The appointment of Andrew Hyland, Lifestyle Solutions’ new CEO, on 9 November 2016 marks an exciting new chapter in our organisation’s history.

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to lead Lifestyle Solutions through what I’m sure is going to be an exciting and rewarding next stage of growth for our organisation,” said Andrew.

Andrew brings over 20 years experience in management and consultancy roles across a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, financial services, construction, transport, media, telecommunications and essential services.

He is strongly committed to supporting our teams and the people we support. Over the past few months he has visited many of our offices, community hubs and accommodation houses in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

“I’ve felt a real appreciation from the people we support for the work our teams do developing opportunities and skills for them which foster inclusion and celebrate diversity.”

Andrew will visit Darwin, Tasmania

support in these states.

“We operate in a diverse and complex sector and our work is not without its challenges.”

“However, I have every confidence in our exceptional staff. Their compassion, dedication and commitment to helping people achieve their full potential is inspiring.”

“Our staff are pivotal to our ability to capably and responsibly meet the needs of the people we support. A key priority for me will be strengthening our training and development programs, risk assessment procedures and protocols to assist them with their work.”

“There are tremendous opportunities ahead for us.”

“Lifestyle Solutions has a great reputation for being responsive and innovative and I’m looking forward to building on this and consolidating our standing as a leading provider of disability supports and Out Of Home Care services throughout Australia.”

Lifestyle Solutions welcomes new CEO

Life’s possibilities are endless with Lifestyle Solutions

New CEO, Andrew Hyland sees a vibrant future for Lifestyle Solutions.

PossibilitiesEdition 2 | Summer 2016

and Western Australia in early 2017 to meet the teams and people we

Lifestyle Solutions has been a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider since 2013 so we have a real understanding of how the Scheme works and how to connect people with the right supports and services to meet their needs.

We’ve already helped everyone we provide supports and accommodation services to in New South Wales with their transition to the NDIS. We’re now working with people in other states to help them with their move.

We’d like to help you with your transition to the NDIS, too.

Our friendly Intake Officers can help you make informed choices about the supports you, or someone in your care, need to achieve their full potential.

We want to ensure your transition to the Scheme is a smooth one with no disruption to the supports and services you already receive — so talk to us today.

We’ll be holding information sessions during the first quarter of 2017 in Bathurst (NSW), Alice Springs (NT), Victoria and Queensland.

For details please visit www.lifestylesolutions.org.au

NDIS UPDATESNorthern Territory As Darwin gears up for accommodation services to

Disability Supports

transition across to the NDIS from January 2017, our staff have been attending NDIS information sessions and helping families prepare for the planning process. Planning will be undertaken by NDIS Planners and Local Area Coordinators.

Victoria The NDIS is currently being rolled out in North Eastern Melbourne. The Scheme will be rolled out in Inner Eastern Melbourne and Outer Eastern Melbourne mid 2017. We have started to sign participants up for NDIS funding in these areas and are assisting families through the planning and transition process.

New South Wales The NDIS continues to be rolled out across the state with accommodation services in the rollout areas having completed their planning processes. Our focus is now on assisting participants who are receiving any form of individual and day program support to develop and implement their plans.

Support Coordination Do you have Support Coordination included in your plan? If not, talk to our experienced Support Coordinators who’ll be happy to advise you on plan reviews, plan implementation and sourcing alternate supports from your plan.

Phone 1800 NDIS 4 U (1800 634 748) Email enquiry@lifestylesolutions.org.au

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Lifestyle Solutions offers thefollowing NDIS supports in all states and territories.

• Coordination of support.• Assistance with daily living.• Travel and transport.• Assistance with increased

social and community participation.

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and SDA Support Coordination.

• Improved living arrangements.

• School leaver employment supports.

• Improved relationships, health and well-being, learning, life choices and daily living.

• Finding and keeping a job (Tasmania – DES, Northern Territory – ADE).

• Early intervention support.

Contact us for additional supports and services.

Adnate’s art unites Tennant Creek Internationally renowned artist, Matt Adnate, whose evocative street art and canvases feature in Barcelona, Berlin, Mumbai, New York, Paris and cities across Australia, created a stunning mural for our Tennant Creek Hub in the Northern Territory.

Michelle Bates, National Manager – First Peoples Strategy and Support, said Adnate’s enthusiasm for the project was infectious and his visit to the Hub in November excited and united the community.

“I jumped at the opportunity to work with children and young people in a remote area,” said Adnate.

“Adnate’s portraiture work regularly features Indigenous people and we are honoured that local Warumungu boy, Stanley Waistcoat, is featured in this beautiful artwork,” said Michelle.

Stanley’s mother, Amber, was overwhelmed when Adnate asked her permission for Stanley to sit for the portrait.

‘I am Warumungu, my mother is Warumungu and my son is Warumungu. I’m thrilled that Stanley’s portrait has been painted,” Amber said.

With a deep respect for Indigenous people, Adnate has worked closely with a cultural advisor throughout his career to ensure he portrays his subjects with the upmost respect.

Traditional owner, Rosemary Plummer, local elders and staff from the Hub enjoyed sharing stories with Adnate about the Warumungu people and their culture and the children had a great time swimming with him at the local dam.

Michelle said the local community’s engagement was fantastic.

Over 80 children aged 5-17 years participated in the mural project and there was great encouragement from young adults, parents and grandparents who visited the Hub to watch as Stanley’s face emerged from the vivid ochre background.

Local artists dropped by to share their art with Adnate and the Catholic Care Youth Diversion group, staff and participants from the Language Centre and students from the local primary school also joined in.

Tennant Creek High School art teacher, Ben Whippy, who facilitated the participation of his year 9 and 10 students, was full of praise for the project and Adnate’s positive approach.

“This is a great project. The students need this sort of activity, it’s what they’re interested in. Having someone like Adnate come into the community with such a sharing and inclusive attitude is just what they need,” said Ben.

Stuart Willey from the Language Centre’s Parent and Community Engagement Program (PACE) said he had never observed such a high degree of engagement and focus from children in the PACE program as when they worked with Adnate.

Michelle said it was an inspiring week, not just for the Lifestyle Solutions team at the Hub and the people they support, but for the whole community.

“I watched Matt power through the intense heat and crowds of children always including everyone in the project. He gave his whole heart and shared his craft so generously,” said Michelle.

“As he worked on the mural, he encouraged the children to create their own artworks. He gave them advice along the way and was genuinely interested in everyone who visited the Hub. He took time out from whatever he was doing to speak with people and invite them to place their handprint on the mural for what is now a beautiful community-based artwork.”

“It has been an enormously rewarding experience for us all.”

Lifestyle Solutions and Adnate have gifted the mural to the Warumungu people.

Using spray paint and oils, Adnate’s mural came to life.

People we support also joined in the creative process.

Stanley Waistcoat with his portrait.

Ashleigh Pead, one of our dedicated Support Workers in Tennant Creek, took out the Emerging Leader Award and Overall Award for Excellence at the 2016 Northern Territory Disability Services Awards in Darwin in November.

The Awards recognise exceptional individuals working in the disability sector and celebrate the positive contributions of the Northern Territory community in creating opportunities for people with disability.

“Ashleigh’s commitment to social justice and the people we support, her resilience in what is a complex and challenging environment, and her solution-based approach make her a very deserving recipient of these awards and a valuable member of our team,” said Michelle Bates, National Manager – First Peoples Strategy and Support. In addition to her already hectic workload, Ashleigh has designed

visual aids, secured free equipment for our Camping on Country trips, developed new administrative systems, learned Auslan — and taught the team to sign.

She was also instrumental in bringing artist, Matt Adnate, to Tennant Creek to work on our community arts project.

With her sensitive approach to cultural considerations, her grace and competence have created many positive outcomes for the people we support and the community has embraced her.

Ashleigh dedicated her awards to the people she supports, thanking them for accepting her and welcoming her into their Country, homes and lives.

She also thanked Michelle Bates and Steve Church, Coordinator, Disability Support Services – Great Lakes, for giving her tremendous opportunities and supporting and believing in her.

“I’d like to thank my Mum and Dad, too. Not only for supporting the whole ‘running away from Tasmania’ thing, but for scraping together every cent they possibly could to fly Mum to Darwin for the Awards Dinner,” said Ashleigh.

Awards Recognise Ashleigh’s Commitment

Golfers tee off for siblingsOur 2016 Camp To Belong Charity Golf Day in November was a huge success raising over $40,000 for our unique camp program which reunites siblings separated through foster and Out Of Home Care.

Varying levels of golfing prowess and friendly rivalry made for a lively competition at Pacific Dunes Golf Course Port Stephens and whilst overwhelming generosity won on handicap, the real winner on the day was Camp To Belong.

“I’m thrilled at the support we’ve received for this event. All donations and funds raised will go directly to Camp To Belong to help us reunite brothers and sisters in a fun and supportive environment,” said CEO Andrew Hyland.

We were privileged to have Lucy*, a young person we support, attend the event on behalf of Camp To Belong.

Lucy spoke openly about her background and personal experiences, emphasising the positive impact that Camp To Belong has had on her life and the lives of other children who’ve attended the camps.

During an interview with Camp To Belong Ambassador, Wendell Sailor, Lucy shared the emotional experience of celebrating her sister’s thirteenth birthday with her

at one of our camps. It was the first time in four years that Lucy had shared a birthday with her sister.

“It’s a great privilege to be involved with Camp To Belong. I feel quite humbled sharing in these special reunions. Seeing the children reconnect and build special memories to take away with them reinforces how important these camps are,” said Wendell. *Not her real name.

Sponsors and players showed great support for Camp To Belong.

Ashleigh Pead (left) with Northern Territory Assistant Minister for Disabilities,

Ngaree Ah Kit, at the Awards Dinner.

(L-R) Support Workers, Veronica Black and Julia Greig, Argus House Support Manager Vivian Facchin, Hunter Support Manager Emma Milliken and Senior Manager Child and

Family Services Luke Griffiths caught up at Album Tree.

SecondBiteServing up healthy choices in Alice SpringsThanks to the generosity of the local Coles supermarket in Alice Springs, people we support at our group homes in and around the town are enjoying fresh, nutritious food through SecondBite.

SecondBite is a national food recovery program run in partnership with Coles Community Food enabling communities around Australia to access fresh surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.

“Coles approached us 12 months ago about getting involved with the program and it’s been very successful,” said Steven Cooper, Senior Manager – Disability Support Services, at our Alice Springs Regional Centre.

“We’re able to provide healthy food to around 26 people at 11 of our group homes. We’ve also been able to provide employment for four of our supported employees who are responsible for collecting food from the supermarket and distributing it to our homes.”

Donations of fruit, vegetables, meat and bakery items are collected three times a week. Much of what is collected is cooked up by Rochelle, one of our supported workers, to help make life a little easier for those who aren’t able to cook for themselves.

“The people who help us collect, prepare and distribute the food are employed through our Bindi operation which is the only Australian Disability Enterprise in Alice Springs.”

“Through SecondBite, they’re developing their skills and helping the community to adopt healthy eating habits. We’re very pleased to be involved with this program,” said Steven.

Did you know…The SecondBite program has redistributed 30,543,747 kilograms of food nationally which equates to over 61,000,000 meals across 1,200 Community Food Programs.*

* Source: http://secondbite.org/

Argus House in Sydney provides a safe and supportive haven for young people in need of short-term emergency accommodation.

Vivian Facchin, Lifestyle Solutions’ Support Manager at Argus House, and her team have created a positive and nurturing environment that allows time and space for a little healing.

“All of the young people we support here have been rejected by the people they care most about. By the time they come to Argus they are wounded, angry and scared. They don’t think they have a future and, more to the point, everything is so unknown without any security at all,” said Vivian.

The team’s focus is on meeting the individual needs of each person they support whilst helping them to learn positive behaviours and establish friendships with their fellow house mates.

The centerpiece at Argus House is the Album Tree, a colourful mural featuring house mates’ hand prints

which represent photos of each young person.

The tree also features messages of encouragement and animal motifs representing the team.

“All of the young people staying at Argus are invited to add their mark. It’s a way of encouraging positive, rather than destructive, graffiti. It’s also our way of saying welcome and thanks for being here, that you are important and we value you,” Vivian said.

“I’m grateful for many things at Argus. However, the thing I am the most grateful for, is having the pleasure of working with the most amazing team of people who have such a high professional commitment to the well-being of all the young people we support.”

“I saw this quote many years ago which I really like. It applies to so many of the young people we support.”

“You don’t know something feels good until you’ve felt it.”

The Album Tree

New Board AppointmentsOn 27 October 2016, Lifestyle Solutions welcomed new Non-executive Directors, Karen Woodford and Mitch Griffiths, to the Board.

Karen and Mitch bring extensive expertise to their appointments.

Karen has thirty years experience in public education. Following a short career as a solicitor in private practice, Karen returned to the NSW Department of Education where she led and managed a team of child protection investigators from 2003 until July 2016.

“I’m excited to be on the Board of Lifestyle Solutions. The organisation is a leader in this rapidly changing sector and my aim is to use my skills and experience to ensure that it continues to focus on its core mission of creating lifestyle solutions for families,” said Karen.

As a Chartered Accountant, Liquidator and Bankruptcy Trustee, Mitch specialises in developing strategies for financially distressed companies and individuals across the mining services, manufacturing, construction and retail sectors. His focus is on providing comprehensive analyses of situations whilst still remaining empathetic to his clients.

“I’m enjoying working with this great organisation. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute my commercial skill set to assist

Skye Saxon’s artistic ambitions have been realised with the launch of her first digital point-and-click adventure game, Snowflake Moon – A Paperville Mystery.

Centred around a missing millionaire and Frankus, a bumbling first-time detective, the game came to life through a collaborative partnership with Studio A, an art collective in Sydney providing professional development services to artists with an intellectual disability.

Studio A has helped Skye develop her creative interests over the last five years and they jumped on board the game concept when she took it to them.

Professional digital artist, Elias Nohra, brought Skye’s script and drawings to life and composers from the Australian Institute of Music Game Ensembles wrote the soundtrack.

“I’ve been a video game fan since I was a kid. I wanted to make one of these games myself and create characters that could be family and friends for other people,” said Skye.

Lifestyle Solutions has been providing support to Skye for three years and we’re thrilled that her work is being recognised.

Interested in becoming a foster carer?There are many reasons why children and young people need foster care but they all have one thing in common — they all need a safe and secure environment where they can learn to heal and trust again. Foster carers also share a strong connection — a simple belief that all children should be able to grow up in a stable, supportive and nurturing home. People from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds become foster carers…and you can too. If you’d like to make a positive difference in a child’s life talk to us today and find out how.

The Lifestyle Solutions Board.

(Front row L-R) Non-executive Directors Andrew Knight, Karen Woodford, Joyce

Bowden and Chairperson Stewart Perry.

(Back row L-R) Non-executive Directors Ian Roberts, Julie Connolly and Mitch Griffiths.

Lifestyle Solutions with continuing to help those in need,” said Mitch.

We are very fortunate to have such an experienced Board guiding our organisation.

The integrity, strong leadership and good governance of the Board positions us well to continue meeting the needs of the people we support, whilst adapting to changes within the sector and pursuing opportunities where they exist.

Free call Australia-wide

1800 NDIS 4 U(1800 634 748)

enquiry@lifestylesolutions.org.au

www.lifestylesolutions.org.au

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