upported Shared Living with 24/7 wakeover or sleepover support hort stay accommodation (previously known as Respite ) Emergency Accommodation

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1 WHAT S INSIDE: - NDIS roll out - Celebrating Diversity at Civic - What s on in the Hubs - Civic s NOURISH café opens! - Sharkies day a great success - Thank you to our grants funders ISSUE 8, SEPTEMBER 2017 FEATURE WHAT S ON Increasing demand for disability accommodation SEPTEMBER TUESDAY 5: BBQ at Wattle Grove Hub, all welcome (4pm to 6pm) TUESDAY 12: Nourish Café opening celebration THURSDAY 14: Campbelltown Post School Expo SATURDAY 16 SUNDAY 17: Nepean Disability Expo (Penrith) WEDNESDAY 20 Kogarah Storehouse Expo Australia is facing shortages of suitable accommodation options for people with disability. This issue has been highlighted as potentially the largest obstacle preventing the successful implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) according to a study by the University of NSW. The NDIS itself estimates an unmet need in affordable housing for 80,000120,000 participants. Civic offers: In order to address this shortage in our area, Civic is exploring various accommodation models. To share this information with clients, and also to learn about clients wants and needs in housing, we recently held Accommodation Information Sessions in Caringbah and Campbelltown. Emergency Accommodation We are constantly exploring new models of accommodation to enable families to stay together, or friends to live together, with the right level of support. S upported Shared Living with 24/7 wakeover or sleepover support FRIDAY 22: SLES Open Day (for school leavers) OCTOBER S hort stay accommodation (previously known as Respite ) WEDNESDAY 18: Kogarah Storehouse Expo T ransitional accommodation for learning independence skills before moving from the family home to a shared house FRIDAY 27: Child & Family Expo (Oyster Bay) D rop In support for those who wish to live independently or with family Civic currently has accommodation in: Sutherland Shire and St George C anterbury-bankstown, Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown and Camden Nepean Blue Mountains Shoalhaven NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 15: Kogarah Storehouse Expo Another accommodation session will be held in Gymea in September. If you have any questions or comments about accommodation, please contact the Customer Service Team on enquiries@civic.org.au or call

2 From The Chair & CEO As of 1 July, the NDIS became fully operational across the whole of NSW. Now all people with disability, their families and carers can benefit from the opportunities available. We recently shared a moment of quiet celebration as we reflected on the way Civic has supported clients from the Nepean Blue Mountains, South West Sydney, the Hunter and now South East Sydney to transition into the NDIS. While there have been some bumps along the road, we are proud of the way our systems, and more importantly our staff, have helped existing and new clients to realise their first NDIS plan. We think we can safely say we smashed it and I am so proud of every person who has gone above and beyond to secure the best possible outcomes for clients. We are delighted to tell you that Civic s café in Nowra has been refurbished and is now open for business! Known as Nourish, the café provides employment opportunities for people with disability as well as an important local service to the people of North Nowra. Watch this space as we bring you further updates. Welcome to YMCA Clients We are delighted to welcome a group of new clients from the YMCA in Revesby, South West Sydney. Fourteen clients have now joined Civic s Hub at Wattle Grove. Gavin with the new coffee machine at Nourish. Where we live, our homes, are such an important part of our lives, and it s no different for Civic clients. Finding suitable long-term accommodation is a critical need for people with disability across Australia and we are focused on being a part of the solution. The highly successful events held in Campbelltown and Caringbah recently connected us with current and potential clients and highlighted the very real need for accommodation services in South East and South West Sydney. We are very aware that we are often providing services within a client s home whether it s their family home, an independent unit or a shared house. We are privileged to be invited into a client s home to provide service and we respect that. The team have already joined the Civic cohort in their weekly swimming outings and are participating in a range of in-centre and community based activities. The team are delighted with their new Civic accessible transport which was purchased specifically for their weekly road trips! Debbie McDonald has also joined Civic as Senior Support Worker after many years managing similar programs at the YMCA and she is also based at Wattle Grove. We warmly welcome you all. Until next time, warm regards Annie Doyle, CEO & Luke Streater, Chair PAGE 2

3 CIVIC NEWS The NDIS Is Here! More than 54,000 people with disability have already joined the NDIS in NSW, with a further 60,000 expected to join in Some Civic clients in South East Sydney have already transitioned to the NDIS now, with others currently waiting for plans and/ or planning meetings. Clients in South West Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter are now in their second plan cycle. The NSW Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams said: More than 90 per cent of participants are satisfied with the Scheme in the State. We will continue to work hard with participants and the sector to deliver an NDIS people with disability deserve. We ve been finding that most people have been happy with their NDIS plans. However, if you think a decision about your plan is incorrect or unfair you can ask the NDIA for a review of your plan. There is no fee for requesting a review and your Support Coordinator can assist you with this. Celebrating Our Diversity Civic is committed to supporting the physical, cultural, spiritual and family wellbeing of Aboriginal people through our role as a provider of supports to individuals with disability, their families and the community. We have chosen to play an active role in closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people and are undertaking a number of actions in this area: We have signed a letter of commitment with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation in which Civic commits to implementing and measuring practical actions that build respectful relationships and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We have committed to increasing our employees insight, respect and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures. Civic recently held an internal cultural awareness round circle meeting with two indigenous staff members who led a conversation about how we can develop our service offerings and delivery to better include indigenous communities and potential clients. The Civic Reconciliation Action Plan is now under construction and will be launched by the end of the year. Staff members Sandra (left) and Amy (right) with the artwork that Civic recently purchased from elder Deanna Schreiber (centre) of Kurranulla. We welcome Aboriginal people to seek employment at Civic, share their skills and partner with us. A number of clients and staff enjoyed attending events in the Sutherland Shire and St George during #NAIDOC WEEK in July. PAGE 3

4 CIVIC NEWS What s happening at the Civic hubs? We have three community hubs in the Sutherland St George area with exciting and different programs and activities in each location. Clients can easily visit different hubs on different days to access the activities that they are most interested in. Hurstville Hub The Hurstville Hub is ideal for clients located in and around the George s River area who are looking for a fun, interactive and social environment. The programs are client-focused, which allows us to adapt them to suit individual needs and interests. Program of activities Mondays Tai Chi Tuesdays road trip day! Recently we visited Kurnell National Park and went whale watching. Wednesdays - art therapy program. Clients have been busy making some amazing art pieces that will be for sale at the Hurstville Hub soon. Thursdays - in house massage therapist. Fridays - cooking skills program. Clients learn basic meal preparation, healthy choices and shopping skills. Along with these programs, clients have also been busy working on improving their computer, maths, English and literacy skills. Wattle Grove Hub The Hub is located in the leafy suburb of Wattle Grove in South West Sydney and offers a stimulating environment for people participating in the many activities the centre offers. The centre provides excellent facilities including accessible tennis and basketball courts, large open sporting oval, arts and video room as well as internet and computer usage. The program itself offers a variety of structured activities during the week such as group outings, swimming, gentle exercise, entertainment activities, cooking classes and various other recreational activities. For clients looking for a quieter experience, Wattle Grove has many walking strips and a large accessible duck pond nearby. PAGE 4

5 Civic New Era Hub Civic s New Era Hub at Sutherland, which was set up 35 years ago as a one day a week program, now supports up to 40 clients, five days a week. The Hub offers both centre and community-based activities, supported by long-term staff who assist clients to reach their goals. At the centre, clients have the option of trying their hand at many activities designed to help build their skills, independence and confidence. Programs include gardening, cooking with home-grown ingredients, sports, technology and community participation. Clients are very much a part of the local community and enjoy fishing, the movies, train rides and a regular Girls Day Out. When needing quiet time, clients can use the Chill-Out room complete with comfy lounges, warm blankets and a kaleidoscope of bubble and star visuals. There is also an entire program of relaxation-based therapy including yoga and art as well as the attendance of a regular massage therapist and music therapist. Overall there is a sense of welcoming and fun. Michelle who has attended the Hub for twenty years shared that her favourite thing was Everything! What better recommendation could there be? Sutherland Hub The Civic Sutherland Hub at the Masonic Centre has been given a facelift recently with a new paint job and new comfy lounges. Clients have been very busy recently with outings to Symbio Wildlife Park, a meet the Sharks day at Cronulla and a trip to Woronora Dam. Many clients also attended NAIDOC activities around the city. At the centre there have been cooking classes, art and computer studies and the sensory room has been in use for quiet time. Clients from Sutherland have begun to access some of the opportunities on offer at the other Civic Hubs in order to reach their goals. A group from Sutherland joined the New Era Hub for the Christmas in July lunch, yoga and art therapy. Another group attends the Hurstville Hub for Tai Chi on Mondays. Both clients and staff are enjoying the new-look space and additional opportunities available through the strong programming offered across all Hubs. Spaces the Hubs To find out more, please enquiries@civic.org.au or call Enquiries for Wattle Grove can also be made directly to the Liverpool Office on PAGE 5

6 CIVIC ROUND UP Café Reopens In Nowra! Civic s new café in Nowra has reopened its doors and is now known as Nourish Kitchen + Café. The building has received a facelift with new floors and interiors. More importantly, a stateof-the-art coffee machine has been installed and a blend of locally sourced coffee is being served. Many of the former employees have undergone training and are working again in the café and catering business. Support and feedback from the local community has been fantastic. We are so pleased to be providing employment for 20 individuals with and without disability while providing an important community service. If you are in the local area please pop in and taste our delicious coffee and cakes. FRESH FOOD COFFEE CATERING Ruth, Julian and Deb Sharks Visit Cronulla Sharks invited clients from Civic to Southern Cross Group Stadium to watch a training session and meet the players. The clients arrived dressed in blue, white and black singing Up Up Cronulla. Clients at Civic are some of the Sharks biggest fans. They love to watch the games and it is a hot topic of conversation at Civic Industries every Monday morning. Paul Gallen and the team (including Reefy the team mascot) were very generous with their time making sure that they took photos and signed jerseys, hats and posters for 80+ Civic fans who attended. Meeting the Sharks has put a spring in the step of clients and inspired them to get out PAGE 6 Conrade, Brandon, Stephen with Reefy the Mascot there and get involved. The clients were delighted to meet the players and wish them well for the rest of the season. Emily, Laura, Natalie with the Sharks Civic at the Sharks

7 CIVIC ROUND UP School Leavers Open Day - Friday 22 September Join us to discuss post-school options including finding a job and gaining work experience. The event for school leavers with disability and their families is on Friday 22 September at 10.30am and repeated at 3.30pm. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP essential. Please enquiries@civic.org.au or call Children s house gets a Vuly Lift! Civic has recently become the recipient of a large Lift trampoline courtesy of Vuly Australia. The donation will provide hours of fun for children and teenagers with disability at their home in St George. The trampoline will help the young people in a range of ways including the improvement of gross motor skills and fitness levels and of course having fun. A big thanks to Vuly Australia. Film Stars Civic has a number of film stars in our ranks as we had two entries into FOCUS ON ABILITY film festival Well done Andrew MacMurray (aka Mr Bond) and Ashley Baker from the Blue Mountains who featured in The Life and Imagination of Mr MacMurray. Congratulations also to Bruce Kilkeary who starred in Bruce has had a fall. Both films are a perfect example of allowing ability to shine. Voting has now closed so it s fingers crossed until we hear the results later in September. Blue Mountains Christmas In July July is always a special time in the Blue Mountains and with client Charles celebrating his 60th birthday at the same time, the Blackheath House held a Christmas in July party with a twist! Around 60 people attended the party, which featured a DJ, a drumming circle, an open outdoor fire and meat on a spit. The Blue Mountains team, Charles and all the clients had a ball. Thanks to everyone who came along to celebrate with us. Charles and Suzanne with his cake; DJ Shorty (Mat Murray). PAGE 7

8 CIVIC NEWS Thank You To Our Generous Funders We are delighted to report that a number of grants have been awarded to Civic recently. All grants go to really worthwhile projects. We would like to say a big thank you to all of our generous funders who make it possible for Civic to bring about improvements in the lives of clients. Coca Cola Australia Foundation Employee Connected Grant Program Thanks for $23,000 to convert the garage at Civic s new children s house into a break-out rumpus room. Commonwealth Bank Community Grants Thanks for $10,000 for Communic8 a play-therapy group for children with communication difficulties. Sunsuper Dreams for a Better World Thanks for $5,000 for a cold room for Civic s Ring O Roses program. Australian Turf Club Thanks for $2,500 for equine therapy. Civic Hitting The Tracks During the month of July, Civic put its stamp on Sydney trains with ads appearing on the City to Penrith (Western Sydney T1) line. The adverts gave information about Civic s accommodation options for individuals with disability to a new audience a much needed service in South West Sydney. Sydney Motorway Corporation Community Grant Scheme Thanks for $2,500 to create a kitchen garden at the Bexley House. IKEA Living Local Community Grants Thanks for $1,000 towards furnishing the new children s house in St George. Sydney Water Community Grant Thanks for $1,000 to create a garden in the front of Civic Industries in Caringbah. Carers Week Grants Josh, Daniel, Aimee and Mercy receiving the grant from IKEA Thanks to Carers NSW for $250 for a visit to the Chinese Gardens for a group of carers. Do you have an NDIS plan? Contact us for a planning session with one of our NDIS experts. Call us today Enquire online at civic.org.au South East Sydney Office 103 Cawarra Road, Caringbah NSW 2229 Blue Mountains Office PO Box 215, Blackheath NSW 2785 South West Sydney Office 14 Mill Road, Liverpool NSW 2170 T E enquiries@civic.org.au PRIVACY NOTICE Your address, postal address or any other personal information collected will only be used for the purpose for which you gave it to us and will not be disclosed to any person, body or agency except where you have provided your consent or it is required or authorised by law. To access and seek correction of your personal information or to obtain a copy of Civic Privacy Policy, go to or phone head office on