League News Layout1 - Cerebral Palsy League

League News
VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 1 • AUTUMN 2006
Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Three times a year
Black is not back
DESPITE fashion predictions in
February, black was not back when
the Cerebral Palsy League urged
Queenslanders to add of splash of
colour to their day.
Hundreds of Queensland businesses
and schools signed up to participate
in the Colour Your Day appeal,
including Craigslea Primary School
situated in Brisbane’s northern
suburbs.
Swapping their usual blue uniforms
with vibrant Colour Your Day outfits,
students participated in a free dress
day and made a gold coin donation
to raise almost $700 for people with
cerebral palsy.
“Craigslea Primary School was a very
enthusiastic supporter of this year’s
appeal,” Event Coordinator, Kristi
O’Connor said.
“It is a unique school in that it’s one
of only a handful in North Brisbane to
integrate children with a physical
disability into mainstream classes,”
she said.
“The school currently teaches 26
students with a disability, including
four with cerebral palsy who the
League has worked closely with over
the years.”
Wristbands and pens were also on
sale with major participants such as
Coles and Bilo selling “CP
RespectAbility”, the imprint on the
bands, throughout the state.
The League aimed to raise more than
fifty thousand dollars from the Colour
Your Day appeal this year. Donations
are still arriving with figures to be
finalised in April.
What’s Up
Capability .................. page 3
Symposium ................ page 4
New NQ Service....... page 5
League Hero ............. page 6
Orientation ................ page 9
Funding crisis ........... page 16
The League thanks all those who
participated in brightening the lives of
people with cerebral palsy - the most
common physical disability in
childhood, and one of the most
expensive to support.
Colouring their day: Craigslea Primary School
students joined the Colour Your Day appeal to raise
funds for people with cerebral palsy.
Back: (left to right) Richard Kraatz, Josephine
Ford, Emily Kraatz.
Front: (left to right) Kiara Pauga, Brooke
Richardson, Nathan Ford, Annie and Meg O’Neill.
Photo courtesy of Quest Community Newspapers.
i dream, therefore I am
1

2
Hello. My name is Terry
Donaldson. As the new Chairman
of the State Client Consultative
Committee (CCC), I would firstly
like to thank Byron Albury for his
eight years of stellar service to this
committee. I look forward to
expanding the State CCC and
meeting clients and families who
use League services.
I would also like to see a CCC
running in every region. If any
Regional Manager is keen to
develop a network in their area
please do not hesitate to contact
me through the Client Liaison and
Privacy Officer.
I attended a League Board
meeting at Toowoomba and saw
first hand some of the issues the
region is grappling with. This
experience was an opportunity to
understand the needs of this
country region and the clients and
families it supports.
On a sad note, my members and
I offer our sincere sympathies to
CCC representative Peter Shields
and his family on the passing of
Don Shields; a great dad and
stalwart supporter of the League
and the Sevenoaks
accommodation service for many
years.
I participated in the recruitment
process for the new Client Liaison
and Privacy Officer and I look
forward to working with them on
a range of projects, including the
10 th Annual Client Convention on
Saturday 26 August. This event
will be a great time of reflection,
celebration and looking to the
future with all its attendant
challenges.
Regards,
Terry Donaldson
Chairman State CCC
Letter to the Editor
A POINT of interest for you.
Last year I attended a meeting at which
a young couple showed a series of
‘PowerPoint’ photos of their then sixseven
year old daughter who had been
born with cerebral palsy. Early photos
showed her with seriously distorted legs
and hands/arms. The final photo
showed her swinging from a monkey
bar in their back yard. The girl was with
them so we could see her in person.
The parents had put the girl on a course
of not commonly known food
supplements - glyconutrients - and the
results were certainly impressive. The
credibility of the particular supplements
is only now starting to be realised in
Australia… The track record of these
particular glyconutrients has
apparently been impressive enough to
cause two Australian Unis to look at
doing a combined examination of
double blind experiments… starting
probably in 2006.
Quality Management
System Update
IN November 2005 all League services
participated in an external audit to
review our ISO 9001 certification
and Commonwealth Disability
Employment Service (DES)
certification. In addition, the League
was assessed for its initial certification
against the Disability Sector Quality
System (DSQS) for its Disability
Services Queensland (DSQ) funded
services.
At the exit interview, the auditors once
again commended the League on its
commitment to providing quality
services to people with a disability,
informing us that they would be
recommending recertification against
ISO 9001 and DES, and also
recommending that we be certified
against the DSQS.
We are awaiting written confirmation of
these recommendations, which will be
followed by the presentation of
certificates for each service site.
This is a fantastic result and I
congratulate and thank all staff and
clients who have helped achieve it.
Bruce Milligan
Chief Executive Officer
I readily confess to having a limited
knowledge of things medical but being
formerly an engineer in technology and
design, the basic question in my field
has always been: “Does it work” I
don’t care how many pages you have
filled with applied mechanics and
abstract theory - the bottom line is
always - “Does it work” My “hero” was
always the late Robert G LeTourneau
- an engineering genius - who had a
placard on his office desk which said:
“According to all the laws of
aerodynamics a bumble bee cannot
fly. But the bee does not know that, so
it flies every day and makes a little
honey.” R.G operated on that
wavelength and up to the 1960’s
approx., built some of the most
amazing earth moving and heavy
machinery the industrial world had
seen. I’m told that it is called “thinking
outside the box”.
Mrs M Trevor
Bundaberg
Letter to the Editor
League News Editor
PO Box 386
Fortitude Valley, Q 4006
The Editor reserves the right to publish
one letter per edition of League News,
and the right to decide the respondent.
Letters will not be responded to
individually, and no correspondence
will be entered in to.
Responses are no substitute for
seeking individual consultation with
regard to queries.
Cerebral Palsy League of Qld
ABN 27 009 942 269
PO Box 386 FORTITUDE VALLEY Qld 4006
55 Oxlade Drive NEW FARM Qld 4005
www.cplqld.org.au
Executive Management Team
BRUCE MILLIGAN, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (07) 3358 8003 Fax: (07) 3254 1291
Email: bmilligan@cplqld.org.au
GEOFF ROWE, Service Development & Policy
Phone: (07) 3358 8014 Fax: (07) 3254 1291
Email: growe@cplqld.org.au
GREG CUFFE, Organisational Services
Phone: (07) 3358 8064 Fax: (07) 3254 7387
Email: gcuffe@cplqld.org.au
STUART PILTON, Human Resources
Phone: (07) 3358 8078 Fax: (07) 3358 8103
Email: spilton@cplqld.org.au
MARGARET SCOTT, Marketing & Fundraising
Phone: (07) 3358 8090 Fax: (07) 3358 2495
Email: mscott@cplqld.org.au

capability
Q u e e n s l a n d
Who is Capability Queensland
Consulting and Training
In April 2005 Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) chose the
Cerebral Palsy League to be on the Learning and
Organisational Development Panel of Consultants.
This means that we can provide support to other DSQ funded
services to develop their systems to comply with the Disability
Sector Quality System (DSQS).
The League has seen this as an opportunity to broaden its
consulting and training role through its new initiative:
Capability Queensland Consulting and Training
Why should another organisation choose Capability
Queensland to support them in developing their Quality
Management System
The Cerebral Palsy League has been a part of the
disability services sector for more than 50 years
Our services have achieved certification against the
DSQS, which means we can share valid knowledge and
processes
Our consulting team has experts in disability service
delivery with internal quality consulting expertise
We operate a broad range of services and service
models enabling us to consult across a broad spectrum
of needs
We have a major commitment to the DSQS working for
everybody
Striving for Quality Services for
People with Disabilities
Ph: (07) 3358 8001
www.cplqld.org.au/capability
capability@cplqld.org.au
Disability Services Queensland (DSQ)
www.dsq.qld.gov.au
Parents and Guardians
THE Parents and Guardians
Association held its first meeting for
the year on Saturday 18 February at
the Cerebral Palsy League’s head
office in New Farm. The meeting was
well supported and I thank the parents
who give up their Saturday to be
present.
Parents
Congratulations to Gavin Ford and
Annette Richardson, both parents of
children who receive services from
the League. Gavin and Annette helped
Craigslea Primary School in
Chermside raise almost seven
hundred dollars for the annual Colour
Your Day appeal.
With the cooperation of the principal
and staff, the pupils whole-heartedly
endorsed the event.
Board
The first Board meeting of the year
was held in South Queensland
Country Regional Office in
Toowoomba. The number of adult
day service clients increased
considerably in Toowoomba.
A proposal to include the day centre
at the regional office in Scott Street is
under consideration by the Board.
The Scott Street facility is in need of
refurbishment due to the age of the
building and it is hoped the community,
through a capital fundraising appeal,
will assist.
Sadly Missed
Don Shields’ association with the
League covered many years.
For services to Queenslanders with
a disability, Don received the
prodigious League Medal for
Distinguished Service. In latter years
he worked tirelessly for the welfare of
the residents of Sevenoaks.
Don was always approachable and
helped in all matters connected with
the League.
He was a very likeable gentleman and
we will miss his contributions and
comments at meetings.
To Alice, Peter, Judith and family we
send our deepest sympathy.
QUEENSLAND
Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland
www.cplqld.org.au
Mrs Joan Williams, OAM
President
Parents and Guardians Association
3

Running to Stand Still
DESPITE common misperception,
people are able to develop
communication skills even if they have
difficulties speaking.
To promote the importance of
communication for people with complex
communication needs, to ensure
independence and valued citizenship
within the community, Fiona Given will
present to a symposium at the Cerebral
Palsy League in Toowoomba on
Saturday 27 May 2006.
Ms Given is a solicitor and member of
the NSW Disability Council and Board
of People with Disabilities Australia.
She also has cerebral palsy and can
comment on communication issues for
people with a disability.
“Communication is the key to any
relationship and thus, is the main
pathway to citizenship,” Ms Given said.
“People with cerebral palsy continue to
struggle to be equal citizens. We are
under-represented in education and
employment.”
Ms Given said society continued to
operate special schools and supported
employment centres, as opposed to
ensuring people were appropriately
supported in mainstream settings.
“We need to be able to express our
opinions, articulate our dreams and
make our own decisions,” Ms Given
said.
For further information and registration,
contact:
Cerebral Palsy League - Toowoomba
Ph: (07) 4688 9400
toowoomba@cplqld.org.au
Running to Stand Still
Communication Symposium
Fiona Given
Member of the NSW Disability Council
Board Member of People with Disabilities Australia
Saturday 27 May 2006
Toowoomba Golf Club
Cost: $25
Full day event
Morning tea & lunch included
RSVP
21 April 2006
Cerebral Palsy League
Ph: (07) 4688 9400
toowoomba@cplqld.org.au
Q U E E N S L A N D
Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland
www.cplqld.org.au
4
This service is currently available in Brisbane only.

New service for North
Queensland
A NEW service aimed at providing
support to children aged zero to 18
years with cerebral palsy and related
disabilities, was launched in
Townsville on 22 February.
CEO of the Cerebral Palsy League,
Bruce Milligan, launched Child &
Family Support Services - North
Queensland, which will provide
information and equipment support to
families in the area through a library
of resources.
“The new service includes an
equipment and information library,
parent/guardian resource kits and
community education activities,” Mr
Milligan said.
“It’s very exciting to be launching this
new service, which will help improve
the lives of hundreds of children in the
region,” he said.
While the service is based at and
supported by the Cootharinga Society
of North Queensland, the League
called on support from local
businesses and the community to
ensure the ongoing success of the
service – which currently receives no
direct government funding.
“Services for North Queensland
children with cerebral palsy are
currently limited so donations and
support will help us work towards
expanding mobile therapy services to
the area.”
Local businessman Peter Logan,
Managing Partner of local law firm
Boulton, Cleary & Kern answered the
call with a donation of $1500 from his
firm.
He also threw down the gauntlet to
North Queensland companies to do
the same by challenging local
businesses to dig deep and support
a vital community service.
“I urge other local businesses to
match the donation and make sure
local kids with special needs and their
families are supported,” Mr Logan
said.
Since Mr Logan’s donation, Child &
Family Support Services - North
Queensland received support from
local businesses including Coles,
Sunferries and the Queensland Fire
& Rescue Service.
Mr Milligan said many community
services were reliant on donations,
sponsorships and volunteering
support, such as that provided by
Townsville resident Donna
Pemberton.
Mrs Pemberton volunteered to operate
the service around her already busy
schedule, including that associated
with her own child who has cerebral
palsy.
“We are grateful to Donna for helping
us establish a service for children with
cerebral palsy in North Queensland,”
Mr Milligan said.
“She has a lot of personal experience
to share with families who need
support and understands the
importance of giving families with
children diagnosed with cerebral palsy
as much support as possible,” he
said.
Leading by example: (left to right) Peter Logan,
Managing Partner Boulton, Cleary and Kern
Solicitors, League Client Matty Doyle with his
mother, Sharon Doyle - celebrating the opening of
Child & Family Support Services - North
Queensland.
MASS Wheelchair
Replacement Program
Manual Wheelchair Replacement
Program February to June 2006
MASS is currently undertaking a
manual wheelchair replacement
program with the aim of identifying
clients who have a manual
wheelchair that may be reaching the
end of its economic and serviceable
life, and assisting with the
replacement of these wheelchairs.
Throughout this process, MASS is
asking for your support in identifying
and assisting clients relevant to this
program.
As an incentive to prescribers and
clients, MASS has developed a
condensed application form (MASS
20A), which may be used in certain
situations, and are reducing any client
co-payment by up to $200.
This reduction in co-payment applies
to replacement manual wheelchair
applications received between
1 February and 30 June 2006.
It is important that clients’ potential
inclusion in the program is registered
as soon as possible so funding can
be allocated.
If you have any queries about the
above information, or wish to register
a client, please contact:
MASS Wheelchair Replacement
Program
Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme
Ph: (07) 3250 8549
Replacement
communication
devices
Over the next few months, MASS will
extend its equipment replacement
program to communication aids,
including electrolarynges and
electronic communication devices.
MASS will be identifying devices in
need of replacement and work with
prescribers to submit applications for
replacing these aids.
This program is part of a larger
project that will review the MASS
communication aids service.
Further information will become
available from MASS in the near
future.
5

Thirty-five years and
counting
ROBYN Smedley joined the Cerebral
Palsy League in 1970 at the age of
15, and has since spent more than
three-quarters of her life devoted to
supporting people with cerebral
palsy.
CEO of the League, Bruce Milligan
acknowledged Mrs Smedley as a
Queensland hero at a function in her
honour at the League’s headquarters
in New Farm during December.
“Robyn has really set a fantastic
example for the staff at the League –
she is an inspiration and true
Queensland hero,” Mr Milligan said.
To help celebrate, Mrs Smedley and
her husband, Miles, were presented
with a much-deserved five-day
holiday from the League’s
fundraising sponsor, BreakFree
Resorts.
After 35 years, Mrs Smedley said she
still remains committed to the League.
“I’ve had a number of roles over the
years at the League and I’ve never
thought the grass was greener on the
other side,” Mrs Smedley said.
“Seeing the amazing outcomes and
changes in people as a result of your
work makes it easy to stay loyal.”
“I’m not in it for me, I’m in it for the
clients – but it’s always nice to know
you’re appreciated,” she said.
Helping her celebrate the milestone
was League client Tanya Barton who
has known Mrs Smedley since her
early days working with the League
at the New Farm Special School.
“There are only a couple of people
who I remember and keep in touch
with since my early school years -
Robyn and her family being one of
them,” Ms Barton said.
“If I turn up at Robyn’s place
unannounced with a friend or a worker
we are always both welcomed with the
offer of hospitality.”
Below: Robyn Smedley (left) celebrated 35 years
of service to people with cerebral palsy, with
League client and good friend, Tanya Barton.
Photo courtesy of Quest Community Newspapers.
Woolworths’ Great
Attitude
ACCESS Employment, a supported
employment service of the Cerebral
Palsy League has formed strong
partnerships with Woolworths,
which promotes positive attitudes to
employment for people with a
disability, including the five Access
Employment clients currently
working in stores throughout
Brisbane and surrounds.
Recruitment Officer for Ipswich
Woolworths Supermarket, Ineka
Corbin, said employing people with
a disability increased their
confidence, as it was harder for
them to get into the workforce.
“Woolworths in general do look at
getting an intake from different
organisations and are more
proactive about working with people
with a disability,” Ms Corbin said.
“I interview the client first and if I think
they are suitable, I make a second
interview with the store - they
interview the client, and the store
then makes the decision to take them
on,” she said.
“It is hard to convince stores to
employ a person with a disability, so
we give them work experience first.”
“Through trial runs, stores can
observe the work and the speed at
which it is done, before making the
decision to take clients on.”
Woolworths employs Access Clients
at the Australia Fair store on the Gold
Coast, Indooroopilly, Ipswich,
Yamanto and at the Plainland store.
The chain is also committed to quality
through their training practices and
the support provided to staff.
Access clients completed the
comprehensive induction program,
which enabled them to commence
their jobs in stores confidently, and
provide high quality customer
service. Access Employment
Consultants are also inducted to
Woolworths’ policy and procedures,
so they can support their clients.
Access Employment
Greenslopes: (07) 3397 1111
Gold Coast: (07) 5571 0013
Ipswich: (07) 3812 1528
North: (07) 3252 4766
6

Kevin Rodgers
KEVIN Rodgers, Cerebral Palsy
League Board Director since 1998,
was amongst a handful of Queensland
state school teachers recognised for
their dedication to young people at
Australia Day award ceremonies
around the state.
As Principal of Barrett Adolescent
Centre Special School at Wacol, Mr
Rodgers was named on the
Australian Honours List for 2006. He
was awarded a Queensland Public
Service Medal for his outstanding
public service and contribution to
disadvantaged and disabled youth.
Mr Rodgers began teaching at Logan
District Special School in 1972. Here
he developed an interest in
psychology and behaviour
management and initiated the
program for most difficult students in
the school.
In 1976 he moved to Dutton Park
Special School and taught part time
at the maximum security prison
“Boggo Road” where he taught for 12
years. At Dutton Park he was
responsible for the prevocational
program organising work experiences
and employment for students on
leaving school.
Mr Rodgers established the first
Special Education Unit for primary
students with behaviour and emotional
problems in 1981 at Cannon Hill State
School.
He has been at the Barrett Adolescent
Centre School since 1987. The Centre
is an inpatient facility catering for the
needs of adolescents with severe
psychiatric illness.
Mr Rodgers was rewarded for his
contribution to the education of young
people and to their local communities.
Deputy Director General of State
Schooling Jenny Cranston said it was
pleasing to see communities
rewarding their teachers for their work.
“Queensland’s thousands of teachers
work tirelessly every year to ensure
our young people are getting the best
education they possibly can,” Ms
Cranston said.
“It’s especially pleasing when the
dedication and commitment of
teachers is recognised at a
community level - by the people who
they are working with every day.”
Mr Rodgers said he owed his
vocation to his early experiences
with cerebral palsy; growing up
with his brother Laurie, who has
the disability and spending time
with his friends and mother before
school at the Queensland Spastic
Welfare League - now called the
Cerebral Palsy League.
“Laurie’s friends continue to be a
source of motivation for me and
spending time at the Centre before
I started school with my Mum who
was a ‘Monday Mum’,” Mr Rodgers
said.
“Mothers who volunteered at the
Centre were labelled with the day
of the week they used to go to help
with positioning, feeding programs
and other odd jobs.”
By the time Mr Rodgers reached
his mid teens, he knew what he
wanted to do in life, even though
an inspector of schools at the time
he began teaching advised him not
to work with physically disabled
students as he thought it would be
too emotionally difficult.
Australian Honours:
Cerebral Palsy League Board
Director, Kevin Rodgers
received an Australia Day
award for his work in
education - in particular,
adolescents with severe
psychiatric illnesses.
“Certainly working with students with
serious psychiatric illnesses is up there
in ‘degree of difficulty’, but I have to say
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working
at Barrett and regard it as a privilege to
work with these young people,” Mr
Rodgers said.
Mr Rodgers thanked all those from the
League who contacted him since the
award and especially thanked CEO
Bruce Milligan, who wrote in support of
him receiving his award.
Mr Rodgers was awarded life
membership of the Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland in 2001 for his
“sustained outstanding contribution to
Queenslanders with cerebral palsy”.
7

Mavis Freeman
MAVIS Freeman was an original. If
there was a challenge - she would
take it.
Two years after marrying her
husband, Selwyn, the couple
welcomed their first child, Jeanette.
They spent a blissful four months
together before Mavis would face one
of her biggest challenges. Jeanette
contracted Polio.
Polio took its toll on the young family
in more ways than one. After
struggling through the illness,
Jeanette developed cerebral palsy,
which left her with limited mobility.
Keith, the second of Mavis’ four
children remembered his mother’s
strength when he visited the
Queensland Spastic Welfare League,
with his sister in the early 1950’s.
“My mother was one of the originals
to seek treatment for Jeanette at the
League,” Keith remembered.
“She spent a lot of time there.”
During the mid 50’s, Mavis would
board in a private residence in
Toowong, and commute daily to the
centre with Jeannette for therapy, or
volunteer her time to toileting and
feeding other children who attended
the centre, while Selwyn tended the
farm they were keeping together.
“We lived on a farm in a place called
Lanefield. Mum took care of Jeanette
and taught her school lessons by
correspondence until grade six,” Keith
said.
“Jeanette was good at school work.
She had a brilliant mind, she just had
motor problems,” he said.
The family grew and eventually,
Jeanette and Keith welcomed their
brother, Murray, and sister, Christine.
Mavis continued to support her family
and encouraged them to take up new
interests as they found them.
“Jeanette became very interested in
Corgi dogs in the late 60’s,” Keith said.
“Mum would drive her everywhere she
needed to go and helped her learn
about breeding and showing dogs.
They bred them together and showed
them until eventually they bred a
champion,” he said.
“Mum was the type of person that got
on with things. If there was a challenge
she took it - she was that way with
everything,” Keith said.
In 1975, Mavis took on what would
have been the second greatest
challenge she would face in her life.
She would say goodbye to her
daughter for the last time when the
family lost Jeanette to her struggle
with pneumonia complications.
Mavis Freeman proved she could take
life’s challenges and was an original
in many ways, including her support
of what has become one of largest
service providers to people with a
physical disability in Queensland: the
Cerebral Palsy League.
“She was amazing; right until the very
end,” Keith said.
“We miss her very much.”
Mavis Freeman passed away on 22
February 2006 at the age of 84.
She is survived by her children Keith,
Murray and Christine.
Her husband, Selwyn, became a Life
Member of the League in 1975.
Brainstorm Cerebral
Palsy
An open email forum to discuss
cerebral palsy, welcomes people
with cerebral palsy, their friends
and families, and all health and
educational professionals in
Australia. To join Brainstorm CP,
send a blank email with a blank
subject line to:
BrainstormCP
subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
or visit the group website on:
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/
group/BrainstormCP
Click “join this group” and follow
the instructions.
Australia’s most
female friendly
employer
CITED as an Employer of
Choice for Women by the
Federal Government’s Equal
Opportunity for Women in the
Workplace Agency (EOWA),
the Cerebral Palsy League was
proud to be the only nonresidential
care services
organisation in the country to
achieve this accolade.
For the third consecutive year
the League has received this
award for employing women as
more than 75 per cent of is 1100
strong workforce.
“We strive to support and
encourage women within all
levels of our organisation and
are delighted to receive this
award,” the League’s Human
Resources Manager, Stuart
Pilton said.
“The proof is in the pudding
though and we’ve had women
who’ve devoted their lives to
working for the League for over
20 years.
“This includes long-term
employee Robyn Smedley, who
has spent three-quarters of her
life – some 35 years – working
for the League,” he said.
PETALS, the Worldwide Florist
Network will donate 25 per
cent of every online order to
the Cerebral Palsy League,
when the following number is
quoted.
7059
Place your next order with
Petals online.
www.petals.com.au
8

Orientation
ROCKHAMPTON residents helped
make the impossible, possible when
they gathered at the Cerebral Palsy
League on 3 February to undertake
orientation to their new roles as
volunteers.
The League aims to make respite
opportunities for personal
development possible for people with
cerebral palsy in the region through
its Adult Day Service and Community
Life Skills Project.
With limited funds available,
volunteers play a vital role in helping
the League make its goal a reality.
Sandra Black, Susy Fraser, Julianne
Hall, Carol Jackson, Pauline Nobbs,
Rose Short, William Short, Katy
Windle attended the orientation
workshop presented by Volunteer
Coordinator, Jessica Panter. The day
included scenarios, information and
feedback sessions as well as
educational materials.
Many who attended were not aware
of cerebral palsy, why it occurred or
the issues surrounding people with
the disability.
The Day Service and Life Skills
Project can now boast an active,
informed and dedicated team of
volunteers whose assistance help
make the impossible, possible.
Volunteer Orientation
Back: (left to right) Day Service Coordinator,
Michael Frenken, volunteers – Carol Jackson, Katy
Windle, Pauline Nobbs, Sandra Black, Ann
O’Rourke, William Short, Community Life Skills
Project Assistant Jan Reif and Project Facilitator,
Julie Irwin.
Front: (left to right) Volunteers - Ellen Roe, Julianne
Hall, Susy Fraser, Rose Short.
Volunteers Wanted!
Where:
Adept Packaging Rocklea
Adept Packaging Tingalpa
Job Title
Kitchen Assistant
When
Weekdays (Morning and
Lunch)
There is opportunity for more
than one position
Times
9:15 - 10:30
11:45 - 1:30
Duties
• Stacking dishwasher
• Making drinks as required
• Wiping tables
• Sweeping floors
• Assisting people to have
lunch (training provided)
Other details
• Volunteer must have own
transport for Rocklea
• Would suit a retired person
who lives in the local area
Volunteer Service
Coordinator
Ph: (07) 3358 8008
volunteers@cplqld.org.au
Farewell to a long
serving staff member
AFTER 22 years of service, Glenda
Grimley, Policy and Research
Officer, is retiring from the Cerebral
Palsy League. During this time
Glenda undertook a number of key
and senior roles.
Building upon her social work
qualifications and professional skills
Glenda developed an extensive
knowledge of League operations and
the challenges clients and families
faced over the ensuing years.
Manager Service Development and
Policy, Geoff Rowe, said Glenda
witnessed and played an
instrumental role in some of the
significant changes that took place
within the League’s services in
response to the Commonwealth and
State Disability Services Acts.
“The closure of the League’s
children’s residence Harold
Crawford House was a difficult time
of change but also an exciting one
as opportunities for children with
cerebral palsy and related disabilities
became more integrated and
community based,” Mr Rowe said.
“There have been enormous
changes in the way services are also
delivered to adults with disabilities.”
“Throughout these changes Glenda
applied her considerable skills to
assisting the League’s response to
challenges in meeting the needs of
its clients.”
Glenda leaves a legacy and an
admirable body of work, including the
development of the Research and
Ethics Committee and a range of
policies and procedures that have
contributed to establishing strong
client focussed practices embedded
within a social justice framework.
Her policy work and high level advice
has contributed to the League
achieving its Quality Assurance
certification under ISO9001 and the
Disability Sector Quality System, and
has laid a firm foundation for the
future.
Glenda’s colleagues, clients and
families will miss her. The League
wishes her the very best in her
retirement.
9

WE CAN OVERCOME OUR DISABILITY, BUT ONLY YOU CAN
HELP US BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY
6 - 13 AUGUST 2006
CP - Respect Ability
Show people with cerebral palsy you care by celebrating
their achievements during Cerebral Palsy Awareness
Week.
By hanging posters, dedicating a function, event or
donation, or participating in registered events, you will be
showing people with cerebral palsy you appreciate the
valuable contribution they make to communities around
Australia.
In Australia, it is estimated that every 18 hours a child is
born with cerebral palsy. There is no pre-birth test and no
known cure.
To let people with cerebral palsy know you appreciate
them, visit the website. We would love to share your
stories.
Puttin’ on the ritz
WHEN ONE door closes; another
opens.
While upset to say goodbye to Event
Coordinator Rebecca Zepackic, who
organised events including
Boardroom Blitz and Colour Your Day
for several successful years, the
League was pleased to welcome
Kristi O’Connor to the position, and
is looking forward to the continued
success of its events.
Kristi has a degree in Marketing from
QUT, and since graduating in 2000,
has held marketing and events
coordination positions within the
motor trades, occupational health and
safety, and IT industries.
She has organised marketing and
events attracting hundreds of
participants, including gala affairs,
and a national safety awards
program.
“I am really excited to have the
opportunity to play a role in organising
the League’s events,” Kristi said.
“Not only are they exciting and varied,
they have a goal to raise funds for
what I think is a very important
cause.”
Kristi started in the deep end of the
League’s pool of events and is
currently working with staff to
coordinate Bridge to Brisbane
breakfasts, Boardroom Blitz and the
Art for Art’s Sake exhibition.
For further information on events or
to ask for a calendar, contact:
The Events Coordinator
Ph: 1800 819 086
fundraising@cplqld.org.au
www.cplqld.org.au/mfr
www.cplqld.org.au/cpweek
QUEENSLAND
Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland www.cplqld.org.au
55 Oxlade Drive, NEW FARM QLD 4005 ~ PO Box 386, FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006
1800 819 086
10

Dynamic Duo
THE CEREBRAL Palsy League
has aligned itself with the
Fundraising Institute of Australia
(FIA), which represents over
34,000 non-profit fundraising
organisations.
As a partner, FIA will assist the
League to strengthen its
fundraising programs by
providing benefits such as use
of FIA logo as industry
recognition of commitment to the
standard principles of
fundraising, professional
education, training and advocacy.
FIA has also delivered more than
10,000 hours of professional
development programs, and will
help the League to support its
staff in fundraising initiatives by
providing discounts to attend
programs including International
Fundraising Conference,
Madison Down Under and Skills
123. It will also place the League
in the FIA’s chapter mentoring
program.
With access to more than 3000
subscribers and 1000 members,
partnering with FIA will provide
the perfect vehicle to position the
League in a professional
environment, as it reaches out to
thousands of fundraisers who
support the social fabric of
Australia.
The League will have the
opportunity to feature in FIA
newsletters, including national
online monthly and chapter
quarterly publications, as well as
be provided with an information
service on industry information
and events, access to speaker
notes from FIA’s International
Fundraising Conference and
online resources through
members’ section of FIA’s
website.
Use of the information and
opportunities provided through
partnership with the FIA will
assist the League with advocacy
of the fundraising industry
through government
consultation.
Bulbs
GARDENING is one of the most
relaxing hobbies and quite often the
bulbs we need are hard to find or
simply not available at the time we want
them. The Cerebral Palsy League has
found a supplier of a large range of
flowering bulbs at a competitive price.
There are three current popular
selections and the League would be
interested in hearing from you should
you want these for your garden.
The range is very extensive and, while
unable to hold the entire range, should
there be a particular flowering bulb you
looking for, please let us know and we
will try to find it for you.
Alstroemeria
(Peruvian Lily)
Exquisite, showy flowers streaked in
contrasting dark colours are borne in
clusters on leafy stems 70-120cm tall.
The hardy, tuberous plants can be left
undisturbed for many years. Good cut
flowers. Flowering time late spring and
summer. This particular offering is the
Red Fury, bright red with a yellow
throat. Price: $7.00 each or $18.00 for
three pieces.
Dutch Iris
These hardy Iris produce elegant,
showy blooms on stems averaging
50cm in height. When planted in
groups or on their own, they make an
impressive display and can be left in
the ground for several years.
Flowering late September/October.
This particular offering is the Mystic
Beauty - deep blue falls tinted gold with
deep blue standards. Price: $6.00 for
three pieces or $15.00 for ten pieces.
Double Freesias
When in bloom in spring, Freesias, with
their attractive colours and wonderful
perfume are admired by all. They are
excellent for cut flowers and can be left
in the ground for several years. This
offering is the Purple Rain - striking
purple-pink double flower. Price:
$10.00 for ten pieces or $15.00 for 25
pieces.
These bulbs are available for a limited
time due to their flowering times.
To place an order or ask about a bulb,
contact:
Marketing and Fundraising
1800 819 086
fundraising@cplqld.org.au
Funding
GOVERNMENT funding is vital
to the effective running of the
Cerebral Palsy League and its
service provision in the areas
of therapy, equipment,
technology, accommodation
and employment to the
thousands of families who rely
on the organisation.
The League was pleased to
receive funding recently from
the Gambling Community
Benefit Fund for IT and
specialised equipment totalling
almost $80,000.
Disability Services Queensland
also helped with their funding
grant for building upgrades and
specialised equipment.
While Federal grants through
the Non-Schools Organisation
funding have been a topic of
interest with regard to indexation
and increases for
Queenslanders in recent times,
the League was pleased to
receive non-recurrent
additional funding totalling over
$96,000 for projects in 2006,
including:
• Complex Communication
Needs Project
• Brisbane and Sunshine
Coast Therapy Project
• CQ Rural and Remote
Outreach Service
• Gold Coast Regional Centre
• State-wide Outreach Project
• Mackay Region
• Toowoomba - Rural and
Remote Outreach Service
• Wide Bay Burnett Region
• CQ Trial Equipment Project
• Trial Equipment 2005
The League would also like to
thank the St George Foundation
for their continued support to
improve the quality of life for
children with cerebral palsy
through their generous funding
of specialised equipment.
11

Fundraising
Identification
THE CEREBRAL Palsy League
issued a warning to residents in the
Sunshine Coast region in February to
check fundraiser identification closely
before making a donation after
receiving reports of teenage girls
fraudulently collecting funds.
Sunshine Coast residents were
cautioned to ask for proof of
identification before handing over
cash and to report suspicious
collectors to the Police.
“No identification, no donation,”
Margaret Scott, the League’s
Marketing and Fundraising Manager
and Board member of the Fundraising
Institute of Australia said.
“This is the fastest way to stop
fraudulent collectors in their tracks,”
she said.
“Whether for Art Union tickets, raffle
tickets or a cash donation, ask the
fundraiser for proof of identification
before handing over money.”
Ms Scott said fraudulent fundraisers
were deplorable and harmful to the
reputation of Queensland charities but
could be easily avoided.
“Fraudulent collectors are an
unfortunate reality and we’ve
implemented strict identification
guidelines to curb offenders,” she
said.
“It’s compulsory for people collecting
donations on behalf of the League to
carry an identification badge or letter
of authority, which includes the
League’s logo and is signed by a
delegated League authority.
“An official receipt is also provided for
all donations,” she said.
For further information, contact:
Marketing and Fundraising
Cerebral Palsy League
1800 819 086
Communication
kindness
NAMBOUR RSL President Eddie
Nichols presented League client,
Jayden Spark with a much needed Step
by Step communication device and
Jelly Bean switch at the Nambour
Special School in February.
The RSL raised almost $400 for the
equipment, which assist Jayden to
communicate more effectively during
every day activities.
“This equipment will help Jayden to
interact more easily and often with his
peers,” League Speech Pathologist,
Bec Murrell said.
“There is a real need for
communication devices for many
children with cerebral palsy and
specialised equipment can be
expensive,” she said.
Ms Murrell estimated expenses for
current clients’ communication needs
to be over $50,000 in the Sunshine
Coast region alone.
“Help from the community and clubs like
the RSL help relieve the financial
burden on families,” she said.
The Nambour RSL has consistently
showed their support for children with
cerebral palsy in the Sunshine Coast
region, for which the League extends
its sincere thanks.
SmartSupplies TM
SMART Supplies is a
specialised online provider of
more than 1950 lines of
genuine IT consumables and
14,000 lines of office products.
Anything purchased from Smart
Supplies attracts a two per cent
rebate that automatically
comes back to the League
when you quote:
Community Rebate Code
m2wcerqld
If you have to buy IT
consumables and office
supplies (and who doesn’t),
why not choose the option that
gives back to your local
community!
www.smartsupplies.com.au
For Sale
‘97 Toyota Hiace
Commuter Bus - 14 seats VGC
(double compliance plates
and manual ramp)
$14,000 ono
For further details, contact:
Ph: (07) 5598 4634
Communicating made easier: (left to right) Community Liaison Officer for the Cerebral Palsy
League, Gary Hewitt, Lesley Spark (mother), League client, Jayden Spark, Child & Family Support
Service Program Coordinator (Sunshine Coast), Mellisa Dunphy and Eddie Nichols, President
Nambour RSL who presented Jayden with communication switches.
12

PAYROLL donations are a tax
effective way for people to give
regularly to charity. More than
$12 million dollars has been
donated to the Cerebral Palsy
League through the Payroll
Donation Program over the past
35 years.
These funds have assisted with
the provision of vital services
and equipment to thousands of
children and adults with
cerebral palsy in Queensland.
As a passive form of donation,
many staff and companies
have supported this program
and have helped to raise
awareness of cerebral palsy in
their communities.
For as little as a dollar a day,
Queensland employees can
make a huge difference to the
lives of thousands.
For further information, contact:
Payroll Donations
Coordinator
Ph: 3358 8052
fundraising@cplqld.org.au
Keeping in Time
At an International Day of People
with a Disability BBQ at the Gold
Coast in December, League staff
member, Keith Hampton provided
musical entertainment while being
conducted by League client,
Conrad James.
The afternoon BBQ was well
attended and many of the
audience joined in with songs they
knew, especially to the theme of
Pink Panther.
Seated informally around the
shade of the trees overlooking the
lake, was the perfect setting for a
good afternoon of food, fun,
friendship and entertainment.
Right: League client, Conrad
James conducts for musician
Keith Hampton at the International
Day for People with a Disability
celebrations at the Gold Coast in
December.
13

Worth its weight in gold
Pre-loved cars could be worth their
weight in gold to people with cerebral
palsy through the Cerebral Palsy
League’s new “Online Vehicle
Donations for Charity” program.
Unused cars, motorbikes, boats,
trucks, trailers and even jet skis that
are still in good condition, can be
transformed into valuable fundraising
dollars thanks to the new vehicle
donation program.
Vehicles can be collected and
auctioned at no cost to the League,
and donors will be provided with a tax
donation receipt for the sale price, with
all funds raised going towards helping
people with cerebral palsy.
“Since launching in March, more than
thirty cars have been donated to the
program,” Business Development
Manager for the League, Brett Lucas
said.
“We have even had a Hobe
Catamaran donated from the same
person who donated a car,” he said.
“The better the condition of the car,
the more it will sell for at auction,
however we’re open to all offers
because everyone wins in the end.”
For further information, contact:
Online Vehicle Donations
for Charity
1800 819 086
www.donatecars.com.au
Pushing cars for cash: League employee, Novella Martin helps Vicki Love move her car into the Online Vehicle Donations for Charity program to benefit
people with cerebral palsy. Cars can be donated on-line at www.donatecars.com.au to be auctioned for funds - donors receive a tax deductible receipt
for the sale price. Photo courtesy of Quest Community Newspapers 2006.
Kokoda TrailA Taste of BorneoEgyptInca Trail
Choose your own adventure....
Great Wall of ChinaAfrican SafariChoose Your Own
14

Personal Record Book
What is the personal record book all
about It is a handy little tool and free
publication with three main purposes:
· To assist you and your solicitors
to establish the best possible
estate plan for you and your family
· To aid your executor in the
administration of your estate
· To provide vital information to your
family in the event of an
emergency or your incapacity
So, if you are interested, we can send
the Personal Record Book out to you
and provide advice on how to fill it out.
It is important that details are kept in
one place, are easily accessible to
your loved ones and that your wishes
are honoured after your life.
It’s a good idea to let the appropriate
people know about your Personal
Record Book.
At the same time, we hope you will
consider in the course of your
planning, making a bequest in your will
and joining our new League of Friends
donor loyalty club.
If you have remembered the League
in your Will, you are already part of the
League of Friends and can let us
know where to send your invitations
to social events and functions by
calling (07) 3358 8093.
For further information, contact:
Donor Relations Manager
Ph: (07) 3358 8093
bequests@cplqld.org.au
Be a Factor, Be a Benefactor!
Help us, help others
MOTHER Nature tends to work in
less obvious ways at times.
Demand on League services
continues as more children are
diagnosed with cerebral palsy and
their service requirements continue
into adulthood.
There are four fundamental issues
for people with cerebral palsy, and
the League:
• Cerebral palsy is one of the most
expensive disabilities to
manage and provide services
for;
• Equipment needs continue to
change and the ensuing costs
are enormous;
• Cerebral palsy is a life-long
disability;
• Cerebral palsy can occur in any
family and there is no cure.
The League needs your financial
assistance to maintain services to
its clients.
In addition, one child is born in
Australia every 18 hours with
cerebral palsy.
The need continues to grow and
without your assistance we will
struggle to meet service demands.
Please, dig deep.
(See reverse for details)
15

Please accept my donation of:
$100 $50 $250
$ Other _____________________
Please find enclosed my cheque/
money order made payable to:
Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland
Please debit my credit card:
Mastercard
Visa
Amex
Diners
Card number:
Yes!
I want to help the
Cerebral Palsy League
_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _
Cardholder’s name:
_____________________________
Cardholder’s signature:
_____________________________
Expiry date: ____ / ____
Name: ________________________
Company: _____________________
_____________________________
Address: ______________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Suburb: _______________________
State: _______ Postcode: _________
Phone: ________________________
Email: ________________________
1800 819 086
www.cplqld.org.au
I would like further information on:
Leaving a gift in my Will
Volunteering
Queensland Cerebral Palsy Register
PO Box 386 Fortitude Valley Q 4006
Thank you so much for caring
Donations are fully tax deductible
16
Children’s Service
Funding Crisis
PARENTS of children with a
disability are only too aware of the
need for therapy services and how
important these are to ensure their
child has the best possible
foundations to grow from.
While the League receives
significant Government funding for
children’s services this needs to be
supplemented by the League to
cover the full cost of delivering these
services.
Currently, there is a shortfall of more
than $200,000 in children’s services
which the League has to allocate
from its fundraising efforts, directly
to children’s services.
Funding targets for this financial
year have not been met for a number
of reasons outside of the League’s
control, including increasing costs
such as petrol prices and
competing support for natural
disasters (Cyclone Larry) have
made an impact.
“The League can never be certain
about the amount of money it can
fundraise each year and allocates
funds based on an estimation on
previous year’s outcomes, and the
costs associated with the provision
of therapy and support for clients,”
Mr Milligan said.
“The League needs to raise the
difference in what it costs us to
provide services to clients and what
is received through funding grants
from the Government,” he said.
The League is appealing to
communities to once again
recognise the League when
donating funds to charity.
Funding crisis:
Sunshine Coast clients were recently
affected by teenagers posing as League
fundraisers, collecting funds to keep for
themselves.
Even though the police were involved, the
League fears incidences such as these are
affecting donor confidence, as it
experiences the worst fundraising shortfall
in recent years.
The League needs to raise at least $200,000
by the end of the financial year, to cover
budgeted children’s services costs.
If you, or someone you know, is in
a position to aid the League
financially or provide opportunities
for the League to act upon, we
would like to know.
To make a donation or tell the
League about a fundraising
opportunity, contact:
Children’s Service Funding Crisis
Cerebral Palsy League
Ph: 1800 819 086
fundraising@cplqld.org.au
Currently, there is a
shortfall of more than
$200,000 in children’s
services...