moir, WA Nineteen year-old Ellie is the full-time carer to her mother Lynette and has cared for her since July 2009 when she was hospitalised after becoming suddenly ill (literally overnight) and unable to walk, speak or otherwise take care of herself. Ellie was 13 years old at the time.

After many months of uncertainly, Lynette was finally diagnosed with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Although with her condition Lynette has good and bad days, Ellie is responsible for coordinating everything in their home. She is the only income earner and manages all the household finances, bills, meals, cleaning, travel to and coordination of appointments. She also looks after her mum’s personal care, medication and does all the cooking.

Ellie demonstrates incredible resilience with all her responsibilities, while herself living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Ellie’s condition requires physical rehabilitation, regular testing and visits to specialists. Although she rarely complains, Ellie lives with joint swelling, pain and exhaustion.

Now going in to her second year of studying Psychology at University she has an amazing workload which she manages with diligence and dedication, somehow balancing this commitment with her caring role. She cannot play sport, has muscle deterioration and cannot walk long distances and requires the use of seating equipment for comfort and posture to sit exams while at university and does all her lectures online.

Ellie is committed to her education as a means to one day assist carers and other young people like herself. She hopes to work in the education system as a clinical psychologist.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

The annual Granite Town Festival in Moruya, New South Wales, was the place to be last November when giant illuminated floating sculptures brightened the night sky and saw our clients shine.

DOVE OF PEACE LIGHTS UP THE RIVER

Batemans Bay Disability Service clients and staff gather at Moruya for the Granite Town Festival.Our Dove of Peace.

This year’s theme of Dreaming inspired clients with our Batemans Bay Disability Services group to create a large Dove of Peace bringing life to the group’s dream for peace around the world.

Wayne, who is supported through LWBs disability services said it was the “best night ever” a feeling shared by many of the staff, clients and their families.

Batemans Bay Disability Service has been involved in the festival for several years and felt honoured to have their Dove of Peace feature in the opening ceremony.

The festival celebrates the area’s history of providing the granite for building the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Fiona Tsang is a client who attends Australia’s first Lightsaber Academy, Sons of Owbiwan.

“It’s a community where I can finally be my nerdy self and not be judged by anyone,” she said in an interview broadcast in December on SBS News.

Luke Boyton, a former special needs teacher, opened the Academy. It teaches the ways of the Jedi and the art of stage combat to all who wish to learn, which includes some people with disability, supported by LWB.

Amanda Hancock, a LWB Disability Support Worker, supports Fiona during the class and said it was also a good form of exercise for her.

RETURN OF THE JEDI IN TUGGERAH NSW

Fiona and Amanda, as featured on http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/12/16/lightsaber-training-brings-star-wars-suburbs

Through Luke’s support, the sessions with the Lightsaber Academy is part of the monthly day activity program across Tuggerah and West Gosford.

It is one of a range of activities throughout the community that National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants are choosing to engage with, as part of their NDIS Plan with LWB.

Whether a creative arts or life and work related skill enhancement; our NDIS Lifestyle Support services are varied and reflective of our customers’ wishes and preferences. For Fiona, attending the Lightsaber Academy is a choice that requires little force!

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The LWB stand at the 2015 AbSec conference, with our staff members (from left to right): Jason Dowie, Aboriginal Out Of Home Care (OOHC) Case Manager, Walter Hammond, Cultural Support Planner, Shannon Mackie, Astonville Aboriginal Case Manager, Terri Bird, Operations Manager Aboriginal OOHC, Trent McGrath, Aboriginal OOHC Case Manager, Les Ahoy State Lead NSW/ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Initiatives.

Life Without Barriers was proud to be a presenter at the AbSec (Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat) Conference last month.

SHARING AND LEARNING THROUGH ABSEC 2015

HIPPY: FUN AND FREE

The Sector & Worker’s conference held in Coffs Harbour, NSW, had as its theme, Vibrant Sector, Capable Workers, Stronger Kids, and was designed to share good cultural practice and ideas for improvement in supporting Aboriginal children and young people to have the best possible future.

Several members of our team took part in this three-day conference, sharing information on LWB with fellow attendees and holding a range of discussions about our innovative programs including the Leadership Care Program and High Impact Cross Cultural Program.

Les Ahoy, State Lead for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Initiatives in NSW and ACT, presented on ‘The Importance of Cultural Identity’, which discussed the fragmentation of Aboriginal culture and identity, and the role OOHC service providers can play in assisting Aboriginal children and young people to develop their cultural identity.

The conference was a great opportunity for the AbSec community to learn more about LWB, as well as for our team to meet with and learn from others in the sector.

LWB has launched a pioneering childhood education program in Whittlesea, Victoria, with Deception Bay, Queensland, which is due to start soon. Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a free home tutoring program developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, for parents and their 4-5 year olds to promote early literacy. The program helps parents and their little ones prepare for formal schooling.

HIPPY is a two-year program which helps to build parent or carer confidence as their child’s first teacher. Through free activity packs as well as visits from a trained HIPPY tutor, the program provides the tools parents and carers need to learn and play for 10 to 15 minutes a day.

HIPPY is supported by research which shows that a child’s most powerful learning comes from their family, and getting a strong start at school sets children up for life.

For ongoing information visit www.lwb.org.au/children-and-young-people

Why have you chosen to be on DSAC? I enjoy coming to the meetings and meeting so many wonderful people.

We all have one goal and that is speaking up for those with disability who can’t speak up for themselves

What has being on the DSAC meant for you?I have learned a lot coming to these meetings and will always have fond memories of all I’ve met.

I love talking to different organisations and I will continue to do more.

Sereako, who has been a valuable member and has travelled regularly from Cairns, will be leaving the national group this year after five years on the council, but will continue to engage with the Council locally through LWBs Area Client Focus Groups to provide feedback and input.

5MINUTES WITH SEREAKO TRELLOGEN

GREASE IS THE WORD

Sereako is a member of LWBs national Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC). We Live Life caught up with him about his role and the work of the committee.The Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) is Life Without Barriers’ disability services peak internal body representing the needs and views of our clients. The Council meets twice a year. It is how we receive formal feedback from customers about policy, service issues, program design and corporate direction affecting people with disability.

In 2016, DSAC will continue to provide input and feedback on how we design and deliver our services in 2016, including plain English documents and customer engagement activities.

We will be recruiting for a new Queensland representative, working closely with the National Disability Transformation Team, and exploring new and innovative ways to engage and co-design with customers with disability.

Sereako Trellogen, DSAC Representative from Far North Queensland, with LWBs Chief Executive, Claire Robbs.

Popcorn, poodle skirts and pomade were plentiful as LWB Melbourne celebrated International Day of People with Disability at the movies.

LWB celebrated International Day for People with Disability in December with an interactive day at the movies in Melbourne.

Clients, LWB staff and members of the community enjoyed a sing-along version of Grease, donning their best costumes and singing and dancing in the cinema. Trish Cizzio, LWBs Practice Leader, Disability Services Southern Metropolitan Area, said the day was a great success.

“We do something for International Day for People with Disability every year, but this was definitely the best one we’ve had,” she said. “It was a really fantastic day for everyone and we’re already planning for another event in 2016”.

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THELMA’S LITTLE DITTY

“ On the bus, Gus” A look at the new LWB bus which transports clients to and from the LWB Capalaba Seniors Activity Centre.

We were delighted to hear from a client, Thelma recently and we just had to share her poem about the LWB Seniors Activity Centre in Capalaba.

Feb 2016

No. 7 Wardley Street In Wardley Street at Capalaba, there is a friendly centre,It’s called “Life Without Barriers” and Sandy is its mentor,It gives the lonely a place to go, and enhances their social lives,People are from all backgrounds; Graeme and George come with their wives,The clients love a picnic, like, at Mt. Tambourine,The savour the fresh mountain air and the rustic scene,From the wintry shores of the U.K, to the land of the big white cloud,Many interesting tales of their homeland, and much laughter does abound.The centre’s a place of harmony, and is a safe retreat,May God bless the little white house, at No. 7 Wardley Street.

Thelma, LWB Capalaba Seniors Activity Centre client

OOHC: THE PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE

GETTING READY TO STEP UP IN WA

LWB is partnering with the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, to explore what it means to parents when their child leaves the family to go into Out of Home Care (OOHC). This important piece of research seeks to hear from parents to learn how helpful were the legal and social services offered to them and their children.

Along with their personal experiences, parents in focus groups will have the opportunity to talk about legislative and policy developments in NSW and how they feel these will impact on them and their children.

The research team is looking for parents who are interested in sharing their experiences living in the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast areas of NSW. If you would like to find out more please contact Rachel Andrikidis on (02) 4343 8817 or 0476 829 206.

LWB will soon commence delivery of an internationally-recognised program targeting serious youth re-offenders. Step Up, to be based in Perth, will implement Multisystemic Therapy (MST), an intensive home and community-based program that has consistently demonstrated ongoing success in reducing both the frequency and seriousness of anti-social behaviour and chronic youth reoffending.

Robyn Kennedy, LWBs National Manager Business Development and Projects said “What makes MST more effective than other youth reoffender intervention programs is that it focuses on the family as a whole not just the young person. It supports parents and caregivers by teaching them problem-solving skills

necessary to better manage their young person’s behaviours. This is key to the success of the approach.”

LWB is currently the Australasian licence holder/network partner for MST, a role which involves supervision and quality control of the 10 existing MST programs in Australia and New Zealand. Step Up will be the first time that LWB will directly deliver the program ourselves.

“Step Up will provide LWB with the opportunity to increase our direct involvement in youth justice and in the delivery of evidence-based programs,” said Robyn.

The Step Up team will include an Aboriginal Team Advisor to ensure effective engagement of Aboriginal

families – noting that 70% of young people in detention in WA are Indigenous.

Funding for the two year pilot of Step Up is being provided by the WA Department of Corrective Services through the Youth Justice Innovation Fund and Lotterywest. LWB is also making an in-kind contribution.

“Stakeholders are likely to have a keen interest in the results of the pilot given the high social and economic costs of youth re-offending,” she added.

Step Up is likely to commence by mid-2016. For more information, visit http://www.lwb.org.au/children-and-young-people/youth-justice-services/

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HAMILTON HILL’S NIGHT OF NIGHTS

PLACES THAT SPEAK TO ME

ART AROUND THE TOWNS:LWB ARTISTS SHINE IN WA AND SA

Art Without Barriers products are available for sale through their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/artwithoutbarriers.

Standing room only – locals gather to admire and bid for the art on display in Hamilton Hill.

Some of the talented performers.

Artists in the Art Without Barriers program in Western Australia recently celebrated a very successful opening of their art exhibition in Hamilton Hill. While the Living Arts Team in South Australia were proud to finish a very busy 2015 with a special celebration at their city venue, showcasing the creative work of their adult participants across the year.It was standing room only in Hamilton Hill, with locals gathering to admire and bid for the range of pieces.

“What a terrific turn out,” said Steve Robins, LWBs WA State Director. “The art on display was fantastic. Great work by the artists, and the support provided to the program by the LWB team and our community was outstanding as well.”

The artists, LWB clients across our Disability, Out of Home Care and Mental Health support services, worked with local artists at the LWB Burdiya Centre to create stunning pieces of art which have since been developed into prints and calendars. Thanks to a recent partnership with local boutique, Cinque Candle Co, the artwork is now also featured on a collection of luxury soy candles. Proceeds from the sales go back to the artists and the Art Without Barriers program, which means clients can continue to use their imagination to create amazing pieces in the future.

Order yours from www.facebook.com/artwithoutbarriers

Down at the “Living Arts Hub on Hutt” in Adelaide, South Australia, LWBs Living Arts team, together with participants and staff across a range of LWB services came together to transform the Experience Cafe on Hutt Street, into a showcase of artwork, poetry and music.The event was an exhibition bringing together the creative work created by those who attended the Living Arts sessions during 2015. Titled “Places That Speak To Me” the exhibition was packed with an enthusiastic audience who were in awe of the creativity and enjoyed listening to the music and poetry.

Thanks to staff and supporters of the program, the Living Arts Hub on Hutt will continue to be a place that all Living Arts participants feel comfortable to express themselves in 2016.

CONNECT, WATCH, LIKE AND FOLLOW LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS. PLEASE ‘LIKE US’ ON FACEBOOK TO JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION AND SUPPORT THE ORGANISATION OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @LWBAustralia, WWW.LWB.ORG.AU, LINKEDIN, YOUTUBE AND INSTAGRAM.

www.lwb.org.au

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In November, LWB joined with national and international organisations for the 2015 International Foster Care Organisation (IFCO) World Conference.

CARING FOR CARERS: IFCO 2015

Our LWB IFCO stall produced a great place for attendees to meet and connect with each other.

Across Australia, each state and territory has its own Foster, Kinship & Relative Care structure, making this three-day event a rare opportunity to showcase care in a national context and on the world’s stage.

LWB was a major sponsor of this important conference.

“We wanted to promote the importance of caring for carers,” said LWBs Chief Executive, Claire Robbs.

“And thanks to generous donations from our business supporters such as Smiggle and The Body Shop, we were able to present all attendees with a great little gift bag.”

Claire was also a keynote speaker and shared LWBs work within Foster Care while Director Operations, North and West Australia, Brad Swan, presented on After Care a new approach LWB is leading, for young people leaving care in Queensland.

FIT, FAB AND CONNECTED

LWBs aged care program Live Life, Live Well has recently expanded to include Live Life, Live Well – Be Connected Older people in Townsville can now call LWB for advice and information on a wide range of services and programs available in their local area. Our staff can help connect residents to services from financial advice through to transport assistance.

If you live in the Townsville area and need help connecting to services, support or social opportunities, contact (07) 4755 7400.

Of course, you can stay fit at home anytime by following our Live Life, Live Well gentle fitness video available at http://www.lwb.org.au/agedcare/live-life-live-well/

Like our new Life Without

Barriers Careers Facebook

page that has regular tips on

applying for work, writing a

CV and interview techniques –

and all the latest LWB

positions vacant.