Celebrating 75 years of developing kids’ potential every day

THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER / VOL 39 / ISSUE 1 / AUTUMN 2015

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Front cover image: His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia with Long, the recipient of the Pauline McGregor Early Childhood Intervention Award.

Novita News is published by Novita Children’s Services

PO Box 2438, Regency Park SA 5942

Editor: Kathy Banyer T: 08 8243 8231 E: novitanews@novita.org.au

While every care has been taken in the preparation of Novita News, the information contained within is of a general nature only and does not constitute advice. No liability is accepted for any errors it may contain or any damages or loss that may arise from the use of the information published.

Articles from Novita News may be reproduced in other forums, provided the information is produced in full, with written acknowledgement of its source.

W elcome to the first edition of Novita News for 2015, which highlights some of our events

and achievements of the concluding months of our 75th anniversary year.

Novita was proud to welcome the immediate past Governor of South Australia, Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) as its 15th President. We look forward to the invaluable contribution Kevin will make to defining Novita’s strategic agenda during a period of transformational change. I also acknowledge former President, Professor Andrew Downing, who held the position for seven years, leading the organisation with professional skill, dedication and tireless commitment for the betterment of South Australian children living with disability.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to drive significant change throughout the Sector, with Novita experiencing a 125% increase in demand for services from families of children in the 1st year cohort (aged 0-5 years). Novita’s largest emerging client group are children with an intellectual disability and those with an autism spectrum disorder. Recently we launched an Autism Diagnostic Service, to provide parents with choice in relation to who they contract to provide such an important step in the long-term needs of their child. We are able to see most families within two weeks of their initial inquiry, which is significantly better than the benchmark in the market place.

The NDIS will commence assessing children aged 6 -13 years in the next 12 months. We look forward to continuing our important role in assisting the Australian Government to define the reasonable and necessary supports that

will ensure that every child, no matter their ability, has the opportunity to reach their full potential every day.

On 25 November 2014 we held a special 75th themed Celebration Day and opened our new Children’s Therapy Centre at our Regency Park Office, in response to the unprecedented demand for our services. The Centre was formally opened by our new Patron, the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, in his first official engagement with Novita.

We also held our Annual General Meeting and Supporters’ Cocktail Party and presented our annual client and support awards, highlighted on pages 4-5.

Novita was delighted to welcome Woolworths Supermarkets as a new corporate partner and sponsor of the West End Mighty River Run, which was an incredible success, raising over $450,000 in its eighth year.

As part of our 75th anniversary celebrations, a South Australian favourite, Convoy 4 Kids, made a welcome return after a three year hiatus, sponsored by CMV Group. We thank all the truckies who gave up their valuable time to participate, as well as the many logistics companies who ensured a number of ‘big rigs’ were able to bring big smiles to kids who participated on the day.

Recently, Novita welcomed Andrew Daniels, Chief Executive Stadium Management Authority to the Board. Andrew’s impressive business credentials will add significant value to Novita’s development agenda in coming years.

Finally, with our mission to continually enhance our current service offering, Novita has now established a permanent base in Port Lincoln in addition to Whyalla, and with the combination of both offices now offers an unrivalled level of access to physical therapy and social work services for our regional clients. I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Novita News and I thank you for your support.

Glenn Rappensberg CHIEF EXECUTIVE

From the Chief Executive

Contents03 Changing of the Guard

Celebration Day

04 2014 Client Awards

05 2014 Star Awards

06 West End Mighty River Run

07 Walking, running and wheeling for abilities

08 Novita services expand in SA Regional areas

09 Will’s Parting Gift Fun in the Sun!

10 Woolworths partners with Novita

11 New Children’s Therapy Centre

Celebrating 75 years of developing kids’ potential every day

THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER / VOL 39 / ISSUE 1 / SUMMER 2015

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Changing of the Guard

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25 November 2014 saw a number of changes to the Board

of Novita, the most notable being the election of the immediate past Governor of South Australia, Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) as our new President. Kevin is looking forward to providing strategic leadership, direction and governance to the organisation in his new role. “I am excited about joining Novita Children’s Services as their new President. As a former Patron of the organisation, I have been privileged to witness first-hand the commitment and dedication of the staff and leadership team, in delivering the best services possible for children living with a disability,” he said.

Jennifer Fereday was also elected to the board at the AGM. As Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery for the

Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Jennifer brings extensive experience in the areas of clinical care, management, education and research which, combined with her previous involvements with the organisation, will bring invaluable insight to Novita’s strategic objectives. In December 2014 Andrew Daniels, Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority’s Chief Executive, was elected to the Novita Board. With more than 25 years of experience in major projects and events throughout Australia, as well as previously occupying roles such as Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Accident Commission and Chief Executive of the South Australian Motor Sports Board, Novita is very excited to have Andrew playing a significant role in the future governance of the organisation. His commercial and business development expertise will be invaluable for the organisation’s growth objectives in the

future. In late 2014, the executive members and staff of Novita said farewell to Kenneth Foggo, who had been a board member for 40 years. Beginning his service in 1974, Kenneth worked tirelessly as part of Novita’s Finance and Audit Committee and will be missed by all. As a member of Novita Children’s Services, Ken made an invaluable contribution to the organisation’s governance and commitment to service excellence. Recently we were saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Ken’s family and friends at this time. The selfless, voluntary service of those on the Board of our organisation, and the lengths to which these people go in helping us to develop the potential of the children and young people of South Australia, is respected by all who are touched by the work of Novita.

Celebration Day

On 25 November 2014, Novita held a 75th Anniversary Celebration Event at the

Regency Park Centre, prior to the formalities of the Annual General Meeting and the festivities of the Supporters’ Cocktail Party. His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia, and Mrs Lan Le were joined by members, client families and staff to inter a 75th Anniversary Time Capsule, to be opened in Novita’s centenary year in 2039. The locked capsule contains an open letter from the Governor to all South Australians, memorabilia from the 75th Anniversary year, a photo album of Novita’s current staff, memorabilia from this year’s special occasions and our publications.

The Governor then presented the 2014 Client Awards, before officially opening the new Children’s Therapy Centre, a state-of-the-art children’s therapy facility.

In the evening, corporate and individual supporters came together for a cocktail party hosted in the Wallmans Lawyers boardroom, where further client awards were presented, as well as Novita’s corporate supporter awards. A wonderful opportunity to recognise the efforts of many, and the varying levels of support received by the organisation, Novita’s leadership team enjoyed being able to publicly acknowledge the selfless work of those who enable the organisation to continue its work in developing kids’ potential.

His Excellency and Mrs Le at the opening of the Children’s Therapy Centre

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2014 Client Awards

AidanPresident’s Achievement Award acknowledging his passion for life, positive energy and commitment to improving the lives of people with a disability.

CalebCarol Dibben Encouragement Award for proactively working together with his therapy team and teachers to better manage his studies, allowing him to successfully complete Year 12.

SarahMichael Wooley Recreational andSporting Achievement Award for her multiple achievements since she began playing Boccia and to recognise her inclusion in the Australian ‘TargetingTokyo’ Boccia squad, consisting of athletes identified as potential Paralympians for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

EthanCommunication Achievement Awardfor improving the clarity of his speech through great determination and tenacity, enabling him to build new friendships and to interact with the world.

BrodyGraham Nancarrow AchievementAwardWith a great attitude and through muchpersistence, he mastered the challenging skill of tying his own shoelaces.

DarcyMinister’s Community AchievementAwardfor being an impressive all-rounder, involved in community engagement, sport and education, whilst also coping with surgery and numerous therapeutic interventions.

LongPauline McGregor Early Childhood Intervention Awardfor Long’s demonstration of a new-found enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to try new things, enabling him to begin school in 2015.

BiancaTyndale Youth Transition Achievement Awardfor her extremely successful transition toadulthood, completing TAFE studies and gaining employment, being a SASI scholarship recipient and national title medal winner and combining extensivecycling training with her regular daily activities.

Each year, Novita presents a number of clients with awardsto acknowledge their extraordinary achievements. The 2014 Awards were presented on our 75th Anniversary Celebration Day held on Tuesday 25 November.

The 2014 winners were:

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Novita has been a beneficiary of thisfund since 2009. As well as the supportof the commercial brands, Lion Co andthe West End brewery, for the MightyRiver Run, we recognise the financialcontribution of the West End CommunityFund. Novita is honoured to be a beneficiary of this important communityfund and is grateful that their supportassists the organisation to continue developing kids’ potential every day.

Our 2014 Novita StarNovita’s Prestigious Star Award is presented annually, to recognise the support of Novita’s long-term corporate partnerships. Presented by Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd), and accepted by Ben Knispel, Managing Director, Nippy’s is our 2014 Star. Having been a major sponsor of the West End Mighty River Run, they have now gone on to sponsor other Novita events and we are extremely grateful for their support.

As a 100% South Australian family owned company, with their entire range of products manufactured in Australia, Novita is delighted to be associated with Nippy’s. Since 2007, Nippy’s has provided more than $50,000 in sponsorship support for Novita and we thank them for their generosity and ongoing commitment.

Our Rising StarsThe Rising Star Award is presentedannually to recognise Novita’s corporatepartnerships. Two Rising Star Awards werepresented for 2014:Polar Displays and Print, owned by Chrisand Jenni Campain,who have been generoussupporters of Novita forseveral years. Proudparents of Bailey, who iseight and has been a client of Novita forover six years, they have both been very generous with donating their time and services to Novita, as a way of giving back to the organisation that assists their son.Their willingness to assist Novita and their ongoing generosity has been amazing and their commitment is sincerely appreciated. They are truly deserving of being a Rising Star Recipient for 2014.

The West End Community Fund receives contributionsthrough the West End water fountain on the western city fringe, with proceeds used to benefit the local community. The West End Mighty River Run presented by

2014 Star Awards

EllieMargory Head Achievement Award for being determined in following a rigorous exercise and splinting program to stretch and strengthen her leg muscles, to achieve her goal of walking without aids, whilst juggling school and other commitments.

ConnorWallmans Lawyers AcademicAchievement Awardfor his amazing efforts of juggling piano lessons, cricket, additional tutoring and table tennis, earning a place in the Paralympic Preparation Program squad, travelling interstate and overseas, gaining his driver’s license and completing Year 12! Since being presented with this well-deserved academic achievement award, Connor received a perfect final year 12 score of 99.95!

April was Autism Awareness Month and Novita showed its support for autism awareness by ‘Lighting it up Blue.’

1 in 100 people have Autism. 280,000 Australians have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with four times as many boys affected than girls.

Novita provides ASD diagnostic assessments, as well as early intervention therapy and out of school hours care, including vacation care, for children with an ASD.

On 2 April, staff at each of Novita’s sites wore blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day.

We also met some inspiring young children, Tammarra, William and Asha, who shared their stories with us over the month.

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The 2014 West End Mighty River Run was held from 16 to 21 November and went off without a

hitch! An event record of 32 boat crews participated in the Run, with an additional four official boats directing the flotilla and on-water activities. A total of 170 people participated in the event, which saw over $435,000 raised for Novita.

Highlights of the week included the West End Beer Can Regatta, Club Marine’s Jet Ski rides, a Gala Dinner on the final night, and, of course, the Client Day, held in Murray Bridge at the very end of the Run.

A massive thank you to all sponsors and supporters of the Run, including those who volunteered and donated an entire week of their time towards making the 2014 West End Mighty River Run the most successful Run to date. Plans are already in place for the 2015 event – keep your eye on our website for more details.

John Riddell, Russell Ebert, Glenn Rappensberg, Kevin Scarce and Jason Snowy Carter at the Gala Dinner in Mannum.

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Proudly brought to you by

Novita held its annual corporate Golf Day on Friday 20 March 2015 at the prestigious Kooyonga Golf Club. We were proud to have Solitaire Automotive Group back on board as our event partner this year.

Teams competed for the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Trophy and the 2015 winner was Solitaire Automotive Group. Second place was awarded to Veolia and third place to Daikin Air Conditioning.

Find out more on our website: www.novita.org.au/golfday

The second half of 2014 consisted of a busy events calendar for Novita, with numerous events held for a variety of occasions.

Dick Smith’s Walk With Me... held on 31 August at Adelaide’s Botanic Park, with over 1600 people walking for Novita, Cara and Polio Australia; this is Australia’s leading event connecting people of all abilities. It was a wonderful opportunity to support and recognise the diversity within our community, highlighting that kids with disabilities have the same dreams and aspirations as any child.

The City to Bay Fun Run... saw almost 250 people running to raise funds and awareness for Novita. Proudly supported by Woolworths, we walked, ran and wheeled our way across the finish line, with Novita’s team members completing 3, 6, or 12 kilometre journeys before enjoying breakfast supplied by Woolworths and amazing coffee supplied by Peter Newlands from Lavazza Coffee. Well done Team Novita!

The CMV Group Convoy 4 Kids... returned to the Novita events calendar on Sunday 2 November with over 100 big rigs, buses and other big forms of transport, providing rides around the city to Novita clients and their siblings. With special guest star Disney’s Mack the Transporter, the Convoy and Convoy Carnival was a spectacular family fun day with smiling children’s faces as far as the eye could see. Entertainment by Broadway for Kids and Red Henry rounded off the day, which was supported by CMV Group and Mix 102.3.

Walking, running and wheeling for abilities

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At Novita, our therapists continue to think of new and innovative ways to make therapy fun and engaging for the children we provide services

and support to.In January, one therapy group ventured out during

the holidays for a Beach Fun Day: a 3-hour morning for children aged from 12 months – 6 years, at the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club. The morning was run by a Physiotherapist and Speech Pathologist who provided fun therapeutic activities at the beach, focussing on communication and motor skills, and included sensory activities in the water and on the sand for the children who attended with their parents or carers.

A number of the children who attended had never been to the beach before and had a fun and engaging time, while developing and learning new skills at the same time. Their parents were pleased that the day provided them with the opportunity to experience what many of us take for granted – fun at the beach with their kids! Many of them felt that the experience had given them more confidence about taking their child to the beach in the future and some valuable learnings on how they could make it an enjoyable experience for their child.

The day could not have gone ahead without the support of West Beach Surf Life Saving Club, who facilitated the morning by allowing the group to use their facilities and equipment for some water play time, as well as providing a water cover presence.

Novita thanks the parents who are willing to try new things and who allow the Novita therapists to walk alongside them to maximise their child’s potential.

Fun inthe Sun!Glenn Rappensberg

elected Chairperson

of National Disability

Services, State

Committee

Novita Chief Executive, Glenn

Rappensberg, was recently

elected as Chairperson of the

South Australian Division of the disability

peak body, National Disability Services

(NDS). In this role, Glenn also holds a

position on the National Board of NDS.

Through information, representation

and policy advice, NDS promotes and

advances services which support people

with all forms of disability to participate in

all domains of life throughout Australia.

In accepting this appointment, Glenn

said, “As the trial of the National Disability

Insurance Scheme continues across

the country, I’m looking forward to

contributing the collective views of NDS

members in South Australia to advocate

and influence policy, as we head toward

the full roll-out of the scheme from

July 2016.”

In addition to this new role, Glenn will

continue to Chair the National and

State Children, Young People and their

Families subcommittees of NDS. These

committees focus on promoting the

rights, safety, welfare and wellbeing of

children and young people living

with disabilities.

Each year community partner Central District Football Club

hosts a charity home game to raise funds for Novita. On

Saturday 9 May, a great crowd was at the game to witness

a tough fought out draw with the Panthers. We thank CDFC for

supporting Novita to continue developing kids’ potential

every day.

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Novita services expand inSA Regional areas

Novita has been providing an outreach service to Eyre Peninsula since 1987, which traditionally has

been four times per year for two to three days at a time. Over the past 15 months, a more regular physiotherapy service has been offered, with a Physiotherapist flying into Port Lincoln fortnightly.

Recently, two experienced Novita staff members moved to the region and so begins a new and exciting chapter in Novita’s services to Port Lincoln and surrounding areas.

Novita is now able to provide physiotherapy one and a half days per week in Port Lincoln and full time social work services in the area as well. Social work services are also available to families in Whyalla and surrounding areas and phone services from any location.

The decision to expand services in Port Lincoln came after families and service

providers in the area identified a gap, particularly with physiotherapy services, for children in the region. In response, Novita trialled a more regular fly in/fly out service and this proved to be successful. In order to grow these services, Novita decided to have therapists based locally to enable the organisation to provide regular services to Port Lincoln and the surrounding areas.

Novita’s multidisciplinary service at Whyalla has also continued to evolve and now includes a locally-based Occupational Therapist, improving the ability to provide holistic services to clients living in the Iron Triangle and beyond.

Novita continues to make responsible investments, designed to facilitate our transformation and ability to assist more children in the years ahead; however, the changes we are pursuing are not possible without continued support from

the community.We express our appreciation to all

our members, volunteers, auxiliaries, corporate and community supporters, and research and media partners for their excellent and valuable contributions. These enable us to deliver a comprehensive range of high quality therapy, early childhood intervention and support services to more and more young South Australians in need.

At just one year of age, Will Palmer became a client of Novita. Sadly, Will passed away

in October 2010 at the age of seven. His mum Tania began raising funds

for Novita as a way of saying thank you for the support that Will and the family received throughout Will’s life. She held a quiz night in Will’s memory, and

raised an astonishing $14,000! With these funds, Novita purchased a new Powered

Wheelchair (PWC) and other accessories for the Powered Mobility Program, which is run by Novita’s Assistive Technology Service (ATS). The Powered Mobility Program holds four powered mobility clinics each year, usually in the school holidays and also provides assessments and training sessions outside of the clinic format.

After assessment by the ATS team, Novita clients may also borrow the PWCs during the term to develop driving skills and trial different access options and features before prescription of their own equipment. This enables clients to ensure that the PWC is the exact fit for their own individual situation.

Powered mobility can help children with a wide range of mobility support needs, including those who can walk with a walking aid, but are limited in how far they can walk due to

fatigue, pain or time. ATS also has a variety of alternatives to control the PWC if children are unable to use a conventional joystick.

Powered mobility for children and adolescents can provide increased independence and allow them to keep up with peers, enabling them to put their energy and concentration into other activities, such as learning and recreation pursuits.

You can find out more about the Powered Mobility Program, or how you can help Novita increase services through a donation, by contacting 1300 NOVITA (1300 668 482).

Will’s Parting Gift

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In 2014, we were delighted to have Woolworths join us as a corporate partner. Woolworths became a sponsor

of the West End Mighty River Run, then went on to extend their support of Novita to other events in the second half of 2014. Woolworths is one of the largest retail chains in Australia and it was an honour to bring them on board for the 2014 Run. Their support was vital in assisting us to raise much needed funds.

Woolworths’ staff joined the Novita team in the City to Bay Fun Run, which saw $2k raised towards our services. They then went on to host an 80’s themed Quiz Night, which was attended by several hundred people who really got into the spirit of the evening. And, together with Novita staff and volunteers, Woolworths then held a number of sausage sizzles and cake stalls throughout many of their South Australian stores.

During the months of October and November, Novita Boat Tokens were available for purchase in Woolworths stores right across South Australia and donations were taken at the registers. All combined, this support led to $70k being collected; an incredible achievement for even such a well-known and respected company as Woolworths.

Finally in 2014, Woolworths proudly presented Carols by Candlelight in Adelaide’s Elder Park, where the community came together to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

All funds raised throughout the Woolworths campaign have been directed to various activities, all of which assist Novita in developing kids’ potential every day.

The fresh food people partner with Novita

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Novita has opened a new Children’s Therapy Centre at Regency Park, in response to the increase in

demand for its services. The Centre was officially opened on Tuesday 25 November 2014 by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, in his first engagement as Patron of the organisation.

Since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Novita has seen a 125% rise in demand for its paediatric allied health services, with services now provided to children with all developmental disabilities, including developmental delay, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, in addition to children with a physical disability or an acquired brain injury who have traditionally been our clients.

The Children’s Therapy Centre offers four new individual consulting suites, two new multipurpose group therapy rooms, an expanded waiting area and an open area for mobility activities.“And that means we can now conduct 45 individual consultations per day and as many as 20 group consultations per day,” said Novita Chief Executive, Glenn Rappensberg.

“We’re delighted that our new facility will now allow us to offer even more of these critical and in-demand services to a rapidly growing number of children.”Novita’s Children’s Services Department offers consultation with Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Speech Pathologists in the Children’s Therapy Centre.

New Children’s Therapy Centre

Diary dates

Please visit www.novita.org.au/events or contact the Novita Marketing Department on 8243 8243 for more information about any of the following events.

Walk With MeSunday 30 AugustBotanic Park, Adelaide

Sunday Mail City-Bay Fun Run20 September 2015 King William Rd, Adelaide to Wigley Reserve, Glenelg

Convoy for Kids25 October 2015

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Novita Children’s Services has been one of the largest providers of quality services to children living with disability and special needs, and their families, for 75 years. We support children and young people throughout their childhood and adolescent years, in Adelaide, regional South Australia and beyond.

Through our broader work with families and communities, Novita’s life-changing services have a direct impact on thousands of Australians each year.

Over our long history, Novita has become a trusted provider of child development, rehabilitation and disability services. Our established networks with paediatric medical specialists, education professionals, universities, research institutes and other allied health specialists help our staff to provide a quality, comprehensive and highly individualised service to enable each child to discover their abilities and reach their full potential.

We are proudly the largest South Australian community-based children’s service organisation.

Your donation will help Novita to continue to develop kids’ potential every day.

Mail your donation to Novita Children’s Services PO Box 2438 Regency Park SA 5942

Call 1300 NOVITA (1300 668 482)

Donate online at www.novita.org.au/donate

Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. Please make cheques payable to Novita Children’s Services. (ABN 53 137 537 636)

Novita Children’s Services will record your personal information for the purposes of communicating with you. Your information is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party. Please contact our Marketing team on 8243 8243 if you have any queries.

Novita News, Autumn 2015

www.novita.org.au

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