New social activities provide plenty of fun in Colac MatchWorks … · 2018-05-31 · “House for Life” strategy, which aims to create accommodation opportunities for people with

artX exhibition celebrates 10 years:

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MatchWorks is set to become one of Australia’s largest providers of Disability Employment Services (DES) from July 1, 2018, and will connect people to jobs from an additional 80 locations.

Following a successful submission to the recent Federal Government DES grant application, MatchWorks will expand its current DES footprint to more than 100 sites across Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, ACT and Queensland.

MatchWorks will leverage off our existing footprint across Australia to deliver DES services, and there will be changes to the DES program, with job seekers given more choice and control over who they receive services from and how they receive those services.

MatchWorks also celebrated its 20-year anniversary last month, and produced a video to mark the occasion. The milestone will be celebrated at other events throughout 2018.

On May 1, 1998, MatchWorks launched with eight staff in Geelong and Bacchus Marsh, with other small outreach offices in Werribee and Melton. Karingal had been providing disability employment assistance through SupportWorks since 1992, but the establishment of MatchWorks provided a platform to deliver under the new funding arrangements, following the privatisation of the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES).

We have recently welcomed St Laurence MyWORK and Employment Services Group (ESG) to our business, which has strengthened and enriched our services to job seekers and employers.

Soccer players with disabilities will soon be playing alongside their local Geelong region club mates, after a proposal for an all abilities soccer league received an avalanche of support.

Eight local clubs have jumped at the chance to establish teams within their club setups after Leisure Networks and genU Karingal St Laurence put the proposal for a five-a-side all

abilities league to the Geelong Region Football Committee.

Potential players turned out for a registration day at Geelong’s Steampacket Gardens last month, and an all abilities exhibition match helped launch the new Drysdale multi-sport precinct.

The eight teams will play a 10-week season, and players will be linked with their local club.

Glen Snowden, genU Participate and My Community Manager, said organised sport brought many positive benefits to people with disabilities and the broader community.

“It’s already opening up new networks, friendships and relationships for everyone; it’s showing the community what people with disability can contribute,” he said.

For more information about the league, or to register your interest call Glen on 0429 978 712 or Tim Downes on 5224 9936.

The initiative is proudly supported by genU, Transport Accident Commission (TAC),Leisure Networks and Football Federation Victoria.

MatchWorks expands national Disability Employment Services delivery

genu All Abilities Soccer League to kick off in Geelong

MatchWorks will offer its DES services from an additional 80 locations.

Soccer players with disabilities will soon compete in a new competition affiliated with local clubs.

June 2018

Colac is abuzz with new group-based social opportunities for participants in the region.

genU’s Colac team has launched three new regular social outings:

• Girls in Town occurs each Wednesday night and is an opportunity for girls to come together for a night of fun. Activities include chats, movies, dancing, dinner, trips to Geelong, pizza and pyjama nights

• Lads Out occurs each Thursday night and provides an opportunity for guys to come together and hang out. Activities include going to the

speedway, barracking for their footy team at the pub, going out for dinner, poker, pool and darts.

• Out There is for people who want to hit the town and do a range of combined activities in small groups. This group heads out on a Friday night and they have been seen in the social pages out for dinner at pizza bars, the cinema, the pub for dancing followed by watching the footy.

All groups are facilitated and designed to meet the social needs of the groups. There are also plans for longer trips to Geelong and Melbourne as well as weekend trips to markets and sports venues.

For more information contact genU Colac on (03) 5231 5327 or email [email protected]

An ANZAC veterans’ memorial area has been developed for residents at Lara’s Costa House thanks to generous donations.

The memorial area includes a flag pole and stone pillars with the words ‘courage’, ‘endurance’, ‘mateship’ and ‘sacrifice’ crafted in metal and badges from the Navy, Army and Airforce.

A Lone Pine, rosemary, various plantings as well as more than 77,000 poppy seeds have been planted, and the poppies will hopefully be blooming by Remembrance Day in November.

A special thanks to Lara RSL, Tucker’s Funeral services, TAC and genU Inclusion alongside staff and residents at Costa House for making this memorial a reality.

New social activities provide plenty of fun in Colac

ANZAC memorial installed at Costa House

Colac participants including Toby will be part of new social activities.

03 5249 8900 genu.org.au1 Riverview Terrace Belmont VIC 3216

Karingal St Laurence Limited. Karingal St Laurence Limited ABN 74 614 366 031 | ACN 614 366 031 | TOID 5553

June 28Winter Workplace Big Day Out

The Winter Workplace Big Day Out is a unique employee volunteer experience. Supported by trained genU team members, our participating volunteers will assist people with disability to participate in a program of fun physical activities.

July 25artX Wyndham

The Wyndham celebration of artwork from artists with a disability.

August 15Workplace Big Day Out Wyndham

Wyndham will host a Workplace Big Day Out employee volunteer experience.

September 5artX Mornington

The Mornington celebration of artwork from artists with a disability.

September 15Doing Time 4 Community

A number of high profile business, government and community sector individuals from around the Geelong region will be “locked up” for a good cause.

genU Calendar

genu.org.au

artX (formerly KarnivART) is genU’s annual arts exhibition that celebrates the works of artists with a lived experience of disability or mental illness.

Held in three centres, Geelong, Wyndham and Mornington, artX Geelong 2018 opened on 9th May at the Gordon Gallery with an opening night event that saw over 100 arts lovers and the contributing artists appreciating a diverse exhibition of works.

Sculpture, photography, painting and drawing were all featured with many of the works selling on the night. The event marked the exhibition’s 10th anniversary.

“As an organisation genU supports people with a lived experience of disability and mental illness to live their best life. artX provides an important platform for participating artists to have their work seen by a wide audience which is a big step in the professional development of all artists,” said Mike McKinstry, CEO genU.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

artX Wyndham

25th – 28th July Pacific Werribee Plaza (outside Myer) Corner Derrimut & Heaths Roads Werribee, VIC 3030

artX Mornington

5th – 7th September The Corner Youth Hub 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington

Go to: https://www.genu.org.au/event/artx/ for entry details

artX celebrates a decade of extraordinary art genU News returns to inform and entertain

Accommodation team performs well in person centred study

New home for almost 300 genU Karingal st laurence staff

Welcome to the first edition of the new genU News.

After extensive consultation with members, families and clients, we have decided to bring back this newsletter to ensure we are reaching as many people as possible in our broad and diverse genU Karingal St Laurence family.

This newsletter aims to keep you up-to-date on the day-to-day happenings at genU Karingal St Laurence, while our bi-annual REALISE magazine brings to life the rich and diverse stories of the people which make our organisation great.

For those who are online, we encourage you to follow our social media channels through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. You can find instructions on how to connect with these platforms on the back page of this newsletter.

We continue to experience exciting change at genU Karingal St Laurence, such as the expansion of our MatchWorks Disability Employment Services from July 1, 2018, which you can read about in more detail on page 1.

We will also be moving into our new head office at Reynolds Road in Belmont

later this year, which we be a significant milestone in our history.

genU is committed to delivering the best outcomes for our clients, families, staff and business partners, and we thank you for your ongoing support as we move forward.

Mike McKinstry, genU Karingal St Laurence CEO

A new home for genU Karingal St Laurence staff in Geelong is taking shape, with the $15-million project set to continue investment in the Geelong region and further establish the city’s reputation as a centre of excellence in disability inclusion.

The state-of-the-art building at Reynolds Road, Belmont will house almost 300 genU staff including disability, aged care and employment services divisions. Construction company FOURSQ has sourced 70 per cent of building materials from local suppliers, further driving investment into the local economy.

genU enlisted NOW Architecture to design the three-storey, 3,100m² building which is environmentally friendly and will have minimal impact on the surrounding residential context and scale.

The head office design incorporates light shelves to decrease direct heat and glare and increase occupant comfort. The design also features timber concrete composite floors and this hybridisation enables designers to reduce cross sections, increase spans, and streamline structures in pursuit of sustainable architecture.

The building also features a Seasons Café, commercial kitchen, outdoor seating

areas, public and staff bicycle loops as well as 139 dedicated car spaces.

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2018.

Gaye Blackam, prize winner Hannah Wilkinson and Pasqualina Grosso.

Liam O’Neil.

Major prize winner Jack Napthine and genU CEO Mike McKinstry.

Grace Turner and Roz Court.

Manuela Bortoletto.

Marcus Lovell.

The new genU Karingal St Laurence head office will open later this year.

Person centred active support is about providing the right level of support so that people with a disability can be engaged in meaningful activities and meaningful relationships. This is the technique of support used in genU Karingal St Laurence Shared and Respite Living.

genU was one of 14 organisations across Australia which took part in a five-year

study conducted by La Trobe University. The study looked at how to embed active support and practice leadership.

La Trobe recently released the final year results of the study, and these showed very pleasing outcomes for genU. While there remains room for improvement, genU scored well on the scale used to measure active support.

Particularly worth noting:

• Levels of engagement have increased since last year and remain above the average for the whole sample.

• An increase in the quality of staff support was evident, with the average for this year higher than all previous years.

genu.org.au June 2018

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genU continues to move forward with its “House for Life” strategy, which aims to create accommodation opportunities for people with a disability.

There are a number of projects currently underway including:

• The construction of a four-bedroom house and attached one-bedroom unit in Portland due to open in September 2018. The Portland Lighthouse Home Inc. has been an integral partner in this development, with support from the Federal Department of Social Services and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

• Tara’s Dream in Ocean Grove which includes the construction of a five-bedroom house, two-bedroom unit and two one-bedroom units.

• Whittlesea respite: DHHS are currently managing the construction of a three-unit respite property with respite services by genU to commence in September 2018.

• A four-bedroom house and two-bedroom villa in McCrae.

• Redevelopment of Connor House respite, currently based in Mornington.

• The Melaluka units in Leopold.

• Purchase of land in Werribee for a new respite service.

In 2008, the Karingal Board made an initial investment towards the strategy of $5 million, with the remaining funds coming through partnerships with carer groups, local, state and federal governments, grants, bequests, donations and family contributions.

This initiative resulted in long-term housing

and support for 49 people, and 7 respite and transition-to-independence places. This includes the commencement or transfer of services in Frankston, Sunbury, Hoppers Crossing, Sydenham and Belmont.

Over the next four years, genU’s proposed total investment will rise to $21.7 million as we strive to create further accommodation opportunities for people with a disability, supporting almost 100 people.

Volunteers make an amazing difference to people’s lives, and genU Karingal St Laurence is lucky to have so many wonderful volunteers who help our clients, families and friends.

genU, in partnership with Volunteering Geelong and AFL Barwon, ran a social media campaign during National Volunteer’s Week which celebrated the work of six Volunteer Ambassadors.

These ambassadors included; Rebecca Picone (Peace of Mind Foundation), Sue

Grigg (genU), James Ponsford (Gateways Support Services), Craig Jeffrey (Ocean Grove Collendina Cobras Junior Football Club), Gary Bruce (Bethany Community Support Inc), and Fiona Threlfall (St Joseph’s Football Netball Club).

Eastern Hub hosted a thank you function to celebrate the work of volunteers in the region, and increase awareness about how volunteering makes an incredible difference to our local communities.

genU Karingal St Laurence also

recognised long-serving volunteers during Volunteers Week at its annual volunteers awards – well done to everyone recognised at this important event!

Supported employees from genU Business Enterprises have played an integral role in setting up new office space for WorkSafe in Geelong.

The teams were engaged to set up more than 700 work stations on twelve floors of the new building which is located opposite MatchWorks head office in Malop Street.

Work involved a supervisor and three supported employees unpacking new computer equipment, connecting cables to universal docking stations and monitors through hidden sleeves, as well as ensuring everything was in working order.

The supported employees said they loved the work, especially the impressive views from one of Geelong’s tallest buildings.

genU will provide an ongoing service to WorkSafe, restocking kitchen and stationary supplies several times a week on each of the twelve floors, with the ultimate aim of having a team permanently based at the site.

genU Karingal St Laurence accommodation update

Volunteer Ambassadors recognised in social media campaign

Supported employees enjoy working with a view

NDIS Independent Pricing Review update

The Artisan Series with genU Training

In June 2017, the NDIA Board commissioned McKinsey & Company to undertake an Independent Pricing Review, whose purpose was to assist with providing a vibrant provider market to deliver quality and timely supports to participants.

As a result of this review, the NDIA is prioritising those recommendations that provide the most immediate support to providers during transition, with every

endeavour being made to implement those recommendations on July 1, 2018 as part of the Financial Year 2018-19 Annual Price Review.

Those recommendations include:

• Regional travel

• Short-term accommodation

• Temporary support for overheads

• Cancellation policy for core supports

• Group supports

• Therapy assistants (phase one)

• Therapy travel

• Cancellation policy for therapy

• Reports requested by NDIA

For more information about these important changes, please visit www.ndis.gov.au or speak to your local representative.

Teaming up with the Tastes of Central Geelong, genU Training is launching their tasty, month-long Artisan Series on July 6, 2018. Satisfy your hunger and your thirst for knowledge in one neat bundle.

Let the experts in hospitality teach you the tricks of the trade. The Artisan Series includes workshops from the 18th Amendment Bar, Coffee Cartel and Armageddon Cakes.

The Series offers a range of activities and workshops for anyone who loves food or for those interested in working in hospitality. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned foodie, or just love experiencing local restaurants and bars, The Artisan Series has something for you.

Workshops available:

Armageddon Cakes and Dessert – Cupcake Design

Coffee Cartel – Coffee Journey through Africa

18th Amendment Bar – Whiskeys of the World, Gin through the Ages, Vodka University, Prohibition Cocktails and Cheese and Whiskey

For more information email [email protected] or call 1300 582 687.

Construction is well underway on Tara’s Dream at Ocean Grove.

genU Karingal St Laurence volunteer Sue Grigg was chosen as a Volunteer Ambassador.

genU KSL supported employees have help fit out the new WorkSafe head office.

Gorge and David from 18th Amendment Bar.

NDIS 5TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONWDV (Women with Disabilities Vic) and Barwon Hub in conjunction with VALiD, NDIA, genU KSL and Onside are planning a community celebration to mark the fifth Birthday of the NDIS in the Barwon Region.

Please put details in your diary… more information to come!

When: Sunday July 1, 2018

Time: 10.45 am for 11.00 am start

Location: Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (51 Little Malop Street, Geelong)

RSVP ESSENTIAL - please email [email protected]

genu.org.au June 2018

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Despite unfortunate weather, the genU Inclusion team in partnership with the TAC helped raise more than $25,000 towards the purchase of a ParaGolfer machine by hosting a charity golf event.

Rain changed plans at The Sands Torquay, but people still donated generously for the cause. The ParaGolfer machine raises a player to a standing position, allowing for a more conventional swing.

Sydney’s James Gribble was searching for a way to get back into sports after an accident in 2008 left him a quadriplegic, and he has now pioneered the use of ParaGolfers across the country.

Plans to purchase a ParaGolfer are well underway, with the aim of having one available for clubs in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast region.

Four outstanding local achievers were celebrated for their contributions to the community at the 2018 Geelong Awards for People with a Disability ceremony, which occurred earlier this year at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.

Honours went to Chris Hall for Achievement, Dr Melanie Thomson for Leadership, Kirrily Hayward for Advocacy, and Linda Stokoe for Volunteering and Employment.

The awards event, a genU and City of Greater Geelong initiative, recognised the impressive achievements of people with a disability living in the Geelong region. The event doubled as the opening for the 2018 VALiD Having a Say conference.

MatchWorks and Geelong Cats have partnered over the last two years to deliver a special employment program targeted at Geelong youth.

More than 40 job seekers have participated in the 10-week Cats Match programs to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing and learn employment-related skills.

Geelong Cats coordinate the health and wellbeing section of the program, while MatchWorks coordinates job readiness and employability skills.

MatchWorks assisted participants with resumes and applications, interview techniques and addressing their barriers, and organised guest speakers including local employers, apprenticeship providers and community services.

Geelong Cats staff and players Jed Bews, Jordan Cunico and Zach Guthrie led the wellbeing sessions, which covered yoga, healthy eating and footy sessions.

The first group achieved excellent results with 18 out of 23 participants (78%) gaining employment, and five going on to study.

The second group graduated in May 2018 and had a 96% attendance rate throughout the program. Congratulations to all participants!

The 2018 inaugural genU Karingal St Laurence Client Co-production Advisory Committee has been established following an organisation-wide recruitment campaign.

The committee has formed to help ensure the organisation uses the lived experience of clients in the design, delivery, and evaluation of its services and business operations. It will have client representatives from genU Ability, Aged and Community Care, and Employment and Training.

The management representatives of the committee are:

• Mike Avery, genU Ability

• Ann Butcher, Aged and Community Care

• Nick Hallam, Employment and Training

The committee met for first time in April 2018, with meetings on a quarterly basis thereafter.

All branches of genU Karingal St Laurence are invited to consult the Client Co-production Advisory Committee on projects or issues which impact clients.

For further information on how to engage

with the Client Co-production Advisory Committee, please contact Jacqui McKim, Client Co-production Co-ordinator on (03) 5277 8815.

A group of genU staff are among the latest graduates of the Accredited Mental Health First Aid course delivered by genU Training in April this year.

The qualification has fast become an essential asset to many organisations in the region, with new waves of graduates every month.

genU Trainer Jules Haddock describes the qualification as “a course that changes lives, and saves lives.”

The two-day course is centred on teaching participants how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis such as:

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

• Non-suicidal self-injury

• Panic attacks

• Traumatic events

• Severe psychotic states

• Severe effects of alcohol or other drug misuses; and

• Aggressive behaviours

If you or someone you know are interested in attending the course, you can contact the staff at genU Training for upcoming course dates.

Innovative machine reconnects golfers to the game Geelong Awards for People with a Disability 2018

Cats provide purr-fect pathway to fitness and employment

2018 genU KSL Client Co-production committee established

Learn the skills to identify mental health

James Gribble with the ParaGolfer

The latest group of Cats Match graduates with Geelong Cats players and program mentors.

Geelong Cats player Jed Bews, participant Kelli, and genU CEO Mike McKinstry.

Pat Larcey and Ingrid Hindell are part of a new nine-person client advisory committee.

Back from left, Melanie Thomson and Linda Stokoe, front from left, Kirrily Hayward and Chris Hall.

genu.org.au June 2018

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