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

THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER / VOL 36 / ISSUE 1 / SUMMER 2012
Connecting kids with their worlds for more than 70 years.
1

THE OFFICIAL NOVITA NEWSLETTER / VOL 36 / ISSUE 2 / SUMMER 2012
From the Chief Executive
Contents
03 Police Association of SA helps Novita
04 Making SA ‘NDIS ready’
05 Graduates’ big day out
06 Novita Achievement Awards
07 Supporters’ Cocktail Party
08 New pool complex
09 New Director Client Services
10 West End Mighty River Run
11 Novita staff awards
12 Diary Dates
Front cover image: Callum
Novita News is published by Novita Children’s Services
PO Box 2438
Regency Park SA 5942
Editor: Arndrae Luks
T: 08 8243 8234 E: novitanews@novita.org.au
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.
2
Connecting kids with their worlds for more than 70 years.
T
he dawn of a new year heralds new
beginnings. It can also be a time for
reflection on a year just passed. As
I reflect on the past year at Novita, I draw
considerable satisfaction from the gains
that we have made.
Novita’s Board of Directors resolved
to extend the application of the current
Strategic Plan until 1 January 2013, at
which time a new plan will be launched.
In arriving at this decision the Board
considered the currency, relevance and
flexibility of the Plan, its strategic directions
and key objectives as Novita develops and
transitions to a new plan.
In financial terms, overall, the result
for the year was positive and the
organisation remains in a sound
position to deliver its services.
We took time to celebrate too. The
highlight at this year’s Annual General
Meeting and Supporters’ Cocktail Party,
held in November, was the presentation
of the Annual Achievement Awards where
the milestones and achievements of
Novita’s clients were showcased to our
members, corporate supporters and
guests (see pages 6-7).
I was delighted that the Hon Minister for
Disabilities, Ian Hunter MLC, was able to
attend the Supporters’ Cocktail Party,
where he presented the Minister’s
Community Achievement Award to Jesse
Aungles. Recipients of all Awards are
featured on our website.
The Police Association of South Australia
(PASA) presented Novita with a cheque for
$50,000 as the beneficiary of the inaugural
PASA lottery. The lottery was part of the
Association’s centenary celebrations,
promoting the benevolence of the police
community (see page 3).
Novita presented its Community
Partnership Award to PASA at the
Supporters’ Cocktail Party in recognition of
the excellent support the Association and
its members have generously provided.
The fifth annual West End Mighty River
Run was again highly successful. The
five-day trip along the River Murray, from
Blanchetown to the Murray Mouth, helmed
by Novita Ambassadors John Riddell and
Jason ‘Snowy’ Carter, was a great
success, raising more than $150,000 for
Novita. Over the past four years the event
has raised more than $500,000 for children
living with disabilities and their families
(see page 10).
A unique
graduation
ceremony marked
a special occasion
for 34 young
children and their
families when the
inaugural Age 5
Graduation
Ceremony of the
Home Interaction
Program for Parents and Youngsters
(HIPPY) took place at Novita’s Regency
Park Centre. HIPPY consists of a proven
early-learning curriculum achieving great
results (see page 5).
Looking ahead, our organisation is well
placed to meet the demands expected of
us because of the structural changes we
have implemented.
There has been a quantum shift in
government thinking on approaches to
disability policy. New Australian and South
Australian Government disability policy
reforms announced in recent months flag
new and valuable relationships with
government, service providers and people
living with disability, their families and carers.
At a State level, people with a disability
will have greater choice in the services
they use – and how and when they use
them – under a major revamp of disability
services in South Australia. The Premier,
the Hon Jay Weatherill MP, has announced
the State Government’s intention to
radically reform the provision of support
for people with disabilities, following the
release of the disability blueprint ‘Strong
Voices’ (see page 3).
Meanwhile, the Australian Government
has announced it will work with the State
Government on measures to help get the
State ready for a National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS). An NDIS will
ensure Australians with disability have
access to the care and support they need
to participate in all aspects of life, no
matter where they live, if they were born
with a disability or how they acquired their
disability (see page 4).
The year has started well. I look forward
to Novita’s further contributions to the support
of the 2000 children and families whose
interests we serve each and every day.
Glenn Rappensberg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Greater choice for
people with a disability
P
eople with a disability will
have greater choice in the
services they use – and
how and when they use them –
under a major revamp
of disability services in
South Australia.
The Premier, Hon Jay
Weatherill (pictured), has
announced the State
Government will radically reform the
provision of support for people with
disabilities, following the release of the
disability blueprint ‘Strong Voices’.
Federal Disability Reform Minister,
Hon Jenny Macklin, and State Disabilities
Minister, Hon Ian Hunter, joined Mr
Weatherill to make the announcement
at Novita Children’s Services’ Regency
Park Centre, in December.
Under the changes, instead of the
system dictating the services individuals
receive, people will be able to choose the
services that are most important to them
for their needs and aspirations.
Everyone who receives six or more
hours a week of disability services will
receive a personalised budget and will
be given the option of receiving direct
payments to manage their support needs.
“For too long, people with disabilities
have been told what services they will
receive, when and how they will receive
them,” Mr Weatherill said.
“They have been told what time they will
eat their meals, what time they will go to bed.
“We want to provide greater opportunity
for people with a disability to take control
of their own lives and make decisions just
as any other South Australian does.”
Mr Hunter said the Government had
been investing record amounts of money
into supporting people with disabilities and
providing more services than ever before,
but the current system is nearing the limits
of its effectiveness.
“Money will be needed to fix this
problem – but we first need a fundamental
rethink of the way we provide
disability services,” he said.
“One of the clear messages
from the disability blueprint
was the most authoritative
voice in making these
decisions should be the
person with a disability.”
The revamp of disability
services is the primary
initiative in the State Government’s
response to the disability blueprint,
with the Government supporting 16 of
the 34 recommendations with others
to be considered in the Budget process.
“These changes will ensure South
Australia is well placed to implement
the new National Disability Insurance
Scheme,” Mr Weatherill said.
Measures to be introduced would
include:
Everyone who receives six or more hours a week
of disability services will receive a personalised
budget and will be given the option of receiving direct
payments to manage their support needs
• Drafting a new Disability Act.
• Providing $600,000 to support an extra
120 people with a disability to access
training and gain employment.
• Developing a disability justice plan,
which will improve protection for
people with a disability in the criminal
justice system.
• Creating a new role for the Ministerial
Disability Advisory Council to
independently monitor disability reform
and service standards and report their
findings to parliament.
• Improving public transport access,
including routine scheduling of
wheelchair accessible buses, and
better timetable information about
wheelchair accessibility, such as a
mobile phone application.
“The magnitude of this task is
considerable,” Mr Hunter said.
“This is a first response – the Government
will be working with the disability sector to
consider this report further.
“This is a long-term plan that presents
us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity
to reform the disability sector.”
POLICE
ASSOCIATION
OF SA HELPS
NOVITA
A
t the prestigious Police
Association of South
Australia (PASA) centenary
celebration dinner held at the
Adelaide Town Hall in December,
Novita Children’s Services was
presented with a cheque for
$50,000 by Association President,
Mark Carroll.
Novita was selected as the
beneficiary of the inaugural
PASA lottery initiated as part
of the Association’s centenary
celebrations, promoting the
benevolence of the police
community.
Thanking the Association,
Novita Chief Executive, Glenn
Rappensberg, said: “These much
needed funds will go a long way in
helping Novita continue to deliver
its life-changing services to
children and young people living
with disability right across the State”.
He said PASA and the important
role it plays in supporting its
members as well as the community
through its benevolence was
“truly outstanding”.
“Novita was honoured to be
chosen as the beneficiary by
PASA and looks forward to
continuing the positive relationship
it has with the Association and its
members in the years ahead,”
Glenn said.
Novita had also presented its
Community Partnership Award
to PASA at its annual 2011
Supporters’ Cocktail Party,
in recognition of the excellent
support the Association and its
members have generously
provided to Novita.
3

NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME WELCOMED
N
ovita Chief Executive, Glenn
Rappensberg, has welcomed the
announcement by the Australian
Government that work has started with
States and Territories on measures that
will build the foundations for a National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This
followed the release of the Productivity
Commission’s final 1,000 page report on
Disability Care and Support.
“The need to establish an NDIS has
been advocated for by many thousands
of people with disabilities, their families,
carers and disability service providers
around the nation for some time,” Mr
Rappensberg said.
“Novita Children’s Services made
several submissions to the Productivity
Commission during its consultation
process on this important matter,” he said.
The themes of its submissions included:
• that all children and young people with
disabilities should be eligible for
inclusion within the NDIS
• that services must be driven and
empowered by people with disabilities
• that rights based legislation be
established for children and adults
with disabilities
• that disability services (support and
care) for children must be personalised,
caring and specialised, and
• that funding must be equitable across
Making SA
‘NDIS ready’
T
he Australian Government has
announced it will work with the
South Australian Government on
measures to help get the state ready for a
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
An NDIS will involve fundamental
changes to the way disability care and
support is provided in Australia.
The scheme will make sure Australians
with disability have access to the care
and support they need to participate in
society, no matter where they live, if they
were born with a disability or how they
acquired their disability.
The South Australian Government has
the nation, balanced by the desirability
of having local assessments, community
support and flexible responses, which
are critical for children and adolescents
with disability as they deal with changing
life needs.
“While the Australian Government’s
announcement supporting the Productivity
Commission’s vision is an important
step forward, the Government has yet
to endorse the recommendations or
commit the additional funding required
to implement the NDIS beyond an
allocation of $10 million to support a newly
established technical advisory group,” Mr
Rappensberg said.
“The Government has indicated that the
implementation of the scheme
undoubtedly will be complex and will take
significant time to enact. The Productivity
Commission sets out in its report that the
scheme would be implemented in stages
and not fully implemented until 2018-19.
“The Productivity Commission
concludes that while the cost of this
scheme is estimated to be $6.5 billion
above the current collective disability
funding of the Commonwealth and State
Governments, the social and economic
returns will outweigh its cost.”
Mr Rappensberg said the involvement
of State and Territory governments will be
critical in this reform. The South Australian
made a commitment to move towards a
model of individualised funding for people
with disability that will lead to improving
disability services and getting the State
‘NDIS ready’.
As part of the critical design and
development work needed to prepare for
the launch of an NDIS, the Australian and
South Australian governments will work
together to:
• coordinate the Commonwealth’s Better
Start and Helping Children with Autism
programs with South Australia’s early
childhood intervention services, and
• develop tools to help parents of children
with disability make informed choices
about the early intervention services
they receive.
This work will help to ensure that early
intervention programs provided by various
levels of government are coordinated and
educate families about the array of service
Government has said that “the State
Government has given its in-principal
support to the National Disability Insurance
Scheme, however it will look to participate
in further discussions on its delivery and
funding. The concept of the NDIS would
involve a fundamental change in the way
disability services are provided, managed
and funded.”
The Australian Government has also
recognised that for the not-for-profit
disability services sector, an NDIS will be
transformational change. As highlighted
by National Disability Services, “this will
require a much larger workforce
appropriately skilled; and the gearing
up of not-for-profit organisations to work
effectively in a competitive, individualised
funding environment. Meeting these
challenges will require investment in
building the capacity of the sector if the
value of not-for-profit organisations in
creating social capital is to be retained
and strengthened.”
The Productivity Commission’s final
report can be found at http://www.pc.gov.
au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/report
Novita Children’s Services’ submissions
can be found at http://www.novita.org.au/
Article/NewsDetail.aspxp=140&id=1761
Novita will continue to advocate for the
needs of the children and young people
and their families it serves.
options available to them.
This joint work will also inform the
design of the NDIS by providing a practical
example of how to give families the tools
and support they need to make choices in
the early years of a young person’s life.
Research demonstrates that intervention
in the early years can help children
with disability prepare for school and
lifelong learning.
Throughout 2012, the Australian
Government will work closely with state
and territory governments, people with
disability, their families and carers, service
providers and the disability care and
support workforce on the critical design
and development work for an NDIS.
Novita Children’s Services welcomes
the South Australian Government’s
commitment to improving the lives and
choices of South Australians with
a disability, their families and carers.
4

GRADUATES’ BIG DAY OUT
T
he graduates wore academic gowns
and mortar boards, but there was
something very different this time.
They were all five years old.
A unique graduation ceremony marked
a special occasion for 34 young children
and their families when the inaugural Age
5 Graduation Ceremony of the Home
Interaction Program for Parents and
Youngsters (HIPPY) took place at Novita’s
Regency Park Centre, in December.
HIPPY is a two-year home-based
parenting and early childhood enrichment
program targeting families with young
children. Importantly, it operates in the
heart of its community, meaning that it can
be highly accessible to families, using the
experiences and resources of families
themselves to learn from one another.
Long before children start school, they
are constantly learning new things from
their very first and most important teachers
– their parents.
And it’s this idea that is the cornerstone
of HIPPY.
By supporting parents and carers to
create an active learning environment at
home, HIPPY aims to give these youngsters
the best possible start to their formal
education, so they feel more confident
and happy about starting school.
It is family time well spent, with research
clearly showing that not all children start
school on an equal footing, and that those
who begin school behind their peers will
later struggle to catch up.
Presenting each child with their Graduation
Certificate, Novita Chief Executive, Glenn
Rappensberg, said it was wonderful to see
so many families and their children for the
special celebration of achievement.
“Novita Children’s Services has a
long-standing reputation extending
back more than 70 years of working
with children living with disabilities. It was
therefore a logical next step for Novita to
work in partnership with the Brotherhood
of St Laurence to engage a wider range of
children and families in the conduct of the
HIPPY Program at three sites in South
Australia,” Glenn said.
“And we are delighted that Novita’s
HIPPY programs have been so well
accepted within those communities.
“By the end of 2012, 225 children
and families will have been assisted
by Novita’s three HIPPY programs.
By the end of 2012, 225 children and families will
have been assisted by Novita’s three HIPPY programs
In 2009 and 2010 Novita successfully
tendered to provide HIPPY in the South
Australian suburbs of Mansfield Park,
Davoren Park and Salisbury North.
“I would like to acknowledge the funding
provided by the Australian Government
Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations for HIPPY,” he said.
“The Program was initially funded for five
years from 2008 to 2012 but, earlier this
year, the Federal Minister for Employment
Participation and Childcare, Kate Ellis MP
(above right), announced an extension to
the Program in Mansfield Park and
Davoren Park for an additional two years,
from January 2012 to December 2013.
Novita is very grateful for this recognition
of the value of the Program to our clients.”
In embracing the HIPPY Program, Novita
is fulfilling that part of its Strategic Plan
which stipulates that we will: “open our
doors to new clients, new challenges and
new solutions”.
“I congratulate those children who
graduated,” Glenn said. “This is a very
important step for them. It is also a
milestone for their families. I know that
they are enormously proud of their
children’s achievement.
“For its part, Novita is delighted to have
been a part of their journey.”
5

1
2
3
4
Celebrating achievements
of Novita clients
7
5
6
T
he 2011 Novita Achievement
Awards were a highlight of Novita’s
Annual General Meeting and
Supporters’ Cocktail Party in November.
The Minister for Disabilities, Hon Ian
Hunter MLC, was our special guest and he
presented the Minister’s Community
Achievement Award to Jesse Aungles (1)
who stepped up to receive the Award after
demonstrating he really is ‘connected with
his world’ through his participation in
activities and sports that include basketball,
tennis, kayaking, golf, cycling, Pedal Prix,
track chair, triathlon, and the arts.
The Wallmans Lawyers Academic
Achievement Award was presented to
William (Billy) Hosking (2) who is a very
dedicated student and excels
academically. At a Year 8 age, William
undertook predominantly Year 10 subjects
in 2011 including core Science, core
English, his Personal Learning Project, and
also core Maths. Next year he is looking to
complete some Year 11 subjects.
The President’s Achievement Award was
presented to Isaac Hodzic (3) who has,
through persistence and belief that ‘he can
do it’, transitioned from the Severely,
Multiply Disabled Unit at Elizabeth Special
School into a primary class, using his
walker. He now walks from the bus to the
activities he loves – swimming, horse
riding or simply walking through a puddle.
Zach Franz (4) received the Carol
Dibben Encouragement Award
(supported by John Dibben OAM and Ruth
Dibben) for showing a very strong
commitment to his local hockey club and
attending practice each week. It was a
weekly game and the team won its local
hockey grand final – an achievement
of which Zach is very proud.
The Pauline McGregor Award was
presented to Owen Hutchinson (5) who
is now able to walk 10m before lowering
with control to a sitting position. Owen’s
balance and the distance he is able to
walk before requiring assistance increases
each day. The supports have been
reduced on his Rifton Pacer and Owen
now chooses to walk independently of his
walker indoors. He can now explore and
investigate his environment with greater
ease, providing new and exciting
opportunities for him to learn.
Sam Paech (6) is an inspirational young
man deserving of the Recreational and
Sporting Achievement Award (supported
by David McNally). The challenges that he
has faced throughout his life have not
deterred him from trying his best at all
times. He would like to continue with his
football and is also interested in
participating in the Paralympics. Sam has
said that he has a lot of fun in being active
as he doesn’t want to “just sit on a couch”.
Daniella Mercorella (7) received the
Communication Achievement Award
(supported by Dr Debbie James) as a
result of her communication skills, which
have blossomed. She is more confident
and is initiating communication with those
around her. Daniella’s journey to find a
communication system which meets her
needs and allows her to communicate
clearly has been a long one. After trialling
many different types of communication
books and technology, she has not given
up, and with hard work her ability to
communicate has grown.
6

A special night
FOR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
1 2 3 4 5
N
ovita acknowledges the generosity of
its sponsors and supporters in many
ways, but the annual Supporters’
Cocktail Party is extra special. November’s
function attracted many of Novita’s
Auxiliaries, sponsors, supporters, volunteers
and friends for the presentation of formal
awards for services to the organisation.
The Police Association of South
Australia were the 2011 winners of the
Community Partnership Award presented
annually to recognise supporters,
sponsors and community clubs who have
demonstrated outstanding commitment
and support for Novita activities.
The candidate must be a company,
organisation or (non-member) individual
who has contributed more than $3000 in
cash or kind over the past 12 months in
support of Novita’s activities.
The Police Association of South Australia
supported Novita in 2010 with the
Association’s members donating funds
toward the inaugural Walk With Me event.
The Association’s involvement with Novita
continued in 2011 when Novita was chosen
as the recipient of their inaugural Police
Association of SA Lottery.
The Association initiated the lottery as
part of their centenary celebrations. The
purpose of this inaugural lottery was to
promote the benevolence of the police
community and to benefit a charity. The
Association saw the lottery as a logical
extension of the contribution police make
to the South Australian community. Funds
from these activities combined, exceeded
$70,000. The lottery also increased
awareness of the work Novita does
within the community.
The Novita Star Award is presented to
ongoing/long term corporate supporters.
Central District Football Club was the
2011 recipient of the Award. For three
years the Bulldogs have worn the Novita
star on their playing shorts. In an
unprecedented move in 2011 their famous
red, white and blue guernsey was used to
promote Novita with the addition of a
yellow star, yellow panel and the Novita
logo emblazoned across the front. It was
worn for the minor premiership late in the
season. The football match was televised
and featured in the press before and
after the match; in addition the fundraising
from the match day contributed over
$12,000 to Novita.
Harris Real Estate and Integrated
Waste Services (IWS) were each
presented with a Rising Star Award which
is given to new corporate supporters.
Harris Real Estate has assisted Novita
in maximising revenue by providing expert
auctioneers at many functions. Every time
assistance was requested of Phil Harris or
one of his team the response was always
an overwhelming yes!
Phil Harris is one of the most recognised
and awarded real estate professionals in
South Australia, having won both the Real
Estate Institute South Australian Salesperson
of the Year and Golden Gavel Auctioneering
Championship in 2008. Harris Real Estate
was also named New Agency of the Year in
the Real Estate Institute of South Australia
2010 Awards of Excellence.
IWS have been significant contributors
to Novita through the Italian Golf Club,
specifically Joe Borrelli, Chief Executive
Officer. Joe has repeatedly demonstrated
his desire to ensure Novita benefits
significantly from the Pro-Am event and
has been passionate about Novita’s
involvement and supporting its cause.
Through the Club and, in particular, their
Pro-Am event, IWS has helped to raise
thousands of dollars for Novita. It was the
20th anniversary of the event in 2011 and
a milestone for the company as major
sponsor – they have been major sponsors
since the event’s inception. The
company’s sizable donation boosted
the final result considerably.
Novita Stars Kathryn and Ben
Goldsmith successfully completed the
New York City Marathon in 4hrs 51mins.
With friends Liza and Justin Trim, and
James and Sophie Scott-Young, they ran
the 42km course to raise funds for Novita.
Novita Chief Executive, Glenn
Rappensberg, at the 2011 Supporters’
Cocktail Party, presented Kathryn and Ben
with a token of Novita’s appreciation for
their brilliant efforts.
Pictured: 1) Mark Carroll, President, Police
Association of South Australia. 2) David Cavenett,
Board Member (left) and Kym Jarman, Marketing
Manager, Central District Football Club. 3) Jennifer
Bills, Business Manager, Harris Real Estate.
4) Carlo LaBella, representing Integrated Waste
Services. 5) Kathryn and Ben Goldsmith, Novita Stars.
7

$4m POOL
rehabilitation
complex
planned for
Novita
A
new $4m hydrotherapy pool and
intensive rehabilitation complex
is planned for Novita Children’s
Services at its Regency Park Centre.
Novita Chief Executive, Glenn
Rappensberg, says the complex would
become Australia’s leading paediatric
rehabilitation therapy centre when built.
“We have a fundraising target of $1m
which puts us within reach,”
Mr Rappensberg said.
“It will be a place for children to receive
important hydrotherapy and give them
access to a purpose-built gym and other
equipment designed to help them receive
the best possible treatment as part of their
individual therapy.
“The new centre will be a significant
link between hospital-based care and
community support, as children and
families leaving hospital return to their
everyday lives. Our pools are accessed
by more than 230 children each week
and 16 special schools and disability
service organisations.”
Mr Rappensberg says Novita’s existing
pools were constructed in 1976 and were
now showing their age.
“Plans for the improved facilities will
enable us to broaden our services to attract
vacation swimming classes, afternoon
classes and an extension in opening hours.
We will also have the opportunity to provide
early morning and evening public classes
for children with disabilities,” he said.
Acknowledging previous support from
the State Government, Variety, the
Children’s Charity and Mr Ian Wall OAM
and Mrs Pamela Wall OAM, Mr
Rappensberg said Novita was now
appealing for broader community support.
“We know that transforming great
ideas into reality demands support and
commitment. It is our hope that the
community will now get behind our
fundraising campaigns to ensure we
achieve our goal of raising that magic
one million dollars.”
8
INTO RECORD BOOKS
H
undreds of children living with
disabilities and supporters pulled
on their walking shoes and walked
into the Novita record books in September
when they joined the annual Walk With Me
event in Bonython Park.
Young Novita Ambassadors Morgan
Cooper and Riley Stubing joined Novita’s
Patron, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin
Scarce, AC CSC RANR, Governor of South
Australia, Mrs Scarce, Novita President,
Professor Andrew Downing and Novita
Chief Executive, Glenn Rappensberg, to
walk the length of the 2.4km course.
Thousands of dollars were raised on the
day and a record turn-out eclipsed last
year’s event.
Walk With Me is a community event, run
under the auspices of Ability First Australia
(AFA), which celebrates ability and
encourages social inclusion for children
living with disabilities and their families.
“Take a step towards making a
difference in the lives of people with
disabilities… come Walk With Me!”
was the theme of Walk With Me 2011.
This national event raises funds for
respite services for people with disabilities
and their families. The event celebrates the
abilities of people with disabilities and
gives you the chance to walk side by side
with friends, sponsors, supporters and
clients of the member organisations.
“We were delighted with the outcome,”
Mr Rappensberg said. “So many families
came and took part in a leisurely
45-minute walk around the Park and then
joined Novita staff, clients and other
participants for a Picnic in the Park”.
“Free family activities featured John
Hughes, MasterChef top 50 contestant,
Series 3, who showcased his cooking
talents. Children’s entertainment included
interactive children’s band, Rockin’ Rocky
and Lindi-Jane, clowns, face painting,
air brush tattoo artists, crazy hair stylists,
balloon twisters and roving puppets.
Plans are under way for another event
later this year. Check the AFA website for
details www.abilityfirstaustralia.com.au

New Director Client Services
N
ovita’s new Director Client
Services, Julie Astley, is relishing
her new job at Novita.
“I want to have a positive impact on
a greater number of children and their
families in helping them connect with
their worlds in a way that just has not
been possible in previous positions
that I have held,” Julie says.
“I believe the diversity of my experience
in the commercial and not-for-profit
sectors will enable me to introduce a
variety of approaches that can be used
to assist kids to achieve their potential.”
Julie’s expertise is significant. In a
career spanning 25 years, she has
occupied senior leadership, management
and clinical physiotherapy positions in local
and international government, not-for-profit
and private health organisations.
During the past nine years, Julie has
enjoyed proven success within the private
children’s health
sector in Adelaide
as founder of
Child’s Play
Physiotherapy
& Aquatics for
Kids. Child’s
Play started in
January 2002 with Julie as its
sole practitioner. It has grown through the
skills of Julie, along with the talents and
skills of physiotherapists and practice
management and support staff,
to provide physiotherapy, hydrotherapy
and swim instruction services to more than
200 special needs children each week.
From 1995-2000 Julie was Allied Health
Divisional Chief at the Women’s &
Children’s Hospital. This involved the
strategic leadership and management
of more than 200 staff in the fields of
Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational
Therapy, Social Work, Speech
Pathology and Orthotics.
Julie’s clinical and business system
interest in the fields of children’s health,
education and disability started in her
two-year tenure at Methodist Hospital
Rehabilitation Institute in West Texas.
During 1993-1995 Julie held several
positions including Director of Outpatient
Services and Lead Physiotherapist.
She brings to her new role a
comprehensive understanding of the
importance of enhancing Novita’s
professional relationships with key players
in the childhood disability service industry.
Asked what she would like to have
achieved within her first 12 months, Julie
responded by saying she wanted to identify
the strengths of Novita Children’s Services.
Julie said she would like to seek out
opportunities for improving and building
on those strengths by working with Client
Services to develop staff action plans
which would enhance Novita’s service
delivery within the health, education and
disability arenas.
Christmas delights and treats for Novita youngsters
C
hristmas fairies, ice cream, face
painters and dancers lit up the
faces of dozens of youngsters at
Novita’s annual Client Christmas Party at
Regency Park Centre.
Queues to see Santa snaked all the way
from his den along corridors and around
corners and finally out the front door of
Novita’s main entrance at Regency Park.
Everybody wanted to say hello and put in
their special order for Christmas Day.
Novita staff, together with volunteers,
worked on barbecues and stalls handing out
a colourful assortment of fruit, jellies and
slices of bread wrapped around hot brown
sausages splashed with loads of sauce.
Entertainment by dancers, musicians
and pony rides rounded out a joyful, warm
afternoon that started at 4.00 pm and
ended at 7.00 pm. Giggling children ran
around clutching show bags generously
donated by major Christmas Party sponsor
Robern Menz.
Novita Chief Executive, Glenn
Rappensberg, thanked the sponsors who
helped make the day a resounding success.
“Two other people who really need to be
thanked are Chris Watson, who sourced a
significant donation to fund the event when
he approached his peers in industry and
who was also responsible for all the
packaged food and lollies with his wife,
Sue Watson, President of the New Era
Auxiliary, both great supporters of Novita,”
Glenn said.
“I would like to thank also Phil Sims,
Managing Director of Robern Menz, a long
time supporter of Novita, both through this
event and Bingo. For our Children’s
Christmas Party he provided 400
showbags that were selling for $20
at the Royal Show – all at no charge.
He also gave great support to Carols
by Candlelight of which Novita was
a beneficiary.
“Michael Evans, from Noises, one of our
entertainers, significantly discounted his
show in support of Novita. And our
gratitude is extended to Mosaic Audio
Visual, who supplied all the sound
equipment free of charge. I must mention
also Broadway for Kids who performed
free of charge,” Glenn said.
“We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
9

mighty river
run a runaway
success
Thank you to our sponsors West End, Yamaha Motors
Australia, Nippy’s Fruit Juices, Budget Rentals, Sorby
Adams Wines, Mix 102.3 and Northpoint Toyota
T
he siren song of SA’s ‘Ol’ Man River’, the mighty Murray,
snared dozens of yabby lovers during a five-day charity flotilla
in November.
The fifth annual West End Mighty River Run, an initiative of John
Riddell (Channel 7 Adelaide) and Jason (‘Snowy’) Carter (Mix 102.3),
raised thousands of dollars for Novita Children’s Services.
Adventurers set sail in 30 boats from Waikerie on 21 November,
headed for Blanchetown, Mannum and Murray Bridge, before
crossing Lake Alexandrina and tying up near the river mouth at
Goolwa on 25 November.
For the 137 crew members the event was a culmination of nine
months of fundraising, with crews undertaking everything from raffles
to movie nights to black tie events, and their efforts paid off, raising
$153,000 for Novita Children’s Services.
As a reward for their efforts, the crew enjoyed a fabulous week
of travelling down the Murray, all in glorious weather and with
entertainment from comedian The Old Fella and singing sensation
The Rubys.
The crews were treated to a demonstration of Jet Ski, Quad Bike
and Wave Runner skills by sponsors Yamaha Motors Australia and,
of course, the popular West End Beer Can Regatta.
Boaties taking part spoke wistfully of vanilla sands and golden
sunsets washing over small gatherings round barbecues sizzling
with sausages and steaks or even a fresh river fish caught that
afternoon. Friendships were formed and many tales told over
campfires late into the night before a warm sleeping bag beckoned.
“This is more than a trip down the River Murray, it’s a whole new
way of seeing life. You can’t replicate the experience any other way
– especially the crimson dawns when you and the water fowl seem
to be the only creatures alive on the planet when the sun’s rays peek
through the river red gums,” said one Mighty River Run regular.
A huge thank you to our sponsors West End, West End
Community Fund, Northpoint Toyota, Yamaha, Mix 102.3, Channel 7
Adelaide, Nippy’s, Budget Car and Truck Rentals and Sorby Adams
Barossa. Their generous sponsorship contributed to making the
2011 West End Mighty River Run the single most successful
fundraising event to date, taking the total amount raised over five
years to $500,000.
Plans are now under way for the 2012 West End Mighty River Run,
so register your interest by emailing events@novita.org.au
10

Dining among the roses at Carrick Hill
S
pringtime at Carrick Hill in October
is simply gorgeous – and for
showing off.
With the estate’s rose gardens in full
bloom, masses of delicate petals in vibrant
hues beckon those with a taste for a
traditional long lunch – all in the name
of charity, of course.
Adelaide’s Rainbow Committee for
Novita Children’s Services, headed by
well-known charity fundraiser and Springfield
resident Pamela Wall OAM (above left),
hosted its annual ‘Lunch in a Spring Rose
Garden’ in mid-October.
Guests were treated to a gourmet lunch
under a marquee in the grounds of the
famous estate and entertained by special
guest speaker Richard Heathcote,
Director, Carrick Hill.
George Gross and Harry Who presented
a fashion parade, followed by a Di
Roberton Millinery hat parade, with
make-up and hair by Clip Joint, Burnside
and jewellery by Middletons.
A range of tempting auction items were
available. They included jewellery from
Ann Middleton, French wine, a hat or
voucher from Di Roberton Millinery, and
various other treats. All money raised went
to Novita Children’s Services.
Pamela says it was a beautiful day for
everyone in one of Adelaide’s signature
garden party venues.
INAUGURAL NOVITA STAFF AWARDS
N
ovita’s Reward and Recognition
program is a great way to recognise
and acknowledge the outstanding
contributions of individuals.
The Excellence Award is Novita’s
annual award and is presented to an
individual who has made an outstanding
contribution to the development and
implementation of a significant initiative,
project or program. It acknowledges the
individual’s strong work ethic,
professionalism and excellent customer
service above and beyond.
The inaugural Excellence Award, has
been presented to Adam May (left), IT
Support Officer, Information Services.
Adam used significant initiative and
creativity to convert old computers into
thin client terminals, at no cost to the
organisation, resulting in enhanced
services at an organisation wide level,
ensuring all staff have access to their
own technology.
The S.T.A.R. Award is a quarterly award
and is awarded to an individual who has
had involvement in the development and
implementation of an initiative, project or
program. It acknowledges the individual’s
strong work ethic, professionalism and
excellent customer service above and
beyond what is normally expected.
Novita’s inaugural S.T.A.R. Award, has
been presented to Karin Humphrey
(Right), Senior Inclusion Support
Facilitator, Inclusion Support Program.
Karin took on a lead role in developing
information sheets in collaboration with
Gowrie Training Centre.
Various organisations (including TAFE)
have expressed interest in using the
information sheets not only as a practice
tool but also as a training tool for child
care staff. Due to Karin’s involvement in
the development of the information sheets,
she has built a relationship with other
organisations and also made these
organisations more aware of the services
provided by Novita Children’s Services.
Novita
mobile app
Keep updated via your mobile phone by
downloading the Novita smartphone app!
N
ovita has a new iPhone, iPad and
Smartphone application. It’s now easy
to keep up to date anytime, anywhere
with our latest news, upcoming events and
more by downloading our free app from
Apple iTunes or from the Android Market.
iPhone and Android versions of the app help
keep you connected by providing access to:
• Latest news and events feeds
• Novita’s Facebook and Twitter pages
• Novita YouTube channel
• Contact information for Novita offices
• The Contact Us online form
11

Diary dates
You are invited to attend any of the following
events. Please visit novita.org.au or contact
the Novita Events Team on 8243 8229 for
more information.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Stonyfell/Wattle Park Auxiliary
Movie Night
6.30pm Mon 2 April, Piccadilly Cinema.
Tickets $20 including supper. Call Edna
on 8332 4879 to book.
Entertainment Books
Order now: events@novita.org.au
Books available for pick-up in April/May.
Mighty River Run
Register your interest now by emailing
events@novita.org.au
Every week – Novita Bingo!
Marion
Marion Sports and Community Club,
Sturt Road, Marion
Network with Novita
Stay in touch with Novita
through Facebook and
receive daily updates.
Visit www.facebook.com/
novitachildrensservices,
and ‘Like’ our page.
Licence
Number
Wednesday 11.30am – 1.30pm (H164)
Friday 12.30pm – 2.30pm (H60)
Regency Park
Regency Park Centre,
171 Days Road, Regency Park
Sunday 1pm – 3pm (H61)
4pm – 5pm
(H64)
6pm – 8pm
(H64)
Tuesday 7.30pm – 9.30pm (H61)
Wednesday 7.30pm – 9.30pm (H65)
Thursday 7.30pm – 9.30pm (H61)
Friday 6pm – 6.35pm (H65)
7.30pm – 9.30pm (H65)
Saturday 6pm – 7pm (H62)
8pm – 10pm (H62)
Wingfield
British Working Men’s Club,
11 Davis Street, Wingfield
Thursday 12.30pm – 2.30pm (H63)
Visit www.novita.org.au/bingo for more details
Novita is also on Twitter – follow
us at www.twitter.com/novitastar
Watch Novita’s videos on our
YouTube channel -
www.youtube.com/user/NovitaCS
EASTER PARTY
Regency Park Centre
3.30pm Sat 31 March
Marion Sports Club
12.30pm Wed 4 April
British Workingman’s Club
12.30pm Thurs 5 April
Easter Appeal
This Easter, we are asking you to support
the young clients of Novita. They and their
families depend on us.
Will you help us to help them
By giving to Novita’s Easter Appeal you
help our special children and their loving
carers live their lives to the fullest. Please
help by making your donation in one of
two ways. Call Novita Children’s Services
on 1300 NOVITA (1300 668 482) or donate
online at www.novita.org.au/donate
And, Happy Easter!
Soul Deal
Save 50 - 90% on Soul Deals
Sign up to www.souldeal.com.au today,
select Novita as your beneficiary and start
rewarding yourself and helping Novita.
Novita Children’s Services is a
recognised leader in the provision
of therapy, equipment and family
support services to more than 2,000
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 worlds’.
Mail your donation to
Novita Children’s Services
PO Box 2438,
Regency Park SA 5942
Call 1300 NOVITA
(1300 668 482)
Donate online at
www.novita.org.au/donate
Visit Novita at 171 Days Rd,
Regency Park SA 5010
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
purposes of communicating with you.
Your information is strictly confidential
and will not be disclosed to any third
party. Please contact our Fundraising
Department on 8243 8229 if you have
any queries.
Novita News
Summer 2012
www.novita.org.au