services - Cerebral Palsy League

Spring / Summer 2008 

League News 

Keeping you informed with news from around CPLQ 

Trent Little with Tanya McCabe (behind) 

celebrate the achievements of people 

with a disability during Disability Action 

Week (14-20 September). 

League News

Celebrating 

The Queensland Spastic Children’s Welfare League (QSCWL) is formed by a group 

1948 government 

1950s 

1950 “Wybenia” in New Farm became the first centre for QSCWL activities. 

of concerned parents to provide disability services not otherwise available from the 

or other community agencies. 

1951 The Spastic Children’s Centre School opened with nine pupils. 

Medical treatment and education became available. 

1953 The Central Queensland Local Committee was established in Rockhampton as QSCWL’s first nonmetropolitan 

centre. 

The Parents and Guardians Association was formed. 

1954 The State School for Spastic Children opened in New Farm with six classrooms. 

The Peninsula Local Committee was established in Redcliffe. 

The Miss Australia Quest raised its first funds for Australia’s Spastic Centres. 

1955 QSCWL’s new centre at New Farm was officially opened. 

1956 The Wide Bay & Burnett Local Committee was established in Hervey Bay. 

1957 “Harold Crawford House”, a hostel for country children opened in New Farm. 

1958 The Darling Downs Local Committee was established in Toowoomba. 

A sheltered workshop and training centre was established (the first for any Spastic Centre in 

Australia). 

1960s 

1962 “Sevenoaks” adult residence was opened in Figtree Pocket. 

1963 QSCWL changed its name to The Queensland Spastic Welfare League (QSWL) and was incorporated into 

a state-wide body. 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the New Farm Centre. 

1968 Longland House Training School for Spastic Children was opened with 67 pupils. 

1970s 

1974 The Handicapped Persons Assistance Act came into force. 

1975 The QSWL became a corporate body. 

Activity Therapy Centres were established as distinct from Sheltered Workshops. 

A residential training unit at Fig Tree Pocket was established. 

1978 Computer programs were initiated for people with a disability. 

1980s 

1982 The Labrador Holiday Units were opened. 

1985 A new residential unit was opened in Rockhampton. 

1986 The Disability Services Act was passed by Federal Parliament to replace the Handicapped Persons 

Assistance Act. 

A therapy clinic commenced at the Sunshine Coast. 

1989 Outreach services commenced from all centres, including support for children in schools. 


60 years 

1990s 

1990 A major review of services was undertaken against the background of the new principles and objectives of 

the Disability Services Act 1986. 

1991 Heavy emphasis was given to the decentralisation of League services. 

In home support for children commenced. 

Community accommodation services for adults commenced. 

1992 The Commonwealth Disability Agreement and Queensland Disability Act 1992 came into effect. 

A new Regional Centre was established at the Gold Coast. 

The Country Outreach Team commenced visits to Far West Queensland. 

Supported employment services were established. 

1993 QSWL adopted a new set of objectives in a revised Memorandum and Articles of Association. 

The Consumer Consultative Committee was formed (now Client Consultative Committee). 

Two Employment Services were established in Mt Gravatt and Fortitude Valley. 

The Queensland Spastic Welfare League Charitable Foundation was established. 

1996 Equipment Technology Services were opened in Geebung. 

1997 In keeping with the move to decentralisation, Children’s Services relocated to Mt Gravatt and Chermside. 

1998 QSWL changed its name to the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland (CPLQ). 

2000s 

2000 Rockhampton Adult Day Service commenced. 

2001 An Organisational Needs Assessment was undertaken and CPLQ’s strategic focus moved to ensuring 

long-term viability of services. 

Annerley Adult Day Service relocated to become Moorooka Adult Day Service. 

Gladstone Adult Day Service commenced. 

2003 Access Employment Service Caboolture commenced. 

2005 The League achieved certification under ISO9001. 

A new Corporate Plan was established for 2005-2010. 

The Queensland Cerebral Palsy Register was established. 

Re-development of the New Farm site was completed. 

The Board endorsed a redevelopment of Sevenoaks. 

2006 Central Queensland and Wide Bay Burnett regions merged. 

The Gold Coast region was absorbed by Brisbane Metropolitan regions. 

A Commercial Division was established to take over management of business services. 

Children’s services commenced in North Queensland. 

Capability Queensland was established as a business initiative designed to market the expertise of the 

organisation. 

Research and Ethics and Research Development Committees were established. 

2007 Springfield Adult Day Service was established. 

2008 An office for Child & Family Support Service - North Queensland was opened in Townsville. 

future 

The Cerebral Palsy League remains committed to providing high quality 

disability services through improving access to services, building community 

partnerships and enchancing client capability. 


contents 

Our Mission 

The Cerebral Palsy 

League of Queensland will 

provide quality services and 

supports which will enable and 

empower people with cerebral 

palsy and other disabilties 

to create and access 

opportunities to lead valued 

lives as respected and equal 

members of society within their 

family and community. 

55 Oxlade Drive 

New Farm Qld 4005 

PO Box 386 

Fortitude Valley Qld 4006 

www.cplqld.org.au 

ABN 27 009 942 269 

Angela Tillmanns 

Chief Executive Officer 

P: 07 3358 8003 F: 07 3254 1291 

E: atillmanns@cplqld.org.au 

GM Peter Mewett 

General Manager Services 

P: 07 3358 8014 F: 07 3254 1291 

E: pmewett@cplqld.org.au 

GM Greg Cuffe 

General Manager 

P: 07 3358 8064 F: 07 3254 1387 

E: gcuffe@cplqld.org.au 

GM Stuart Pilton 

General Manager Human Resources 

P: 07 3358 8078 F: 07 3358 8103 

E: spilton@cplqld.org.au 

Rosalie Cunningham 

General Manager Marketing and 

Business Division 

P: 07 3358 8090 F: 07 3358 2495 

E: rcunningham@cplqld.org.au 

Rob Galea 

General Manager Commercial 

Division 

P: 07 3358 8059 F: 07 3254 1387 

E: rgalea@cplqld.org.au 

Sections 

5 

6 

7-9 

11-17 

18 

profiles 

10 

19 

20 

ceo foreword 

correspondence 

news 

services 

fundraising 

Speaking internationally with 

an “electronic aussie voice” 

Christina’s story 

18 

14 

Editor - Communications Manager Douglas Pack - 07 3358 8084 


ceo foreword 

CEO Angela Tillmanns with client Nathan and father Gavin Ford as they review the recently released Access Economics 

report into the economic impact of cerebral palsy in Australia. 

Planning for the future 

Welcome to the new full colour League News. 

I hope you like it. 

This facelift comes at a time when CPLQ 

celebrates the achievements of the past and works 

towards reinvigorating itself for the future, through 

the engagement of staff, clients and supporters. 

Together we will create an even more effective 

service for people with disabilities in Queensland. 

CPLQ is in the process of developing a 

strategic plan to guide the organisation through the 

improvement and expansion of services delivered 

to clients. The strategic plan aims to build on our 

impressive past and expertise in cerebral palsy to: 

• 

• 

• 

Attain greater financial independence 

Update our systems of service delivery and 

premises to meet the demands of a growing 

modern organisation 

Continue to attract, develop and retain high 

quality staff 

The importance of achieving these goals was 

highlighted by a recent report produced by Access 

Economics entitled ‘The Economic Impact of 

Cerebral Palsy in Australia in 2007’. The report, 

released during National Cerebral Palsy Awareness 

Week (3-9 August), quantifies for the first time 

the economic cost of cerebral palsy. It tells us 

the average annual cost per person with cerebral 

palsy exceeds $115,000 per annum, making it one 

of the top five most costly conditions in Australia. 

The Federal Government bears about one third 

(33.6 percent) of the financial costs through lost tax 

revenue and welfare payments with the individual 

and their families needing to meet $46,000 each 

year (40 percent of the cost). Amazingly the State 

government meets under 1 percent of the costs, 

while employers bear 5 percent and the rest of 

society meets the remaining 20 percent. The full 

report can be downloaded from www.cplqld.org.au. 

The Access Economics report completed its study 

on adults who received regular therapy services 

throughout their childhood. Consequently the current 

funding short fall that exists for the allied health 

and development therapy services for school aged 

children in Queensland could lead to the $115,000 

per annum becoming much more in future years. This 

lack of investment in children with cerebral palsy will 

impact on their quality of life as well as increasing 

the economic cost to the wider community through 

areas of lost productivity, welfare payments, taxations 

forgone, direct program services, lifestyle aids, inhome 

modifications and informal care. Increased 

investment in our children is not only the right thing 

to do but also makes good economic sense for the 

future. 

Cerebral palsy is the most common disability 

in childhood and it is important key services are 

provided during the developmental stages of life. As 

a result CPLQ is lobbying the Government to address 

these funding short falls so children with a disability 

get the best opportunity to achieve their dreams and 

ambitions. 

Sincerely 

CEO Angela Tillmanns 

Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland 


correspondence 

State Client Consultative Committee 

Thank you to everybody who made the 

recent ‘Picnic in the Park’ the wonderful day 

it was. The size and scope of the crowd was 

amazing. I would like to thank everybody for their 

commitment and putting in so much work before, 

during and after the event. In particular I would 

like to make special mention of Wendy Lavelle, 

Rosalie Cunningham, Hollie Tuckerman, Douglas 

Pack and others whose efforts made this day 

possible. 

Thank you to everyone who has been 

returning feedback sheets in regard to the picnic. 

We have received some great ideas on what can 

be improved, as well as overwhelming support 

for the picnic format. 

We are excited to be taking the Brisbane 

client gathering to the next level. The State CCC 

will be talking about ideas for next year’s event in 

the coming weeks. 

I am very glad to report the State CCC now 

has representatives from every CPLQ service 

region. The most recent representatives are 

Mark Farrell from Central Queensland/Wide 

Bay region and Jim Cooney from Southern 

Queensland Country region. 

The ‘Picnic in the Park’ and securing of 

statewide representation were both major goals 

for the State CCC in the last financial year. An 

annual report outlining the CCC achievements 

for 07/08 has been developed and included in 

this edition of League News. 

The State CCC this year has made changes 

to its ‘Terms of Reference’, which have resulted 

in two year terms for CCC representatives. I 

look forward to continuing to serve clients in my 

role as State CCC Chairperson for another year 

leading up to the next election in 2009. 

With CPLQ’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

rapidly approaching it is a great time to take out 

financial membership and exercise voting rights. 

State CCC members are happy to nominate any 

client interested in becoming a member. 

In closing I would like to congratulate John 

Rynn, Joan Leonard and Doug Thomson who 

will all be included on the CPLQ honour role 

at the upcoming AGM. They have each made 

valuable contributions to client and community 

consultation and education in Queensland. 

Sincerely 

Terry Donaldson 

Chairperson, State CCC 

Parents and Guardians Association 

The ‘Picnic in the Park’ was an outstanding 

success and I would like to congratulate 

all people responsible for this great day. In 

particular I would like to thank Wendy Lavelle 

for coordinating the function and for the extra 

hours this involved. It was certainly above the 

call of duty. 

The construction of the new units at Fig 

Tree Pocket has commenced and hopefully 

will be complete by early 2009. The turning of 

the sod ceremony was long anticipated and in 

addition to clients and families, it was attended 

by representatives from Disability Services 

Queensland and Ronan Lee MP, State Member 

for Indooroopilly. The Minister performed 

sod turning honours on the day along with 

coordinator of Sevenoaks Relatives, Residents 

and Friends Netta Foy. 

CEO Angela Tillmanns met with Federal and 

State politicians to explain in detail the need 

to increase the present funding for children 

with cerebral palsy to a level that will provide 

adequate therapy for children. Therapy for 

children is an integral part of their development 

and the more therapy children can receive the 

greater the chance they have of maximising 

their potential and independence. We look 

forward to supporting Angela and CPLQ with 

this campaign. 

The Annual General Meeting will be held at 

New Farm on 14 November and we encourage 

the attendance of as many parents as possible. 

It is of the upmost importance if you want to 

learn more about CPLQ activities. 

In this momentous 60th year of the Parents 

and Guardians Association we would like to 

thank all those people who have contributed 

to the success and achievements of CPLQ 

thus far. In particular, we would like to thank all 

those families and individuals who volunteered 

time, and whose commitment, enthusiasm and 

hands on support in those early days assisted 

in building the organisation we know today. 

You have each contributed to shaping 

community attitudes and expectations and 

ensured a better quality of life not only for our 

children but for all people with cerebral palsy. 

Sincerely 

Joan Williams 

President, Parents and Guardians Association 


CPLQ committed to Australian children 

CEO Angela Tillmanns signs ARACY 

commitment. 

CPLQ recently reinforced its 

commitment to the welfare of 

children and young adults when 

CEO Angela Tillmanns signed up 

to the Australian Research Alliance 

for Children and Youth (ARACY). 

Organisations affiliated with 

ARACY make a commitment to 

help create a social, cultural and 

. 

. 

. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

news 

political environment in which 

wellbeing and development of all 

children and young people can be 

assured. 

To ensure organisations 

demonstrate a solid commitment 

to Australia’s children and young 

people seven principles have been 

developed: 

The wellbeing of children and young people needs to be a national 

priority. 

The whole community is responsible for the wellbeing of children 

and young people. 

Families need support and resources to nurture children and young 

people. 

Children and young people should grow up in a safe environment. 

Children and young people should be valued and respected. 

Children and young people should have learning and development 

opportunities which encourage them to realise their potential. 

The capacity of children and young people to contribute to the 

community should be acknowledged and enabled. 

Library update 

White on black 

Ruben Gallego was 

separated from his family 

at the age of one, raised 

in a series of Soviet state 

institutions. In 2000 he was 

reunited with his mother. 

White on Black was awarded 

the Russian Booker Prize in 

2003. 

Reference - GALLEGO, 

Ruben – Orlando: Harcourt 

Inc., 2006. 168p 

Blue sky July 

This book is the story 

of the extraordinary 

relationship between Nia 

Wyn and her son Jo. 

Reference - WYN, Nia – 

Camberwell, VIC: Penguin 

Books, 2008. 174p 

Contact the CPLQ Library 

on 07 3358 8096. 

CPLQ Group 

Compliance Division 

Earlier this year as part of the 

ongoing improvement of CPLQ 

services and their delivery, the 

Group Compliance Division 

commenced operation. 

Providing a corporate 

governance framework the 

division’s role allows CPLQ to 

achieve its objectives within 

an acceptable degree of risk 

through diligent monitoring and 

responsible risk management 

with clear accountability and 

responsibility to clients and 

stakeholders. 

The division’s scope includes 

internal audits, quality assurance 

and risk management. 

Leading the division is Group 

Compliance Manager Audrey 

Dawson with Andrew Feagan as 

the Quality Assurance and Risk 

Management Coordinator. 


news 

Staff recognition of excellence 

Senior Speech Therapist Katy 

Caynes is the recipient of the April 

to June 2008 quarter “Recognition 

of Excellence Award”. 

Katy was nominated 

for receiving international 

accreditation as a Bobath Neuro 

Development Therapy (NDT) 

Adult Day Service Team 

(Gold Coast) 

Angela Fuller 

Joyita Steele 

Renee Irvine 

Dean Barker 

Jeff Parker 

Jeanette Hollier 

Christine McLachlan 

Tracey Jennings 

Karen Palmer 

Suzanne King 

Marie Solomon 

Amanda Starr 

Sonia Woodford Dunn 

Lisa Snailham 

Vera (Monica) Silva 

Monique Sewell 

Debbie Jones 

Kay Moers 

CPLQ’s Technology Unit 

recently received a boost when 

a wide range of ‘pre-loved’ 

assistive technology equipment 

was generously donated by the 

Medical Aides Subsidy Scheme 

(MASS) and the Endeavour 

Foundation. 

Equipment donated included 

a Nano Keyboard, Techtalk, 

Techspeak and other speech 

generating devices, which can 

all be accessed via the Assistive 

Technology Library. 

“These generous donations 

instructor. 

Clinical Research Manager, 

Dr Leanne Johnston said Katy is 

the only practising Bobath NDT 

Speech Pathology Instructor in 

Australia giving CPLQ clients 

unique access to an innovative 

and exciting therapy. 

The following staff members were also nominated for the April to June 2008 quarter: 

Jim Dickson 

Dorelle Sharkey 

Ray Moloney (volunteer) 

Peter Woodward (volunteer) 

Printabout City 

Cherie Farry 

Printabout Strathpine 

Paul Joce 

Catherine Lynch 

Printabout City & Strathpine 

Sandra Foster 

LAAS Sunshine Coast 

Gino Martola 

Roz Fullagar 

Springfield Day and 

Community Access Service 

Mary Albury 

C&FSS North 

Adrienne Flynn 

Nicole Windridge 

broaden the trial options for 

those individuals with disabilities 

and I would like to thank these 

organisations for donating this 

equipment,” Clinical Research 

Manager Dr Leanne Johnstone 

said. 

The Assistive Technology 

Library houses a wide range of 

assistive technology equipment 

such as power wheelchairs, 

speech generating devices, 

computer software, environmental 

controls and a variety of 

accessing solutions. 

“This difficult task has taken a 

great deal of hard work, personal 

time and commitment over a 

number of years,” Dr Johnston 

said. 

C&FSS South 

Julie Hodgetts 

South Queensland Country 

Julie Ferris 

Kelly Henderson 

Sharon Marsh 

Sevenoaks 

Jasmine McCracken 

Moorooka Day Service 

Leann Holmes 

Jocelin Jacob 

LAAS North 

Malcolm Nicholson 

Sue Mancini 

Sheryle Reid 

Ray Thompson 

Kate Anderson 

Laurel Evans 

Equipment donations broaden trial options 

Equipment is available 

for trial or loan to any CPLQ 

client through their local CPLQ 

therapist. 


Research underpins strategic direction 

As part of CPLQ’s ongoing 

commitment to improving 

disability services, research 

was recently undertaken into 

recognition of issues relating 

to perceived gaps in adult and 

children’s services. 

Research was undertaken 

at the request of the Board’s 

Disability Services Committee and 

Gambling Community Benefit 

Fund: 

• Funds to the Gold Coast for 

vehicle modifications 

• Funds to the Springfield 

Day and Community Access 

Service for photographic 

supplies 

• Funds to Technology Support 

Services for purchase of 

speech generating devices 

for the client loans pool 

Sunshine Coast Regional 

Council: 

• Funds for the purchase of 

automatic doors for Sunshine 

Coast’s Child and Family 

Support Service 

Cecilia Kilkeary Foundation: 


psychological assessment 

resources 


floor hoist with accessories 

and a tilt in space wheelchair 

conducted by Chair Michael Pini. 

A number of focus groups 

were undertaken with key internal 

stakeholders throughout May 

and June 2008. Stakeholders 

included in the research; staff 

from Child and Family Support 

Services, Adult Service Programs, 

the Senior Professional Team, 

the Parents and Guardians 

Governor accepts patron role 

After a long association with successive governors - most recently 

Governor-General of Australia Quentin Bryce AO - current Governor of 

Queensland Penelope Wensley AO has accepted the role of patron. 

Her Excellency Penelope Wensley AO said CPLQ has played an 

important role in Queensland society, supporting people with disabilities, 

delivering vital services to them and their families raising awareness 

within the wider community. 

“We are honoured to have the patronage of Governor Wensley AO 

and look forward to Her Excellency’s ongoing support,” CEO Angela 

Tillmanns said. 

Community funding update 

CPLQ relies heavily on community funding granted from trusts and 

foundations. These funds help provide vital services and opportunities 

for people disabilities. 

for Adults South’s equipment 

loans pool 

St George Foundation: 


specialised equipment for 

13 children 

Courier Mail Children’s Fund: 

• Funds to the South 

Queensland Country 

and Technology Support 

Services for their 

equipment loans pools 

Redlands City Council: 

• Funds to the Capalaba 

Day and Community 

Access Service 

for purchase of air 

conditioning units 

QUT Staff Community Welfare 

Fund: 

• 

Funds contributed 

towards the purchase 

of items for the CPLQ 

Library. 

Volunteer Update 

Sandy gets to work keeping the 

kitchen area clean. 

news 

Association and Client 

Consultative Committee. 

A report outlining research 

findings and recommendations 

has been prepared for 

consideration and inclusion in the 

ongoing organisational strategic 

planning process. 

Alexander Neil, otherwise 

known to his friends as 

Sandy, is an invaluable 

part of Adept Packaging at 

Tingalpa. 

Sandy has been 

volunteering three times a 

week since 2006 keeping the 

kitchen, outdoor meal area 

and car park spic and span. 

CPLQ’s Board of 

Directors recently recognised 

Sandy’s contributions with a 

Certificate of Commendation 

for his tireless effort and 

commitment. 

“It is important I keep the 

workplace safe and pleasant 

for workers at all times, 

wiping up spills as soon as 

they occur,” Sandy said. 

To become a volunteer 

contact 07 3358 8008 


profile 

John Rynn at Capalaba Day Service, days before flying out to present at the ISAACC in Canada. 

Speaking internationally with an 

“electronic aussie voice” 

John Rynn has overcome 

great odds to present recently at 

an international communications 

conference in Canada using his 

“electronic Aussie voice”. 

John is unable to speak due 

to cerebral palsy, a condition that 

impacts upon his speech and 

mobility. 

John recently travelled to 

the International Society of 

Augmentative and Alternative 

Communication Conference in 

Canada to co-present a paper 

entitled “Training Together”. 

The paper highlights John’s 

personal journey managing 

challenges faced in overcoming 

his disability and discusses the 

development, benefits and value 

of joint training partnerships 

between clients and therapists. 

With years of training and 

the use of his “Pathfinder” 

communication device, John 

developed into a highly proficient 

public speaker with advanced 

communication skills. 

Co-presenter CPLQ Senior 

Speech Pathologist Rebecca 

Daniloff said the “Pathfinder” 

communication device, worth 

$16,000, speaks for the user 

through a complex system of 

symbols and words. 

“The work John does is 

inspirational,” Ms Daniloff said. 

“He is an advocate for others 

with lifelong disabilities showing 

what can be achieved through 

the use of augmentative and 

alternative communication 

devices,” she said. 

John has used his “Pathfinder” 

to deliver presentations throughout 

Australia and America. 

10 League News

Laughing it up at Camp Have a Chat 

Do you want to know the best 

location to make new friends, 

to learn to juggle, or to be 

entertained? Or maybe you want 

to know a great place to chill out 

and have a chat using alternative 

communication? The answer of 

course is Camp Have a Chat 

2008. 

“So cool the penguins 

can’t stand it” was the general 

consensus about Camp Have a 

Chat’s latest extravaganza, held 

at Bornhoffen PCYC in the second 

week of the school holidays. 

Twelve students from around 

Queensland gathered in the 

beautiful Nerang hinterland to get 

in touch with their humorous sides, 

and explore the nature of comedy 

and its presentation. 

With talented community artists 

Scotia Monkivitch and Tamara 

Kirby leading the way, students 

participated in art, drama and 

movement workshops to get the 

campers’ creative juices flowing. 

Activities during the camp 

included the viewing and 

discussion of a Buster Keaton film, 

CPLQ employees learnt 

‘communication is more 

than just words’, when they 

participated in an informative 

morning tea to mark National 

Speech Pathology Week on 

Thursday 28 August. 

The morning tea organised 

by speech pathologists Vicki 

Robinson and Katy Caynes 

included an interactive and 

informative display of fact 

sheets, speech-generating 

devices, learning aids and 

developmental toys. 

“Speech pathologists work 

with individuals who have 

complex communication 

needs to find alternative 

and augmentative 

communication systems to 

and learning how to make shadow 

puppets. 

It wasn’t all hard work with 

students taking time out to roll 

down Camp Bornhoffen’s beautiful 

grassy hill and going through the 

nearby caves at Natural Bridge to 

view the glowworms. 

The climax of the camp was 

a Thursday afternoon showcase 

where jokes flew thick and fast, 

and friends and family were 

maximise the effectiveness 

of communication,” Senior 

Speech Pathologist Katy 

Caynes said. 

“Many people assume 

speech pathologists solely 

work with individuals to 

develop speech, but we also 

help people to communicate 

through picture boards, 

gestures, signing, writing, as 

well as computer programs and 

speech-generating devices,” 

she said. 

Speech pathologist 

Vicki Robinson said it can 

be incredibly frustrating 

and socially isolating 

for people with complex 

communication needs who 

are not able to participate 


By Camp Have a Chat Project Coordinator Meg Hinselwood 

Campers, family and friends celebrate another great Camp Have a Chat. 

treated to some wonderful shadow 

puppetry. 

CPLQ would like to thank NSO 

and the Allens Arthur Robinson 

Charity Fund for jointly funding 

Camp Have a Chat 2008. 

To learn more about Camp Have 

a Chat contact Meg Hinselwood 

on 07 3347 7200. 

Speech pathologists remind us communication’s ‘more than words’ 

in conversations or express 

themselves verbally. 

“It’s really important we 

give a voice to those with 

complex communication 

needs so they are able to 

share their needs, wants, 

ideas and feelings,” Ms 

Robinson said. 

Speech pathologists 

also play a significant role 

in supporting an individual’s 

eating and drinking abilities, 

ensuring nutritional needs 

are met. 

National Speech 

Pathology Week ran from 

August 24 to 30 and was 

themed ‘Communication: 

More than just words’. 

League News 11


Stephen shapes up 

Derek motivates Stephen during a personal training sesion. 

As new Paralympic heroes 

were being crowned in Beijing, 

Sunshine Coast resident Stephen 

Rose was overcoming his 

intellectual disability to achieve his 

own personal fitness goals, thanks 

to an inspiring local personal 

trainer. 

Stephen works out with 

Sunshine Coast trainer Derek 

Kennedy who has worked the 

training session into his weekly 

routine of activities. 

Sunshine Coast Adult 

Accommodation Service 

Household Facilitator Andrew 

Leeding said Stephen’s individual 

needs were identified and steps 

were taken to improve his quality 

of life. 

“We searched high and low 

for a personal trainer to work 

with Stephen who has a range of 

special needs due to intellectual 

and physical disabilities. Derek 

recognised Stephen’s unique 

condition and requirements and 

has tailored a specific fitness 

program that incorporates his 

needs,” Mr Leeding said. 

Derek has run gyms around 

the world for the past 20 years, 

including the past four years 

running Pulse Personal Training 

on the Sunshine Coast. 

“It is important when designing 

workouts for people with a 

disability to keep confidence high 

whilst progressively increasing 

limitations,” Mr Kennedy said. 

“It’s been amazing to see 

Stephen’s stability, coordination 

and motor skills progressing with 

each session and his weight has 

begun to stabilise,” he said. 

“These sessions are not just 

about improving fitness they also 

provide a sense of enjoyment and 

allowed him to socialise outside 

his regular day-to-day routine.” 

The CPLQ assists more than 

17 Sunshine Coast residents with 

a physical disability through Adult 

Accommodation Services and 

related support. 

Toowoomba launch 60th Appeal 

Key community supporters, 

clients, staff and directors 

of CPLQ joined together 

in Toowoomba recently to 

celebrate 60 years of service to 

local residents with disabilities. 

On Friday 26 September the 

Scott Street premises hosted 

a celebratory morning tea to 

launch the South Queensland 

Country Region’s 60th 

Anniversary Appeal. 

The Toowoomba Appeal 

forms part of a statewide 

appeal to raise $5 million 

for CPLQ, which equates 

to a $1 donation from every 

Queenslander. 

Funds raised by the 

Toowoomba Appeal will go 

towards the modernising 

of Toowoomba’s facilities, 

allowing for the Adult Day 

Service to be moved to the 

existing Scott Street premises. 

Guests in attendance 

at the morning tea and 

appeal launch included 

Member for Toowoomba 

South Mike Horan MP, 

Member for Toowoomba 

North Kerry Shine MP, 

CPLQ Chairperson Rowena 

McNally and CPLQ clients, 

friends and family. 

CPLQ provides a wide 

range of vital services 

to more than 150 local 

residents with residents with 

cerebral palsy and related 

disabilities. 

Services include Child 

Family Support Services, 

Adult Accommodation, 

Therapy Services, 

Equipment and Resources 

Library and Adult Day 

Services. 



Townsville 

donors thanked 

Neil Schurmann and Robert Agius fishing for their next ‘big catch’. 

Casting a line for CP 

On Friday 8 August the Hervey 

Bay Adult Day Service hosted its 

first ever ‘Big Catch Fishing Day’ 

for people with a disability, their 

families and carers. 

The fishing day attracted some 

90 participants, who took to the 

water fishing off the Fraser Dawn 

Bridge over the artificial reef. 

Anglers came from across the 

Wide Bay region to experience 

the thrilling highs and excitement 

of reef fishing. 

Paula Smith, team leader of 

the Hervey Bay Day Service, 

coordinated the day with the 

knowledge there were quite a few 

keen fishermen out there who 

otherwise would not have the 

opportunity to cast a line. 

“There are many people with 

disabilities such as cerebral palsy 

who are keen fishermen. Days 

like this give them the opportunity 

to experience what it’s like fishing 

off a reef for the first time,” Ms 

Smith said. 

“Previous attempts to hold the 

event have been hampered by 

bad weather. Fortunately we had 

sunshine and a nice breeze which 

made it a glorious day for fishing,” 

she said. 

Prizes were sponsored by 

Tackle World Harvey Bay who 

awarded fishing rods to winners 

in a variety of categories including 

biggest and smallest fish, first fish 

caught and best fishing hat. 

The Rotary Club of Harvey 

Bay organised a barbeque lunch 

feeding the hungry participants 

with 150 sausage sandwiches. 

A second fishing trip is planned 

for later this year. 

The ‘Big Catch Fishing Day’ 

was organised as part of National 

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week 

(3-9 August), which aims to 

promote the achievements of 

people with cerebral palsy. 

For information about the next 

‘Big Catch Fishing Day’ phone 

07 4122 1166. 

Daniel Bush shows off his new 

powered wheelchair. 

Children from the Child 

and Family Support Service 

in Townville gave a heartfelt 

thanks to local businesses 

and residents at a picnic on 

Saturday 19 July for providing 

life-changing support. 

The children, many of 

whom have cerebral palsy, 

showed off their mobility and 

communication devices at the 

celebratory picnic at the new 

Ridley Street premises. 

Some 30 children have 

received vital equipment 

and support through a new 

Townsville service and 

expanded equipment library, 

which was funded by the local 

community and Disability 

Services Queensland. 

CPLQ’s Child and Family 

Support Services offer 

five-day-a-week support to 

approximately 100 families 

within a 150km radius from 

Townsville, with outreach 

services to Mt Isa and Cairns. 

Services provided include 

physiotherapy, occupational 

therapy, social work, speech 

and language pathology, an 

information service and an 

equipment library. 



Warren Haren and Service Manager Patrick Ward lead the celebratory wheelchair rally with Trent Little close behind. 

Wheelchair rally celebrates achievements 

Celebrating the achievements of 

people with a disability and marking 

the commencement of Disability 

Action Week, some 20 Brisbane 

residents in wheelchairs took part 

in a waterfront rally on Monday 15 

September. 

Up to 20 people with cerebral 

palsy and related disabilities in 

powered and push wheelchairs 

joined the ‘walk’ along the South 

Bank waterfront from Dock Street, 

Kangaroo Point. 

“This event is all about 

highlighting the achievements of 

people with a disability, who inspire 

and motivate us every day,” Manager 

of Pathwayz Day and Community 

Access Service Patrick Ward said. 

“We’re urging the community to 

see beyond the disability and help 

celebrate achievements of these 

courageous Queenslanders,” he 

said. 

Participants enhanced the rally 

by decorating their wheelchairs with 

balloons, streamers and placards 

with positive disability messages. 

CPLQ currently assists more than 

3000 Queenslanders with disabilities 

to live personally fulfilling lives. 



Artists go ‘Beyond Limits’ 

Artist Michelle Ball with her artwork at the Beyond Limits Art Exhibition. 

Art truly reflected life when the 

works of 11 individuals who have 

overcome physical disability went 

on show at the ‘Beyond Limits Art 

Exhibition’. 

The exhibition included works 

from budding artists from CPLQ 

Day Service Moorooka and was 

shown from 23 to 29 September 

at the Hands on Art Gallery at 

Southbank, Brisbane. 

All artwork was themed 

‘Beyond Limits’ and reflected 

the artists’ achievements in 

overcoming physical disability. 

The theme was selected by the 

artists whose works aim to break 

the stereotypes they overcome 

on a daily basis as artists with a 

disability. 

This sentiment was echoed 

by Art Program Coordinator Kelly 

Purvis, who enjoys working with 

the inspirational artists. 

“Being an artist myself, I find 

it very rewarding and fulfilling to 

work at Moorooka Day Service 

with such talented and motivated 

people,” Ms Purvis said. 

“Art helps connect people 

on a mutual level. It can also 

help people realise and nurture 

their abilities, rather than their 

disabilities,” Ms Purvis said. 

The exhibition aimed to raise 

$5,000 with proceeds going to 

the improvement of the Moorooka 

Day Service facility, including the 

repainting of the building. 

Tools help build a strong woodworking program 

Clients from Capalaba Day 

Service’s woodwork group can 

continue to build a range of 

wooden items for their local 

community thanks to a generous 

donation of power tools. 

The power tools were donated 

by Beta Sigma Phi and include 

a GMC 24v cordless drill, Ryobi 

scroll saw and bench drill press 

with a total value of $442. 

Manager of Capalaba Day 

Service Stewart McCauley 

said the woodworking group 

build a range of items including 

sandpits in the shape of boats, 

wheelbarrows for the local 

childcare centre and an outdoor 

table for the day service’s garden. 

“These quality tools will 

greatly assist our ability to get our 

woodworking projects built and 

out into the local community,” Mr 

McCauley said. 

“The projects we work on 

here give our clients a sense of 

achievement, ownership and 

pride, through the contribution 

they are making to the local 

community.” 

The wood and materials used 

to build projects constructed 

through the woodworking group, 

is kindly donated by G James 

Windows. 

Builder Mark Munro tests out 

Capalaba’s new woodworking tools. 



Sod turned on Fig Tree Pocket’s innovative housing 

Heralding a new era in 

independent living, plans for 

innovative and state-of-the-art 

houses for people with a disability 

were unveiled in Brisbane on 

Monday 4 August. 

CPLQ unveiled plans at the 

same time as hosting the official 

sod turning of its new $6 million, 

adult accommodation complex in 

Fig Tree Pocket. 

The complex will feature 

custom built, self-contained 

duplex apartments that cater for 

residents with physical disabilities, 

whilst enabling a new level of 

independent and private living. 

“The days when having a 

physical disability automatically 

meant you were confined to an 

‘institution’ are a thing of the past,” 

CEO Angela Tillmanns said. 

“The design of our newest 

complex is an exciting 

breakthrough that provides a 

new level of independence for 

Queenslanders with high physical 

support needs,” she said. 

The development of the 

complex and associated service 

centre coincides with CPLQ’s 60th 

anniversary. 

The new buildings will replace 

Sevenoaks adult accommodation, 

which was built in 1962. 

Long-standing CPLQ client and 

resident of the Sevenoaks facility, 

Suzanne McGreevy, is excited 

about the opportunities the new 

complex will offer. 

“The complex and associated 

services to be offered at Fig Tree 

Pocket mean people like me can 

live in the comfort and privacy of 

essentially our own home,” Ms 

McGreevy said. 

“This means 24 hour care 

is available but we’ll each have 

our own separate ‘home’ with a 

kitchen and bathroom,” she said. 

Artel launched in fashionible style 

Cascade Services’ Tonia Hoffman 

models the one-off Nelson Molloy 

designed skirts. 

With an explosion of music, 

fashion and art Cascade Services’ 

Artel creative space was officially 

launched on Thursday 17 July. 

Artel is the newest addition to 

Cascade Services, which runs 

programs for adults with physical 

disabilities such as cerebral palsy. 

The event showcased the wide 

variety of artistic programs on 

offer at Cascade Services with 

artistic demonstrations, artwork 

on display, music and a fashion 

parade exhibiting one-off Nelson 

Molloy designed skirts. 

Nelson Molloy, known for their 

innovative and intelligent pattern 

making, donated an exclusive skirt 

concept that was then assembled 

and uniquely printed by artists 

from Cascade Services. 

The skirts have come out of 

a program where artists from 

Cascade Services received 

guidance from professional 

fashion designers and interior 

“The buildings will also be fitted 

with ceiling hoists and a range 

of other mobility equipment to 

facilitate movement around the 

complex”. 

Coordinator for Sevenoaks Relatives, 

Residents and Friends Netta Foy and 

Ronan Lee MP turn the sod at Fig 

Tree Pocket. 

decorators to create unique 

clothing and homewares. 

The event also served as the 

launch of the inaugural album 

by Mercy Disability Services. 

Comprising of 10 songs, the 

album Stories in Chalk reflects 

on the life experiences of 

10 women with intellectual 

disabilities in an upbeat and 

joyful style. 

The album was produced and 

recorded at Cascade Services’ 

recording studio through funding 

provided by the Gambling 

Community Benefit Fund. 

The exclusive Nelson Molloy 

concept skirts and other artistic 

items can be purchased through 

Cascade Services with funds 

going to support CPLQ. 

To purchase skirts and artworks 

contact Cascade Services on 

07 3284 6787. 



Danielle and her mother Tania Stewart chat at home with an advanced PODD. 

PODDs aid communication 

Over the last few years, 

research into improving the 

structure of language used in 

communication books for people 

with verbal communication 

difficulties has received much 

attention. 

The aims of this research 

were to develop resources which 

enabled individuals to: 

• have more scope for 

spontaneous communication 

and conversation 

• have the ability to use a 

complete sentence rather than 

single words 

• extend conversation options 

without continually re-making 

communication books 

• have more confident and 

competent communication 

partners so that other people 

can understand and use the 

communication book 

The outcome of this research 

is Pragmatic Organisation 

Dynamic Display or PODD, 

an innovative system of direct 

access communication books 

which encourages extended 

communication and conversation 

that is easy for communication 

partners to understand and use. 

The PODD system - developed 

by Gayle Porter, Speech 

Pathologist from CPEC - includes 

14 comprehensive communication 

books that provide for a range 

of communication levels and 

abilities whilst being able to be 

personalised for each client. 

Many of CPLQ’s speech 

pathologists have started trialling 

and using PODD books, produced 

by Communication Board Service 

(CBS) staff Judy Drew and Julie 

Crawford, with clients with great 

success. 

By Clinical Research Manager Dr Leanne Johnston 

This was demonstrated by a 

quote from the teacher of a child 

whose PODD book was chosen 

and personalised in consultation 

with Speech Pathologist Mark 

Taylor. 

“Exciting news about Hywel’s 

PODD! Today he has used a 

three-word sentence structure 

spontaneously that I had 

modelled for him a couple of times 

yesterday. He was also able to 

provide the information that he 

was catching a bus to the races 

with his dad on Father’s Day. 

Wonderful to see a kid who didn’t 

have a voice a week ago talking. 

Gives me goosebumps.” 

If you would like to trial a PODD 

book, talk to your therapist. 


fundraising 

QR and Conrad Treasury ‘blitz’ battle of the bands 

Blake Stemm and Nicci Freeman from Conrad Treasury rock the 

Brisbane Entertainment Centre as they belt out tunes from the sixties. 

Corporate rock stars from QR Limited 

(Queensland Rail) and Conrad Treasury 

‘blitzed’ top award honours at Queensland’s 

charity rock event of the year on Saturday 11 

October. 

The swinging 60s were back as the bands 

battled it out against five other corporate 

bands at the Conrad Treasury Boardroom Blitz 

at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. 

Top awards on the night were taken out 

by Qld Rail winning Panel Pick and Crowd 

Favourite with Best Rock Presence going to 

Conrad Treasury. 

Some 1000 people attended the event 

raising almost $50,000 which will assist CPLQ 

to provide vital disability services to thousands 

of people with cerebral palsy. 

Keeping in theme on the night, corporate 

bands, guest judges and the crowd were 

decked out in their best 60s outfits, ranging 

from go go dancers to hippies to Beatlemania. 

“It was a complete time warp. Flower power 

was back in force, the afros were larger than 

life and the go-go skirts were a hit,” CEO 

Angela Tillmanns said. 

“It was a very colourful night and the music 

was sensational. As soon as the bands took to 

the stage, we had people running to the dance 

floor. And many who stayed there for the entire 

night! 

“It was a tough competition and 

congratulations to all the band members for 

their exceptional performances and particularly 

our winning bands, Conrad Treasury and QR,” 

she said. 

As winners of the Panel Pick QR now have 

the opportunity to star in their very own studio 

mixed album and film clip produced through 

Cutting Edge. 

Conrad ‘blitz’ CPLQ clients 

To celebrate this year’s Conrad Treasury Boardroom Blitz, 

Conrad Treasury invited CPLQ clients to enjoy the musical 

stylings of Treasury’s staff band, Casino Dreamin’. 

Guests enjoyed an afternoon tea at the Courtyard Marquee in 

Hotel Conrad on Tuesday 30 September. 

Conrad Treasury’s band performed 1960’s classics including 

songs by the Beach Boys and Tom Jones. 

Managing Director Geoff Hogg said Conrad Treasury was 

very excited to be involved in Boardroom Blitz for the sixth 

consecutive year and the afternoon tea event was a great 

opportunity for team members to meet some clients of the CPLQ. 

CPLQ clients and Conrad Treasury band 

members get into the ‘swinging 60s’. 


profile 

As part of the part of 

Cerebral Palsy League’s 

60th celebrations we are 

sharing the individual stories 

of clients and their journey 

with CPLQ. 

To share your story, email 

the Chair of the State 

CCC, Terry Donaldson on 

stateccc@cplqld.org.au. 

Please ensure stories 

are no longer then 350 

words. Stories not used 

will be included on CPLQ’s 

facebook page. 

Christina’s story 

I was born in Mt Isa and came 

to live in Brisbane when I was one 

year old. A month after my second 

birthday I had encephalitis which 

left me with cerebral palsy. 

I was nearly six when I was 

accepted into the Queensland 

Spastic Welfare League (now 

Cerebral Palsy League of 

Queensland) State School in New 

Farm. Mr Geoff Swann was the 

principal and Miss Walker was my 

first teacher. 

At the time I was still crawling 

and required lots of physio as well 

as occupational therapy. 

School was great fun and I 

loved going. Some of my good 

memories are of horse riding, 

school camps, fancy dress balls at 

Riverside Ballroom, walk-a-thons 

in New Farm Park and the yearly 

fetes at the centre. 

Every May school holidays 

we would go to the Rainbow Bay 

League flats, that were donated to 

us by the Rotarians, for a fantastic 

By Christina Peters 

week of fun. 

To prepare for work I joined 

the Vocational and Training Unit. 

As soon as I was ready to work I 

went to the Redcliffe Workshops in 

Hutchinson Street. Here I weighed 

and packed dried fruits, nuts, 

yeast, carob powder, kelp powder 

and slippery elm. 

In 1984 I was transferred to 

Centrecraft Industries in Bilsen 

Road at Geebung. During this time 

I was one of two people chosen 

for a pilot course in literacy and 

numeracy at the Bracken Ridge 

TAFE. We went once a week and I 

was lucky enough to have Mrs Joy 

Niseman as a tutor. 

Up until this time the therapists 

organised a program for us to 

develop independent living skills. 

This meant a few of us would 

live away from home under the 

supervision of a therapist and 

assistant. Places I have lived 

include David Jackson House (The 

Dell) at Sevenoaks, followed by 

Christina Peters at Printabout 

Strathpine where she enjoys her 

job as a table hand. 

Maryborough Spastic Centre and 

then Elystan Court in New Farm. I 

had some great times. 

In 1998 Printabout at Strathpine 

became my new workplace. At first 

we did weighing and packaging. 

My favourite was doing the lolly 

snakes. 

Now we are on productivity 

based wages and we collate, fold 

and mail out brochures, letters and 

booklets. 

Once a month I do training in 

customer service, computer and 

cash handling, so I can receive a 

Certificate II in Business. 

One of the most exciting 

happenings at Printabout was the 

day Governor Quentin Bryce AO 

came to visit us for morning tea, 

after she accepted my invitation. 

I wonder what other exciting 

things will happen at Printabout in 

the future. 


1. 

A family day out with grandmother Joan, 

granddaughter Karen and mother Suzann. 

Picnic in the Park - 

60th Celebration 

Saturday 9 August saw an eclectic mix of some 600 supporters 

join together to celebrate CPLQ’s 60th birthday in the Roma Street 

Parklands, Brisbane. 

The birthday event, called ‘Picnic in the Park’ was hosted 

by the State Client Consultative Committee and Parents and 

Guardians Association. 

Channel 9’s Heather Foord was the MC for the picnic, which 

included music, children’s amusements, face painting and a 

collaborative 10m² artwork coordinated by Cascade Services. 

“It’s been amazing to see Queenslanders from all walks of 

life come together to celebrate the 60th anniversary and at the 

same time, acknowledge the great contribution made to society 

by thousands of fellow Queenslanders with cerebral palsy,” CEO 

Angela Tillmanns said. 

“This weekend’s event has been about seeing beyond the 

disability, whether it be a wheelchair or walker or communications 

device, to the real person and their amazing achievements,” she 

said. 

The ‘Picnic in the Park’ also coincided with the last day of 

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week (3-9 August). 

CPLQ would like to thank all major events sponsors including 

Disability Services Queensland, Roma Street Parklands, QR 

Limited and Video Data Staging and Hire. 

1) Ambassador Heather Foord MCs proceedings on the main stage. 2) CPLQ’s 

youngest client Teddy Willoughby (and family) cut the 60th birthday cake with 

CPLQ’s oldest client Joan Leonard and CEO Angela Tillmanns. 3) Father Fintan 

and son Fearghus enjoy the picnic. 4) Cascade Services’ band Raging Lives 

rocks the Roma Street Parklands. 5) State CCC Central Queensland/Wide Bay 

representative Mark Farrell and State CCC Chair Terry Donaldson enjoy the 

sunshine. 20 League News 

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services - Cerebral Palsy League

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