THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED June 2017

COVER STORY | PAGE 07

Night of Stars

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PAGE 15Our latest appeal

PAGE 06 Minda 2020

PAGE 10News in brief

PAGE 04Master Plan update

02 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

FROM THE CEOCATHY MILLER

Cathy MillerChief Executive Officer

Welcome to the June issue of Vocal Point, it is hard to believe we are already at the half-way point for the year.

It is an exciting time at Minda, we are growing to be much more than a disability service provider and over the past few months I have been on a roadshow around Minda and SA Group Enterprises (SAGE) to talk about our strategic plan for the future, Minda 2020.

Our Minda 2020 Strategic Plan, provides a roadmap on what needs to be done to best-prepare our organisation to grow, prosper, and remain a sector leader and provide people with disabilty a great life - you can read more about it on page 6.

One of the critical elements to our success in this new environment is the Master Plan, and we have made great progress thus-far and in March we celebrated the Turning of the Sod ceremony, recognising the official commencement of works for Stage 2 of the Master Plan.

The event was run jointly with AEIOU Foundation, who will be building an early intervention centre for children with autism on the Minda site. You can read more about the event and our Master Plan on page 4.

I was also thrilled to attend the Night of Stars on Friday 31 March to celebrate the achievements of staff at Minda and our SA Group Enterprises staff.

As I looked around, it was so pleasing to see people who had been nominated by their peers and colleagues and I was reminded of the wonderful mutual respect

that exists within the Minda and SAGE community, highlighted by the record number of nominations we received this year. Congratulation to Strategic Marketing & Fundraising’s Marion Zafry who took home the top prize for the night – it was very well-deserved.

I was also so pleased to attend the Volunteer Morning Tea during National Volunteer week in May; although our volunteers are always willing to take on the role of unsung heroes, I think it is so important to celebrate the amazing things they do for Minda.

There are many things that could not be achieved without their incredible support, and I was particularly humbled to recognise Marg Bohem, who you may have read about in the last issue of Vocal Point.

Marg has been volunteering at Minda for the past 50 years – her dedicated service is so appreciated and it was a great way to celebrate her and our volunteers who give so much of their lives to supporting South Australians with disability.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support of Minda and SAGE. I do hope you enjoy this issue of Vocal Point.

Vocal Point is the official newsletter of Minda

Minda Incorporated12 - 16 King George Avenue, North Brighton SA 5048PO Box 5, Brighton SA 5048Phone: (08) 8422 6200Fax: (08) 8422 6330Email: minda@minda.asn.au mindainc.com.au

Board of MindaSusan NeuhausPresidentRichard BruggemannRobert CrabbeSteve FavrettoAndrew FordMichael GoodRichard MellowsKathryn PresserNoelene WadhamChief Executive OfficerCatherine Miller

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03 From the President

04 Master Plan Update

06 Minda 2020

07 Cover Story – Night of Stars

08 Minda Partners

09 Volunteer Morning Tea

10 Minda News

14 Minda in the North

15 Minda Appeal

16 Thank You

Cover image: RACV’s Paul Ogilvie-Mitchell and Colleen Stallion with the winner of the Star Award Marion Zafry and Minda President Susan Neuhaus (right).

Susan Neuhaus CSCPresident

VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED 03

FROM THE PRESIDENTSUSAN NEUHAUS

Drone image of the site in early May

Master Plan updateWith civil works coming to a close, the construction stage commenced.

“May was a month when the landscape across the Minda site really started to change, with the framework for houses going up, and the tower crane being erected,” Executive Infrastructure Director Michelle Gheorghiu says.

“It is an exciting time and points to the future of Minda, how we can work together to achieve such great things and fulfil Minda’s vision for the Brighton site and achieve the physical expression of person-centred thinking.”

Much has occurred to-date, with the erection of the tower crane in May, the completion of ground floor slabs and formwork commencing to apartments for people Minda support, as well as completion of concrete slabs and structural steelwork to the lifestyle precinct buildings.

In terms of houses for people who choose to live at Brighton, ground floor slabs have been completed in addition to wall and roof framing to Repton Road houses.

“In terms of projected works, by September we will be looking forward to the completion of structure for the two apartments for Minda and the lifestyle precinct, with internal fit-out commencing,” SARAH Constructions Project Administrator, Tanis Wood says.

“It is anticipated that external structure will be complete on housing on King George Avenue and Repton Road, with internal fit-out well underway and landscaping works commencing.”

Welcome Minda families, volunteers and supporters to the June edition of Vocal Point.

The first half of 2017 has been very busy, with the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continuing to impact and shape the way we deliver services. Across Minda we have been pro-active in our preparation for this once in a lifetime national disability reform, ensuring we can successfully meet the changes this new environment will bring.

This has included a thorough review from a clinical governance perspective, with the Service Quality Committee working hard to ensure Minda meets and exceeds industry standards and also develops tools for measuring delivery of service, setting key metrics around quality of care.

These standards will drive how we deliver services in the NDIS environment, ensuring we can continue to achieve high quality outcomes for the people we support.

There has also been a focus on our business model, operating costs and how Minda can continue to grow and thrive under this new funding model; the move from block funding to individualised supports has proved to be challenging, but a challenge we believe we can meet.

One of the important elements of our continued competitiveness in the market is the Master Plan, and it is so exciting to see the changes week-to-week at Minda’s Brighton site.

Whilst this is a positive transformation for Minda in so many ways, it has been

important to consider the impact it has on the people we support and consider the trepidation that can come with moving into a new home.

Although there is a level of apprehension, we are confident that we can overcome these concerns and achieve the best outcomes, with the ability to draw on the successes and challenges from the Stage 1 accommodation move.

There is also a lot of activity on the commercial side of the business, and we are working hard to align our business entities to ensure a common understanding across the organisation.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the recipients of awards and service milestones at the Night of Stars in March. It was a wonderful evening in recognition celebration of outstanding achievements.

In our next issue of Vocal Point, we look forward to reporting back on some of the events held in the month of June, including our major fundraiser for the year, the Black Tie Quiz Night and our mid-year Association meeting.

I would like to extend my thanks to donors and supporters, Association Members, family members, fellow Board Members, staff and volunteers.

04 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

MINDA | MASTER PLAN

Environmental initiatives “We have a well-established program in

place to monitor and maintain significant

and regulated trees and other plantings and

an established program in place to enhance

Minda Brighton,” Cathy Miller says.

With SARAH Constructions, Minda also

continues to invest in the extensive

rehabilitation of the dunes, continuing to

enhance the secondary dune through native

revegetation initiatives, including construction

of wetlands to attract native fauna to the area

and by depositing sand onto the primary dune.

“Environmental consideration has always been

of vital importance to Minda and we have

gone to great lengths to preserve and maintain

the natural heritage value at our Brighton site,” Cathy Miller says. General Manager at SARAH Constructions, Adrian Esplin adds, “As leaders in the construction industry, we take very seriously our commitment and that of our clients to an environmentally sustainable approach. SARAH’s environmental management system is designed with that in mind; minimising the impact of construction on the surrounding environment, reducing the unnecessary use of resources, and working within the regulatory framework.”

Adrian continues, “We plan and execute rigorous processes, guaranteeing the highest quality construction outcomes with maximum environmental sensitivity.”

Sand being redeposited onto the primary dune

Cathy Miller with James Sarah and Adrian Esplin from SARAH Constructions

Anthony and Kaylene Obst looking forward to enjoying their new home

Turning of the Sod Ceremony

The crowd enjoying a BBQ at the event

“AEIOU Foundation’s Brighton centre will provide children with support, education and therapy as part of its highly-successful, autism-specific early intervention program and we’re so pleased to welcome them to Brighton,” Cathy Miller says.

“With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme it is now more critical than ever to establish partnerships with other sector-leading organisations, like AEIOU, to complement our own support

model, and ensure South Australians and their families receive support when and how they need it, to achieve their goals and aspirations.”

Minda Brighton is set to become an intentional, mixed community village - an urban village that is unparalleled.

These are services and supports that are life changing, vital to the building of inclusive communities which achieve our vision, for people with disability to live enriched lives of their choosing.

“It is our mission to empower people with disability with choices, to create the life they want to live. Most importantly, it means listening to what people with disability want for their own lives and working with them, supporting them to realise their dreams,” Cathy says.

On Tuesday 14 March we celebrated the official Turning of the Sod ceremony to mark the commencement of Master Plan Stage 2 works. The event was held jointly with AEIOU Foundation, who will be building a centre for children with autism at Minda Brighton.

A central project to the future of Minda and for people with disability in South Australia, the Master Plan is being carried out with careful consideration as to potential environmental impacts and safety concerns.

VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED 05

Employment opportunities with SARAH

The greatly anticipated second stage of Brighton Dunes is well underway, with the 70 luxury apartments (including four exclusive penthouses) moving forward.

Drone image of the tower crane over Brighton Dunes in May

And there has already been great interest in the luxury apartments for the over 55s, with around half of the apartments sold.

“Brighton Dunes sets new standards in the luxury retirement living space, in an unrivalled location and I am pleased to say the team at Minda and SARAH Constructions has reached impressive milestones this year already,” Michelle Gheorghiu says.

Basement precast panels have been installed, with the first ground floor pour complete and lift and stair core installation commencing.

In the coming months we also look forward being close to ‘topping out’, with facade works

and initial fit-out of services

works also commencing.

“We are so excited about it

because Brighton Dunes really is

such a special place to live; but

it’s not just about the location, it

is about flexible lifestyle options

and the opportunities afforded –

you can live the way you want to

live and do the things you love to

do at Brighton Dunes.”

“Just as the members of a family

make a house a home, the

residents at Brighton Dunes

create a community and a sense

of place, and with a similar drive

to live in the idyllic setting, like-

minded neighbours offer an ideal

recipe for harmony and enduring

friendships.”

In addition to providing accommodation options and lifestyle services for people Minda support, the Master Plan also offers employment opportunities for people with disability.

This has provided the chance to engage in meaningful work and develop skills in the construction industry in roles including gatekeepers, admin and general labourers.

With funding from the Department of State Development, Minda’s specialist disability providers MJP Employment Services and Your Employment Success (YES) in collaboration with Maxima, and SARAH Constructions has made this possible.

“Participants are pre-trained to industry standard, including white card training and other determined skillsets, for example Workzone Traffic Management with the

view to upskill participants on-the-job, so they can participate in more difficult tasks as the project progresses,” MJP Employment Services Manager Olivia Sorre says.

“The idea is to achieve the tasks prescribed in the job, while providing participants with the opportunity to train in a range of constructions skills that will help them secure meaningful and ongoing employment.”

The program ran from December through to May with great outcomes achieved, Olivia says: “I am pleased to say SARAH Constructions have offered continued employment to four people from MJP and two people from YES, which made the graduation ceremony in May that much more exciting.”

The project is part of a strong relationship that has been built with SARAH

Constructions, who have shown great enthusiasm for the Master Plan and the future of the people Minda supports: “For us, it is more than just a project, and although we’re excited by every project, the Master Plan holds some special significance,” Adrian Esplin says.

“Being able to see the positive impact a project such a this has on South Australians with disability is fantastic and I look forward to what this project will bring.”

Brighton Dunes

Celebrations at the graduation ceremony

06 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

MINDA | NEWS

Minda 2020 NDIS update

Cathy Miller says the expanded rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been a game-changer for the broader sector, and prompted the development of a new strategy – Minda 2020 – to ensure focus on innovation and sustainability initiatives to grow and thrive in such a fast-moving and highly-competitive environment.

“We have seen the arrival of interstate and overseas competitors into the local sector, and it is Minda’s commitment to continue to do all it can to reflect best-practice as a market leader – and our Minda 2020 strategy offers solutions for us to achieve ongoing sustainability,” Cathy says.

“The rapid rate at which the Australian disability sector is changing suggests that Minda will look and feel quite different over the course of time, which is why we have evolved and broadened our focus to embrace aged care and seniors living, education, social enterprises, consultancy and advocacy.”

Cathy continues: “It is no accident that we have become known as a market leader, and all of our staff and volunteers can share credit in making this happen.

More recently, we have committed to a number of major investments to ensure our future success.”

The most obvious is Minda’s Master Plan at Brighton, which has already achieved life-changing benefits with the successful completion of Stage 1.

“It is fantastic that Stage 2 work is now underway, and in time it will create an integrated community providing people with disability more than reasonable and necessary supports,” Cathy says.

“In addition, SA Group Enterprises recently announced acquisition of Wine Storage & Logistics (WSL) and WSL REPACK, which builds on our first commercial business acquisition in 2014, to focus our business model on self-generating income and creating disability employment opportunities.”

Everyone who wants to work should have that opportunity, and social enterprises assist people wanting to transition into open employment, and provide a sense of routine and achievement within a managed team environment.

Cathy says, “But while Minda plans to expand over time, what won’t change is the fact that the people we support will always remain at the heart of our planning and decision-making.”

NDIS ROLLOUT - KEY DATES

Work is well underway to transition the people Minda support who live in Adelaide’s Northern Local Government Areas. The NDIS transformation team and Disability Choices are working to finalise the process of pre-planning (defining goals before planning meetings take place with the National Disability Insurance Agency).

People supported by Minda who reside in the City of Port Adelaide & Enfield, City of Salisbury, Light Regional Council, Town of Gawler, City of Tea Tree Gully, City of Playford and Mildura Rural City Council, will be the first to transition from 1 July 2017.

The majority of people supported by Minda will transition from 1 January 2018, however, this has not stopped us preparing for the transition.

NDIS ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

We continue to engage with the communities in which we operate, offering information and expert advice to families, carers and people with disability.

On 27 April the Northern Disability Choices team hosted a ‘pop-up shop’ at Elizabeth City Centre, offering NDIS pre-planning advice and sharing information on the services Minda provides in the north. Additionally, Disability Choices partnered with Northern Carers Network to deliver ‘NDIS and My Aged Care’ on 2 May from our Elizabeth office.

Minda also delivered ‘NDIS Made Easy’ parent groups on 23 and 25 May at Brighton, and 21 June at Elizabeth and will be rolled out to all of our customers over the next 6 months.

If you would like information about upcoming sessions, please get in touch with Disability Choices on 1800 1 MINDA (64632).

Minda operates in what is arguably Australia’s fastest growing and evolving sector, and there can be no doubt that the organisation will look and feel quite different in the years ahead.

Robbie and Charlotte at reStyle Sanctuary

Clare McMullan, Deb McNaughtonand Kate Vaughan

Anna Pashidis, Marion Zafry and Manuela Kretschmer

The Crompton Team with Matt Boulter from Terry White Chemists - Marion Road

VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED 07

Michelle Gheorghiu with MC Lisa McAskill and Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller with Monique Russell and Hesta’s Colleen Hogan-Manning

RACV Star Award (Unsung Hero)

Marion Zafry, Strategic Marketing & Fundraising

Terry White Chemists - Marion Road

Team Performance AwardCrompton Team

BankSA Innovative Solutions Award

Julieann Meredith, Disability Choices

Phil Hoffmann Travel Excellence in Leadership Award

Andrew Wallace, Electronic Recycling Australia

Your Nursing Agency Service Excellence Award - Support Staff

Michael Byrnes, Community Night Support

Hesta Service Excellence Award –

Corporate StaffMonique Russell,

Inprint Design

It was a night of celebration on Friday 31 March when staff across Minda and SAGE made their way to Morphettville Racecourse for the annual Night of Stars, in recognition of those who had shown great success in their work and acknowledge employees celebrating service milestones.

There were six awards presented on the night, with Marion Zafry from Strategic Marketing and Fundraising taking home the top prize.

“Marion is truly deserving of the top honour and I was so pleased to see her presented with the RACV Star/Unsung Hero award on the night,” Cathy Miller says.

“Dedicated to maintaining and developing partnerships with our corporate partners and supporters, Marion seeks to make connections with people external to the organisation, to the betterment of Minda. Even when she isn’t required to attend an event, she will go along in the hope to develop relationships, and provide support to the events team.”

Working at Minda for 19 years, in her role of Partnerships & Fundraising Specialist Marion is committed to understanding the needs of key

business areas and identifying opportunities that benefit Minda and the people Minda support.

In her work as a Justice of the Peace, Marion is always welcoming of staff who seek her assistance and is kind and compassionate, but also professional in her approach.

The night wouldn’t have been such a success without the support of our sponsors BankSA, Hesta, Phil Hoffmann Travel, TechOne, Terry White Chemists – Marion Road and Your Nursing Agency and off course our major event sponsor RACV Salary Solutions.

RACV have been partnering with Minda on this event and the Stars of Minda since their inception and the support they provide is invaluable.

Employees shine at

Night of Stars

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MINDA | PARTNERS

A family business established in 1922, Adelaide Development Company (ADC) is one of the state’s leading developers, having created more than 35,000 residential allotments in South Australia.

ADC’s commitment to quality is paramount, and its dedicated team of industry professionals carries on the tradition of excellence in every project. The company takes a long-term strategic position to optimise value through direct ownership or in joint venture with compatible organisations, like Minda.

“For more than 95 years, Adelaide Development Company has been creating landmark residential and commercial developments in South Australia based on a clear philosophy. We believe good design is

BankSA does more than provide

financial services. With an

underlying commitment to drive

South Australia’s economic,

cultural and social prosperity,

the bank takes pride in its major

sponsorships and partnerships,

as well as a variety of grassroots community work.

Already BankSA offers Minda employees a range of benefits for banking with BankSA, including special rates and deals on a variety of products

ADC is proud of its partnership with Minda in the creation of the Blackwood Park residential development, and continues to support Minda in the valuable services it provides to the community.

To learn more about ADC and its projects, call (08) 8223 1488 or visit www.adelaidedevelopment.com.au

Adelaide Development Company

timeless and we adopt a long-term strategic position to optimise value, whether through direct ownership or in partnership with similarly-minded individuals or organisations,” CEO of ADC, Ian Marker says.

“As a family owned business spanning three generations, we believe integrity is paramount. Leading edge thinking and a culture of offering ‘the best’ in any given market demonstrates our commitment to do the ‘right thing’ and not just take the easy option,” he adds.

“Our continuous 20-year relationship with Minda through our award winning Blackwood Park development is a perfect example. We welcome discussion with anyone that shares our vision and philosophy to form a mutually rewarding partnership.”

Blackwood Park development

BankSABankSA has had a productive and long-standing relationship with Minda, dating back to the 1970s. As South Australia’s bank, what sets BankSA apart is its deeply ingrained understanding of this State and the local communities it serves.

The team from BankSA volunteering at the ABC Gardeners’ Market

including home loans, everyday banking, credit cards, insurance, superannuation, financial planning, savings and personal loans.

BankSA staff are also enthusiastic volunteers and supporters of Minda fundraising events.

Minda and BankSA’s relationship also extends to helping Minda generate new income and improve its current level of services.

Under the BankSA-Minda Home Loan Partnership, when customers take out a new home loan or move an existing loan to BankSA via the Glenelg Branch, just mention ‘Minda’ and for every settled home loan, BankSA will pay a commission of 0.30% of the total loan direct to the organisation.

Minda supporter, Daniel recently took out a home loan through

BankSA’s Glenelg branch and as a result, Minda received a commission.

“Knowing that Minda would receive a financial benefit as a result of my home loan was a significant factor in choosing BankSA,” Daniel says.

“I’m thrilled to have purchased a new home, but I’m so pleased I could also help others in the process.”

This arrangement with BankSA has the potential to help generate significant new income to Minda and will mean a huge amount to the organisation. To make sure the discounts are applied and the settlement is noted as being referred by Minda, it is important that enquiries are directed to BankSA’s Glenelg branch Manager, Sarah Chatwin. Sarah can be contacted on 0401 104 158 or chatwins@banksa.com.au

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MINDA | VOLUNTEERS

On Friday 12 May the Volunteer Morning Tea was held at Minda’s Verco hall in appreciation of the amazing commitment our volunteers have demonstrated in support of South Australians with disability.

“Generous and selfless in the giving of their time and talents to every area across Minda, I was so happy to acknowledge the amazing work of our volunteers and the enormous contribution they have made to the lives of others in the community,” Cathy Miller says.

“It also provided an opportunity to thank Gai Dawe for her work as Volunteer Manager and introduce the Strategic Marketing & Fundraising team to our volunteers.”

With great change in the sector, it has become vital for Minda to refocus and realign operations; additionally, the continued popularity of Disability Choices as the gateway to Minda, and growing demand for services, meant there was a need to concentrate Gai Dawe’s energies in her role as Senior Manager of Disability Choices.

With a need for Gai’s focus to be wholly

on Disability Choices, it seemed fitting for Volunteering to return to the Strategic Marketing & Fundraising team, under Executive Manager Strategic Marketing & Fundraising, Marcus Gehrig.

Volunteer Coordinator, Debi Carr is now located in the Marketing office upstairs in Verco and she reports to Manager Fundraising and Donor Development, Lauren Halliday.

“It has already shown to be a great fit, with volunteering retaining its whole of organisation focus, ensuring our volunteers remain an integral part of our workforce across the business,” Cathy says.

“Volunteers form such an important part of the Minda community, and their time, skills, efforts and expertise, we could not deliver the same level of industry-leading, individualised support to people with disability,” Lauren says.

The morning tea also gave the opportunity to thank Marg Boehm who has been supporting Minda for the last 50 years. Marg’s commitment to residents at the Pat Kaufmann Centre has been unwavering, taking on a pioneering role in the establishment and continuation of regular Sunday church services.

The crowd enjoying the music of the Pulteney Grammar Band

Gai Dawe, Marg Boehm and Lauren Halliday

She has shown leadership in the regular pastoral program of singing and craft offered at Retirement Lifestyle Services and has always been devoted in her voluntary service.

Some of Minda’s school volunteers also took part, with an amazing performance by the Pulteney Grammar band and great morning tea service from Marymount College.

Volunteer Morning Tea

Team MugfordAn integral part of the Minda community, for the past six years Jeanette and Clark Mugford have contributed weekly, as Buddy Volunteers.

The role of a Buddy is to provide companionship to assist in enhancing opportunities for people with disability to actively participate in their own lives; Jeanette and Clark have proved to be amazing “Buddies” and regularly organise activities and as a result have developed great friendships with the people they support.

They provide companionship and help support people with disability to build their independence, encouraging choice

and decision-making that positively influences their lives.

Their volunteering efforts also extend to helping at Minda’s monthly Coffee Club.

“Caring and respectful, Jeanette and Clark always adhere to the principals of dignity and respect and bring a unique array of skills and life experiences to Minda,” Debi Carr says.

Much-loved by everyone at Minda, Jeanette and Clark are known across the organisation for their commitment and outstanding efforts, and they have been nominated as finalists in the Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) SA & NT Awards.

“Jeanette and Clark are ambassadors for the volunteering community and are great advocates of, not only what can do to support

and improve the local community and enhance people’s lives, but also the great personal rewards it can bring,” Debi says.

“Their actions demonstrate to others that contributing time and effort is a significant way of exercising active citizenship, as well as reflecting a high level of social capital.”

If you want to find out more about volunteering at Minda, please contact volunteers@minda.asn.au

Jeanette (left) and Clark (far right) spending some time at Coffee Club

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MINDA | NEWS

The sun was shining and the birds were chirping, setting the scene for a wonderful day out at the ABC Gardeners’ Market!

Minda was chosen as the charity partner for the event, which was held on Saturday 8 April, with the ABC car park at Collinswood transforming into a giant market featuring a wide variety of plants and gardening accessories.

The day was a great success with Cathy Miller interviewed live on site by Saturday Breakfast announcer Ashley Walsh, a demonstration from Sprout Cooking

School, a performance by pop sensations The Sisters of Invention, an array of fun and games for the kids and a delicious BBQ ran by Minda volunteers.

Close to $20,000 was raised on the day, all made possible thanks to the support of our amazing volunteers from Minda and BankSA, and also the hard work of Minda’s Strategic Marketing & Fundraising team.

WSL and WSL REPACKSA Group Enterprises have acquired Wine Storage & Logistics (WSL) and WSL REPACK.

Based at Woodville, WSL are SA-based companies with an outstanding reputation for providing storage, transport and logistics solutions to the wine industry.

The sizable WSL warehouse provides customers with the ease and convenience of having their wine stored in a temperature-controlled and accessible site.

WSL REPACK offers a full range of customised and secondary packaging services from its Regency Park facility, and packs containers onsite, so customers can have their wine reworked, or labelled, and loaded directly into a container for export.

“This gives us a chance to open up employment opportunities to people with disability in the northern and western suburbs,” Cathy Miller says.

“We have been working hard to build and strengthen our SAGE Commercial Enterprises capability, with the aim of maximising each business to ensure we are sustainable and best-placed to thrive for the long-term in the NDIS environment.”

Guy and Sandra Fens signing the sale agreement with Cathy Miller

ABC Gardeners’ Market

Event-goers searching through the beautiful plants on offer

The Sisters of Invention performing One of the happy stall-holders

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MINDA | NEWS

Star athlete and Envirocare team member Timon Sideris was going for gold in May, making the journey to Bangkok with his family for the International Federation for Intellectual Disability Sport (INAS) T20 World Athletics Championships.

It was only around five years ago that Timon’s parents discovered his amazing talent, with his school identifying his potential.

“About five years ago, after seeing Timon run in the City to Bay and achieving a really good time, Cabra College asked Paul (Timon’s Dad) and I if we would be happy with him entering a cross country event.

Timon was keen, so we said absolutely and he came home with a bronze medal!” Timon’s mum Kirsty says. Timon and his

family also received a call from Athletics SA, inviting him to Canberra to run in the National Athletics Championships: “He had never run on a track before and not only did he qualify for the team, he ran in the 800m and 1500 events!”

Since then, Timon has represented South Australia at a National level around 10 times, winning three junior medals in 800m and 1500m and representing Australia in Brisbane and Canberra three years ago at the IPC Oceanic Grand Prix.

Recently renovated throughout, Dunsford House offers totally access-friendly accommodation for families and people with high needs. A stone’s-throw from the beach in the picturesque coastal town of Port Elliott, this comfortable family home is only an hour and half drive from Adelaide.

A five-bedroom property, Dunsford House sleeps up to 11 people and includes a spacious family dining room, large games room, new kitchen, wide door openings and disability-friendly bathrooms.

The property also has access railings and ramps, a hospital bed and lifter for those with high physical support needs and an outdoor area for entertaining.

“By refurbishing Dunsford House, so many more families like us, (that have been unable to take their family member),

will be able to enjoy a few days away together and reconnect. We are really looking forward to spending some quality time together as a family again.” - Roger & Bernardette

Fees range from $85 per night for those accessing Minda residential accommodation, $100 per night for Minda Association Members and $140 for staff and external bookings.

Please note, a $260 bond applies to all bookings, and a $5 per head laundry fee, so please let the duty office know the number of guests when you make your booking. All linen is supplied, however you must supply your own towels.

All enquiries are welcome and for more information or to book, please contact 8422 6213 or email duty.office@minda.asn.au

Access-friendly holiday accommodation

“In 2015 Timon broke the Australian record half marathon for Intellectual Disability T20 – he has broken the record five times and only keeps getting better and better.” Kirsty says.

“For the INAS World Championships he decided to throw his hand in for 5k and 10k running events, which is in about two weeks’ time. He’s over the moon and we’re really looking forward to the trip to Bangkok.”

Congratulations Timon on your outstanding success!

“Paralympics SA then called to send their congratulations and to let us know he qualified for the State team in May; so in August he competed in his first national cross country event.”

Timon’s going for gold

012 VOCAL POINT THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MINDA INCORPORATED

The team at reStyle Sanctuary are known for their enthusiasm, their dedication and the amazing support the offer and we would like to share some feedback from Liz and Michael Ward whose daughter Kate attends reStyle Sanctuary.

Our daughter Kate Ward, who has Down syndrome, has been working at the reStyle Sanctuary on Wednesday for the last six months. In that time, she has developed independence skills, far more than our expectations.

Working closely with the ever-patient Vanessa, Kate makes coffees with verbal assistance and some physical guidance, takes money, uses the till and gives change and receipts.

Kate absolutely loves going to the shop and looks forward to her session in the shop on Wednesdays. She has learnt to make eye contact when serving a customer and has developed a sense of service (not necessarily with her parents, though, who she treats with familiarity which has resulted in lots of giggles over the time she has been involved).

The peer to peer training with her co-worker, Jasmine, has seen a big improvement in Kate’s ability to show her initiative e.g. clearing the cups from the table and taking them out to the kitchen. This use of her initiative has presented itself in Bean Cooking group, much to the pleasure of Julie and Kate.

It is a wonderful example of a practical program that gives Minda’s clients a real-life experience. One of Minda’s greatest strengths that we have discovered since retiring to Adelaide from Ballarat two years ago is the quality of the people who work with the clients.

They always treat the clients with respect and warmth and Kate has responded to this. They are also very welcoming to us, as parents, and always communicate to us what Kate is doing.

On the odd occasion that an issue has arisen, the response has always been open and constructive.

We are happy and relaxed because Kate is happy and relaxed.

Regards, Elizabeth and Michael Ward with Kate Ward

MINDA | NEWS

Eldercare innovation awardsMinda Chief Operating Officer Rob Dempsey recently made the trip to Singapore for the prestigious 5th Eldercare Innovation Awards, held in conjunction with the 8th International Ageing Asia Innovation Forum.

Minda was nominated for the 26 April award in the category of Best Smart Care Technology which is for technology innovations that enable independence, health monitoring and wellbeing improvements.

The nomination was for Minda’s collaboration with JCT Healthcare on the customised assistive technology at Brighton North.

Although Minda did not take home the top prize, it was still an outstanding effort to be a finalist for this award.

Innovation in Disability – a panel discussionIn late March Minda and JCT Healthcare held a joint Innovation in Disability panel discussion at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct in Clovelly Park.

The panel discussion included Minda CEO Cathy Miller, Flinders University Professor Karen Reynolds, Lloyd Walker from the NDIS and JCT Healthcare CEO Eddie Jackson.

Facilitated by Minda Board member, Professor Richard Bruggemann, guest panellists were invited to discuss innovation in disability and how developments in technology can assist people with disability to live more independently, with a Q&A session at the end.

Chief Operating Officer Rob Dempsey accepting the finalist award

reStyle a truesanctuary

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Wayne Crabb has been an Inprint Design employee for over 15 years and has been a member of the Port Adelaide Sailing Club for the same amount of time. A keen sailor, Wayne is also a member of Adelaide Sailing Club, Goolwa Sailing Club and Port River Sailing Club.

Recently Wayne competed in the 2017

Hansa Asia Pacific Championships at the

Royal Geelong Yacht Club over Easter and

placed an outstanding third in the Hansa

303 Two-Person Class.

He also competed at the Sailability State Championship Regatta in Goolwa on April 1-2 this year, placing second in the 303 Two-Person Class.

Wayne says he’s passionate about sailing because he loves the sea and says it’s a great way to meet people and exercise.

We want to congratulate Wayne on his amazing success so far and wish him all the best when he competes at the 2018 Hansa International Championships at the Hiroshima Kannon Marina in Japan next year.

Keep up the great work Wayne!

After the great success of the, I am Woman personal development program, Southern Disability Support Social Workers Kaye Kay and Rachel Smyth decided it was time for the younger ladies with the Girl Power program.

An 8-week workshop delivered at the South Australian Learning Centre (SALC) by Minda’s Social Workers and trained Allied health Assistants, Girl Power is suitable for young women aged 13-17 years old.

This project was developed to meet the identified needs of young women with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who struggle to find their place in society due to poor self-image, lack of confidence and difficulty making and maintaining meaningful relationships.

“Many young women with intellectual disability or ASD feel isolated within their communities and struggle to find their place in society due to poor self-image, lack of confidence and difficulty making and maintaining meaningful relationships,” Kaye says.

“The Girl Power project facilitates self-knowledge, emotional acceptance and personal growth and development by assisting young women to learn new skills, so they can connect with and contribute to their community, grow in their own positive self-awareness and confidence and build networks and friendships.”

“This knowledge will guide them in building healthy, safe and positive relationships with themselves and the people

around them and in the communities in which they live.”

The workshops includes various fun, interactive games in an environment that builds social connections and relationships with peers, with a final evaluation providing a report of learning outcomes and recommendations.

Topics covered include:

• Self-esteem and assertiveness

• Healthy body image

• Good food for good health

• Emotional well-being

• Skin care

• Early teen health

• Healthy lifestyle

“Following the successful delivery of the Girl Power program to participants with NDIS funding, Minda has identified a need to offer this program to young women in South Australia who cannot afford such a program, due to social and or financial disadvantage,” Kaye says.

“We are currently looking at ways we may be able to do this and also looking forward to developing a similar program for men.”

Girl Power

Wayne, and sailing partner Bob Schahinger, receiving their trophy at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club

Sailing to success

One of the participants dancing with ribbons as part of the Girl Power program

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MINDA | NEWS

One of the most popular pathways at Minda in the North is All Things Food and every Wednesday MyPATH participants use their skills to assist the group to make a delicious meal.

This includes looking at a recipe, checking which ingredients are needed, writing a shopping list and then heading together to the local Shopping Centre to stock up on required items.

“Parents and carers have advised they encourage participation in the kitchen and as support workers we are able to build upon this and explore new ways of cooking,” MyPATH team leader Louise Toro says.

“Through conversation about home cooking, likes, dislikes and wishes about food, participants have requested to cook certain meals. With health and wellbeing in mind, we ensure we cook with real products, avoid using premade where possible and ensure we cook with a variety of colours and flavours.”

During the cooking program, those involved have learnt about how to identify and taste foods, where to locate items in a supermarket, how to pack products safely in a shopping bag and most of all, how to transport it all back to the program.

“For most of us, everyday shopping becomes routine, we take for granted the act of shopping and cooking. The participants are young adults and have become more independent and increased their confidence when cooking,” Louise says.

Recently the group worked together to make a delicious Pork Stir-Fry Noodle dish with a Fruit Salad for dessert. With staff assistance,

the team washed, peeled, chopped, placed items on the plates and bowls for sharing.

While waiting for the veggies and noodles to absorb the tasty sauce, they took cheeky selfies which were sent to their parents, much to their delight.

Another day it was all things pizza, with Liam eager to take part and cover his pizza base with delicious tomato sauce.

Louise says, “Best of all, we then get the opportunity to sit together at the table, eating what we’ve cooked as a team, and planning what we’ll cook next!”

Liam demonstrates how to wear an apron

Brooke making the famous duck face, with Louise

Benjie chooses to do some colouring while the meal cooks

The group enjoying chicken chasseur and vege kebabs

“They have also been excited to show their parents and carers what they have cooked, which is wonderful.”

All Things Food – Quick Cooking in the North

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MINDA | MINDA | APPEAL

Help make a difference to kids like Chay-Lee

Thank you for helping me!

When Chay-Lee was 10 months old she became terribly ill with bronchiolitis and pneumonia. She was in hospital for seven days while her little body tried to recover.

During her hospital stay, the doctors had some concerns: “All she did was lay there in the bed. She didn’t try to get out of bed, she didn’t speak – she didn’t do anything,” Chay-Lee’s mum, Tammy explains.

“The doctors asked if that was normal – it was, for her. But they then told me she didn’t seem to be developing like most 10-month-olds should.”

After a number of tests, the doctors delivered the heart-breaking news to Tammy. Her beautiful little girl had Global Developmental Delay.

“I was devastated. I didn’t know what Global Developmental Delay was. I just asked – what do I do?

I started stressing, worrying: Am I a bad mum? Have I done something? Would it be better for my children if I gave them up?” Tammy says.

Global Developmental Delay affects cognitive development, as well as motor skills, speech, social and emotional development. It can also mean children living with the condition struggle with daily activities, such as eating and dressing.

Chay-Lee’s parents initially accessed services through the hospital, until last year when they were introduced to Minda.

“I hadn’t heard of Minda. I didn’t realise there were places like Minda that could help. Chay-Lee loves it there. She does speech pathology, occupational therapy and psychology. She’d be there every day if she could!” Tammy says.

With the therapy she is receiving, Chay-Lee is now able to walk. While we are helping her work on her balance, as she often wobbles and falls over, it is a huge achievement and a relief for Tammy.

With her Minda psychologist, Chay-Lee is also practicing how to hold hands and to wait when crossing the road. These are skills that she struggles with, but are important to keep her safe.

Tammy hopes that in time, a trip to the shops will become an easier and safer activity. It certainly helps that Chay-Lee has come a long way with her communication since receiving support from Minda.

“She sometimes struggles to understand what someone is saying, but she is talking more frequently and clearly. I didn’t use to be able to understand her at all,” Tammy says.

While Chay-Lee has made wonderful progress, there is still a way to go. Being so young, it is hard to know what support Chay-Lee will need in the future.

“I’m so glad she’s getting help because I don’t know how I’d cope. Of course, I try to help her the best I can, but without Minda, I don’t know where I’d be. I’d be lost.”

With your support, we can give children like Chay-Lee access to the best specialists, equipment and opportunities to develop their skills and have a meaningful life. It is because of supporters like you that Minda can provide the best support possible, and for that we want to say thank you.

Minda thanks the many generous individuals and businesses who support people with disability.

THANK YOU

Corporate Partners

King George Ave

PO Box 5, Brighton SA 5048Ph 08 8422 6200 Fax 08 8422 6330

www.mindainc.com.au facebook.com/mindainc

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Patron

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia

Ambassadors

Phil Hoffmann, AM

Katrina Webb, OAM

Ali Clarke

Sponsors and supporters

ABC Adelaide

Adelaide Arcade

Adelaide Aqua Pty Ltd

Adtrans Group Pty Ltd

ALH Group

Artistic License

Australian Executor Trustees

Boileau Business Solutions

Bowden Print Group

Caleche

Cheesman Architects

Chris Henderson Electrical

CMV Foundation

Colourblind Films

CommScope Solutions Australia

Coopers Brewery Foundation

Datacom Systems SA

Deloitte

Ecolab

EFM Health Clubs

Evans and Ayers Chartered Accountants

Evans Clarke National

F H Trevelion Funeral Directors

Fassina SA Family

Liquor Stores

Freemasons Foundation

Glenelg Golf Club Ladies Committee

Health Metrics Advisory Team

HESTA

Holco

Jacqui Ion Lawyers

JBWere

John Lewis Food Service

Joulz Distinctive Jewellery

Kiwanis Club of Glenelg Inc

Macquarie

Murray Pest Control

Phil McMahon Real Estate

Photography Room

Presence

Public Trustee

Rider Levett Bucknall

RNW Fire Services

Rotary Club of Somerton Park

Royal Adelaide Show

South Australian Jockey Club

Sangamitha Foundation

SARAH Constructions

Simone Perele

System Solutions Engineering Pty Ltd

Technology One

Variety - The Children’s Charity

Yalumba

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