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THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER / VOL 36 / ISSUE 1 / SUMMER 2012<br />

<strong>Connecting</strong> <strong>kids</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>their</strong> <strong>worlds</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> <strong>70</strong> <strong>years</strong>.<br />

1


THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER / VOL 36 / ISSUE 2 / SUMMER 2012<br />

From the Chief Executive<br />

Contents<br />

03 Police Association of SA helps <strong>Novita</strong><br />

04 Making SA ‘NDIS ready’<br />

05 Graduates’ big day out<br />

06 <strong>Novita</strong> Achievement Awards<br />

07 Supporters’ Cocktail Party<br />

08 New pool complex<br />

09 New Director Client Services<br />

10 West End Mighty River Run<br />

11 <strong>Novita</strong> staff awards<br />

12 Diary Dates<br />

Front cover image: Callum<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> News is published by <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services<br />

PO Box 2438<br />

Regency Park SA 5942<br />

Editor: Arndrae Luks<br />

T: 08 8243 8234 E: novitanews@novita.org.au<br />

While every care has been taken in the preparation<br />

of <strong>Novita</strong> News, the in<strong>for</strong>mation contained <strong>with</strong>in<br />

is of a general nature only and does not constitute<br />

advice. No liability is accepted <strong>for</strong> any errors it may<br />

contain or any damages or loss that may arise from<br />

the use of the in<strong>for</strong>mation published.<br />

Articles from <strong>Novita</strong> News may be reproduced in<br />

other <strong>for</strong>ums, provided the in<strong>for</strong>mation is produced<br />

in full, <strong>with</strong> written acknowledgement of its source.<br />

2<br />

<strong>Connecting</strong> <strong>kids</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>their</strong> <strong>worlds</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> <strong>70</strong> <strong>years</strong>.<br />

T<br />

he dawn of a new year heralds new<br />

beginnings. It can also be a time <strong>for</strong><br />

reflection on a year just passed. As<br />

I reflect on the past year at <strong>Novita</strong>, I draw<br />

considerable satisfaction from the gains<br />

that we have made.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong>’s Board of Directors resolved<br />

to extend the application of the current<br />

Strategic Plan until 1 January 2013, at<br />

which time a new plan will be launched.<br />

In arriving at this decision the Board<br />

considered the currency, relevance and<br />

flexibility of the Plan, its strategic directions<br />

and key objectives as <strong>Novita</strong> develops and<br />

transitions to a new plan.<br />

In financial terms, overall, the result<br />

<strong>for</strong> the year was positive and the<br />

organisation remains in a sound<br />

position to deliver its services.<br />

We took time to celebrate too. The<br />

highlight at this year’s Annual General<br />

Meeting and Supporters’ Cocktail Party,<br />

held in November, was the presentation<br />

of the Annual Achievement Awards where<br />

the milestones and achievements of<br />

<strong>Novita</strong>’s clients were showcased to our<br />

members, corporate supporters and<br />

guests (see pages 6-7).<br />

I was delighted that the Hon Minister <strong>for</strong><br />

Disabilities, Ian Hunter MLC, was able to<br />

attend the Supporters’ Cocktail Party,<br />

where he presented the Minister’s<br />

Community Achievement Award to Jesse<br />

Aungles. Recipients of all Awards are<br />

featured on our website.<br />

The Police Association of South Australia<br />

(PASA) presented <strong>Novita</strong> <strong>with</strong> a cheque <strong>for</strong><br />

$50,000 as the beneficiary of the inaugural<br />

PASA lottery. The lottery was part of the<br />

Association’s centenary celebrations,<br />

promoting the benevolence of the police<br />

community (see page 3).<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> presented its Community<br />

Partnership Award to PASA at the<br />

Supporters’ Cocktail Party in recognition of<br />

the excellent support the Association and<br />

its members have generously provided.<br />

The fifth annual West End Mighty River<br />

Run was again highly successful. The<br />

five-day trip along the River Murray, from<br />

Blanchetown to the Murray Mouth, helmed<br />

by <strong>Novita</strong> Ambassadors John Riddell and<br />

Jason ‘Snowy’ Carter, was a great<br />

success, raising <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> $150,000 <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>Novita</strong>. Over the past four <strong>years</strong> the event<br />

has raised <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> $500,000 <strong>for</strong> children<br />

living <strong>with</strong> disabilities and <strong>their</strong> families<br />

(see page 10).<br />

A unique<br />

graduation<br />

ceremony marked<br />

a special occasion<br />

<strong>for</strong> 34 young<br />

children and <strong>their</strong><br />

families when the<br />

inaugural Age 5<br />

Graduation<br />

Ceremony of the<br />

Home Interaction<br />

Program <strong>for</strong> Parents and Youngsters<br />

(HIPPY) took place at <strong>Novita</strong>’s Regency<br />

Park Centre. HIPPY consists of a proven<br />

early-learning curriculum achieving great<br />

results (see page 5).<br />

Looking ahead, our organisation is well<br />

placed to meet the demands expected of<br />

us because of the structural changes we<br />

have implemented.<br />

There has been a quantum shift in<br />

government thinking on approaches to<br />

disability policy. New Australian and South<br />

Australian Government disability policy<br />

re<strong>for</strong>ms announced in recent months flag<br />

new and valuable relationships <strong>with</strong><br />

government, service providers and people<br />

living <strong>with</strong> disability, <strong>their</strong> families and carers.<br />

At a State level, people <strong>with</strong> a disability<br />

will have greater choice in the services<br />

they use – and how and when they use<br />

them – under a major revamp of disability<br />

services in South Australia. The Premier,<br />

the Hon Jay Weatherill MP, has announced<br />

the State Government’s intention to<br />

radically re<strong>for</strong>m the provision of support<br />

<strong>for</strong> people <strong>with</strong> disabilities, following the<br />

release of the disability blueprint ‘Strong<br />

Voices’ (see page 3).<br />

Meanwhile, the Australian Government<br />

has announced it will work <strong>with</strong> the State<br />

Government on measures to help get the<br />

State ready <strong>for</strong> a National Disability<br />

Insurance Scheme (NDIS). An NDIS will<br />

ensure Australians <strong>with</strong> disability have<br />

access to the care and support they need<br />

to participate in all aspects of life, no<br />

matter where they live, if they were born<br />

<strong>with</strong> a disability or how they acquired <strong>their</strong><br />

disability (see page 4).<br />

The year has started well. I look <strong>for</strong>ward<br />

to <strong>Novita</strong>’s further contributions to the support<br />

of the 2000 children and families whose<br />

interests we serve each and every day.<br />

Glenn Rappensberg<br />

CHIEF EXECUTIVE


Greater choice <strong>for</strong><br />

people <strong>with</strong> a disability<br />

P<br />

eople <strong>with</strong> a disability will<br />

have greater choice in the<br />

services they use – and<br />

how and when they use them –<br />

under a major revamp<br />

of disability services in<br />

South Australia.<br />

The Premier, Hon Jay<br />

Weatherill (pictured), has<br />

announced the State<br />

Government will radically re<strong>for</strong>m the<br />

provision of support <strong>for</strong> people <strong>with</strong><br />

disabilities, following the release of the<br />

disability blueprint ‘Strong Voices’.<br />

Federal Disability Re<strong>for</strong>m Minister,<br />

Hon Jenny Macklin, and State Disabilities<br />

Minister, Hon Ian Hunter, joined Mr<br />

Weatherill to make the announcement<br />

at <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services’ Regency<br />

Park Centre, in December.<br />

Under the changes, instead of the<br />

system dictating the services individuals<br />

receive, people will be able to choose the<br />

services that are most important to them<br />

<strong>for</strong> <strong>their</strong> needs and aspirations.<br />

Everyone who receives six or <strong>more</strong><br />

hours a week of disability services will<br />

receive a personalised budget and will<br />

be given the option of receiving direct<br />

payments to manage <strong>their</strong> support needs.<br />

“For too long, people <strong>with</strong> disabilities<br />

have been told what services they will<br />

receive, when and how they will receive<br />

them,” Mr Weatherill said.<br />

“They have been told what time they will<br />

eat <strong>their</strong> meals, what time they will go to bed.<br />

“We want to provide greater opportunity<br />

<strong>for</strong> people <strong>with</strong> a disability to take control<br />

of <strong>their</strong> own lives and make decisions just<br />

as any other South Australian does.”<br />

Mr Hunter said the Government had<br />

been investing record amounts of money<br />

into supporting people <strong>with</strong> disabilities and<br />

providing <strong>more</strong> services <strong>than</strong> ever be<strong>for</strong>e,<br />

but the current system is nearing the limits<br />

of its effectiveness.<br />

“Money will be needed to fix this<br />

problem – but we first need a fundamental<br />

rethink of the way we provide<br />

disability services,” he said.<br />

“One of the clear messages<br />

from the disability blueprint<br />

was the most authoritative<br />

voice in making these<br />

decisions should be the<br />

person <strong>with</strong> a disability.”<br />

The revamp of disability<br />

services is the primary<br />

initiative in the State Government’s<br />

response to the disability blueprint,<br />

<strong>with</strong> the Government supporting 16 of<br />

the 34 recommendations <strong>with</strong> others<br />

to be considered in the Budget process.<br />

“These changes will ensure South<br />

Australia is well placed to implement<br />

the new National Disability Insurance<br />

Scheme,” Mr Weatherill said.<br />

Measures to be introduced would<br />

include:<br />

Everyone who receives six or <strong>more</strong> hours a week<br />

of disability services will receive a personalised<br />

budget and will be given the option of receiving direct<br />

payments to manage <strong>their</strong> support needs<br />

• Drafting a new Disability Act.<br />

• Providing $600,000 to support an extra<br />

120 people <strong>with</strong> a disability to access<br />

training and gain employment.<br />

• Developing a disability justice plan,<br />

which will improve protection <strong>for</strong><br />

people <strong>with</strong> a disability in the criminal<br />

justice system.<br />

• Creating a new role <strong>for</strong> the Ministerial<br />

Disability Advisory Council to<br />

independently monitor disability re<strong>for</strong>m<br />

and service standards and report <strong>their</strong><br />

findings to parliament.<br />

• Improving public transport access,<br />

including routine scheduling of<br />

wheelchair accessible buses, and<br />

better timetable in<strong>for</strong>mation about<br />

wheelchair accessibility, such as a<br />

mobile phone application.<br />

“The magnitude of this task is<br />

considerable,” Mr Hunter said.<br />

“This is a first response – the Government<br />

will be working <strong>with</strong> the disability sector to<br />

consider this report further.<br />

“This is a long-term plan that presents<br />

us <strong>with</strong> a once-in-a-generation opportunity<br />

to re<strong>for</strong>m the disability sector.”<br />

POLICE<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

OF SA HELPS<br />

NOVITA<br />

A<br />

t the prestigious Police<br />

Association of South<br />

Australia (PASA) centenary<br />

celebration dinner held at the<br />

Adelaide Town Hall in December,<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services was<br />

presented <strong>with</strong> a cheque <strong>for</strong><br />

$50,000 by Association President,<br />

Mark Carroll.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> was selected as the<br />

beneficiary of the inaugural<br />

PASA lottery initiated as part<br />

of the Association’s centenary<br />

celebrations, promoting the<br />

benevolence of the police<br />

community.<br />

Thanking the Association,<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Chief Executive, Glenn<br />

Rappensberg, said: “These much<br />

needed funds will go a long way in<br />

helping <strong>Novita</strong> continue to deliver<br />

its life-changing services to<br />

children and young people living<br />

<strong>with</strong> disability right across the State”.<br />

He said PASA and the important<br />

role it plays in supporting its<br />

members as well as the community<br />

through its benevolence was<br />

“truly outstanding”.<br />

“<strong>Novita</strong> was honoured to be<br />

chosen as the beneficiary by<br />

PASA and looks <strong>for</strong>ward to<br />

continuing the positive relationship<br />

it has <strong>with</strong> the Association and its<br />

members in the <strong>years</strong> ahead,”<br />

Glenn said.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> had also presented its<br />

Community Partnership Award<br />

to PASA at its annual 2011<br />

Supporters’ Cocktail Party,<br />

in recognition of the excellent<br />

support the Association and its<br />

members have generously<br />

provided to <strong>Novita</strong>.<br />

3


NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME WELCOMED<br />

N<br />

ovita Chief Executive, Glenn<br />

Rappensberg, has welcomed the<br />

announcement by the Australian<br />

Government that work has started <strong>with</strong><br />

States and Territories on measures that<br />

will build the foundations <strong>for</strong> a National<br />

Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This<br />

followed the release of the Productivity<br />

Commission’s final 1,000 page report on<br />

Disability Care and Support.<br />

“The need to establish an NDIS has<br />

been advocated <strong>for</strong> by many thousands<br />

of people <strong>with</strong> disabilities, <strong>their</strong> families,<br />

carers and disability service providers<br />

around the nation <strong>for</strong> some time,” Mr<br />

Rappensberg said.<br />

“<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services made<br />

several submissions to the Productivity<br />

Commission during its consultation<br />

process on this important matter,” he said.<br />

The themes of its submissions included:<br />

• that all children and young people <strong>with</strong><br />

disabilities should be eligible <strong>for</strong><br />

inclusion <strong>with</strong>in the NDIS<br />

• that services must be driven and<br />

empowered by people <strong>with</strong> disabilities<br />

• that rights based legislation be<br />

established <strong>for</strong> children and adults<br />

<strong>with</strong> disabilities<br />

• that disability services (support and<br />

care) <strong>for</strong> children must be personalised,<br />

caring and specialised, and<br />

• that funding must be equitable across<br />

Making SA<br />

‘NDIS ready’<br />

T<br />

he Australian Government has<br />

announced it will work <strong>with</strong> the<br />

South Australian Government on<br />

measures to help get the state ready <strong>for</strong> a<br />

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).<br />

An NDIS will involve fundamental<br />

changes to the way disability care and<br />

support is provided in Australia.<br />

The scheme will make sure Australians<br />

<strong>with</strong> disability have access to the care<br />

and support they need to participate in<br />

society, no matter where they live, if they<br />

were born <strong>with</strong> a disability or how they<br />

acquired <strong>their</strong> disability.<br />

The South Australian Government has<br />

the nation, balanced by the desirability<br />

of having local assessments, community<br />

support and flexible responses, which<br />

are critical <strong>for</strong> children and adolescents<br />

<strong>with</strong> disability as they deal <strong>with</strong> changing<br />

life needs.<br />

“While the Australian Government’s<br />

announcement supporting the Productivity<br />

Commission’s vision is an important<br />

step <strong>for</strong>ward, the Government has yet<br />

to endorse the recommendations or<br />

commit the additional funding required<br />

to implement the NDIS beyond an<br />

allocation of $10 million to support a newly<br />

established technical advisory group,” Mr<br />

Rappensberg said.<br />

“The Government has indicated that the<br />

implementation of the scheme<br />

undoubtedly will be complex and will take<br />

significant time to enact. The Productivity<br />

Commission sets out in its report that the<br />

scheme would be implemented in stages<br />

and not fully implemented until 2018-19.<br />

“The Productivity Commission<br />

concludes that while the cost of this<br />

scheme is estimated to be $6.5 billion<br />

above the current collective disability<br />

funding of the Commonwealth and State<br />

Governments, the social and economic<br />

returns will outweigh its cost.”<br />

Mr Rappensberg said the involvement<br />

of State and Territory governments will be<br />

critical in this re<strong>for</strong>m. The South Australian<br />

made a commitment to move towards a<br />

model of individualised funding <strong>for</strong> people<br />

<strong>with</strong> disability that will lead to improving<br />

disability services and getting the State<br />

‘NDIS ready’.<br />

As part of the critical design and<br />

development work needed to prepare <strong>for</strong><br />

the launch of an NDIS, the Australian and<br />

South Australian governments will work<br />

together to:<br />

• coordinate the Commonwealth’s Better<br />

Start and Helping Children <strong>with</strong> Autism<br />

programs <strong>with</strong> South Australia’s early<br />

childhood intervention services, and<br />

• develop tools to help parents of children<br />

<strong>with</strong> disability make in<strong>for</strong>med choices<br />

about the early intervention services<br />

they receive.<br />

This work will help to ensure that early<br />

intervention programs provided by various<br />

levels of government are coordinated and<br />

educate families about the array of service<br />

Government has said that “the State<br />

Government has given its in-principal<br />

support to the National Disability Insurance<br />

Scheme, however it will look to participate<br />

in further discussions on its delivery and<br />

funding. The concept of the NDIS would<br />

involve a fundamental change in the way<br />

disability services are provided, managed<br />

and funded.”<br />

The Australian Government has also<br />

recognised that <strong>for</strong> the not-<strong>for</strong>-profit<br />

disability services sector, an NDIS will be<br />

trans<strong>for</strong>mational change. As highlighted<br />

by National Disability Services, “this will<br />

require a much larger work<strong>for</strong>ce<br />

appropriately skilled; and the gearing<br />

up of not-<strong>for</strong>-profit organisations to work<br />

effectively in a competitive, individualised<br />

funding environment. Meeting these<br />

challenges will require investment in<br />

building the capacity of the sector if the<br />

value of not-<strong>for</strong>-profit organisations in<br />

creating social capital is to be retained<br />

and strengthened.”<br />

The Productivity Commission’s final<br />

report can be found at http://www.pc.gov.<br />

au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/report<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services’ submissions<br />

can be found at http://www.novita.org.au/<br />

Article/NewsDetail.aspxp=140&id=1761<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> will continue to advocate <strong>for</strong> the<br />

needs of the children and young people<br />

and <strong>their</strong> families it serves.<br />

options available to them.<br />

This joint work will also in<strong>for</strong>m the<br />

design of the NDIS by providing a practical<br />

example of how to give families the tools<br />

and support they need to make choices in<br />

the early <strong>years</strong> of a young person’s life.<br />

Research demonstrates that intervention<br />

in the early <strong>years</strong> can help children<br />

<strong>with</strong> disability prepare <strong>for</strong> school and<br />

lifelong learning.<br />

Throughout 2012, the Australian<br />

Government will work closely <strong>with</strong> state<br />

and territory governments, people <strong>with</strong><br />

disability, <strong>their</strong> families and carers, service<br />

providers and the disability care and<br />

support work<strong>for</strong>ce on the critical design<br />

and development work <strong>for</strong> an NDIS.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services welcomes<br />

the South Australian Government’s<br />

commitment to improving the lives and<br />

choices of South Australians <strong>with</strong><br />

a disability, <strong>their</strong> families and carers.<br />

4


GRADUATES’ BIG DAY OUT<br />

T<br />

he graduates wore academic gowns<br />

and mortar boards, but there was<br />

something very different this time.<br />

They were all five <strong>years</strong> old.<br />

A unique graduation ceremony marked<br />

a special occasion <strong>for</strong> 34 young children<br />

and <strong>their</strong> families when the inaugural Age<br />

5 Graduation Ceremony of the Home<br />

Interaction Program <strong>for</strong> Parents and<br />

Youngsters (HIPPY) took place at <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

Regency Park Centre, in December.<br />

HIPPY is a two-year home-based<br />

parenting and early childhood enrichment<br />

program targeting families <strong>with</strong> young<br />

children. Importantly, it operates in the<br />

heart of its community, meaning that it can<br />

be highly accessible to families, using the<br />

experiences and resources of families<br />

themselves to learn from one another.<br />

Long be<strong>for</strong>e children start school, they<br />

are constantly learning new things from<br />

<strong>their</strong> very first and most important teachers<br />

– <strong>their</strong> parents.<br />

And it’s this idea that is the cornerstone<br />

of HIPPY.<br />

By supporting parents and carers to<br />

create an active learning environment at<br />

home, HIPPY aims to give these youngsters<br />

the best possible start to <strong>their</strong> <strong>for</strong>mal<br />

education, so they feel <strong>more</strong> confident<br />

and happy about starting school.<br />

It is family time well spent, <strong>with</strong> research<br />

clearly showing that not all children start<br />

school on an equal footing, and that those<br />

who begin school behind <strong>their</strong> peers will<br />

later struggle to catch up.<br />

Presenting each child <strong>with</strong> <strong>their</strong> Graduation<br />

Certificate, <strong>Novita</strong> Chief Executive, Glenn<br />

Rappensberg, said it was wonderful to see<br />

so many families and <strong>their</strong> children <strong>for</strong> the<br />

special celebration of achievement.<br />

“<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services has a<br />

long-standing reputation extending<br />

back <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> <strong>70</strong> <strong>years</strong> of working<br />

<strong>with</strong> children living <strong>with</strong> disabilities. It was<br />

there<strong>for</strong>e a logical next step <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> to<br />

work in partnership <strong>with</strong> the Brotherhood<br />

of St Laurence to engage a wider range of<br />

children and families in the conduct of the<br />

HIPPY Program at three sites in South<br />

Australia,” Glenn said.<br />

“And we are delighted that <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

HIPPY programs have been so well<br />

accepted <strong>with</strong>in those communities.<br />

“By the end of 2012, 225 children<br />

and families will have been assisted<br />

by <strong>Novita</strong>’s three HIPPY programs.<br />

By the end of 2012, 225 children and families will<br />

have been assisted by <strong>Novita</strong>’s three HIPPY programs<br />

In 2009 and 2010 <strong>Novita</strong> successfully<br />

tendered to provide HIPPY in the South<br />

Australian suburbs of Mansfield Park,<br />

Davoren Park and Salisbury North.<br />

“I would like to acknowledge the funding<br />

provided by the Australian Government<br />

Department of Education, Employment and<br />

Workplace Relations <strong>for</strong> HIPPY,” he said.<br />

“The Program was initially funded <strong>for</strong> five<br />

<strong>years</strong> from 2008 to 2012 but, earlier this<br />

year, the Federal Minister <strong>for</strong> Employment<br />

Participation and Childcare, Kate Ellis MP<br />

(above right), announced an extension to<br />

the Program in Mansfield Park and<br />

Davoren Park <strong>for</strong> an additional two <strong>years</strong>,<br />

from January 2012 to December 2013.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> is very grateful <strong>for</strong> this recognition<br />

of the value of the Program to our clients.”<br />

In embracing the HIPPY Program, <strong>Novita</strong><br />

is fulfilling that part of its Strategic Plan<br />

which stipulates that we will: “open our<br />

doors to new clients, new challenges and<br />

new solutions”.<br />

“I congratulate those children who<br />

graduated,” Glenn said. “This is a very<br />

important step <strong>for</strong> them. It is also a<br />

milestone <strong>for</strong> <strong>their</strong> families. I know that<br />

they are enormously proud of <strong>their</strong><br />

children’s achievement.<br />

“For its part, <strong>Novita</strong> is delighted to have<br />

been a part of <strong>their</strong> journey.”<br />

5


1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

Celebrating achievements<br />

of <strong>Novita</strong> clients<br />

7<br />

5<br />

6<br />

T<br />

he 2011 <strong>Novita</strong> Achievement<br />

Awards were a highlight of <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

Annual General Meeting and<br />

Supporters’ Cocktail Party in November.<br />

The Minister <strong>for</strong> Disabilities, Hon Ian<br />

Hunter MLC, was our special guest and he<br />

presented the Minister’s Community<br />

Achievement Award to Jesse Aungles (1)<br />

who stepped up to receive the Award after<br />

demonstrating he really is ‘connected <strong>with</strong><br />

his world’ through his participation in<br />

activities and sports that include basketball,<br />

tennis, kayaking, golf, cycling, Pedal Prix,<br />

track chair, triathlon, and the arts.<br />

The Wallmans Lawyers Academic<br />

Achievement Award was presented to<br />

William (Billy) Hosking (2) who is a very<br />

dedicated student and excels<br />

academically. At a Year 8 age, William<br />

undertook predominantly Year 10 subjects<br />

in 2011 including core Science, core<br />

English, his Personal Learning Project, and<br />

also core Maths. Next year he is looking to<br />

complete some Year 11 subjects.<br />

The President’s Achievement Award was<br />

presented to Isaac Hodzic (3) who has,<br />

through persistence and belief that ‘he can<br />

do it’, transitioned from the Severely,<br />

Multiply Disabled Unit at Elizabeth Special<br />

School into a primary class, using his<br />

walker. He now walks from the bus to the<br />

activities he loves – swimming, horse<br />

riding or simply walking through a puddle.<br />

Zach Franz (4) received the Carol<br />

Dibben Encouragement Award<br />

(supported by John Dibben OAM and Ruth<br />

Dibben) <strong>for</strong> showing a very strong<br />

commitment to his local hockey club and<br />

attending practice each week. It was a<br />

weekly game and the team won its local<br />

hockey grand final – an achievement<br />

of which Zach is very proud.<br />

The Pauline McGregor Award was<br />

presented to Owen Hutchinson (5) who<br />

is now able to walk 10m be<strong>for</strong>e lowering<br />

<strong>with</strong> control to a sitting position. Owen’s<br />

balance and the distance he is able to<br />

walk be<strong>for</strong>e requiring assistance increases<br />

each day. The supports have been<br />

reduced on his Rifton Pacer and Owen<br />

now chooses to walk independently of his<br />

walker indoors. He can now explore and<br />

investigate his environment <strong>with</strong> greater<br />

ease, providing new and exciting<br />

opportunities <strong>for</strong> him to learn.<br />

Sam Paech (6) is an inspirational young<br />

man deserving of the Recreational and<br />

Sporting Achievement Award (supported<br />

by David McNally). The challenges that he<br />

has faced throughout his life have not<br />

deterred him from trying his best at all<br />

times. He would like to continue <strong>with</strong> his<br />

football and is also interested in<br />

participating in the Paralympics. Sam has<br />

said that he has a lot of fun in being active<br />

as he doesn’t want to “just sit on a couch”.<br />

Daniella Mercorella (7) received the<br />

Communication Achievement Award<br />

(supported by Dr Debbie James) as a<br />

result of her communication skills, which<br />

have blossomed. She is <strong>more</strong> confident<br />

and is initiating communication <strong>with</strong> those<br />

around her. Daniella’s journey to find a<br />

communication system which meets her<br />

needs and allows her to communicate<br />

clearly has been a long one. After trialling<br />

many different types of communication<br />

books and technology, she has not given<br />

up, and <strong>with</strong> hard work her ability to<br />

communicate has grown.<br />

6


A special night<br />

FOR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS<br />

1 2 3 4 5<br />

N<br />

ovita acknowledges the generosity of<br />

its sponsors and supporters in many<br />

ways, but the annual Supporters’<br />

Cocktail Party is extra special. November’s<br />

function attracted many of <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

Auxiliaries, sponsors, supporters, volunteers<br />

and friends <strong>for</strong> the presentation of <strong>for</strong>mal<br />

awards <strong>for</strong> services to the organisation.<br />

The Police Association of South<br />

Australia were the 2011 winners of the<br />

Community Partnership Award presented<br />

annually to recognise supporters,<br />

sponsors and community clubs who have<br />

demonstrated outstanding commitment<br />

and support <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> activities.<br />

The candidate must be a company,<br />

organisation or (non-member) individual<br />

who has contributed <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> $3000 in<br />

cash or kind over the past 12 months in<br />

support of <strong>Novita</strong>’s activities.<br />

The Police Association of South Australia<br />

supported <strong>Novita</strong> in 2010 <strong>with</strong> the<br />

Association’s members donating funds<br />

toward the inaugural Walk With Me event.<br />

The Association’s involvement <strong>with</strong> <strong>Novita</strong><br />

continued in 2011 when <strong>Novita</strong> was chosen<br />

as the recipient of <strong>their</strong> inaugural Police<br />

Association of SA Lottery.<br />

The Association initiated the lottery as<br />

part of <strong>their</strong> centenary celebrations. The<br />

purpose of this inaugural lottery was to<br />

promote the benevolence of the police<br />

community and to benefit a charity. The<br />

Association saw the lottery as a logical<br />

extension of the contribution police make<br />

to the South Australian community. Funds<br />

from these activities combined, exceeded<br />

$<strong>70</strong>,000. The lottery also increased<br />

awareness of the work <strong>Novita</strong> does<br />

<strong>with</strong>in the community.<br />

The <strong>Novita</strong> Star Award is presented to<br />

ongoing/long term corporate supporters.<br />

Central District Football Club was the<br />

2011 recipient of the Award. For three<br />

<strong>years</strong> the Bulldogs have worn the <strong>Novita</strong><br />

star on <strong>their</strong> playing shorts. In an<br />

unprecedented move in 2011 <strong>their</strong> famous<br />

red, white and blue guernsey was used to<br />

promote <strong>Novita</strong> <strong>with</strong> the addition of a<br />

yellow star, yellow panel and the <strong>Novita</strong><br />

logo emblazoned across the front. It was<br />

worn <strong>for</strong> the minor premiership late in the<br />

season. The football match was televised<br />

and featured in the press be<strong>for</strong>e and<br />

after the match; in addition the fundraising<br />

from the match day contributed over<br />

$12,000 to <strong>Novita</strong>.<br />

Harris Real Estate and Integrated<br />

Waste Services (IWS) were each<br />

presented <strong>with</strong> a Rising Star Award which<br />

is given to new corporate supporters.<br />

Harris Real Estate has assisted <strong>Novita</strong><br />

in maximising revenue by providing expert<br />

auctioneers at many functions. Every time<br />

assistance was requested of Phil Harris or<br />

one of his team the response was always<br />

an overwhelming yes!<br />

Phil Harris is one of the most recognised<br />

and awarded real estate professionals in<br />

South Australia, having won both the Real<br />

Estate Institute South Australian Salesperson<br />

of the Year and Golden Gavel Auctioneering<br />

Championship in 2008. Harris Real Estate<br />

was also named New Agency of the Year in<br />

the Real Estate Institute of South Australia<br />

2010 Awards of Excellence.<br />

IWS have been significant contributors<br />

to <strong>Novita</strong> through the Italian Golf Club,<br />

specifically Joe Borrelli, Chief Executive<br />

Officer. Joe has repeatedly demonstrated<br />

his desire to ensure <strong>Novita</strong> benefits<br />

significantly from the Pro-Am event and<br />

has been passionate about <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

involvement and supporting its cause.<br />

Through the Club and, in particular, <strong>their</strong><br />

Pro-Am event, IWS has helped to raise<br />

thousands of dollars <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong>. It was the<br />

20th anniversary of the event in 2011 and<br />

a milestone <strong>for</strong> the company as major<br />

sponsor – they have been major sponsors<br />

since the event’s inception. The<br />

company’s sizable donation boosted<br />

the final result considerably.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Stars Kathryn and Ben<br />

Goldsmith successfully completed the<br />

New York City Marathon in 4hrs 51mins.<br />

With friends Liza and Justin Trim, and<br />

James and Sophie Scott-Young, they ran<br />

the 42km course to raise funds <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong>.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Chief Executive, Glenn<br />

Rappensberg, at the 2011 Supporters’<br />

Cocktail Party, presented Kathryn and Ben<br />

<strong>with</strong> a token of <strong>Novita</strong>’s appreciation <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>their</strong> brilliant ef<strong>for</strong>ts.<br />

Pictured: 1) Mark Carroll, President, Police<br />

Association of South Australia. 2) David Cavenett,<br />

Board Member (left) and Kym Jarman, Marketing<br />

Manager, Central District Football Club. 3) Jennifer<br />

Bills, Business Manager, Harris Real Estate.<br />

4) Carlo LaBella, representing Integrated Waste<br />

Services. 5) Kathryn and Ben Goldsmith, <strong>Novita</strong> Stars.<br />

7


$4m POOL<br />

rehabilitation<br />

complex<br />

planned <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>Novita</strong><br />

A<br />

new $4m hydrotherapy pool and<br />

intensive rehabilitation complex<br />

is planned <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s<br />

Services at its Regency Park Centre.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Chief Executive, Glenn<br />

Rappensberg, says the complex would<br />

become Australia’s leading paediatric<br />

rehabilitation therapy centre when built.<br />

“We have a fundraising target of $1m<br />

which puts us <strong>with</strong>in reach,”<br />

Mr Rappensberg said.<br />

“It will be a place <strong>for</strong> children to receive<br />

important hydrotherapy and give them<br />

access to a purpose-built gym and other<br />

equipment designed to help them receive<br />

the best possible treatment as part of <strong>their</strong><br />

individual therapy.<br />

“The new centre will be a significant<br />

link between hospital-based care and<br />

community support, as children and<br />

families leaving hospital return to <strong>their</strong><br />

everyday lives. Our pools are accessed<br />

by <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> 230 children each week<br />

and 16 special schools and disability<br />

service organisations.”<br />

Mr Rappensberg says <strong>Novita</strong>’s existing<br />

pools were constructed in 1976 and were<br />

now showing <strong>their</strong> age.<br />

“Plans <strong>for</strong> the improved facilities will<br />

enable us to broaden our services to attract<br />

vacation swimming classes, afternoon<br />

classes and an extension in opening hours.<br />

We will also have the opportunity to provide<br />

early morning and evening public classes<br />

<strong>for</strong> children <strong>with</strong> disabilities,” he said.<br />

Acknowledging previous support from<br />

the State Government, Variety, the<br />

Children’s Charity and Mr Ian Wall OAM<br />

and Mrs Pamela Wall OAM, Mr<br />

Rappensberg said <strong>Novita</strong> was now<br />

appealing <strong>for</strong> broader community support.<br />

“We know that trans<strong>for</strong>ming great<br />

ideas into reality demands support and<br />

commitment. It is our hope that the<br />

community will now get behind our<br />

fundraising campaigns to ensure we<br />

achieve our goal of raising that magic<br />

one million dollars.”<br />

8<br />

INTO RECORD BOOKS<br />

H<br />

undreds of children living <strong>with</strong><br />

disabilities and supporters pulled<br />

on <strong>their</strong> walking shoes and walked<br />

into the <strong>Novita</strong> record books in September<br />

when they joined the annual Walk With Me<br />

event in Bonython Park.<br />

Young <strong>Novita</strong> Ambassadors Morgan<br />

Cooper and Riley Stubing joined <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

Patron, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin<br />

Scarce, AC CSC RANR, Governor of South<br />

Australia, Mrs Scarce, <strong>Novita</strong> President,<br />

Professor Andrew Downing and <strong>Novita</strong><br />

Chief Executive, Glenn Rappensberg, to<br />

walk the length of the 2.4km course.<br />

Thousands of dollars were raised on the<br />

day and a record turn-out eclipsed last<br />

year’s event.<br />

Walk With Me is a community event, run<br />

under the auspices of Ability First Australia<br />

(AFA), which celebrates ability and<br />

encourages social inclusion <strong>for</strong> children<br />

living <strong>with</strong> disabilities and <strong>their</strong> families.<br />

“Take a step towards making a<br />

difference in the lives of people <strong>with</strong><br />

disabilities… come Walk With Me!”<br />

was the theme of Walk With Me 2011.<br />

This national event raises funds <strong>for</strong><br />

respite services <strong>for</strong> people <strong>with</strong> disabilities<br />

and <strong>their</strong> families. The event celebrates the<br />

abilities of people <strong>with</strong> disabilities and<br />

gives you the chance to walk side by side<br />

<strong>with</strong> friends, sponsors, supporters and<br />

clients of the member organisations.<br />

“We were delighted <strong>with</strong> the outcome,”<br />

Mr Rappensberg said. “So many families<br />

came and took part in a leisurely<br />

45-minute walk around the Park and then<br />

joined <strong>Novita</strong> staff, clients and other<br />

participants <strong>for</strong> a Picnic in the Park”.<br />

“Free family activities featured John<br />

Hughes, MasterChef top 50 contestant,<br />

Series 3, who showcased his cooking<br />

talents. Children’s entertainment included<br />

interactive children’s band, Rockin’ Rocky<br />

and Lindi-Jane, clowns, face painting,<br />

air brush tattoo artists, crazy hair stylists,<br />

balloon twisters and roving puppets.<br />

Plans are under way <strong>for</strong> another event<br />

later this year. Check the AFA website <strong>for</strong><br />

details www.abilityfirstaustralia.com.au


New Director Client Services<br />

N<br />

ovita’s new Director Client<br />

Services, Julie Astley, is relishing<br />

her new job at <strong>Novita</strong>.<br />

“I want to have a positive impact on<br />

a greater number of children and <strong>their</strong><br />

families in helping them connect <strong>with</strong><br />

<strong>their</strong> <strong>worlds</strong> in a way that just has not<br />

been possible in previous positions<br />

that I have held,” Julie says.<br />

“I believe the diversity of my experience<br />

in the commercial and not-<strong>for</strong>-profit<br />

sectors will enable me to introduce a<br />

variety of approaches that can be used<br />

to assist <strong>kids</strong> to achieve <strong>their</strong> potential.”<br />

Julie’s expertise is significant. In a<br />

career spanning 25 <strong>years</strong>, she has<br />

occupied senior leadership, management<br />

and clinical physiotherapy positions in local<br />

and international government, not-<strong>for</strong>-profit<br />

and private health organisations.<br />

During the past nine <strong>years</strong>, Julie has<br />

enjoyed proven success <strong>with</strong>in the private<br />

children’s health<br />

sector in Adelaide<br />

as founder of<br />

Child’s Play<br />

Physiotherapy<br />

& Aquatics <strong>for</strong><br />

Kids. Child’s<br />

Play started in<br />

January 2002 <strong>with</strong> Julie as its<br />

sole practitioner. It has grown through the<br />

skills of Julie, along <strong>with</strong> the talents and<br />

skills of physiotherapists and practice<br />

management and support staff,<br />

to provide physiotherapy, hydrotherapy<br />

and swim instruction services to <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong><br />

200 special needs children each week.<br />

From 1995-2000 Julie was Allied Health<br />

Divisional Chief at the Women’s &<br />

Children’s Hospital. This involved the<br />

strategic leadership and management<br />

of <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> 200 staff in the fields of<br />

Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational<br />

Therapy, Social Work, Speech<br />

Pathology and Orthotics.<br />

Julie’s clinical and business system<br />

interest in the fields of children’s health,<br />

education and disability started in her<br />

two-year tenure at Methodist Hospital<br />

Rehabilitation Institute in West Texas.<br />

During 1993-1995 Julie held several<br />

positions including Director of Outpatient<br />

Services and Lead Physiotherapist.<br />

She brings to her new role a<br />

comprehensive understanding of the<br />

importance of enhancing <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

professional relationships <strong>with</strong> key players<br />

in the childhood disability service industry.<br />

Asked what she would like to have<br />

achieved <strong>with</strong>in her first 12 months, Julie<br />

responded by saying she wanted to identify<br />

the strengths of <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services.<br />

Julie said she would like to seek out<br />

opportunities <strong>for</strong> improving and building<br />

on those strengths by working <strong>with</strong> Client<br />

Services to develop staff action plans<br />

which would enhance <strong>Novita</strong>’s service<br />

delivery <strong>with</strong>in the health, education and<br />

disability arenas.<br />

Christmas delights and treats <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> youngsters<br />

C<br />

hristmas fairies, ice cream, face<br />

painters and dancers lit up the<br />

faces of dozens of youngsters at<br />

<strong>Novita</strong>’s annual Client Christmas Party at<br />

Regency Park Centre.<br />

Queues to see Santa snaked all the way<br />

from his den along corridors and around<br />

corners and finally out the front door of<br />

<strong>Novita</strong>’s main entrance at Regency Park.<br />

Everybody wanted to say hello and put in<br />

<strong>their</strong> special order <strong>for</strong> Christmas Day.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> staff, together <strong>with</strong> volunteers,<br />

worked on barbecues and stalls handing out<br />

a colourful assortment of fruit, jellies and<br />

slices of bread wrapped around hot brown<br />

sausages splashed <strong>with</strong> loads of sauce.<br />

Entertainment by dancers, musicians<br />

and pony rides rounded out a joyful, warm<br />

afternoon that started at 4.00 pm and<br />

ended at 7.00 pm. Giggling children ran<br />

around clutching show bags generously<br />

donated by major Christmas Party sponsor<br />

Robern Menz.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Chief Executive, Glenn<br />

Rappensberg, <strong>than</strong>ked the sponsors who<br />

helped make the day a resounding success.<br />

“Two other people who really need to be<br />

<strong>than</strong>ked are Chris Watson, who sourced a<br />

significant donation to fund the event when<br />

he approached his peers in industry and<br />

who was also responsible <strong>for</strong> all the<br />

packaged food and lollies <strong>with</strong> his wife,<br />

Sue Watson, President of the New Era<br />

Auxiliary, both great supporters of <strong>Novita</strong>,”<br />

Glenn said.<br />

“I would like to <strong>than</strong>k also Phil Sims,<br />

Managing Director of Robern Menz, a long<br />

time supporter of <strong>Novita</strong>, both through this<br />

event and Bingo. For our Children’s<br />

Christmas Party he provided 400<br />

showbags that were selling <strong>for</strong> $20<br />

at the Royal Show – all at no charge.<br />

He also gave great support to Carols<br />

by Candlelight of which <strong>Novita</strong> was<br />

a beneficiary.<br />

“Michael Evans, from Noises, one of our<br />

entertainers, significantly discounted his<br />

show in support of <strong>Novita</strong>. And our<br />

gratitude is extended to Mosaic Audio<br />

Visual, who supplied all the sound<br />

equipment free of charge. I must mention<br />

also Broadway <strong>for</strong> Kids who per<strong>for</strong>med<br />

free of charge,” Glenn said.<br />

“We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”<br />

9


mighty river<br />

run a runaway<br />

success<br />

Thank you to our sponsors West End, Yamaha Motors<br />

Australia, Nippy’s Fruit Juices, Budget Rentals, Sorby<br />

Adams Wines, Mix 102.3 and Northpoint Toyota<br />

T<br />

he siren song of SA’s ‘Ol’ Man River’, the mighty Murray,<br />

snared dozens of yabby lovers during a five-day charity flotilla<br />

in November.<br />

The fifth annual West End Mighty River Run, an initiative of John<br />

Riddell (Channel 7 Adelaide) and Jason (‘Snowy’) Carter (Mix 102.3),<br />

raised thousands of dollars <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services.<br />

Adventurers set sail in 30 boats from Waikerie on 21 November,<br />

headed <strong>for</strong> Blanchetown, Mannum and Murray Bridge, be<strong>for</strong>e<br />

crossing Lake Alexandrina and tying up near the river mouth at<br />

Goolwa on 25 November.<br />

For the 137 crew members the event was a culmination of nine<br />

months of fundraising, <strong>with</strong> crews undertaking everything from raffles<br />

to movie nights to black tie events, and <strong>their</strong> ef<strong>for</strong>ts paid off, raising<br />

$153,000 <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services.<br />

As a reward <strong>for</strong> <strong>their</strong> ef<strong>for</strong>ts, the crew enjoyed a fabulous week<br />

of travelling down the Murray, all in glorious weather and <strong>with</strong><br />

entertainment from comedian The Old Fella and singing sensation<br />

The Rubys.<br />

The crews were treated to a demonstration of Jet Ski, Quad Bike<br />

and Wave Runner skills by sponsors Yamaha Motors Australia and,<br />

of course, the popular West End Beer Can Regatta.<br />

Boaties taking part spoke wistfully of vanilla sands and golden<br />

sunsets washing over small gatherings round barbecues sizzling<br />

<strong>with</strong> sausages and steaks or even a fresh river fish caught that<br />

afternoon. Friendships were <strong>for</strong>med and many tales told over<br />

campfires late into the night be<strong>for</strong>e a warm sleeping bag beckoned.<br />

“This is <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> a trip down the River Murray, it’s a whole new<br />

way of seeing life. You can’t replicate the experience any other way<br />

– especially the crimson dawns when you and the water fowl seem<br />

to be the only creatures alive on the planet when the sun’s rays peek<br />

through the river red gums,” said one Mighty River Run regular.<br />

A huge <strong>than</strong>k you to our sponsors West End, West End<br />

Community Fund, Northpoint Toyota, Yamaha, Mix 102.3, Channel 7<br />

Adelaide, Nippy’s, Budget Car and Truck Rentals and Sorby Adams<br />

Barossa. Their generous sponsorship contributed to making the<br />

2011 West End Mighty River Run the single most successful<br />

fundraising event to date, taking the total amount raised over five<br />

<strong>years</strong> to $500,000.<br />

Plans are now under way <strong>for</strong> the 2012 West End Mighty River Run,<br />

so register your interest by emailing events@novita.org.au<br />

10


Dining among the roses at Carrick Hill<br />

S<br />

pringtime at Carrick Hill in October<br />

is simply gorgeous – and <strong>for</strong><br />

showing off.<br />

With the estate’s rose gardens in full<br />

bloom, masses of delicate petals in vibrant<br />

hues beckon those <strong>with</strong> a taste <strong>for</strong> a<br />

traditional long lunch – all in the name<br />

of charity, of course.<br />

Adelaide’s Rainbow Committee <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services, headed by<br />

well-known charity fundraiser and Springfield<br />

resident Pamela Wall OAM (above left),<br />

hosted its annual ‘Lunch in a Spring Rose<br />

Garden’ in mid-October.<br />

Guests were treated to a gourmet lunch<br />

under a marquee in the grounds of the<br />

famous estate and entertained by special<br />

guest speaker Richard Heathcote,<br />

Director, Carrick Hill.<br />

George Gross and Harry Who presented<br />

a fashion parade, followed by a Di<br />

Roberton Millinery hat parade, <strong>with</strong><br />

make-up and hair by Clip Joint, Burnside<br />

and jewellery by Middletons.<br />

A range of tempting auction items were<br />

available. They included jewellery from<br />

Ann Middleton, French wine, a hat or<br />

voucher from Di Roberton Millinery, and<br />

various other treats. All money raised went<br />

to <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services.<br />

Pamela says it was a beautiful day <strong>for</strong><br />

everyone in one of Adelaide’s signature<br />

garden party venues.<br />

INAUGURAL NOVITA STAFF AWARDS<br />

N<br />

ovita’s Reward and Recognition<br />

program is a great way to recognise<br />

and acknowledge the outstanding<br />

contributions of individuals.<br />

The Excellence Award is <strong>Novita</strong>’s<br />

annual award and is presented to an<br />

individual who has made an outstanding<br />

contribution to the development and<br />

implementation of a significant initiative,<br />

project or program. It acknowledges the<br />

individual’s strong work ethic,<br />

professionalism and excellent customer<br />

service above and beyond.<br />

The inaugural Excellence Award, has<br />

been presented to Adam May (left), IT<br />

Support Officer, In<strong>for</strong>mation Services.<br />

Adam used significant initiative and<br />

creativity to convert old computers into<br />

thin client terminals, at no cost to the<br />

organisation, resulting in enhanced<br />

services at an organisation wide level,<br />

ensuring all staff have access to <strong>their</strong><br />

own technology.<br />

The S.T.A.R. Award is a quarterly award<br />

and is awarded to an individual who has<br />

had involvement in the development and<br />

implementation of an initiative, project or<br />

program. It acknowledges the individual’s<br />

strong work ethic, professionalism and<br />

excellent customer service above and<br />

beyond what is normally expected.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong>’s inaugural S.T.A.R. Award, has<br />

been presented to Karin Humphrey<br />

(Right), Senior Inclusion Support<br />

Facilitator, Inclusion Support Program.<br />

Karin took on a lead role in developing<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mation sheets in collaboration <strong>with</strong><br />

Gowrie Training Centre.<br />

Various organisations (including TAFE)<br />

have expressed interest in using the<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mation sheets not only as a practice<br />

tool but also as a training tool <strong>for</strong> child<br />

care staff. Due to Karin’s involvement in<br />

the development of the in<strong>for</strong>mation sheets,<br />

she has built a relationship <strong>with</strong> other<br />

organisations and also made these<br />

organisations <strong>more</strong> aware of the services<br />

provided by <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong><br />

mobile app<br />

Keep updated via your mobile phone by<br />

downloading the <strong>Novita</strong> smartphone app!<br />

N<br />

ovita has a new iPhone, iPad and<br />

Smartphone application. It’s now easy<br />

to keep up to date anytime, anywhere<br />

<strong>with</strong> our latest news, upcoming events and<br />

<strong>more</strong> by downloading our free app from<br />

Apple iTunes or from the Android Market.<br />

iPhone and Android versions of the app help<br />

keep you connected by providing access to:<br />

• Latest news and events feeds<br />

• <strong>Novita</strong>’s Facebook and Twitter pages<br />

• <strong>Novita</strong> YouTube channel<br />

• Contact in<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> <strong>Novita</strong> offices<br />

• The Contact Us online <strong>for</strong>m<br />

11


Diary dates<br />

You are invited to attend any of the following<br />

events. Please visit novita.org.au or contact<br />

the <strong>Novita</strong> Events Team on 8243 8229 <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>more</strong> in<strong>for</strong>mation.<br />

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel<br />

Stonyfell/Wattle Park Auxiliary<br />

Movie Night<br />

6.30pm Mon 2 April, Piccadilly Cinema.<br />

Tickets $20 including supper. Call Edna<br />

on 8332 4879 to book.<br />

Entertainment Books<br />

Order now: events@novita.org.au<br />

Books available <strong>for</strong> pick-up in April/May.<br />

Mighty River Run<br />

Register your interest now by emailing<br />

events@novita.org.au<br />

Every week – <strong>Novita</strong> Bingo!<br />

Marion<br />

Marion Sports and Community Club,<br />

Sturt Road, Marion<br />

Network <strong>with</strong> <strong>Novita</strong><br />

Stay in touch <strong>with</strong> <strong>Novita</strong><br />

through Facebook and<br />

receive daily updates.<br />

Visit www.facebook.com/<br />

novitachildrensservices,<br />

and ‘Like’ our page.<br />

Licence<br />

Number<br />

Wednesday 11.30am – 1.30pm (H164)<br />

Friday 12.30pm – 2.30pm (H60)<br />

Regency Park<br />

Regency Park Centre,<br />

171 Days Road, Regency Park<br />

Sunday 1pm – 3pm (H61)<br />

4pm – 5pm<br />

(H64)<br />

6pm – 8pm<br />

(H64)<br />

Tuesday 7.30pm – 9.30pm (H61)<br />

Wednesday 7.30pm – 9.30pm (H65)<br />

Thursday 7.30pm – 9.30pm (H61)<br />

Friday 6pm – 6.35pm (H65)<br />

7.30pm – 9.30pm (H65)<br />

Saturday 6pm – 7pm (H62)<br />

8pm – 10pm (H62)<br />

Wingfield<br />

British Working Men’s Club,<br />

11 Davis Street, Wingfield<br />

Thursday 12.30pm – 2.30pm (H63)<br />

Visit www.novita.org.au/bingo <strong>for</strong> <strong>more</strong> details<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> is also on Twitter – follow<br />

us at www.twitter.com/novitastar<br />

Watch <strong>Novita</strong>’s videos on our<br />

YouTube channel -<br />

www.youtube.com/user/<strong>Novita</strong>CS<br />

EASTER PARTY<br />

Regency Park Centre<br />

3.30pm Sat 31 March<br />

Marion Sports Club<br />

12.30pm Wed 4 April<br />

British Workingman’s Club<br />

12.30pm Thurs 5 April<br />

Easter Appeal<br />

This Easter, we are asking you to support<br />

the young clients of <strong>Novita</strong>. They and <strong>their</strong><br />

families depend on us.<br />

Will you help us to help them<br />

By giving to <strong>Novita</strong>’s Easter Appeal you<br />

help our special children and <strong>their</strong> loving<br />

carers live <strong>their</strong> lives to the fullest. Please<br />

help by making your donation in one of<br />

two ways. Call <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services<br />

on 1300 NOVITA (1300 668 482) or donate<br />

online at www.novita.org.au/donate<br />

And, Happy Easter!<br />

Soul Deal<br />

Save 50 - 90% on Soul Deals<br />

Sign up to www.souldeal.com.au today,<br />

select <strong>Novita</strong> as your beneficiary and start<br />

rewarding yourself and helping <strong>Novita</strong>.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services is a<br />

recognised leader in the provision<br />

of therapy, equipment and family<br />

support services to <strong>more</strong> <strong>than</strong> 2,000<br />

South Australian children living <strong>with</strong><br />

disabilities and acquired brain injuries.<br />

While it costs millions of dollars to<br />

provide our life-changing services,<br />

they are provided free of charge to the<br />

children and young people we serve.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> receives approximately<br />

55 percent of its funding from the<br />

South Australian and Australian<br />

Governments. The remaining<br />

costs are generously donated<br />

by our loyal supporters and the<br />

South Australian community.<br />

Your donation will help <strong>Novita</strong><br />

to continue to ‘connect <strong>kids</strong> <strong>with</strong><br />

<strong>their</strong> <strong>worlds</strong>’.<br />

Mail your donation to<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services<br />

PO Box 2438,<br />

Regency Park SA 5942<br />

Call 1300 NOVITA<br />

(1300 668 482)<br />

Donate online at<br />

www.novita.org.au/donate<br />

Visit <strong>Novita</strong> at 171 Days Rd,<br />

Regency Park SA 5010<br />

Donations of $2 and over are tax<br />

deductible. Please make cheques<br />

payable to <strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services.<br />

ABN 53 137 537 636<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> Children’s Services will record<br />

your personal in<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>for</strong> the<br />

purposes of communicating <strong>with</strong> you.<br />

Your in<strong>for</strong>mation is strictly confidential<br />

and will not be disclosed to any third<br />

party. Please contact our Fundraising<br />

Department on 8243 8229 if you have<br />

any queries.<br />

<strong>Novita</strong> News<br />

Summer 2012<br />

www.novita.org.au

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