Novita News - 2010 - May Issue - Novita Children's Services

THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER /// VOL 33 /// ISSUE 1 /// WINTER 2010

CONTENTS
From the Chief Executive
A Little Star – Callum Newby 3
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Novita Golf Day & Dinner 4
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Adam Hills ‘messes around’
for Novita 5
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Novita Supporters 6 & 7
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Team Ambassador –
Central District Football Club 8
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Novita Community 9
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Novita Knowledge 10
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Welcome and Farewell 11
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Diary Dates 12
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Front cover image: Callum Newby
Photography: Simon Stanbury
Novita News is published
by Novita Children’s Services
PO Box 2438
Regency Park SA 5942
Editor: Gemma Clark T: 08 8243 8234
E: novitanews@novita.org.au
Layout: MGM Productions
While every care has been taken in the
preparation of Novita News, the
information contained within is of a
general nature only and does not
constitute advice. No liability is accepted
for any errors it may contain or any
damages or loss that may arise from the
use of the information published.
Articles from Novita News may be
reproduced in other forums, provided the
information is produced in full, with
written acknowledgement of its source.
Welcome to the
Winter edition of
Novita News for 2010,
a year which has
already seen some
exciting new
developments for our
organisation.
On 1 March, Novita Children’s Services
commenced as a provider for the new
National Panel of Assessors, under the
Australian Government’s new $1.2 billion
Disability Employment Services initiative,
designed to increase the participation of
people living with disabilities in the
workforce.
Under this initiative, Novita has begun
providing new services as part of an
Employer Incentives Scheme that aims
to improve an employer’s ability to
support an employee with a disability.
Our role in the new system is to provide
services in the areas of Ongoing Support
Assessment, Supported Wage System
Assessment, and Workplace
Modifications Assessment.
These new services mark a further
expansion of our work with people living
with disabilities, as it will provide services
to adults with disabilities in the
workplace, supporting more people in
achieving their individual goals.
Novita has had success in play as well
as work so far in 2010. The annual Novita
Golf Day and Dinner at Kooyonga Golf
Club on 5 March was once again an
enjoyable and productive event, raising
more than $16,000 for our organisation.
Thank you to all who made the event so
successful, and congratulations to
placegetters Maxxia, Macquarie Private
Wealth and Woodscannon.
March 20 saw the Rann Government
returned for a third term in the South
Australian election. As a non-partisan
organisation, Novita will continue to
advocate to all political representatives
about the need for children and young
people with disabilities to be given high
priority, and responsible investment in
the services and supports required to live
fulfilling lives.
Labor did make a pre-election pledge to
spend $7.7 million on clearing
equipment waiting lists for disabled
South Australians, plus almost $10
million more over the next four years, and
Novita looks forward to being able to
provide this much needed equipment to
our clients.
This election also saw Dignity for
Disability’s Kelly Vincent elected to the
Legislative Council. Kelly will no doubt
bring a sharp focus to disability
awareness and advocacy in the South
Australian Parliament, and we are proud
to see her succeed.
On a national level, Novita is pleased to
see the interest in disability issues of
Therese Rein, wife of the Prime Minister
and inaugural patron of Ability First
Australia (AFA), with whom Novita’s
President Professor Andrew Downing
and I enjoyed a reception on 16 March.
AFA is the confederation of major
Australian disability organisations, of
which Novita is a founding member.
Ms Rein spoke passionately about her
lifelong interest in disability issues and
the importance of peak organisations,
like AFA, combining to share and
advance knowledge, research and
resources in disability. She emphasised
the importance of collaborating in our
work towards an inclusive community –
sentiments that we share.
Closer to home, the 2010 CMV Convoy
for Kids is on Sunday 23 May. This is the
largest event, by participation, that we
hold for the enjoyment of our clients, with
the support of big-hearted truckies and
other members of the public.
A free Convoy Carnival will be held at
Wikaparndo Wirra (Park 22) in the South
Parklands from 9am, featuring the Truck
Show ‘n’ Shine, live entertainment, and
food and drink stalls. The Convoy will
depart from the Carnival at 10.30am
along a city ring route, taking an
expected 300 children on the ride of a
lifetime around Adelaide, before returning
to the Carnival.
As usual, the South Australian
community is encouraged to line the
streets and cheer the Convoy along its
route, as well as attend the Carnival.
Convoy for Kids is always a great day
and I encourage anyone to attend –
especially those parents with littlies who
will particularly enjoy the excitement of
the big rigs.
Finally, I would like to thank Novita’s
Board, staff and the SA community for
their support over the past decade.
On 31 January I completed 10 years as
Chief Executive. I am proud of Novita’s
many achievements over this time, and
look forward to leading the organisation
into the future.

Meet one of Novita’s little stars... Callum Newby!
If ever anyone justified your continued
support of Novita, it’s Callum Newby.
Born prematurely at 27 weeks, he was
sent home after six months because
doctors thought they had done all they
could and that Callum should “spend
some time” with his family.
What a family! Cathie and Bob, each
just 24 years, and Callum’s big brother
Blake, one year older and also born
early at 36 weeks, were not about to
give up on the latest member of their
young family.
Callum’s early arrival came after
Cathie’s water broke at just 26 weeks,
following a difficult pregnancy. Her
medical team decided it was in the best
interests of mother and baby to perform
a caesarean section. Later, a nurse told
Cathie: “If Callum hadn’t been born
within the hour, he wouldn’t be here.”
Cathie needed special care, Callum
even more so
In common with many premature
babies, the Patent Ductus valve to
Callum’s heart did not close, as it
normally should with his first breath. But
during his first six months, all spent in
hospital, there were may other threats
to his young life – serious lung and
brain bleeds, meningitis and a relapse
that caused seizures and emergency
recovery procedures, including a
lumbar puncture while brave Cathie
held his tiny body in her hands. Callum
also had respiratory, feeding and other
problems. He had several operations to
help overcome those, including shunts
inserted in his neck and head to drain
fluid away from his brain. The tiny boy
had ten transfusions, seven of blood
and three of platelets.
Six months on – enter Novita
Six months later Callum and his
determined parents were still fighting
for his survival and a better quality life.
Enter Novita Children’s Services.
Callum began to receive specialist help
through physiotherapy, dietary advice
plus occupational therapy and speech
pathology. “Speech training helped a
lot with Callum’s feeding issues.”
Cathie and Bob also received training
to help them stimulate their little boy
and more effectively communicate
with him.
Callum has already
proved he’s a survivor
and, with loving family
care and the assistance
of the Novita team, his
future looks brighter –
one day at a time.
Callum took his first swimming lessons
at Novita, and despite initial problems
with water, he now goes to his local
pool every Saturday with his brother
Blake. They play happily together,
rolling around the floor, as small boys
will, with comforting hugs from Blake if
Callum is ever upset.
For the past six months Callum has
been learning to walk. He’s still a little
unsteady but making good progress.
He can make himself understood and
is fond of using his strongest voice to
shout: “Make my day!” It’s from the
Chipmunks movie, not the famous
cinematic line by Dirty Harry. “Callum is
not quite up to that,” Cathie laughs.
The long and winding road
Brain damage from meningitis has left
Callum with Seventh Nerve Facial Palsy.
It affects the right side of his face,
causing him to squint and will require
regular operations to prevent blindness
in that eye. Further surgery also will be
needed as he outgrows the shunts.
Make their day – they all need our help
– your help
Your support for Novita does so much
to make their day. And for Novita
children like Callum Newby, that’s a day
at a time. All Novita children and their
families need our help – your help.
By giving to Novita, you help our
special children and their loving carers
live their lives to the fullest.
To donate, simply call Novita Children’s
Services on 1300 NOVITA (1300 668
482), or donate online at
www.novita.org.au
connecting kids with their worlds! 3

Novita
Golf Day and
Dinner, hosted
by the Sports
Challenge
Foundation
Relaxing in the Kooyonga dining room.
The 2010 Novita Golf Day and Dinner at
Kooyonga Golf Club on Friday
5 March raised more than $16,000 for
Novita Children’s Services.
Novita has pleasure in thanking event
sponsors Corporate Express,
Goldsborough Financial Services,
Northpoint Toyota, Woodscannon, West
End, Vili’s Cakes, Schweppes and
Events Corp Signage for making the
day possible.
A field of 130 players took to the greens
at Kooyonga, with the Robyn Chaplin
Memorial Trophy being awarded to the
winning team from Maxxia. Macquarie
Private Wealth and Woodscannon took
second and third places respectively.
A gourmet barbecue dinner was served
in the newly renovated Kooyonga
dining room as guest speaker, Geelong
Cats legend and Port Adelaide
development coach Garry Hocking,
entertained the crowd. Long-time
member of the Sports Challenge
Foundation and three-time Magarey
Medallist Barrie Robran was warmly
congratulated by Novita’s President
Professor Andrew Downing on his
years of service, as he retired from the
Foundation on the evening.
Watch novita.org.au for details of the
2011 Novita Golf Day and Dinner.
Save the date: Saturday 24 July
Legends Showdown Dinner
Hosted by Novita’s Sports Challenge
Foundation, AAMI Stadium.
Andrew Downing and Barrie Robran.
Macquarie Private Wealth.
Maxxia.
Russell Ebert and Garry Hocking.
Woodscannon.
A Novita welcome to Kooyonga.
4 novitanews

Adam Hills
‘messes
around’ in
support of
Novita
Adam Hills and fans model T-shirts for an Advertiser photographer.
Novita is thrilled to count comedian and
Logie-nominated TV personality Adam
Hills amongst its supporters, following
his recent Adelaide Fringe run.
Since wrapping up his Mess Around
shows in the Garden of Unearthly
Delights’ Spiegeltent during March,
Adam has donated $2,000 to Novita
Children’s Services.
Adam’s generous donation represents
proceeds from the sale of t-shirts that
were designed during the course of his
improvised performances. When on the
first night he decided that T-shirts would
be created – which was a spontaneous,
on-stage decision in itself, given the
style of his one-of-a-kind show – Adam
called on his audience to suggest a
charity that could benefit from the
T-shirt sales. Thanks to a passionate
and strong-voiced Novita supporter,
Sophie, being in the audience on that
night, the organisation decided upon
was Novita Children’s Services.
“You could tell from the audience’s
response,” Adam says of the crowd’s
decision to support Novita. “There was
applause and consensus that yes,
that’s an excellent charity.”
At the conclusion of Adam’s run of
eight shows on March 14, there were
eight unique T-shirt designs, sold for
$35 each with $10 going to Novita – but
Adam says that many generous
customers pitched in a little extra for
our worthy cause.
It’s not the first time Adam has raised
money for charity through his shows.
Profits from his 2001 Go You Big Red
Fire Engine tour T-shirts were donated
to a Cambodian orphanage, and British
audiences were also asked to nominate
local charities to be supported at
shows in the United Kingdom. “I hadn’t
planned to here,” says Adam of the
Adelaide Mess Around shows, “but
such is the spontaneity of the show.”
Novita certainly appreciates Adam’s
spur-of-the-moment decision!
As you may know, Adam himself lives
with a physical disability, and
sometimes weaves in the fact that he
has an artificial right foot with the
material of his comedy shows. He says
he was pleased to be able to give back
to an organisation that cares for
children with physical disabilities in
South Australia. “I thought it was
hilarious when I found out what Novita
does,” he says. “From a drunk guy
stumbling backstage (the incident
which inspired the first show’s T-shirt
design) to raising $2,000 for a charity
for kids with disabilities... this has
shown that it’s great to stay open to
things.”
More information about Adam Hills’
T-shirts can be found at novita.org.au
Novita’s Gemma Clark thanks Adam
Hills at the Adelaide Fringe.
connecting kids with their worlds! 5

Voila! $5000 raised
by French
Connexion 2010
French Connexion 2010, the Clipsal
500 experience presented at Rymill
House Estate by Kali Hunter
Enterprises, raised $5000 for Novita.
Guests were invited to participate in
raffles at the exclusive event, spanning
March 11 to March 14, with proceeds
going to Novita as the charity of choice.
Novita sincerely thanks Kali Hunter and
guests for their generosity.
Photo courtesy Exposures Photography
Introducing... the Novita Stars
... and congratulations to...
Kathryn Goldsmith and Annie.
The Novita Stars are a dynamic group
of supporters, recently formed by
Kathryn Goldsmith, to raise funds and
awareness for Novita. Kathryn is mother
to Annie, 2, who was referred to Novita
as a client after being diagnosed with
cerebral palsy. “It started as a group of
my friends and me, wanting to give
something back to Novita,” says
Kathryn.
The Stars are off to a blazing start,
having sold out their first fundraiser–
the Sex and the City 2 girls’ movie night
out on Monday 7 June at Palace Nova.
More events are in the pipeline,
however – including a cocktail party in
August. Watch
www.novita.org.au/events for details.
Anyone is welcome to attend Novita
Stars events – or even join the group,
if you’re interested in a more active role
in supporting Novita.
For details, email Kathryn Goldsmith at
kathryngoldsmith@bigpond.com
6 novitanews
Ev-Lynne Otto OAM.
Ev-Lynne Otto awarded OAM
Honorary Life Member of Novita, Ev-
Lynne Otto OAM, was awarded the
Medal of the Order of Australia in the
Australia Day 2010 Honours List.
Novita knows this is a well deserved
acknowledgement of the invaluable role
Ev-Lynne Otto has played in the lives of
hundreds of young South Australians
living with disabilities over many years
of dedicated service, most recently as a
member of Novita’s fundraising
Rainbow Committee.
Congratulations Ev-Lynne!
Yvette Amer OAM AM.
Yvette Amer OAM AM, reaches 40
years of service
The end of 2009 marked four decades
of service to Novita by Yvette Amer –
the first Novita volunteer to reach this
milestone. In fact, the 40-year badge
that Yvette was given to commemorate
her achievement had to be specially
made for the occasion!
Yvette’s lifetime of service to the
community has included an
instrumental role in the long-running
Mrs South Australia Quest, which raised
millions of dollars for Novita. After the
Quest was concluded, Yvette
established the Questers Auxiliary, so
that former Quest entrants could
continue to fundraise for Novita in new
ways. Questers still thrives today.
Novita thanks Yvette for her exemplary
dedication over 40 years.

Thanks for thinking of Novita...
Novita thanks the Kilkenny branch of Commonwealth Bank
for thinking of us when it received this piece of Australian
sporting memorabilia.
The green and gold shirt, signed by Australian cricketer
Michael Hussey, is being presented here by branch manager
Robert Covino, customer service manager Stella Bliss, and
customer service representative Janis Brown to Russell Ebert,
chairperson of Novita’s Sports Challenge Foundation.
The shirt will be auctioned at the Legends Showdown Dinner
at AAMI Stadium on Saturday 24 July.
Robert Covino, Janis Brown and Stella Bliss presenting Mike Hussey’s shirt to Russell Ebert.
Bear hugs for
Novita’s kids
A bright idea by Stamford Hotels and
Variety, the Children’s Charity, has seen
a Christmas promotion provide good
cheer for Novita kids right into the new
year.
Teddy bears, which were produced by
Variety, were sold by Stamford to
guests in their two South Australian
hotels at Christmas time last year.
Stamford Hotels then gave their guests
the opportunity of giving back the bear
they had purchased, for the bear to be
donated to a charity. Novita was
delighted to be selected as that charity,
and have since been giving the
donated bears to clients attending
NovitaTech for orthotic appointments.
Thomas Stephen, 2, came into
NovitaTech in February to have his very
first orthotics fitted, to assist him with
standing and walking. The process can
be a little daunting for such a young
child, but as you can see, Thomas’
face lit up with delight at being
presented with a teddy to keep him
company through it.
Novita thanks Stamford Hotels and
Variety for thinking of us, and our
clients.
Above right: Thomas Stephen cuddles up
to his new friend during his orthotics
appointment.
A helping hand
from ACSA
Thanks also to the AIDS Council of
South Australia, who thoughtfully
donated this big box of cuddly toys to
Novita.
The hand puppets were used for a
colourful same-sex law reform
campaign launch at Adelaide Zoo, and
will now find new homes with some of
Novita’s kids.
Pictured below: Novita’s Marketing
Manager Penelope Herbert accepts the
cute critters from David Vermeeren and
Holly Skene from ACSA.
connecting kids with their worlds! 7

Central District cast Novita in
starring role at Grand Final re-match
Novita’s Star and Centrals’ Bulldog were a hit at Hamra Homes Oval.
Novita Children’s Services ‘starred’ at
the Central District v Sturt match at
Hamra Homes Oval on ANZAC Day.
Central District players wear the yellow
Novita star on their shorts in recognition
of the club’s support for Novita, and
added yellow bootlaces to their kit for
the day. Novita’s star mascot also
frolicked on the field with Centrals’
bulldog mascot.
Since 2009 Central District has been a
Team Ambassador for Novita, with twins
James and Chris Gowans stepping up
as the ‘faces’ of the team’s support.
Central District Football Club CEO Kris
Grant says the club is proud to have an
association with an organisation as
worthwhile as Novita. “If the Bulldogs’
shorts and bootlaces can help Novita’s
kids in some way, then we’re happy
to help.”
Attendees were invited to support Novita
at the match too, in a number of ways.
Chris Gowans’ 2009 premiership
guernsey, signed and framed as a
collector’s item was raffled, the match
ball was auctioned, and donations were
placed in collection tins inside the
Grand Central club, leading to more
than $1600 being raised for Novita on
the day.
Novita is thrilled to have such visible
support from its Team Ambassador and
its fans.
Bulldog Josh Wittwer wears Novita’s
yellow star. Photo courtesy Michael
Young Photography.
Callum and Blake Newby enjoy the
ANZAC Day match.
Trinity College Walk for Awareness
On Monday 29 March, Trinity College’s
Hillier House held an Awareness Walk on
a 13km loop around the River Torrens.
Players from Central District Football Club
were there to lend support too.
While the Walk was held to raise
awareness among Trinity College’s
students and families about living with
disability, Hillier House also raised $1,300
for Novita through the event.
Thank you to Paul Thomas, Sports
Coordinator and Head of Hillier House,
and his students for their excellent efforts!
8 novitanews

Convoy’s coming!
Novita’s annual CMV Convoy for Kids
has been one of South Australia’s
favourite community events for 18 years.
The 2010 CMV Convoy for Kids is on
Sunday 23 May, and you can help SA
kids with disabilities keep on truckin’ too,
by coming along to the free Convoy
Carnival and cheering the big rigs along
the route!
The Convoy Carnival starts at 9am at
Wikaparndo Wirra (Park 22) in the
Southern Parklands.
It’s free for all to attend, including the
Truck Show’n’Shine, live entertainment,
food and drinks stalls, face painting
and clowns.
This year’s Convoy gets underway at
10.30am, starting from the Carnival. The
route will then be as follows: Goodwood
Road, left onto Greenhill Road, left onto
Fullarton, left onto Dequetteville Terrace,
follow up through to Hackney Road, left
onto Mann Road, left onto Robe Terrace,
Fitzroy Terrace, then Park Terrace, left
onto Port Road, right onto West Terrace,
right onto Anzac Highway, and then
returning to the South Parklands.
For more information, please contact
Novita’s Events Team on 8243 8229, or
visit www.novita.org.au/convoy
Poppa Murf and Jared will ride together for the eighth time in the 2010 Convoy.
We value
our
volunteers!
On Friday 11 June, Novita
will hold a thank you
luncheon for our many
dedicated volunteers at the
Regency Park Centre.
The luncheon will celebrate
the immense contribution
of fundraising committees,
auxiliaries, and individual
volunteers to Novita’s work
and purpose.
To find out more about
Novita’s volunteering
opportunities, contact
Lorna Riddle, Community
Relations Coordinator, on
8243 8223.
Volunteer Kirby helps Novita’s
Nat Marciniak sell merchandise.
Who do you know?
Novita Marketing is asking you who you know, to help us
source goods and services for our fundraising activities.
We need items that can be sold, raffled, auctioned and given
away at fundraising and community events, bingo sessions
and auxiliary functions. The need for these items is ongoing,
in order to support the events Novita holds throughout every
year.
So, if you have family, friends, or other contacts that you
think we should make contact with – or you can suggest
people that you are happy to approach yourself – please let
Novita Marketing know. We can write a ‘letter of approach’ to
your contact if you like, clarifying our objective, and helping
to get the ball rolling.
Donated goods and services make it easier for Novita to
raise funds - not only benefiting Novita’s kids, but donors
too, through potential exposure and goodwill. Everyone wins.
To tell Novita who you know, please contact Marketing on
8243 8229.
connecting kids with their worlds! 9

Novita Knowledge...
From the Division of
Research and Innovation:
Helping Novita clients connect with their world through the internet
As we all know, the internet is becoming an essential tool for daily life. We use
the internet to find out what is happening in the world, for leisure and recreation,
to keep in touch with our friends and family, and to comment on events.
But what about a young person with a disability? Is the internet presenting new
opportunities for learning and to connect with others? Or is it raising new
challenges?
A survey conducted at Novita in 2009 showed that 50 adolescents with cerebral
palsy or muscular dystrophy who returned the survey used the internet. They
used the internet from over five hours a day to rarely or never, for instant
messaging, school work, downloading music, and using social networking sites
(e.g., MySpace and Facebook).
Social connections were mainly with friends from school and family members.
Family financial resources and knowledge of the internet, family rules, and
support from siblings and friends were some of the facilitators and barriers to
using the Internet.
A new project, Connective solutions: Facilitating the social participation of
children and adolescents with physical disabilities or acquired brain injury using
the Web 2.0 social networking and 3D virtual environments, has just begun with
funding from the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation. The project will
involve Novita clients between 10-17 years of age who are interested in learning
to use the internet or increase their current pattern of use. Research staff will
provide appropriate hardware solutions and training to use the internet, and
measure the impact on clients’ social participation.
If you would like to know more about the project,
please ring Pammi Raghavendra on 8243 8281 or email her at
parimala.raghavendra@novita.org.au at the Novita Research Department.
Disability employment services
receives first requests
In March, Novita Children’s Services
commenced as a provider for the new
National Panel of Assessors, under the
Australian Government’s new $1.2 billion
Disability Employment Services. DES have
been developed to increase the participation
of people living with disabilities in the
workforce.
Novita will now be providing new services as
part of an Employer Incentives Scheme that
aims to improve an employer’s ability to
support an employee with a disability.
Novita’s role in the new system is to provide
services in the areas of Ongoing Support
Assessment, Supported Wage System
Assessment, and Workplace Modifications
Assessment, across metropolitan Adelaide
and in the Gawler, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu
Peninsula regions. Referrals for assessment
have begun and are expected to grow over
the coming months.
These services mark a further expansion of
Novita’s work with people living with
disabilities, as it will provide services to
adults with disabilities in the workplace,
supporting more people in achieving their
individual goals.
If you are interested in finding out more
about Disability Employment Services,
contact Lynda Hutchinson in NovitaTech
on 8243 8288.
Where
in the
world?
Novita might be South Australian born and bred, but our star
seems to find its way around the globe.
Here is Novita seating and mobility technician Ian Lord on
Mount Lobuche, in the Khumbu Valley region of the
Himalayas, 20km from Mount Everest. Ian says he was
inspired to fly Novita’s star at this elevation of 6200m after
seeing a myriad stars revealed in the royal blue sky up there.
Where have you taken the Novita star?
Email your photo and details of its location to
novitanews@novita.org.au, and you'll go in the running to
have your photo published in the summer edition of Novita
News, and receive a prize.
10 novitanews

Welcome...
Welcome to Novita’s
Inaugural Research
Fellow, Angela
Crettenden
We’re very pleased to welcome
Dr Angela Crettenden to Novita
Children’s Services. Angela is part
of the ‘new look’ Division of
Research and Innovation, which
was established in line with Novita’s
Strategic Plan.
As part of the consultation leading to the new Division, two
areas of research were identified on which Novita would
focus:
Participation through the use of assistive technology
Acquired brain injury rehabilitation
As Research Fellow, Angela will lead research in acquired
brain injury rehabilitation.
Angela brings many years’ experience as a psychologist,
including working at Novita prior to moving to research roles.
Angela’s doctorate was in the area of factors impacting on
the wellbeing of parents caring for children with
developmental disabilities. She did some of this research
with Novita clients and also involved parents of children who
were clients of Disability SA. Recently, Angela worked as a
researcher with the Australian Centre for Child Protection at
the University of South Australia.
Over the coming months, the Research Division will be
developing funding applications to enable research to
commence, supporting services for clients with Acquired
Brain Injury, our fastest growing client group.
Novita welcomes
Penelope Herbert as
Manager, Marketing
Manager Marketing, Penelope
Herbert, brings to Novita dynamic
marketing experience gained in
media, publishing, local
government, and small and
medium enterprise (SME)
environments.
Trained in television production, Penelope worked as a film
editor and director on many projects, from current affairs and
documentaries to music shows and children’s programs.
Using her understanding of the media, Penelope started
working in the area of public and international relations in
local government, which further expanded her skill base to
include event management, speech writing and business-toconsumer
marketing.
Her career further developed when she became the
Marketing and Media Manager for a gourmet food and wine
promotions company undertaking events and marketing both
nationally and in Asia. From there she moved to publishing
where for two years she was editorial director for a national
fashion and lifestyle magazine. In 2002, Penelope started her
own consulting business focusing on public relations and
strategic marketing for SMEs. She has also been a
Contributing Editor to in-business magazine for seven years.
Penelope is an accomplished public speaker, master-ofceremonies,
seminar facilitator and published author of
Underdog Marketing.
She says she is keen to focus her skills solely on Novita after
many years working with numerous companies
simultaneously. Penelope has provided to Novita a three-year
marketing and public relations plan to secure Novita’s
position as Australia’s premier provider of services to
children with disabilities.
David Hobbs and Lily Durkin during
the filming of ABC TV’s Ace Jobs.
And farewell... to David Hobbs
At the end of March, Novita farewelled Novita’s Senior Rehabilitation Engineer,
David Hobbs, after nine years’ service.
David came to Novita in 2001 as a rehabilitation engineer, going on to work in
areas such as wheeled mobility and specialised seating, standards testing and
product compliance, and research and development.
He enriched Novita’s understanding of the international assistive technology sector,
bringing knowledge back with him gleaned during a three-month Churchill
Fellowship in the UK, Canada, and the USA in 2003, and a four-month Fulbright
Professional Scholarship program in the USA in 2008.
In David, Flinders University has now gained an excellent Associate Lecturer within
the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, where he will also
be undertaking PhD studies.
Novita wishes David all the best for his bright future.
connecting kids with their worlds! 11

Diary Dates
CMV Convoy for Kids
When: Sunday 23 May 2010 Where: Starting from South Parklands
More info: Contact Novita’s Events Team on 8243 8229 or visit
www.novita.org.au/convoy
Sex and the City 2 Girls’ Night Out
When: Monday 7 June, 7pm for pre-movie refreshments, 8.30pm for screening.
Where: Palace Nova Cinemas, Rundle Street, Adelaide.
Volunteers’ Lunch
When: Friday 11 June 2010
Where: Regency Park Centre
Rainbow Committee presents Soiree for Miele
When: Friday 16 July 2010
EFM Health Clubs Gala Dinner
When: Saturday 17 July 2010
Legends Showdown Dinner
When: Saturday 24 July 2010
Legends Showdown Match
When: Sunday 25 July 2010
Where: Miele Gallery Adelaide,
83-85 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton
Where: Hilton International
Where: AAMI Stadium
Where: AAMI Stadium
For more information on the above events, please contact Novita's Events Team
on 8243 8229.
KPMG Charity Quiz Night & Auction – supporting Novita
When: Friday 20 August 2010, 7pm – 11pm
Where: AAMI Stadium, Magarey Room
Tickets: $650 for table of 10. All proceeds to Novita.
To book: Contact Jackie Corbett at KPMG on 8236 3123 to reserve a table of 10.
Save the Date
Walk With Me
When: Sunday 12 September 2010
This inaugural event will be held in partnership with Ability First Australia, to raise
funds and awareness about living with disability.
More info: http://www.thankq.net.au/tq_community_abifa/
City-Bay Fun Run
SOLD OUT – Thanks for your support
When: Sunday 19 September 2010
Rainbow Committee’s Lunch in a Spring Rose Garden
When: Wednesday 20 October 2010
Novita Children’s Services Annual General Meeting
When: Tuesday 23 November 2010
Every week – Novita Bingo!
Visit www.novita.org.au/bingo or call Novita on 8243 8229 for session details.
Novita Children’s Services is a
recognised leader in the provision of
therapy, equipment and family support
services to more than 1,300 South
Australian children living with
disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
While it costs millions of dollars to
provide our life-changing services,
they are provided free of charge to the
children and young people we serve.
Novita receives approximately
55 percent of its funding from the South
Australian and Australian Governments.
The remaining costs are generously
donated by our loyal supporters and
the South Australian community.
Your donation will help Novita to
continue to ‘connect kids with their
world’.
Contact details
Mail
Novita Children’s Services
PO Box 2438
Regency Park SA 5942
Call
08 8243 8243
Website
www.novita.org.au
Facebook
www.facebook.com – search
‘Novita Children’s Services’
Twitter
www.twitter.com/novitastar
Visit
171 Days Road
Regency Park SA 5010
enquiries@novita.org.au
Donate
1300 NOVITA (1300 668 482)
or www.novita.org.au/donate
Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Please make cheques payable to Novita
Children’s Services. ABN: 53 137 537 636.
Novita Children’s Services will record your
personal information for the purpose of
communicating with our supporters. Your
information is strictly confidential and will not
be disclosed to any third party. Please
contact our Marketing Department on
8243 8229 if you have any queries.
Novita News
Winter 2010
MGM Productions