THIS ISSUE - MULTICAP · 2019. 3. 7. · Alicia joined Multicap on 8 September 2008. Located at one of Multicap’s Carina Heights’ houses, Alicia’s role as a Service Leader is

New Accommodation 2

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability 3

Riley’s Story 3

Caelan Conquers 4

Upcoming Avegates Experiences 5

New Employment Training Opportunities 6

Regional Spotlight 7

THIS ISSUEGiven the recent passing of Multicap founding family member, Glen Easlea, it is timely to reflect on the legacy of Glen and Gwen Easlea, as one of our much respected and admired Multicap founding families.

VALE Glen Easlea

ISSUE 80MARCH 2019

I first met Glen, Gwen and Gary Easlea in 2006 when I started as CEO of Multicap. It was a bit daunting if I’m honest – meeting one of the families who were integral to the formation of Multicap all those years previously.

For those of you who are unaware, Glen and Gwen’s legacy began over 64 years ago as parents to two children (Gary and Dianne) living with disability. In 1955, five families; Noel and Margaret Rendell (daughter, Christine), Mr and Mrs Pidgeon (daughter, Jenny), Norm and Ethel Scott (son, Robert), Mr and Mrs Skinner and Glen and Gwen Easlea (son, Gary) started sharing one morning of support each week in a church hall.

As a consequence, in 1962, the Multiple Handicapped Association of Queensland was formed with 13 children attending on Friday mornings. There was no government funding and everyone involved was either volunteering or fundraising to support their endeavour. Two years on, Multicap purchased property in New Farm as 10 more children began to attend.

In 1973, Multicap Meadows at Eight Mile Plains was purchased and today, we are situated on that very site as the Multicap you know today. Over the years, supported employment, Monte Lupo Studio and Gallery, accommodation and respite were all added to the range of services on offer.

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In 2013 both Glen and Gwen were made life members of Multicap and the new respite house built at Mt Ommaney was named ‘Easlea’ in their honour.

Early on, I was fortunate to be invited to tea with Glen and Gwen on several occasions in the home Glen built in Zenith Place at Chermside, alongside the home his father built. I fondly remember Gwen had a tin box with old photos of Dianne and Gary as children and Gary’s drum kit was also set up in one of the rooms - both Glen and Gwen were very proud of their children.

When they first met me, I felt like they were checking me out with every question asked, simply to make sure I would look after the organisation they had so humbly started, and also look after Gary. Gary was about to go on holiday at the time and Gwen spent time explaining how to look after Gary’s false eyes. I cannot begin to fathom the difficult choices they were forced to make due to lack of support for people with disability when their children were small; Dianne going into a government run institution with other intellectually disabled

There will be two, four bedroom houses constructed on two 404sqm blocks on the subdivided site at 281 Finucane Road that will each accommodate three people with a disability and one support staff member. Each property consists of two fully accessible bathrooms suitable for wheelchair users.

Construction began in November 2018 and is fast approaching the estimated completion date. Each property is currently undergoing Stage 6 of the construction process, with Stage 5 - the roof installation, glazing, electrical, pre-wire and hydraulic pre-fit, all complete.

FINUCANE ROAD’S NEW ACCOMMODATION IN ALEXANDRA HILLS The construction of Multicap’s Finucane Road accommodation is estimated to be complete in July of 2019.

people and the criminally insane, and Gary going to Sydney to a home for the blind when he was just 5 years old. Sadly, Dianne passed away at 19 years old in 1968.

Gary has had a different future – but only because of the vision Glen, Gwen and the other 4 families shared. He completed school with an education, is an accomplished drummer, had paid employment, and in 2012, when Gwen moved into residential care, he moved in to his own home with two housemates.

From five children in 1955, to today with over 1,500 customers, 900 staff, 106 supported employees and services from Mackay in the north, west to Emerald and Roma, and south to Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah.Glen, Gwen and the other founding families, laid the foundations of Multicap using family devotion as the footprint. They made possible, for several generations of people, a chance to learn, a chance to develop, a chance to work for a living and a chance to engage with the wider world to the best of their abilities. They have left a lasting legacy for people with disability and we will

continue to act as custodians of this legacy on their behalf.

The last time I saw Glen, he was sitting on a chair watching Gary play the drums at Carols@Multicap last December. Like all fathers, he was so very proud of his son.

Joanne Jessop

The two properties will provide customers safe and supported accommodation and a place to call home. This accommodation provides maximum opportunity for customers to experience choice, control and independence in their home.

“Being able to provide sustainable living arrangements for people with disability has been one of our core goals, with the development of Finucane Road and Ormiston Road to also be complete soon. We are excited to launch this new accommodation and look forward to completing these accommodation projects soon,” Multicap CEO, Joanne Jessop said.

Multicap provides a number of quality living properties in Redland Bay, and across the state. Customers can find out more about this property and other accommodation by contacting 1300 135 886 for details.

3MARCH 2019

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY AT MULTICAP

C.A.R.S. / Multicap has moved

To accommodate our steady growth and expansion of services, we have moved to new premises at

453 Earnshaw Rd, Nudgee.We hope to see you there soon.

The Multicap community came together to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3 December 2018, marking the day with events at customer hubs.

CEO Joanne Jessop said that occasions such as International Day of People with Disability provided an important platform for the community to come together and celebrate.

MEET RILEYRiley is a valued customer who currently attends the Nudgee Hub. When Riley first started at Nudgee, a couple of years ago, he was very shy and refused to enter the Hub – instead he preferred to sit on the verandah by himself. After encouraging Riley to join other customers in the Hub, the staff decided it was best to place two chairs on the verandah – one for Riley and one for anyone who wanted to sit with him.

After a month or so and with a lot of persistence, Julia, one of our staff members, began to build a bond with Riley and encouraged him to eventually spend some time inside the Hub. Slowly, but surely, Riley began to engage in activities like drawing, colouring and painting alongside Julia.

A number of weeks passed and Riley then began to enter the Hub by himself – even getting the paint out to make his own hand prints.

Slowly, but surely, Riley began to come out of his shell.

The staff members could slowly see Riley opening up more and wanting to involve himself in more activities, for example music therapy. Riley would watch the music therapy teacher Queenie with other customers, yet he was not ready to participate.

A few more months passed and Riley began coming into the room where the music program was operating. He would sit far away from the other customers, but he was still in the room – which was amazing progress for Riley.

Today, Riley now sits and eats with all of his peers. He will now travel with the others and participates in sports and activities.

“We could not believe it when Riley even played the ukelele for his peers. It is an amazing achievement for him and we are very happy that he has come such a long way,” Julia said.

“It has been a long journey but we got there as a team and Riley’s story is a true testament to the saying “persistence is key” and “anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”

We can’t wait to see the wonderful things he achieves next,” she said.

“On this day each year we celebrate the genuine contributions and achievements of people who live with disability,” Ms Jessop said.

“Our events focussed on the contribution and abilities of all of our customers. We are always looking for ways to support our customers to live their best life and assist them to become part of the communities in which they live.”

Events included art sessions, bocce, bowling, a BBQ lunch and the presentation of certificates acknowledging customer achievements.

International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance.

Thousands of community organisations have held International Day of People of Disability registered events across Australia since its inception in 1992.

The theme of the 2018 event was ‘empowering people who live with disability and ensuring inclusivity and equality’.

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In the words of Disability Support Worker (DSW), David Collie, “what makes being a DSW so rewarding for me is to see the moment where a customer has achieved something they thought was never possible.”On his very first meeting with David and with the help of his mother, Caelan came up with some goals that he would like to achieve over the next year. One of his goals was to be able to prepare and cook meals independently. Caelan is 10 years old and was diagnosed with autism and attention deficit disorder. One of Caelan’s difficulties was that he had a very high standard of what perfection meant and if the food wasn’t up to this standard, he was emotionally frustrated, upset and gave up, but his DSW David believed in his ability.

Over the next few months, things slowly started to come together, with Caelan eventually making an entire meal by himself with the continued support of David.

That was 9 months ago.

Today, Caelan is able to come home, walk into the kitchen and cook pasta without any assistance.

“It’s an amazing achievement,” David said.

“This was a milestone moment for not only Caelan but also myself. I was very pleased and praised him for achieving his ultimate goal.”

STAFF LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARDSAlicia Nancarrow | Service Leader – 10 years of ServiceAlicia joined Multicap on 8 September 2008. Located at one of Multicap’s Carina Heights’ houses, Alicia’s role as a Service Leader is to provide hands on leadership, while facilitating and leading a dedicated team of Disability Support Workers.

“Before coming a Service Leader, I was also a DSW,” Alicia said.

“Being able to continue to help improve the lives of our customers and spending quality time getting to know them is very important to me. I share a special bond with each customer and this has also improved my life in so many ways. I love working at Multicap.”

Aaron Newton | Makeables Tingalpa – 10 years of Service Aaron joined Multicap in 2008 as an assisted employee.

“The best part of coming to work is operating the forklift. I like meeting new workers and helping them also. Sometimes I teach my work mates how to use the machine,” Aaron said.

“Aaron is a great worker and assists his peers if they require help or assistance. Every day he attends work with a friendly smile and is ready for each day. Aaron is an asset to the organisation,” Makeables Business Manager Joshua Walsh said.

CAELAN CONQUERS

5MARCH 2019

WHAT’S ON

Make the most of this summer heat and join Avegates for a day of rides, swimming and ice-cream at White Water World.

Enjoy live music and a huge range of delicious food and drink options at Brisbane’s iconic Eat Street Markets.

Avegates are heading to the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Come along to watch the waves roll in while enjoying a cold drink and live music.

Get ready to sing your heart out at Avegates Karaoke. This month we are pumping up the jams on the North- side of Brisbane.

This is the Avegates event of the year. Dress yourself up for a night of glamour, DJ music, delicious food, prizes and more. This event is open to family and friends.

Avegates are heading to Rockhampton’s famous Bartlett’s Tavern. Join us for a night of delicious food, entertainment and even better company.

3 MarchWhite Water World

9 MarchEat Street Markets

10 MarchNoosa Surfing Festival

16 MarchKaraoke (North-side)

23 MarchMoulin Rouge Gala Ball

30 MarchBartlett’s Tavern (Rockhampton)

Costs apply to all Avegates experiences. To book an Avegates experience, email [email protected] or call 0428 877 504.

Avegates customers Emma, Rachel, Johanna and Lara were accompanied by Shay for a very special girls only holiday.

The group headed to stunning Byron Bay for two days of rest and relaxation. The trip kicked off with a walk to the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse and sightseeing the pristine local surrounds. Ultimate relaxation was ensured with a trip to the local hot tubs followed by massages and dinner. The two day holiday also included a beach trip and plenty of laughs.

BYRON BAY GIRLS ONLY HOLIDAY

Avegates kicked off 2019 with a trip to Movie World on 6 January. The crew met some of Hollywood’s biggest icons; Wonder Woman, Superman and Bugs Bunny.

There was something for everyone at Movie World, including shows, shopping, thrilling rides, street performances and more.

Top; Rachel and Ashley Kate watching the street parade go by. Bottom; Julia, Jessica, Stephen and Sophie posing for a photo on Main Street

MOVIE WORLD

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Pictured (left to right); Customer Carol Deeney, Sharon Pendergast (GM Support Services South), Charles Bond (Service Manager for Gold Coast and Northern NSW) with ETC staff.

KEEN TO GO DIGITAL?

We are working on an electronic version of our newsletter. If you would prefer to receive your Multicap news via email, let us know. Send your name and email address to [email protected] to register.

Multicap’s new Get Ready for Work program is set to bring employment skills training to Tweed locals this March.

The 16-week program is designed to help attendees to identify career interests, skills and strengths. Within a friendly group environment, each individual is supported to develop skills including interacting with potential employers and writing applications.

Multicap Service Manager for Gold Coast and northern New South Wales Charles Bond welcomes the use of technology throughout the course to prepare attendees for the competitive online job market.

NEW PROGRAM BRINGS EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TRAINING

OPPORTUNITIES TO TWEED HEADS

“Our new interactive LED Touchscreen Smartboard will provide a way for them to interact, write CVs and cover letters, conduct research and acquire basic skills to help them eventually find a job. We’ll show them around the internet and how to search for jobs, in a supported environment where everyone can learn together,” Mr Bond said.

Supporting people living with disability to enter the workforce provides many benefits to not only the individual, but the whole community. A greater sense of identity and financial freedom lead to social and economic integration, reducing reliance on family and government support.

The project was supported by ETC with an $18,000 grant from their Community Support Fund.

“Without the ETC grant, this wouldn’t have been possible. We’ve been able to purchase an interactive LED Touchscreen Smartboard and resources, plus promote the program and cover staff salaries,” Mr Bond said.

Multicap is proud to offer this course free to all attendees. Places are limited for 9 March commencement date. For enrolment enquires, contact Charles Bond on 0428 450 303.

7MARCH 2019

CREATIVE RECYCLINGCustomers and staff from Rockhampton have proven that recycling is not only good for the environment, but can create something beautiful. Prizes were awarded in exchange for specific unused items, with COCA students creating a brilliant final piece for the Multicap Rockhampton reception area. This piece will eventually be glazed to unveil the bright colours underneath the paint. Watch this space.

GOLD COASTWith glorious beaches and endless summer activities, the Gold Coast is the place to be in summer. Multicap customers have been out and about, making the most of the sunny weather.

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHTROCKHAMPTON

Anthea and Juliet let their hair down for a girls day out on the water. After a day of sightseeing the group enjoyed a delicious lunch together.

Aaron escaped the hot summer weather with a Gold Coast tradition, dinner at the surf club.

SURFING Multicap customers spent the day at Currumbin learning to surf. This opportunity was supported by the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSA) who work towards providing people with disability the opportunity to experience the thrill of surfing.

Top; Service Leader Beajay and Matt. Bottom; Christine preparing to catch her first wave with the support of DSA Volunteers.

MUSIC NIGHT Customers and staff at Robina turned up the tunes on Music Night. Robina host a Music Night once a month, giving everyone the opportunity to develop their musical talents while having loads of fun.

Giorgia and Brett (below) both treated everyone to a passionate performance along with a variety of musical performances by other attendees.

OUR OFFICESBrisbaneGold Coast/Tweed HeadsSunshine CoastCentral Queensland Toowoomba

Multicap Head Office269 Padstow Road

Eight Mile Plains, QLD 4113ACN 084 424 493

For more information on local servicesphone 1300 135 886 or visit www.multicap.org.au

Centre of Creative Arts (COCA)A range of creative art work was on display at the COCA End of Year Party. This fairy castle was many months in the making.

H20 BubbleCOCA treated Multicap staff and families to a wonderful performance of H20.

North Coast Christmas PartyOver 300 Multicap customers and staff came together for the North Coast Christmas Party.

Emerald Nature WalkEmerald have been busy bee’s, creating a new nature walk. Lizzie and Ngaire have been enjoying the relaxing new space.

Australia DayEveryone at Mackay Hub had a fantastic time celebrating Australia Day with a traditional Aussie BBQ and dress up competition.

Petrie Hub’s Buddy BenchThe Buddy Bench was installed along with a butterfly garden at Petrie Hub. When someone sits on the Buddy Bench, others must sit with them, ensuring that no one ever feels alone.