League News 2009 - Cerebral Palsy League

Summer 2009
League News
Artist Genice Wolski
displays her artwork
‘Dancing With My Brother’
at the Vigor Art Exhibition
cplqld.org.au
League News

contents
CPL Vision
A community which actively
seeks and supports the
contribution of people with a
disability.
55 Oxlade Drive
New Farm Qld 4005
PO Box 386
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
cplqld.org.au
ABN 27 009 942 269
Sections - Summer 09
3
4-5
6
7-9
10
11-13
14-15
ceo foreword
updates
research
news
you be the difference
services
fundraising
Angela Tillmanns
Chief Executive Officer
P: 07 3358 8003 F: 07 3254 1291
E: atillmanns@cplqld.org.au
Peter Mewett
General Manager Services
P: 07 3358 8014 F: 07 3254 1291
E: pmewett@cplqld.org.au
Greg Cuffe
General Manager Organisational Services
P: 07 3358 8064 F: 07 3254 1387
E: gcuffe@cplqld.org.au
Anne Reid
General Manager Human Resources
P: 07 3358 8078 F: 07 3358 8164
E: areid@cplqld.org.au
Rosalie Cunningham
General Manager Marketing and Business
Development
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
You be the Difference
Page 10
Cascade Services
‘Vigor’ Art exhibition
Page 11
Editor - Douglas Pack
Communications Executive
P: 07 3358 8084 F: 07 3358 2495
E: dpack@cplqld.org.au
Chuckel Chair fundraiser
Page 14
Patron:
Governor of Queensland
Her Excellency,
Ms Penelope Wensley, AO
League News

ceo foreword
State-of-the-art Fig Tree Pocket housing opened during national Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week 2009
Looking forward to 2010
Welcome to the summer edition
of League News. As 2009 draws to
a close we have shared some very
proud moments, said some sad
goodbyes and shared in the joy of
many of our members and clients.
We reached some significant
milestones in 2009. One of these
milestones was the realisation of
the dream of independent living
for the residents of Sevenoaks
who moved into new, specially
designed state-of-the-art duplexes
at Fig Tree Pocket. When the
Board of Directors handed over
the keys to the residents it was a
proud and defining moment with
many years of hard work, tears
and frustration finally over. A big
thank you to all involved.
National Cerebral Palsy
Awareness Week started with
a bang with the colourful Picnic
in the Park in the Roma Street
Parklands in Brisbane. The event
was hugely successful and next
year’s event is set to be even
bigger and better. So be sure to
make a note in your diaries now
for Saturday 31 July 2010.
2010 promises to be a year full
of exciting change and challenges.
Possibly the biggest change is a
potential name change. To assist
with this process CPL Marketing
and Business Development has
undertaken market research to
better understand the needs
and motives of both clients
and supporters. Research has
uncovered that a potential
name change could assist the
organisation to reach more
people and allow us to boost
our services, particularly in the
area of children’s services where
funding gaps currently exist.
Significant work has already been
undertaken to ensure that a new
name reflects our strong heritage,
uncompromising vision and
passion for supporting our clients’
needs.
Another initiative CPL will soon
be trialling is after-school care
for children with disability. The
service will encourage children
to participate in a series of
activities and programs aimed at
enhancing personal development
and building independence. The
trial will commence during the
Christmas school holidays at the
Mount Gravatt Special School.
If successful, the trial will be
considered for roll-out to special
schools throughout Queensland.
I would like to thank you all for
your ongoing support in 2009 and
wish you all a Happy Christmas
and prosperous 2010.
Sincerely
Angela Tillmanns
CEO, Cerebral Palsy League
League News

updates
State CCC
It is with pleasure that I
announce that I have taken on
another two year term as Chair of
the State CCC. I look forward to
continuing to drive the great work
of the State CCC and Regional
CCCs in order to represent CPL’s
clients’ views.
As noted in the previous
League News, Wendy Lavelle
has taken on a new position with
Access Employment. With this
comes change in the secretariat
role of the State CCC and client
consultative mechanisms of CPL.
I welcome Geoff Trappett as
Senior Engagement and Service
Delivery Officer and Nigel Webb
as Client Liaison and Support
Officer. Geoff and Nigel will be
working across CPL’s client
consultative mechanisms and I
We are approaching the
end of another successful and
sometimes challenging year.
I’m sure the New Year will again
present us with new and hopefully
favourable outcomes for all our
projects.
We were delighted with the
success of Picnic in the Park and
next year promises to be even
bigger and better. Both the State
CCC and Parents and Guardians
Association have put forth some
helpful suggestions, which I
understand have been taken on
board.
After many years and ‘many
tears’, the Fig Tree Pocket project
has become a reality. The houses
are a credit to the people involved
- to mention just a few the Board
of Management, the residents,
the staff, Property Officer Denis
McClure and the families and
friends of the residents of
Sevenoaks for their support and
contribution to the User Group
meetings.
The opening day of the
look forward to working with them.
The State CCC has ratified the
updated Charter for Consultation.
This long-standing document
originally developed by the State
CCC has been brought in line
with current legislation so it can
continue to guide CPL in its
consultative mechanisms.
Recently, State CCC member
Jenny Johnston attended the
Queensland Rail Disability Access
Forum. We thank QR for this
opportunity and hope that this
two-way consultation continues
for the betterment of all people
with a disability using QR trains.
Sincerely
Terry Donaldson
Chairperson, State CCC
Parents and Guardians Association
complex now known as Fig Tree
Pocket Adult Accommodation
went according to plan and
everyone who attended had
only the highest praise for the
development.
The New Year will see the
end of our liaison meetings. A
replacement will be advised as
soon as details come to hand.
The liaison meetings have a
long history dating back many
years, however, I understand the
replacement will serve our needs
more appropriately. My thanks to
Carol Barton for her ever-willing
and able support.
I wish to thank all the parents
who have attended our meetings
as well as CEO Angela Tillmanns,
the Services Improvement and
Support Division and staff for their
attendance and support.
Christmas greetings to you all.
Sincerely
Joan Williams
President, Parents & Guardians
Capital works
Thanks to the support of
the local building industry,
Toowoomba’s Scott Street
Centre is now one step closer to
completion. Internal works are
almost finished and the focus
is now shifting to the building’s
exterior. Works required include
equipment storage, a workshop,
concreting, bitumen and
landscaping.
In December, the Darling
Downs and Western Region of
the Master Builders Association
will distribute an appeal to
members. The appeal will be in
the form of a letter from Vicki and
Kevin Morris whose daughter
Sarah was supported by CPL
until she sadly passed away
early this year. As an incentive
to those who make significant
contributions to the appeal,
supporters will be invited to
attend a special thank you event
hosted by Shane Webcke in the
New Year.
For more information about
CPL’s Capital Works or to donate
funds please contact Capital
Development Manager Damian
Topp on 07 3358 8087 or
dtopp@cplqld.org.au.
Library and
resources
For the fifth year, CPL Library
has once again been successful
in receiving funds from the QUT
Staff Community Welfare Fund
for the purchase of resources
such as assessments, books,
DVDs and kits. Funds were
presented to Information and
Resources Coordinator Deborah
Cronan by the University’s
Chancellor, Major General
(Ret’d) Peter Arnison AC, CVO at
QUT on Tuesday 24 November
2009. A full list of resources
purchased will be available from
League News

updates
the CPL Library in early 2010.
For more information about CPL
Library Services please contact
Information and Resource
Coordinator Deborah Cronan on
07 3358 8036 or
dcronan@cplqld.org.au.
Community
grants and
funding
CPL has been successful in
obtaining the following funding
from trusts and foundations
to provide vital client support
services:
Forest Hill Early Intervention
Foundation - Siblings Program
• A program for siblings of
children with a disability
for recreation, support and
respite
Marian and EH Flack
Foundation - Life Long
Learning
• For the purchase of
consumables for the Life
Long Learning activities at
Moorooka ADS
Cecilia Kilkeary Foundation
• The Mix - a music therapy
program for people of mixed
ability
• A Shared Understanding
- a program for school-aged
children offering respite and
recreation to families who
have a child with a disability
and their siblings
Mental Health Queensland Mini
Grants
• A half-day forum to discuss
the importance of activity as a
means to prevent or minimise
mental health issues and
barriers to accessing
activities for people with
physical disability
St George Foundation
• Funds to purchase mobility
and communication
equipment for 12 children
Gambling Community Benefit
Fund
• Moorooka Day Service
- photography equipment,
shade sail and hoist
• Springfield Day Service
- commuter bus
• New Farm - portable IT
training equipment
• Toowoomba Day Service -
photography equipment and
computers
ANZ Staff Foundation - A
Bush Retreat
• A weekend-away experience
for people with physical
disability on the Sunshine
Coast
Youngcare
• Funds to purchase
equipment for three adults to
remain in their own homes
Commonwealth Bank -
Therapy Aid
• A pilot program to support
physiotherapists and
occupational therapists in
order to allow them to spend
more one-on-one time with
children requiring therapy
Walter and Eliza Hall Trust
• Funds to purchase
equipment for an adult client
with a physical disability
Uniting Way - Access IT
• A program to support a playgroup
specifically designed
to incorporate adaptive IT
equipment
Courier-Mail Children’s Fund
• Support for a family seeking
gap funding to purchase a
water lift
For more information on
how to support CPL through
community grants please
contact Community Grants
Coordinator Preeta Harper on
07 3358 8050 or
pharper@cplqld.org.au.
Volunteers
Every year, long-standing
volunteers are nominated to
the Board of Directors for a
Certificate of Commendation in
recognition of their long-term
commitment to clients, staff and
CPL services. A volunteer can
only receive this award once.
Congratulations to this year’s
recipients:
•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Douglas Lawrie, Carpenter/
Metal worker, C&FSS North
Stephanie Rogan, Event
Assistant, Marketing/
Fundraising
Mieke Van Ravensberg,
Event Assistant, Marketing/
Fundraising
Anthony Cameron,
Administrative Assistant,
Gold Coast
Ron Cartwright, Gardener,
Toowoomba
Julieanne Creed, Craft
Assistant/Social Visitor, Fig
Tree Pocket
Jennette Finch, Social
Visitor, Holland Park
Ross Jobling, Mail
Processor, New Farm
Gary Wolstenholme,
Administrative Assistant,
ETS/TSS Geebung
Stacey Wrench, Social
Visitor, Fairfield
Katie Wright, Social Visitor,
Brighton
CPL would like to recognise
and thank the many people,
including clients and staff,
who volunteer across the
organisation.
For more information about
how to become a volunteer
please contact Volunteer
Coordinator Jesscia Panter on
07 3358 8008 or
jpanter@cplqld.org.au.
League News

esearch
Lucy Smith with Physiotherapist Megan Auld testing sensory function with a blind test
Research seeks to understand sensation in CP kids
It is widely understood that people with cerebral palsy have difficulties with movement. What is not well
understood is why problems with sensation are common in people with cerebral palsy and how poor sensation
can make moving and learning difficult. To address this gap in knowledge, CPL is performing two studies
investigating different aspects of sensory development and sensory processing in children with cerebral palsy:
Tactile function in children
with hemiplegia
This study investigates how tactile, or touch,
function develops in children with hemiplegia. In
particular, whether there are differences between
children with left versus right-sided hemiplegia and
how this may relate to their movement difficulties.
The study is open to children aged 8-18 years with
hemiplegia. Assessment is free and includes games
that test the tactile and motor performance of the
childrens’ hands and arms. Parents will be provided
with a written report of their child’s results. So far 30
children have participated, but another 60 children are
needed to help with this important research. Your child
can participate at your CPL office, the Royal Children’s
Hospital or your home.
For more information contact Physiotherapist
Megan Auld on 0407 693 247 or
mauld@cplqld.org.au.
Sensory preferences of
children with cerebral palsy
Children aged 6-10 years with cerebral palsy
are invited to participate in a study investigating
the sensory processing styles, preferences and
challenges facing children with different types
of cerebral palsy. Learning about children’s
sensory preferences can greatly assist in tailoring
environments to increase enjoyment and learning and
to alleviate unwanted behaviours that may result from
children not coping well with sensory experiences.
This information will help therapists everywhere
to provide better early intervention theraphies for
children with cerebral palsy. Assessment is free and
involves parents completing a short ‘Sensory Profile’
questionnaire at home. Parents will be provided with
a written report of their child’s results.
For more information contact Occupational
Therapist Sue Lewis on 07 5430 1600 or
slewis@cplqld.org.au.
League News

Access shines with star ratings
Once again the team at Access Employment have risen to the
challenge and performed well in the Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) star ratings system.
The DEEWR stars are a national system used to rank the
performance of Disability Employment Services. The system rates
and then ranks services on their performance in the KPI categories of
quality, efficiency and outcomes.
This year, as testament to the skill and commitment of the Access
Employment team, each site has received a star rating - a first for the
service. This places all sites in the top 50 percent of all sites in Australia
with two sites in the top 10 percent.
Access Employment Services Manager Wendy Lavelle said the
star ratings and rankings can often be a major contributing factor when
clients and referring agents - such as Centrelink - choose to use our
services.
•
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•
DEEWR star ratings for Access Employment are:
Holland Park, 5 stars
Ipswich, 4.5 stars
Caboolture, 4.5 stars
Gold Coast, 4 stars
Bowen Hills, 3 stars
Access Employment is currently working at capacity supporting
some 273 clients in jobs and traineeships in a range of industries.
Access Employment has recently relocated its main office to Holland
Park and has added additional services including Specialist Assessment
Services for Job Capacity Assessors on a fee-for-service basis.
Access will showcase the premises and promote the new services
with an Open Day early in 2010.
Kids invited
to develop
dramatic skills
news
High school students, with or
without a disability, are invited
to develop their dramatic skills
this school holidays with Screech
Theatre workshops.
Hosted by Visible Ink (54
Berwick St, Fortitude Valley) the
workshops provide the perfect
introduction for high school
students interested in drama and
the performing arts.
Over the course of the four-day
workshop, running from 13-16
January 2010, students will work
towards a showcase performance
on Saturday 16 January for family
and friends.
These workshops are bound to
be popular so be quick to express
your interest as spaces are
limited. Trained carers will be on
hand to provide assistance.
To find out more information
contact Social Worker Nicole
Brady on 07 3347 7200 or
nbrady@cplqld.org.au.
CPL staff help launch Blue Skies
Adults South’s staff shone brightly in CPL colours at the recent
launch of the Blue Skies Scenario Group on Tuesday 22 September in
the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
CPL staff provided support at the event assisting some 300
attendees with seating, program distribution and offering general
support for those with a disability.
“The launch was a great opportunity for our staff to showcase their
expertise in supporting people with disabilities and I’m very proud
of those who assisted on the day,” Adults South Regional Manager
Kirsty Austin said.
Officially launched by Queensland’s Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Annastacia
Palaszczuk, the Blue Skies Scenario Group’s vision is to transform society into a more inclusive place for
thousands of people with a disability.
The Blues Skies Scenario Group believes that for Queenslanders to realise the proposed scenario,
quality leadership and engagement from both government and community sectors is critical. The group
is committed to the comprehensive engagement of both the disability sector and the broader community,
including government, to gain a better understanding of what an inclusive community means for people.
To find out more about Blue Skies Scenario Group vision for the future and make your contribution to a
new inclusive society visit www.blue-skies.info
League News

news
Client Charter updated
CPL’s Client Charter has recently been updated to align with
current legislation in relation to the rights of clients.
The charter is a document that acknowledges the rights of all
clients to expect and receive services which allow them dignity,
courtesy and respect at all times.
The delivery of all CPL services is governed by the Client
Charter ensuring all clients receive the best possible services
within available resources.
The document outlines how services should be delivered to
clients, what CPL expects of its clients and the responsibilities of
CPL as a service provider.
Another important aspect of the charter is the inclusion of a
feedback and complaint’s facility to manage client concerns, which
can be viewed through the CPL Client and Stakeholder Complaints
Management Policy.
The Charter Client has been produced in consultation and with
sign-off from the State CCC and CPL Board.
To learn more about the Client Charter or the Client and
Stakeholder Complaints Management Policy, contact Senior
Engagement and Service Development Officer Geoff Trappett on
07 3358 8049 or gtrappett@cplqld.org.au.
Fusion of Music
On Friday 2 October, Pathwayz ADS
clients and local Windsor residents
‘rocked out’ to the first-ever Fusion of
Music event.
Local music lovers moved, grooved
and enjoyed a showcase of up-andcoming
local performers including
Matt McDowell (appearing as Michael
Jackson and Robbie Williams) and
Jester Royale as MC with comedy,
magic and balloon-modelling.
Pathwayz Manager Pat Ward said
Pathwayz is the perfect venue for local
bands to get their music heard and
spread the message of social inclusion.
“Our clients are huge live music fans
and really get into the spirit of the event
by singing, dancing and having a great
time,” said Mr Ward.
Taking place on the first Friday of
each month, Fusion of Music is an allages
alcohol and drug free event. Doors
open at 6pm and entry is $5 per person.
Local musicians interested in
performing can contact Pathwayz
Manager Pat Ward on 07 3357 5280 or
pward@cplqld.org.au.
Something fishy at Moorooka ADS
There was something fishy going on at the Moorooka ADS
this November when clients, with the assistance of three local
TAFE students, created their latest artistic masterpiece.
The fish-inspired artwork is made of 208 CDs and DVDs
collected by Moorooka’s recycling program which also
gathers disused wrapping paper, mobile phones, reading
glasses, sunglasses and hearing aids.
If you would like to learn more about Moorooka ADS’s
recycling programs contact Centre Based Facilitator Sue
Hodges on 07 3892 7255 or shodges@cplqld.org.au.
League News

news
Young Queenslanders invited to
‘have their say’ through new youth
action forum
CPL is calling on young Queenslanders with physical
disabilities to ‘have their say’ and help shape the way people with
disabilities participate in the community, by joining a soon-to-beformed
youth action forum.
The forum aims to stimulate discussion about the challenges
and barriers associated with being a young person with a
disability in today’s society.
“Our ultimate goal of the group is for this generation to be
the last to encounter negative social barriers that often lead to
discrimination, isolation and neglect,” General Manager Services,
Peter Mewett, said.
“We believe that young people with disabilities have incredible
creativity, enthusiasm and energy which we hope to harness to
change the way disability is viewed in the wider community,” Mr
Mewett said.
Feedback from the youth action forum will be used to help
shape CPL policy which will in turn impact upon the type of
services offered and how they are delivered.
CPL’s youth action forum is open to all young people with a
physical disability aged between 8 and 21.
For more information contact Client Liaison Officer Byron
Albury on 07 3347 7200 or balbury@cplqld.org.au.
‘Being active’ focus of mental health
It was all about maintaining a
positive outlook when paralympian
Chris ‘Gecko’ Scott was the
guest speaker at CPL’s first-ever
Mental Health Awareness Week
community forum on Saturday 10
October.
The forum focused on
the positive benefits of being
physically active and participating
in the community and the barriers
that impact upon people with a
physical disability.
Discussions were kickedoff
by the six-time paralympic
gold-medallist who shared his
inspirational story and then
opened the floor to others to share
their experiences and points of
view.
The forum brought together
26 representatives from across
CPL and the wider community
including members of the State
CCC, Parents and Guardians
Paralympian and CPL Ambassador
Chris Scott
Association and Adult Services.
“Forums such as this provide
CPL with a great opportunity to
connect with those individuals who
are impacted by physical disability
and discover the mental health
issues that matter to them,” said
CPL Senior Psychologist Max
Guppy.
The community forum was
Artist Robert Gallagher meets
Minister for Community Services
Jenny Macklin at Cascade Services
Jenny Macklin
visits Cascade
On Monday 30 September, the
Federal Minister for Community
Services Jenny Macklin visited
Redcliffe’s Cascade Services
to announce reforms to the
Federal Government’s Secure
and Sustainable Pension. Over
morning tea the Minister met with
clients and witnessed Cascade’s
environmental, community, visual
arts and music programs in fullswing.
coordinated by Max who will use
the findings gathered to assist
with CPL’s social advocacy role
and ongoing commitment to the
improvement of client services.
To learn more about the
outcome of the community forum
contact Senior Psychologist Max
Guppy on 07 3240 4057 or
mguppy@cplqld.org.au
League News

you be the difference
Rowan’s story
Rowan Crothers, winner of the most
inspirational video category
You be the
Difference winners!
To celebrate national Cerebral
Palsy Awareness Week in August,
people with cerebral palsy were
invited to share how they are making
a difference in their world.
The You be the Difference
campaign (a national initiative),
highlighted how the lives and
achievements of people with
cerebral palsy can truly inspire and
make positive changes to those
within the community. Queensland’s
winners were:
•
•
•
Most inspirational short story
– Mathew Doyle
Most inspirational photo
– Jade A Roberts
Most inspirational video
– Rowan Crothers
Finalists from You be the
Difference will be featured in
upcoming editions of League News.
All entries can be viewed online
at www.youbethedifference.com.au.
My name is Rowan. I was born almost four months premature,
which is really early.
When I was nine-months old I was diagnosed with cerebral
palsy. I wasn’t able to move the right side of my body very well.
When I was really little, I didn’t know I was different from the
other kids. I realised before I started school that the other kids
weren’t in nappies and I was. I wanted to be just like the other
kids so I worked extremely hard to toilet-train myself.
At my first school I was really scared of the stairs because
they were really steep. There was asphalt and I would
sometimes fall down the stairs and hurt myself. Sometimes the
other kids would be mean and push me down the stairs. I used
to be really sad and I didn’t understand why they were so mean
to me. So after grade three I started at another school with less
dangerous stairs.
I had a fantastic teacher at the new school and one of the
best teachers in the world. Miss Rose knew how hard it was for
me to write and hold things in my right hand, so she helped teach
me how to type. She would help me when I was being bullied
and stayed with me on the school camp when I couldn’t hike with
everyone else.
Each year I would have swimming lessons at school for six
weeks and I really liked it. But they only had them for those
few weeks so Mum and Dad put me in for swimming lessons in
Enoggera. In these lessons I remember how hard it was for me
to coordinate my arms and legs.
Then last year I saw something on TV that changed my life.
I had never heard of the Paralympics before. I didn’t know that
people with disabilities could play sports at an elite level or at
any level. I thought having a disability meant that I would always
have to sit it out.
I went back to swimming and Mum had a talk to my coach and
got her to agree to put me up to a squad with my sister Heather.
That made me feel extremely happy, but she didn’t like it one bit.
Mum got me membership with Sporting Wheelies and things
started to get so much better in my life. I heard about the Athletes
with Disabilities State Swimming Championships that was
coming up after the summer holidays, so I asked Mum and Dad if
I could go.
I got to swim at the Championships and that day massively
changed my life forever. I knew exactly what I wanted to be and
that I was going to have to work very hard every single day for
years to get there.
I used to feel sorry for myself and cry a lot and I didn’t look
forward to anything apart from my school work. Now I train
hard to be the best I can be. From the moment I wake up in the
morning I look forward to getting into the water. The feeling of
control I have when I’m training makes me feel so great. I don’t
worry about tripping over, dribbling or dropping things.
When I wait for the starter’s signal everything is silent and
clear. I feel like a bullet about to burst and I love that feeling!
10 League News

Inspirational Cascade Services artists showcased
their contemporary works recently as part of the
‘Vigor’ Art Exhibition held at Brisbane’s Bleeding
Heart Gallery.
The exhibition, which ran from 13-25 November,
included over 40 artworks by 25 artists who
created an exciting and salient body of work that
overshadowed the challenges associated with
having a physical disability.
Visitors to ‘Vigor’ were treated to a
diverse range of compelling works including
portrait of Kylie Minogue sporting a moustache
spectacles and a dramatic abstract
representation of Super Cars.
The exhibition was named ‘Vigor’ because of
the energy, strength and vitality that each artist
invested into the creation of their artwork.
Artists mastered innovative
techniques to create the artworks
including using long bamboo-handled
brushes, overhead projectors, large paper
stencils and soft foam print blocks.
“The goal of this exhibition is for people to
see beyond the disability and recognise these
for their ability and creativity,” said Mr Dillon
Carlsson, Cascade Services Manager.
“The pieces on show are outstanding and
represent an accumulation of almost a year’s
worth of work. Seeing our clients grow as
bringing canvases to life autonomously has
a truly heart-warming experience and we’re
proud to be able to share their works with the
community,” he said.
paint
a
and
artists
artists
been
wider
services
Cascade artists display their ‘vigor’
2.
1.
1. Raymond Penny with his artwork ‘Stormy
Days’. 2. Sara Wyatt with her complementing
pieces ‘Stop’ and ‘Go’. 3. Damian Guthrie with
his work ‘Song Birds’. 4.Chris Townsley stands
beside his self-portrait entitled ‘Chris’ .
4.
3.
League News 11

services
(Left to right) Zak Sorensen, Annika Strand and Kate Pemberton communicate with confidence using their electronic
communications devices
Kids communicate with confidence at
Camp Have a Chat
During the September/October
School Holidays, 15 children
and teenagers from across
Queensland who are unable to
‘speak’ due to disability, converged
on Camp Have a Chat (CHAC)
to learn new and exciting ways to
express themselves.
Hosted annually by CPL, the
camp is run to assist young people
with complex communication
needs to develop confidence
through the use of alternative and
augmentative communication
techniques.
Campers attend the event with
their families and together with the
assistance from a team of speech
therapists and community artists,
they work through a program of
themed activities including visual
arts, storytelling and drama, which
are designed to allow each child to
explore his or her own creativity.
This year’s camp was
characterised by the theme, ‘The
Giant Book of Surprises’, where
campers, aged 8 to 18, develop
their communication abilities
through the joy of storytelling.
CHAC Project Coordinator Ms
Megan Hinselwood said often
campers are unable to speak
due to physical or intellectual
disabilities, but through the use
of techniques such as specialised
signs, symbols, gestures and
electronic communication
devices they are able to express
themselves.
“Our goal is for all our
campers to learn new ways of
expressing themselves so they
can communicate with confidence
and become more active members
of the community,” Ms Hinselwood
said.
On the final day, campers take
to the stage with a performance
demonstrating their new-found
confidence in front of family and
friends.
This year CHAC was held at
Camp Warrawee, in Joyner on
Brisbane’s northside.
CHAC is made possible thanks
to the generous support of IBM
and Non-Schools Organisation
funding.
To find out more about how
to get involved in CHAC 2010
contact Megan Hinslewood on
07 3347 7200 or
mhinselwood@cplqld.org.au
12 League News

Green thumbs-up for Capalaba ADS
Australian Garlic Bread Fundraising Committee members (clockwise from left)
John Carmody, Bec Rhodes, Skye Hardy, and Ann Lockley with Capalaba ADS
client John Rynn (front)
Capalaba Adult Day Services
(ADS) is ‘going green’ with an
exciting new environmental
program, thanks to a $1000
donation from George Weston
Foods (GWF) Small Grants
Program, on behalf of the
Australian Garlic Bread
Fundraising Committee.
The funds will be used to assist
with establishing possum boxes
to create safe homes for local
wildlife, purchase seedlings and
potting mix for a native planting
program and creating native bee
habitats in local bushland.
Capalaba’s ADS Manager
Stewart McCauley said the new
environmental program provides
clients a great opportunity to finetune
their gardening skills and get
close to nature.
services
“We have been working closely
with our clients for some time to
develop environmentally-friendly
programs to help save the local
wildlife and natural habitat. This
wonderful donation will help us
make a significant positive impact
to the local environment, and we
are very thankful to GWF,” Mr
McCauley said.
Mr McCauley said Capalaba
ADS is also eager to involve other
local community organisations,
residents, schools and businesses
in this new green initiative.
“We’re looking for other
organisations or interested parties
who would be keen to get involved
in making their local area more
environmentally friendly and
give back to the community,” Mr
McCauley said.
Community organisations
interested in becoming involved in
the Capalaba ADS environmental
program can contact them on
07 3823 1306 or
smccauley@cplqld.org.au.
Toowoomba launches new gardening service
(Left to right) Quinn Stevens, Andy
McLean and Ric Enkelmann hard
at work on the gardens in Scott
Street Toowoomba
Toowoomba Adult Day Service
(ADS) has launched an exciting
new gardening service that will
allow local residents to reap the
benefits of a ‘backyard blitz’.
Toowoomba ADS Manager,
Pedro Guillen-Cordon, said the
new service will see ADS clients
provide a general garden tidyup
to local organisations and
residents.
“The new program is a fantastic
addition to the diverse mix of
services we run here and it will
give clients the opportunity to
really hone their gardening skills,”
Mr Guillen-Cordon said.
“We’ve received strong interest
already from local organisations
keen to take advantage of our
services.
“The clients involved in this
program are all passionate
gardeners who enjoy the outdoors
and the physical component of this
program,” Mr Guillen-Cordon said.
The new program will consist
of mowing and pruning services,
as well as other tasks designed to
tame unruly gardens.
The program will operate as a
free community service. However,
donations towards the Toowoomba
Regional Office Redevelopment
will be much appreciated.
Those interested in this new
gardening service can contact
Toowoomba’s ADS on
07 4632 7988 or
pguillen-cordon@cplqld.org.au.
League News 13

fundraising
Designer Brian Steendyk with his inspiration Teddy Willoughby
‘Chuckel’ Chair raises a smile and funds
Internationally-renowned
furniture designer and architect,
Brian Steendyk, is donating
the funds raised from sales of
his sensational newly-released
‘Chuckel’ chair to CPL from
October 2009 to the end of
February 2010.
Three year-old Teddy
Willoughby who has cerebral
palsy and is supported by CPL,
has provided the inspiration for
Brisbane-based Steendyk to offer
his support.
Brian has been good friends
with Teddy’s parents Garth
and Janet since university and
throughout Teddy’s diagnosis with
cerebral palsy and his early years.
“Teddy is a healthy, happy kid
who brings laughter and love to
everyone he meets, but it hasn’t
been easy for Teddy or his family,”
said Mr Steendyk.
“Teddy, and other kids with
cerebral palsy, will face a lifetime
of lifestyle and mobility challenges
and need ongoing support
throughout their lives.
“My goal is to raise awareness
of cerebral palsy and to raise
valuable funds to help the vital
work that is done by CPL, so that
kids like Teddy can have a life of
joy, hope and opportunity.”
The Chuckel combines function
and ergonomic comfort in one
unique chair which is stackable
and well-suited for both indoor
and outdoor use. Locking together
function, beauty and spirit, while
having an ear to the environment,
these 100% Australian-made,
recyclable, UV-resistant plastic
chairs are available in black, red
and white for the Chuckel (adult
stool) and in three fun and funky
colours, Fairyfloss pink, Kermit
Green and Hope Blue for the little
Chuckel jr. (kid’s stool).
The Chuckel chairs retail at
$195 for the adult version, and
$125 for the Chuckel jr. Proceeds
go directly to CPL, which is sure to
bring a smile to your face.
Chuckel chairs can be
purchased online at
www.cplqld.org.au/chuckel or call
1800 819 086.
14 League News

fundraising
Yes!
I would like to make
a tax deductible
donation!
DONATE ONLINE
www.cplqld.org.au
DONATE BY PHONE
1800 819 086
DONATE BY FAX
07 3358 2494
DONATE BY MAIL
PO Box 386
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
DONATE AT HOME
Phone 1800 819 086
to join Friendship Bank
DONATE IN PERSON
At any Westpac branch
Client Jackson Sheen and Ipswich Westpac Bank Manager Mark Witenden
donate old mobile phones to CPL’s ARP
Westpac converts old
phones into funds
Westpac is raising vital funds
to support CPL by converting old
mobile phones into fundraising
dollars through the Aussie
Recycling Program (ARP).
The fundraising goal prior to
Christmas is to collect 1000 mobile
phones throughout 15 Westpac
branches across South Brisbane
with all funds donated to CPL.
ARP collects and re-uses
defunct mobile phones – raising
up to five dollars per phone – with
funds used by CPL to provide vital
services.
An estimated 10 million
mobile phones remain unused
in Australian households today,
many of which would eventually
find their way into landfill.
All phones received through
ARP are tested and then either
exported to developing countries,
dismantled for parts, used for
manufacturing other electrical
products or recycled in an
environmentally-friendly manner.
“We applaud Westpac for
its community spirit and social
conscience. It’s involvement
in ARP is not only assisting
Queenslanders with disability
but also helping reduce the
environmental impacts caused by
disused mobile phones,” said CPL
CEO Angela Tillmanns.
Westpac branches involved
in the fundraiser include Acacia
Ridge, Annerley, Booval, Browns
Plains, Calamvale, Garden
City Shopping Centre, Inala,
Indooroopilly, Ipswich, Kenmore,
Mt Ommaney, Redbank,
Springfield, Sunnybank and
Sunnybank Hills.
To find out more about ARP
mobile phone recycling contact
Corporate Relationships Manager
Hollie Tuckerman on
07 3358 8125 or email
htuckerman@cplqld.org.au.
DONATE IN PERSON
At any Australia Post outlet
Title:_________________________
Name:________________________
______________________________
Company:_____________________
______________________________
Address:______________________
______________________________
______________________________
Post Code:_____________________
Phone: (b/h)____________________
(a/h)___________________
Email: _________________________
Please accept my donation of :
q $50 q $35 q $75
q $100 q My choice $_____
q Enclosed is my cheque/money order
q Please charge my (please circle):
Mastercard / Visa
Diners Club / Amex (#______)
Card Number:
_______|_______|_______|_______
Expiry:_____/_____
Cardholder:____________________
Signature:_____________________
Please send me information on these
other ways in which I can help CPL:
q How to make a bequest in my will
q How to become a volunteer
q How to purchase Art Union tickets
Your details will be kept confidential under the Privacy Act
League News 15

16 League News