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| Back to Newsletter Index | |||||||||
| Pushing for Awareness | |||||||||
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Pushing a racing wheelchair from Canberra to Campbelltown was undertaken
by Australian Paralympian Paul Nunnari from December 1st through 3rd,
commencing at Parliament House and concluding at Campbelltown Art Centre. For many years Paul has been pushing for awareness of disability in the greater community, and now with his ground-breaking push of 284 kilometres has literally done just that. “I want to celebrate this day with the community and highlight the importance and achievements of people with a disability in the Australian community and in particular the Macarthur Region,” says Paul prior to embarking on his long journey. “I’ll stop at some primary schools and major centres between Parliament House in Canberra and the Campbelltown Art Centre. The purpose of these visits is to highlight to children the importance of believing in your goals and achieving them no matter what our circumstances. I will also address road safety.” |
 Paul Nunnari on his marathon push from Canberra to Campbelltown in December 2005.   Nunnari is greeted by Prime Minister John Howard outside Parliament House, Canberra.
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“The
theme, Pushing for Awareness relates to changing stereotypes and misconceptions
that are sometimes held about Disability”, Paul continues. “The
Paralympic Games held in Sydney 2000 was an event that changed the world’s
outlook towards disability. This push is my contribution in continuing
that positive change”. |
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| Push for awareness – Diaries of a crew member | |||||||||
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On the 1st December 2005 I found myself with Paul
Nunnari and Sherie Avalos in the Prime Minister’s Private Courtyard
as he cheered Paul off on the incredible push in a racing wheelchair
from Canberra to Campbelltown. Sherie and I were part of the support
team that made sure that Paul had a safe and clear path on the roads.
We also carried food, first aid, water, spare parts and spare tyres
for Paul’s racing chair. |
 Paul Nunnari with students of Mittagong South Public School.
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After the Prime Minister wished Paul a safe journey
we were off. Paul’s first flat tyre occurred as we left Parliament
House. This was quickly changed and with a police motorcycle escort
we traveled through Canberra and onto the Federal Highway. Paul experienced
no less than three blown tyres on that first day. |
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| General Manager’s column: Staff awards | |||||||||
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What a great night was had by all at the inaugural
MDS Staff Awards on 14th July 2005. And because it was the French Bastille
Day everyone came as his or her favourite French person or as a team;
for example the Three Musketeers. |
 Steve Mitchell accepts his award for Outstanding Service.  The BISS team with Anne Thorn, General Manager. |
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MDS Award for Team Excellence |
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| Recognition for Gym Buddies | |||||||||
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Exciting news for the Gym Buddies program already
this year. It’s only February and already we have a new Personal
Trainer, have received an award from the Governor of NSW, are planning
the next Gym Buddies intake and have decided to take part in the Campbelltown
City Challenge Walk. Our new trainer’s name is Nathan and we are very excited that he has joined the team. He already has some exciting ideas for the Gym Buddies that will keep them training hard and having fun. |
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Gym
Buddies was one of 8 programs across Australia invited to the Governor’s
House to receive an award from The Foundation For Young Australians
in recognition of funding they provided. Gym Buddies has been running
for 18 months and the funding from the Young Australian’s Foundation
has expired. It has been such a successful program that MDS has decided
to continue Gym Buddies as part of Macarthur Recreation Services. Hooray! Gym Buddies has now settled down with its new funding, new trainer and new timetable, and is ready to accept its next intake of Buddies. By March Fitness First will be home to a new group of hard working Gym Buddies. On 12th March 2006 the Gym Buddies will be using their increased fitness, strength, stamina and motivation to complete the 6km Fun Walk in the Campbelltown City Challenge Walk at Mount Annan Botanic Garden. If any one would like to join Gym Buddies in the walk or would like become a Gym Buddy or a Gym Buddy Volunteer, please contact MDS or visit the MDS website. Happy Training! – Clare Thorn, Gym Buddies Programmer. |
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| Congratulations in order for completed traineeships | |||||||||
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Four Macarthur Personnel clients have recently completed
full time one year traineeships and Macarthur Disability Services congratulates
them all on their achievement. Macarthur Personnel is now working hard
to ensure that they are placed in further employment. |
 Amanda Drummond on the last day of work with the team at Marketing Promotions and a representative from Macarthur Group Companies.  Sandra Mueller receiving her completion Certificate from Macarthur Group’s representative Ema Szynal. |
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Congratulations to all above MP service participants
on this great achievement in finishing these traineeships. |
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| Defying all boundaries | |||||||||
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Frank is an 18-year-old young man from an NESB background
with a mild intellectual disability. Frank has overcome many obstacles
in his life, which have impacted on his ability to learn and achieve
throughout school like other young men his age. Despite the barriers, Frank has become a very confident happy young man; he has a job he really loves, has work mates and friends that respect and support him, and has a loving and supportive family. Frank joined the Transition To Work program with Macarthur Disability Services in 2005, after leaving All Saints Catholic Boys College at Liverpool. Frank commenced Certificate 1 in Employability Skills with the TTW program. This course is VETAB accredited and is a qualification that is recognised Australia wide, but from the outset of entering the program Frank was determined to work. Frank poured all his energy into working really hard to overcome his employment-related barriers by further developing his hands on skills and improving his social, literacy and reading skills. Today Frank is working full time as a general hand in a local engineering company. Macarthur Personnel successfully negotiated this placement and is currently supporting Frank in the workplace. Frank was quoted as saying to his trainer “this is my dream job”. This success story highlights how Transition to Work and Macarthur Personnel work closely together to achieve job outcomes for MDS service participants. To top it all off, Frank was the recent recipient of the Encouragement Award in the Dynamic Achiever category, of the Macarthur Youth Commitment Awards. Congratulations! |
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| Working and learning together with MDS Day | |||||||||
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Koshigaya Park came alive again last year for MDS
Day 2005 on 13 October. Over 200 people with a disability their carers/families
and staff of MDS gathered to celebrate abilities and achievements while
enjoying the variety of entertainment and food provided throughout the
day. “MDS Day brings clients and staff together to celebrate, be entertained and provide information on the variety of services available for people with a disability”, says Anne Thorn, MDS General Manager. Now in its fifth year running, MDS Day has developed into an important annual event in the MDS calendar. Anne Thorn officially opened the day, welcomed people and emphasised the theme of “Learning and Working Together”. This theme was further emphasised in practice as over 25 young people with a disability received graduation certificates from courses such as Becoming a Worker and Transition to Work. Councilor and Deputy Mayor of Campbelltown Paul Lake presented certificates to those graduating on the day. The crowd was kept entertained by circus performers from Campbelltown Performing Arts High School, the delightful sounds of the band Djoliba Project, classical guitarist Jeff Tooth, and the South American drumming sensations of La Voz Drumming Workshop. There was a special debut performance by a group of women with a disability engaged in drama workshops; they are the “Fabulous Femmes”. This is a special project of Macarthur Disability Services in conjunction with the Benevolent Society. The C91.3 road crew kindly joined us, handing out many freebies. The Paddle Pop Lion from Streets was also present, amusing the crowd and handing out free ice creams. The Board and Management of Macarthur Disability Services would like to publicly acknowledge the invaluable support of the following sponsors who contributed towards the day. Without their kind assistance this special day could not happen, they are: C91.3 Camden Hire at Narellan Ken Shafer Smash Repairs at Blaxland Road Blue Ribbon Meats at Leumeah Bakers Delight Campbelltown Campbelltown City Council Streets Unilever Ice Creams The Coca Cola Foundation |
 Denise from the Access Program enjoying the day’s fesitivities.  Crispin with a member of the C91.3 Road Crew.
 Service participants bopping to the tunes of The Djoliba Project.  Humans and lions alike enjoy the beat of La Voz Drumming Workshop.  Paul Lake presents Brendan with his certificate.
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| Masquerade Ball | |||||||||
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Close to 200 people got into the groove at the annual
MDS Ball at Campbelltown Catholic Club to celebrate International Day
of People with a Disability. With a different theme for the ball every
year, 2005 was the year of the Masquerade Ball. Several individuals
from Macarthur Disability Services went to the trouble of making their
own masks, giving the night a uniquely personal touch. Sydney band Soul Juice did a great job entertaining the crowd, easily ensuring the dance floor was full of partygoers at all times. A small number of lucky people were invited up to the stage, showing off their moves for all to see. In his usual style, Rob Moran and his “barrel girl” Julie gave away a large number of door prizes and gifts on the night. The MDS major raffles were also drawn, giving away a framed and signed jersey of 2005 premiers Wests Tigers, along with framed and signed Wallabies jersey, and a signed Home and Away script. The annual ball is always a huge hit among clients of MDS; be sure to look out for details on this year’s Ball in upcoming newsletters. MDS would like to take this opportunity to thank the following sponsors who supplied financial support and/or donated generous gifts for our major raffle: Andrew Baderski Dental Camden Council Ken Shafer Smash Repairs Macarthur Group Companies Australian Wallabies Australian Socceroos Wests Tigers Channel 7 Sydney Bridgeclimb |
 Service participants Jessica and Angela know how to party.  Never a dull moment on the dancefloor.  Kylie as Shrek, with Mary as a Clone Trooper of Vader's 501st legion.  James joins Soul Juice on the stage. |
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| No shortage of parties for MDS service participants | |||||||||
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For MDS, the year’s end is packed with several
special events and celebrations. Aside from MDS Day and the Masquerade
Ball, a Halloween Party in October and Christmas Party in December were
also held for clients. The Halloween Party was enormous fun, with most people adorning their best Halloween costumes. It was hosted by Broughton Street service participants. Santa Claus came to Campbelltown with his elf Belinda to wish MDS service participants a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 150 service participants from Progressions, Access and Macarthur Personnel danced to past and present hits with MDS’ regular DJ Ian. Party food and Christmas gifts were provided to all service participants. Santa’s visit marked the end of another great year for all at MDS with staff and participants heading off for a well-deserved holiday break. |
 Julia in her witch costume.  Michael demonstrates that there is more to the Vampire's diet than just blood. |
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| Macarthur through my eyes | |||||||||
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MDS, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Art Start NSW, Campbelltown
City Council and Camden Council recently collaborated to create an opportunity
for people with a disability to photographically record their vision
of Macarthur: Macarthur Through My Eyes. MDS employed a professional
photographer and drama therapist to provide workshops for participants
on how to use a digital camera and to explore and expand their concepts
for photographs of what is important to each individual. |
 A nasty storm threatens the humble Campbelltownian backyard. Photograph by Scott Endycott. |
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The photographs were then placed on exhibition at the
Arts Centre for three weeks and will tour through the local region in
2006. A total of 55 photographs were hung in the main gallery with over
100 others displayed in the foyer. |
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| Femmes deliver a fabulous show | |||||||||
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As part of Macarthur Disability Services’ celebrations for International Day of People with a Disability, the ‘Fabulous Femmes Performers’ demonstrated a selection of theatre pieces at Campbelltown Art Gallery. The performances were designed to educate the audience, featuring women with disabilities as the actors, who create a far greater impact in the roles, rather than hiring actors without disabilities. |
The Femmes’ fabulous show at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
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MDS
secured funding through the NSW Premier’s Department for Women,
to create a disability awareness-training program to highlight the issues
that women with disabilities have when accessing health services. The performances were a conglomeration of diligence, creativity and ‘woman’ hours that came to fruition on December 3rd, 2005. |
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| Wheelchair rugby demo a smash hit among students | |||||||||
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Held at Macarthur Anglican High School and presented
by MDS, this game was booked out well before the starting whistle blew.
With such a positive reception to the film Murderball (see next page) this game inspired two nights before, it was a great to see the crowd on its feet ready to witness this grudge match between the city and county teams of NSW in all its fast and furious glory. |
 Macarthur Anglican High hosts a big game. |
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With
a crowd of over 300 students within the confines of a basketball court
there was a buzz and energy throughout the game that was amazing. City
became a man short and I was more than happy to pull on a number, transfer
into a wheelchair rugby chair and try to help smash my team to victory.
At the games conclusion there was some question and answer time from the crowd to the players. The players told their stories while the students were mesmerised. This was one of the most enjoyable events I have ever been to. The awesome news is that it will return in 2006, bigger, faster than ever, so stay tuned. All who supported and attended these events, thank you. I hope you enjoyed. - Paul Nunnari. |
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| A special screening | |||||||||
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Murderball is an award winning film, which chronicles the rivalry between the U.S.A and Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Teams from 2002 to the conclusion of the 2004 Paralympic Games held in Athens. It is a film that transcends the confines of a sporting documentary by offering an in-depth look into the characters behind the jerseys. While on this journey it blows away the misconceptions widely held about “Disability”. It is a real film about real people and the fire that burns in us all, known as the human spirit. |
 Murderball is available now on DVD. |
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MDS along with Dumaresq St Cinemas was very proud
to present a complimentary screening of this film to the community of
Macarthur. The screening was the prelude to many events held in the
Macarthur area as part of the celebration of International Day of People
with a Disability. The film was enjoyed by all in attendance and set
the stage for a very exciting week of events hosted by MDS. Among the audience was Creative Director of C91.3, Patrick McGeown. “I am still thinking about the film and that is a good thing”, said McGeown. “I forget many of today's films once I leave the cinema! But Murderball has left an impression”. Murderball was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. |
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| Paul Nunnari on C91.3 every Saturday! | |||||||||
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As of Saturday February 25 local Paralympian Paul Nunnari will be
hosting a sports show on Macarthur's C91.3. |
 Paul Nunnari. |
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| Service Participant Get-together Meeting | |||||||||
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Service participants and members of MDS are encouraged to attend our Service Participant Get-together Meetings. The next meetings for 2006 will be held: April 5 – Complaints & Individual Needs All meetings are held Wednesdays at MDS Head Office – Level 8, 138 Queen St, Campbelltown. Please contact MDS for more information. |
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| Information & Referral Service | |||||||||
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Macarthur Disability Services runs a Free-call Telephone
Information and Referral Service for people who are frail aged, have
a disability, carers and their families. Our trained staff will listen
to your situation, then put you in touch with the most suitable and
appropriate service. |
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| MDS Updates | |||||||||
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 Seniors Cultural Diversity Over Lunch, April 6, 2006. |
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| Disability Service Standards | |||||||||
Every issue of MDS Moments will feature one of the twelve Disability
Service Standards. Below is a summary of Disability Service Standard
1 – The Right to Complain.
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| © 2003-2007 Macarthur Disability Services Ltd. Copyright Notice | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer | |||||||||
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