Touchstone Spring 2011 - Cerebral Palsy League

Cover photo courtesy of Chris McCormack, Quest Newspapers4Why Touchstone?7Touchstone means a benchmark,reference point or measure of quality.We like to think our magazine is abenchmark for our industry and asingle point of reference for everythingyou need to know about CPL.what’sinside?2 REGIONAL INSIGHT101 Jobs in 101 Days2 THE CUTTING EDGEThe NDIS4 SPECIAL FEATUREPicnic in the Park7 ALL ABOUT YOUAnnie Higginson8 FACES & PLACESCP Awareness Week12 BEHIND THE SCENES14 IN BRIEF15 CLIENT Q&ALaura Scurr16 WHAT’S NEW17 THE GRAPEVINE18 STATE CCC UPDATE18 P&G UPDATE19 CEO MESSAGE8Caboolture: 101 Jobs campaign going strongCPL’s very own MylestonesEmployment at Caboolturerecently launched the 101Jobs in 101 Days campaign tohelp people with a disabilitygain employment and raiseawareness of the contributionthey make to the workplaceand their local community.Individuals receiveassistance with vocationalprofiling, interview skillsand on-the-job support tohelp achieve their personalprofessional goals.Two of the participants inthe campaign are AndrewGardner of Delaney’s Creekand Richie Goodacre ofNarangba.Twenty-five-year-oldAndrew secured a casual retailposition for a local hardwarestore and has alreadycompleted his induction andtraining.Richie has secured a casualrole as a disability supportworker and he also providesadministration support atHomelife. The 21-year-oldcontinues to volunteer at thelocal community radio station101.5FM on a weekly basis as well.Mylestones EmploymentCoordinator, Rosslyn Fullagar,said the team is halfway throughreaching their goal of 101 jobs.“We have a very supportivecommunity from Caboolture toKilcoy, which is great,” she said.“So far the jobs range fromadministration, hospitality, IT andlandscaping to factory work andcar detailing.“It’s important to look at theperson’s skills, experience andwhether they can perform thejob, rather than whether theyhave a disability or not,” she said.For more information or tosupport the initiative pleasephone 07 5499 3379 or emailmyemployment.cab@cplqld.org.au.Government commits to improving the disability systemRegional InsightRosslyn Fullagerand Andrew GardnerUpdate on thenational disability insurance schemeThe Cutting EdgeVisit us at cplqld.org.au55 Oxlade DriveNew Farm QLD 4005PO Box 386Fortitude Valley QLD 4006Editor – Lesley SladeCommunications ExecutiveT. 07 3358 8084F. 07 3358 2495E. lslade@cplqld.org.auPatronGovernor ofQueenslandHer ExcellencyMs PenelopeWensley ACHAVE YOUR SAYTell us about the issues you’d like toread about in Touchstone!T. 07 3358 8084E. marketing@cplqld.org.auREAD US ONLINEDownload Touchstone atcplqld.org.au/touchstoneIn August you may haveheard the federal governmentannounce its plan to reform thecurrent disability care systemwith a National DisabilityInsurance Scheme (NDIS).This means Australians willbe provided with insurance forthe costs of support if they, or afamily member, have a disability.It will create a more fair andequitable system across all statesand territories.The scheme will provideindividually tailored care andsupport to around 410,000Australians with significantdisabilities, allowing them tochoose where they use theirfunding so they can purchaseservices to best meet theirneeds.Regional NDIS trials will startin July 2014, before the scheme(estimated to cost $13.5 billion ayear) is rolled out to the rest ofthe nation over the next sevenyears.CPL applauded thegovernment’s backing of theNDIS, however CEO AngelaTillmanns has called on thestate government to step upand secure regional trials inQueensland.“This is a major milestone in along journey, but we must nowfocus on the next step forward.By being involved in the NDIStrials, Queensland would be ableto fine-tune the scheme andbe at the forefront of triallingnew and different ways toprovide services to people withdisability.”Angela said it is imperativefor Queensland to be “on thefront foot” from the very earlystages so it doesn’t end up beingdictated to by states such asVictoria and New South Wales.“Queenslanders are strugglingnow and simply cannot wait forfour to seven years for the NDISto be fully introduced,” she said.There are many social andeconomic benefits of theNDIS. Not only will it empowerAustralians with disabilities todecide where they spend theirfunding and on what types ofservices, it will also boost theworkforce (freeing up carers toreturn to work) which will resultin a stronger and more profitableeconomy.Visit cplqld.org.au for moreinformation or to download acopy of the NDIS inquiry report(available in a range of formatsincluding Plain English and EasyEnglish).2 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 20113

Special Featurepicnic in the parkcelebrates Queenslandersof all abilities147More than 5,000 people enjoyed some fun in the sun at CPL’s thirdannual, inclusive and accessible Picnic in the Park presented by TreasuryCasino & Hotel at Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane on July 3028Picnic in the Park (PIP) kickedoff Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek (July 31 to August 6) andcrowds made the most of foodstalls, live entertainment, thesoccer tournament and children’sentertainment precinct whichincluded a petting zoo, sandcreations, interactive displays,train rides, face painting, rovingentertainment and jumpingcastles.A jam-packed stage programfeatured CPL’s very ownCascades band, classical guitaristLorin Nicholson, local songstressFrancesca de Valence, folk rocksinger Dreadlock Cowboy andthe 18-piece Australian ArmyBand Brisbane.CEO Angela Tillmanns said PIPwas a celebration for all ages andabilities with a focus on fun.“The festivities are aimed atpromoting and celebrating theachievements of Queenslanderswith cerebral palsy and physicaldisabilities,” she said.“It’s the perfectopportunity for children,families, friends,colleagues and the rest ofthe community to cometogether and enjoy eachother’s company as well asthe picnic atmosphere.”On the day CPL’s CelebrityCook-off saw two teams gohead-to-head as they battledit out to prepare the bestdish and impress the judges,including The Courier-Mail FoodEditor Natascha Mirosch, Boardmember Simone Fraser andAngela Tillmanns.MasterChef contestant JohnHughes, Brisbane Roar midfielderErik Paartalu and 97.3FM’s JoHenderson took out first placewith a Moroccan lamb dish (seethe winning recipe on page 6).John, who has slight cerebralpalsy, said “Brisbane turned onthe best weather for Picnic inthe Park, which was sensational!I have not seen an event like itbefore in Australia. It was a greatday for many people and familiesto come together and celebrateeveryone’s ability.”Photo 4 (opposite) courtesy of ChrisMcCormack, Quest Newspapers3561. Doug Thomson enjoyed the live entertainment; 2. Ten-year-old Lachlan McGrath on the Variety liberty swing;3. There were lots of interesting characters to meet; 4. Rowan Crothers, Bridie McKim and Jarrod Larkins-Lawhelped launch the event; 5. Trevor Hughes enjoyed meeting the roving entertainment; 6. CPL Ambassador MarkBetts with John Hughes and ‘Roary’; 7. Sally Doran made the most of the great weather; 8. Crowds flocked to theentertainment precinct; 9. Teams battled it out in the Parsons Brinckerhoff corporate soccer challenge9John’s Chocolate TartThis is the tart recipe that got John Hughesonto MasterChef! Why not try it out too...PASTRY INGREDIENTS• 165g unsalted butter• 110g caster sugar• 280g plain flour• 2 eggs• 35g cocoa powder• zest of half an orange• pinch of saltFILLING INGREDIENTS• 300ml double cream• 2 tbs caster sugar• pinch of salt• 115g softened butter• 200g Cadbury Dairy MilkChocolate• 250g Cadbury 70% CocoaChocolate• 100ml milk• 30ml Muscat/Tokay (optional)• cocoa for dustingTo make the pastry:1. Cream together butter, sugarand a pinch of salt.2. Sift and fold in the flour andcocoa powder, add the eggsand orange zest.3. Once it looks like breadcrumbs, gently work themixture into a ball, notworking it too much.4. Lightly flour the ball thenwrap in cling film and leave itin the fridge for an hour.5. Lightly butter a grease-proof28cm tart tin. Roll out thepastry and line the tin. Put itback into the fridge for halfan hour.6. Pre-heat your oven to 180 o C,cook the pastry ‘blind’ for12 to 15 minutes, or until thepastry is biscuit-like.To make the filling:7. Place the double cream,sugar and a pinch of salt in asaucepan. Bring to the boil,then remove from the stove.8. Add the butter andchocolate. Stir until all ismelted. Allow to cool slightlybefore adding the milk andMuscat/Tokay. Should themixture split, wait until itcools further before addingsome more milk, and stir asrequired.9. Pour the chocolate mixtureinto the tart base. Set in thefridge.10. Dust with cocoa beforeserving.4 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 20115

Picnic in the Park Stage Highlights3All About YouHitting theright notes2156Anne “Annie” Higginsonimpressed the crowd at Picnicin the Park when our very own‘Cascades’ took to the stage41. Runners-up in the cook-off: Treasury Hotel and Casino’s Linda Swanson and CPL Ambassadors Chris Scott andRay Smith; 2. Brett Whitmore from Cascades; 3. Vision-impaired classical guitarist Lorin Nicholson and his sonAndrew; 4. Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace MP welcomed flocks of picnic goers; 5. The Australian ArmyBand Brisbane was a crowd favourite; 6. Cook-off winning team: Erik Paartalu, John Hughes and Jo HendersonJohn’s Moroccan LambAnnie Higginson,trombone extraordinaireHave a go at preparing the Picnic in the ParkCelebrity Cook-off winning dish!INGREDIENTS• 1kg lamb backstrap(cut into approx 200g strips)• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds• 1 dried red chilli• 2 teaspoons peppercorns• 2 teaspoons sea salt• small handful of rosemary• 1 clove of garlic• 100ml olive oilTIP: John likes to dice up hissalads, mix in some feta cheeseand top with olive oil and lemon!METHOD1. Grind together all the herbs,spices, salt and pepper in apestle and mortar. Add theolive oil and mix.2. Coat the meat in the mixture.Wrap in cling film andmarinate for half an hour.3. Heat up a fry pan and addsome olive oil.4. Place the lamb in the fry panand cook until tender. Thelamb strips should only take2-3 minutes on each side.5. Serve with couscous anddiced salad.What a lot of people might nothave realised is that Annie hasonly been playing the trombonefor a year.In early 2011 she startedattending CPL’s Redcliffeservice three days a week and,in particular, it was the musicand art programs on offer thatcaught her eye.The 19-year-old joined‘Cascades’ in March and shehasn’t looked back since.Annie’s mum Harvinne said herdaughter was very persistent inchoosing the trombone and shepicked it up quite easily.“Annie plays by ear which isamazing. She practises at homeevery day and on Thursdays shehas her one-on-one music lessonat Browning Street Studios inWest End,” Harvinne said.“She likes any kind of musicbut her favourites are probablyjazz, blues, Cuban and salsa.”All of the Higginson familycame to Picnic in the Park atBrisbane’s Roma Street Parklandin July to watch Annie play aspart of the stage program.Her parents Harvinne and Pauland younger brother Robertwere very impressed with theturnout.“Annie really loves performing– if it was up to her she’d play allday!” Harvinne jokes.“Being part of the band isgreat for Annie – it’s a chancefor her to really express herself.When you look at where shewas and where she is now it’samazing!“Quite often kids with autismhave incredible attention todetail and focus. This is great forher music. She has a real knackfor it!“She’s tried the piano andkeyboard but her real love is forbrass instruments,” Harvinneexplains.Annie’s other interests includecars, computer games, walking,swimming, shopping, make-up,nail polish and dancing.6 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 20117

Faces and Placescpl community celebratescerebral palsy awareness weekjuly 31 to august 6711101358291246Photo 8 courtesy of RussellBrown, Quest Newspapers1. BROWNS PLAINS3. HERVEY BAY5. MOOROOKA7. NEW FARM9. SPRINGFIELD11. TOOWOOMBADebra McDonald joined friendsand family for a delicious lunchat the get-together barbequehosted by CPL Browns Plains.2. CAPALABAChristine Hackett gave herseal of approval to the artworkcompleted by Christian Griffithsat the launch of CPL Capalaba’snew frog habitat where visitorswere treated to a hot lunchfollowed by specially made frogthemeddesserts.Tracy Papavasiliou and VictoriaAnderson got into the spiritand helped raise awareness foran NDIS at CPL Hervey Bay’s‘RoyalTea’ event.4. MARYBOROUGHRobert Hadlow showed hissupport for an NDIS, signing thepetition at CPL Maryborough’s‘VarieTea’, where participantswere encouraged to bring indifferent dishes from around theworld.Nadine Wastell and JessicaP’ng were all smiles at CPLMoorooka’s barbeque andafternoon tea for family, friendsand the community to showcaseclient achievements.6. ROCKHAMPTONCatherine LeLacheur, DeonHume and Clinton Oram helpDeputy Mayor Rose Swadlingattach an NDIS sticker to her carat a ‘High SocieTea’ hosted byCPL Rockhampton.The Hon Minister for DisabilityServices Curtis Pitt chatted toSuli Peek and her parents atCPL New Farm’s ‘DisabiliTea’ tosupport the campaign for anNDIS.8. REDCLIFFEShannon Howard and KierenFrahm had a great time at CPLRedcliffe’s ‘Sounds and Sizzle’which included a sausage sizzle,guided tours of the facilities anda performance by ‘Cascades’.Felicity Kelly-Cruise andJasmine Ludlow created art atCPL Springfield’s barbeque toshowcase services and programsat the Marsden Scout Hall.10. SOUTHPORTMalcolm Lilley attended CPLSouthport’s sunny celebration atthe new Broadbeach all abilitiesplayground. Malcolm helpedthe Gold Coast City Council todesign the playground whichruns adjacent to the beach.Andy McLean participatedin CPL Toowoomba’s InclusiveWorkshop Day which showcasedtheir woodwork, photography,clay work, music, cooking andsporting activities.12. TOWNSVILLECorinna Myers and RoannaCoulter from CPL Townsvillehelped raise awareness forcerebral palsy at colourfulinformation stalls set-up in localshopping centres.8 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 20119

Faces and Places13. KALEIDOSCOPIC3Genice Wolski and other artistsfrom CPL Redcliffe showcasedtheir talents at the Kaleidoscopicexhibition in July at the RedcliffeCultural Centre. The textilescollection included canvassed wallhangings, dresses, aprons andcushion covers which were all verywell received by the public. (Photocourtesy of Quest Newspapers)4. ORIGIN SUPPORTERS267A group of Rockhampton adultaccommodation clients and staffmade a special trip to the third Stateof Origin match in July. The grouptravelled by Tilt Train to the GoldCoast where they stayed, and thentook a connecting train to Brisbanefor the game. Helena is picturedhaving a great time at the Origindecider at Suncorp Stadium.45. TOOWOOMBAPresident of Master BuildersFoundation (Queensland) DerekPingel presented a cheque for$95,000 to CPL South WestRegional Manager Penny Atfield tohelp with the refurbishment of theToowoomba centre.6. SCREECH THEATRE1. SOCCER STARSBen Flynn, Sam Dixon andBrandon Rae from Our Lady of theRosary School in Kenmore raisedvaluable funds for CPL recently.The grade seven boys organised a‘penalty shoot-out’ soccer stall atthe school’s mini fair in July, whereother students tried to get past thegoalkeeper. CPL would like to thankthe boys for their kind donation!2. FLIGHT EXPERIENCEMaddison Jones of Caboolturetook part in a CPL-organisedexcursion to Flight Experience inBrisbane recently. Five-year-oldMaddi hopes to one day be a pilotand she got to test out a Boeing737NG simulator much to her delight.58Sarah, Emily, Kara, Sophie andEmily are pictured warming upbefore CPL’s Screech DramaGroup’s fabulous show, ‘TheSpangled Star Awards’. The nightwas a huge success with all theperformers teaming up to create anunforgettable performance filled withglitz, glamour and even ghouls!7-8. ART FOR ART’S SAKECPL Ambassador Heather Foordand her daughter Grace attended theofficial opening of Art for Art’s Sakeat the Riverside Centre in Brisbane inJune. Heather lent her vocals as MCand the night also included a fashionparade by designer Julie Tengdahl.John Wisner from San Franciscoand Sara Lewis from Brisbanewere some of the art enthusiastswho also checked out the amazingdisplays from Australian artists in theexhibition.10 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 201111

In BriefBetter Startfor kidsFrom July 1 children agedunder six who have beendiagnosed with cerebralpalsy, down syndrome, sightand hearing impairmentsor fragile X syndrome canregister to access funding ofup to $12,000, as part of thefederal government’s BetterStart program.Families will get todecide how much andwhere funding will be spentto best suit their child’sneeds. Examples includeaccessing early interventionservices such as speechpathology, audiology,occupational therapy,orthoptics, physiotherapyand psychology.The program alsopromises to provide supportfor families that have olderchildren, with a Medicarerebate available for thedevelopment of a ‘treatmentand management’ plan forchildren up to the age of 13.Families in regional andremote areas will also beable to apply for a $2,000one-off support payment toassist with travel expenses.For information contactCPL on 07 3358 8011.Joyce and Suli Peek areamong those familieswho can benefit from theBetter Start programREVIEW: SPANGLED STAR AWARDS NIGHTBy Elizabeth Navratil‘And the winner is...’ is a phraseoften heard at award ceremonieslike the Academy and GrammyAwards.Screech Drama Grouppresented their own awardsceremony with the galaperformance of the SpangledStar Awards in mid-August atHolland Park.Presenters ‘Ima Star’ and ‘MayI Win’ introduced acts such asa ghoulishly-funny operation by‘Dr Hackitoff’ and a scary piratefantasy.There were songs and dancesfull of exuberance and prizesfor the best dancers. There wasalso a lovely dreamy over-therainbowscene.The Screech participantsare to be congratulated forwriting and performing in thisentertaining show.Creative Director SandyPaterson and the team of carersand volunteers did an excellentjob assisting the performers.PARENTS HAVE A SAYIf you are a parent of a childaged 0-12 years with cerebralpalsy, now is the time to providevaluable feedback on whichtypes of family support serviceshelp your family and whichservices you would like CPL toprovide more of (e.g. websiteinformation, parent groups,respite, vacation care etc).Your feedback will be keptconfidential by researchers atCPL and the Australian CatholicUniversity who will collate theresults.Share your views bycompleting a short survey attinyurl.com/familysupportstudyor call Robyn on 07 3358 8001to arrange a phone interview.Survey closes 30 September.One of the stars,Sophie BrewerThe show ended with goldentrophies being awarded to theperformers, as this was a showwhere everyone was a winner.Liz is an arts enthusiast andthe Deputy Chair of the StateClient Consultative Committee.Research opportunitiesCP – PARTICIPATE!If you are a client aged 13years or older, CPL Researchwants to hear your views aboutwhich factors in your everydaylife help you, or prevent you,from participating actively andindependently at home, work,education or in your community.Share your experiences byfilling out a survey or registeringfor a focus group in the CP -PARTICIPATE study.Your feedback will be usedto develop new and betterCPL services that maximiseopportunities and the quality oflife for people with disabilities.Contact the CPL ResearchUnit on 07 3358 8001 or emaillstafford@cplqld.org.au. Entriesclose 30 September.MEN’S SHED GETS THUMBS-UPEarlier this year CPL’sCapalaba service partneredwith members from the localcommunity to launch a ‘Men’sShed’ at Alexandra Hills.The shed (about 10 minutesfrom CPL’s Capalaba service) ispart of a nationwide programpromoting men’s health andwellbeing.Capalaba’s Support in theHard workpays off for LauraHow would you describe yourself in five words?Determined to succeed in life.What did you study?I’ve always had a love of business and I completeda double-degree in commerce and business at theUniversity of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba.What’s your dream job?I would love a full-time role in accounting and oneday I’d also love to have my own restaurant!What are your other interests?I enjoy reading biographies, spending time withfamily and friends and I recently took up tai chiwhich I do in a kneeling position.Community Manager, SusanWedmaier, said there was alot of interest from retiredbankers, builders, plumbersand electricians looking to getinvolved in the program.The sheds are a place to bond,talk, share a cuppa, pass on skillsand learn new ones as well.The retirees have the benefitof staying active and buildingthings, while also striking upfriendships and mentoringclients.There has been a hugeresponse for membership andmeetings are held regularly.The current location is onlytemporary and there are plans tomove the shed to a larger venuepossibly next year, once thecouncil has secured a new site.Client Q&ALaura Scurr is a determined 23-year-old from Toowoomba with drive andambition. She has athetoid cerebral palsy but she prefers to focus on her abilitiesrather than let her disability define her. Touchstone grabbed a few minutes withLaura to find out what makes this intelligent young lady tick...Can you tell us about the USQ Tertiary Taste Program?USQ’s Tertiary Taste Program is a two-day event designed to give students with a disability an insight intouni life and the types of support USQ offers. My role was to talk to the students about my USQ experience,the supports I had received and the enjoyment I got out of my studies.Why is it important to you to inspire others to achieve their dreams?I believe that anyone, regardless of their levels of ability, has a right and an obligation to be the best thatthey can be and to work towards their goals and dreams. It is my belief that the more of us who succeedand become accepted in our chosen careers, the easier it will be for those following.What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?Never give up and don’t allow others to determine what you can and can’t do (advice given by my Mum).Laura Scurr14 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 201115

What’s NewAccess and InclusionPlan for BrisbaneHOMES TO BE MADEMORE ACCESSIBLEA new not-for-profit has beenestablished to encourage betteraccessibility practices in theconstruction industry.Livable Housing Australia willpromote greater understandingof the value of universal housingdesign throughout the residentialbuilding and property industry.Also, earlier this year thegovernment introduced newPremises Standards ushering insignificant changes to the waypublic buildings are designed,constructed and renovated.This means greater safety andaccessibility for all Australians.The standards also have thesupport of the Building Code ofAustralia.CPL WELCOMESNEW DIRECTORCPL is pleased to announcethe appointment of SimoneFraser (pictured with son Angus)to our Board of Directors.Simone will fill a temporaryvacancy until elections inNovember at CPL’s AGM.The 30-year-old is a lawyerand senior analyst withWellington Merchant Bankand brings with her specialistknowledge in the legal andbusiness areas.Simone also has first-handexperience of being a client ofCPL (when she was a child) andwill be a great addition to theBoard.Photo courtesy of Paul Guy, QuestNewspapersCPL has been workingalongside Brisbane City Councilto make the city more accessiblefor people with disability.The Draft Brisbane Accessand Inclusion Plan is a five-yearstrategy focusing on promotinguniversal inclusion so mainstreamfacilities and services areaccessible to all residents andvisitors.The State Client ConsultativeCommittee and CPL workedtogether on ideas beforepresenting them to the Councilat stakeholder meetings and in awritten response.Some of the initiativesproposed in the plan include freerecharge facilities for mobilityaids such as electric wheelchairsREVAMPED FACILITYALLOWS GROWTHThe Marsden Scout Hall wasgiven a ‘facelift’ midway throughthe year to make way foradditional services provided byCPL Springfield.Staff, clients, family, friends,representatives from the localBunnings and members fromthe community all pitched in torenovate the hall, give it a freshcoat of paint and tidy up insideand out.The hall played host toSpringfield’s new vacationcare program for children withdisability during the June/Julyschool holidays.It is also being used Mondayto Friday as an extra facility forSpringfield’s adult day service.and scooters in public places,and building a dedicatedmobility centre in the CBDoffering equipment for hire.Another recommendation wascreating an interface for peoplewith hearing impairments andother communication difficultiesso they can contact the Council’scall centre via web chat or SMS.Apart from newrecommendations, the planalso proposes 60 extensionsto existing Council initiativeswhich would improve access andinclusion.Earlier this year the Councilalso announced that all 26wards would have at least onedistrict park providing all-abilitiesplayground equipment.STUDENTS DEVELOPASSISTIVE DEVICESCPL has thrown its supportbehind the QueenslandUniversity of Technology’sEngineering for HumanityChallenge.The competition encouragesstudents to develop assistivedevices for people with disabilitywhich will provide greaterindependence.$10,000 in prize incentives willbe up for grabs with the winnersto be announced in November.Eighteen-year-old Dale Gonelli,helped launch the competitionduring Australian EngineeringWeek in July.Dale is pictured alongsidestudents Shaun Giddy and LalitaLinklater.TURN UP THE RADIO& STAY CONNECTEDThe GrapevineIt’s been over three years sinceCPL Springfield launched theIpswich Connections radio showand it continues to go from strengthto strength. The program, whichis run by people with disability,focuses strongly on issues whichaffect the lives of people withdisability and was the first of itskind in Queensland. It highlightsthe successes and the challengesfaced by people with disability, asMartyn Kneale and Stephneywell as industry news, sport andEveratt from Ipswich Connectionsentertainment.As the program’s profile grows, so too do the number of interestingand inspiring guests, with presenters interviewing the likes of CurtisPitt (Minister for Disability Services) and MasterChef’s John Hughes.The Ipswich Connections team hope to have the internet-basedradio show broadcasting on the University of Southern Queensland’snew community FM radio station by the end of the year.Ipswich Connections is broadcast on Phoenix Radio every Fridayfrom 1:30 to 3:00pm. To listen visit: http://phoenixradio.ning.comWIN TICKETS TO THE CHOIR OF HOPEAND INSPIRATION’S FIRST QLD SHOWSBrisbane and the Gold Coastwill get their first chance to seeThe Choir of Hope and Inspiration(formerly The Choir of Hard Knocks)live in concert in October.Created specifically for peopleexperiencing homelessness anddisadvantage, the Choir has beenhighly acclaimed and awarded fortheir hard work and commitmentsince their formation in 2006.Founding Musical DirectorJonathon Welch said this is theChoir’s first time performing inQueensland and is a reward fortheir persistence and dedication.“We’ve found audiences find the concert experience uplifting,inspiring, funny, touching, full of warmth and joy,” Jonathon said.“There’s a shared feeling of unity and community amongst anaudience that’s also shared onstage with the Choir members.”Being a member of the Choir has helped many to grow inconfidence and self esteem and move on to study or work.To celebrate the Choir’s first visit to Queensland, CPL is givingaway three double passes to both the Brisbane (12 October) andGold Coast (9 October) performances. To enter phone 1800 819 086or visit cplqld.org.au/giveaway and tell us why you would like to seethe show.If you have some ‘insider information’ that clients and theirfamilies might find useful, send your tips to The Grapevine andhelp spread the word. Simply email marketing@cplqld.org.au16 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 201117

State CCC UpdateCEO MessageThe State Client ConsultativeCommittee (CCC) has beenactive, engaging with RegionalCCC and State CCC electionsI would like to extend mythanks to all those clientswho have participated andcontributed to the successof their CCCs. I have been reelectedas the Chairman of theState CCC and Elizabeth Navratilwas elected as the Deputy Chair.The State CCC had a two-dayreview in early July. Membersgave feedback about the DraftBrisbane Access and InclusionPlan to the Brisbane City Council.Picnic in the Park and thevarious Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek events across the statewere fantastic ways for manyclients, families and communitiesto come together.On August 2 the Ministerfor Disability Services, CurtisPitt, hosted a Disabili-Tea atCPL New Farm to promote thecampaign for the introduction ofthe National Disability InsuranceScheme. Members of the CCCscelebrated this event.Lastly, the State CCC wishesto acknowledge the wonderfulcontribution made by YvonneDonnan for almost 17 years ofservice to clients, families andemployees of CPL in variousroles. Yvonne’s legacy at CPL willbe her dedication to the lives ofpeople with disability and theirfamilies. The State CCC thanksYvonne for her commitment andwishes her every success.SincerelyTerry DonaldsonChairman State CCCClockwise from left: Angela with John Hughes (MasterChef) and GeoffHogg (Managing Director Treasury Casino & Hotel) in the build-up toPicnic in the Park; Angela speaking about the NDIS; Fiona Anderson(State Campaign Coordinator), Michael Hogan (Deputy Director-GeneralDisability Services) and Angela show their support for the NDIS campaignDiary NotesSeptember 17 – October 2School holidays- QueenslandSeptember 18 - 24Disability Action Week- Australia-wideSeptember 26 - 29Camp Have a Chat- Redland BaySeptember 28Art Union 146 Drawn- New FarmOctober 19CPL Sportsman’s Luncheon- Gold CoastNovember 26CPL Annual General Meeting- New FarmDecember 3International Day of Peoplewith DisabilityDecember 6CPL Supporters Soiree- BrisbaneFor further information on eventsor to buy tickets visit cplqld.org.auP&G UpdateThe Parents and Guardians (P&G) Association recently heardabout the federal government’s announcement that it wouldintroduce a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)Although the scheme is stilla few years off being a reality,it will allow Australians withdisabilities to choose the variouskinds of support that will bestsuit their needs and empowerthem to select which serviceproviders they would like to use.One of the biggest concernsfor parents whose son ordaughter has a disability wouldbe ‘how are they going to fare,particularly in later years?’. Asa parent of a 60-year-old sonwho has cerebral palsy and livesat home, I would be pleased tohear from other parents whomay have similar concernslike how their son or daughterwill manage their affairs andfinances. We older parentscannot expect to be here forever,but we would like to havesafeguards in place for the futurecare of our sons and daughters.While there has been forumsand meetings already to explainthe NDIS, I would be happyto meet with other parents orguardians who wish to learnmore about the scheme. TheP&G Association could organisea meeting and a guest speaker,so parents and guardians arefully briefed on the issue.In closing I would like tocongratulate CPL on anotherfantastic Picnic in the Parkevent. It was a wonderful dayfor families and friends tocome together and enjoy eachother’s company and celebrateachievements.SincerelyJoan WilliamsP&G PresidentCPL Board member Des Orr joinsthe crowd of happy Picnic-goersAn updatefrom the ceoThe year has been flying by and I hope you all enjoy this bumper editionof Touchstone which focuses on Cerebral Palsy Awareness WeekPicnic in the Park kicked-offthe week and it was fantasticto see so many people of allages and abilities enjoying thebeautiful weather and the picnicatmosphere. I was fortunateenough to be on the judgingpanel for the Celebrity Cook-offand had the chance to sampletwo amazing dishes! It was atough contest, but the teamcaptained by John Hughes waseventually declared the winner.A massive thanks goes to Johnfor coming up to Queensland tohelp celebrate Picnic in the Park.John has followed his passionfor cooking and winemakingand it’s been great to see histalents recognised on a nationalstage through MasterChef. He iscertainly a great mentor and CPLlooks forward to working withJohn again in the future.The other events and activitiesorganised around the state forCP Awareness Week were terrificas well. Launching all-abilitiesplaygrounds, frog habitats,holding workshops and opendays, high teas, barbeques,showcasing client achievementsand celebrating with song anddance were great ways to raisethe profile of cerebral palsy.Thank you to everyone whohelped organise these eventsand also to the individuals,families and communitymembers who attended.In more exciting news,CPL was thrilled withthe government’s recentannouncement that a NationalDisability Insurance Scheme(NDIS) was to become areality for Australians. This is alandmark change to the currentdisability system, giving peoplewith disabilities a choice inwhere they spend their fundingand on whatever services andequipment they believe will bestsuit their needs. (The full storyis on page 3.) While it is excitingnews, we still have a long wayto go. CPL will continue to pushfor regional trials of the NDISto be held in Queensland, sowe are on a level footing withother states and territories.Thank you to everyone who hassupported the NDIS campaignand signed the e-petition ateveryaustraliancounts.com.au.Just finally I would like towelcome Simone Fraser to ourBoard of Directors. Simone hasfirst-hand knowledge of CPL andthe services provided – she willundoubtedly be a great additionto the Board. I would also like tocongratulate Director GrahamDavies for being named on the2011 Queen’s Birthday HonoursList for services to primaryindustries, regional communitiesand development of agribusiness.Graham has beenacknowledged as a Member ofthe Order of Australia.Touchstone will be back withone more edition before the endof the year and we look forwardto providing more news, profilesand feature stories for you then.Best wishesAngela TillmannsCEO Cerebral Palsy League18 Touchstone Spring 2011Touchstone Spring 201119