Connecting kids with their worlds for more than 70 years. - Novita ...
Connecting kids with their worlds for more than 70 years. - Novita ...
Connecting kids with their worlds for more than 70 years. - Novita ...
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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