inside2 Bill Shorten visits Netley
3 Orana’s Annual General Meeting
3 20 years of succcess with Mitsubishi
4 Accomodation Service Update
5 30 year milestone at Port Pirie
5 Lochy flies the flag
6 City to Bay
6 A touchdown for Orana
7 Orana Award winners
7 Orana helps Revegetate the Coorong
Building Lives. Boosting Business. edition 5 : 2012
Orana eventsSunday 2 december IDoPwD Celebrations, noon – 3pm Linde Reserve, Stepney (accessible)
monday 3 december International Day of People with Disability (IDoPwD)
ThurSday 13 december
Fundraising Movie Night – Rise of the Guardians @ Mitcham Wallis (see page 8 for details)
Please note – Head Office will be closed from 5pm, Friday 21 December, reopening Monday 7 January.
Galway Apartments – a new accommodation model for the futureLate September 2012 saw the signing of the contracts for the purchase of apartments located at 1 and 1A Galway Ave, Marleston. These houses will provide new accommodation options for Orana residents, many of whom currently reside in the existing Metropolitan Community Living Program (MCLP). Residents will be involved in the design process as well as having a choice of where they would like to live and with whom.
The apartment style living of “Galway” will provide residents the opportunity to live in independent housing in a suburban street, have more personal space for welcoming family and friends, allow interaction with other tenants according to their individual wishes and direct access via public transport to Adelaide city, Marion Shopping Centre, and other areas of interest.
Extensive renovations are planned for early 2013, including, internal fitouts to each apartment, new gardens, recreation and social areas and privacy fencing.
Orana aims to have the refurbishment completed by May 2013.
• Galway Apartments, as they are now.
• Galway Apartments, the architect’s impression.
Seasons Greetings
Message from the CEOWe have again reached that point in the calendar when our thoughts turn to the approaching Christmas festivities.
It is appropriate at this time of the year to thank all the members of the Orana community for their contributions and support over the past 12 months. My thanks extends to donors and supporters, Association Members, family members, Auxiliary and Friends Groups, volunteers, Board Members and staff. We really appreciate everything you do.
On Tuesday 30 October, Orana held its AGM, in which Bill Filmer AM and Kate Strohm were
re-elected by the members to the Orana Board. Following the AGM a Board Meeting was held where the Office Bearer positions of President, Vice-President and Treasurer were confirmed. I would like to congratulate Bill Filmer AM who was elected for another term as President. Richard Goddard was elected as Vice-President and Steven Toth as Treasurer.
Since our last newsletter, the Board has also welcomed two new Board Directors in Ms Michele Nardelli, who is the Manager, News and Media with Uni SA and Ms Michelle Groves, Advisor and Consultant from MRS Property.
Sadly, Francis Wong recently resigned from the Orana Board due to increasing business commitments in Adelaide and Asia. On behalf of the Board I wish him all the best and thank him for his significant contribution to Orana.
As we approach the end of 2012, I would like to reflect on some of the many successes Orana has achieved over the past twelve months. The successes have been closely aligned to ensuring Orana progresses its vision and making sure all services live by the core values of being a caring, capable and viable organisation.
This year the Orana Board adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons
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with Disabilities as the guiding principles of the organisation and has adopted the philosophy of Person-Centred Planning. Our future approach will ensure Orana clients lead ordinary, independent and meaningful lives.
Orana has purchased new premises for our Port Augusta Pet Shop and Employment Service which will relocate to 23 Commercial Road in April 2013 after almost 30 years on Tassie Street. Orana’s Accommodation Services have purchased a block of apartments at Marleston which will be redeveloped to create new housing opportunities for Orana’s residents currently living in the inner western suburbs. Work on the redevelopment will commence in early 2013.
Finally, further work has been undertaken to ensure a sustainable future and position the organisation as a leader in the disability sector; this has included a review of all of our services which will ensure operational effectiveness and growth.
I look forward to seeing you all back safely next year to celebrate Orana’s continuing achievements in 2013.
I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Nicholas Mihalaras Chief Executive Officer
Bill Shorten visits Netley On Wednesday 7 November Orana welcomed Bill Shorten, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation and Mr Steve Georganas MP, Member for Hindmarsh, to Netley.
The Minister and Mr Georganas took the opportunity to talk with Orana staff and meet some of Orana’s employees. They spoke about his employment portfolio and the importance of providing sustainable employment opportunities for people with a disability.
The Minister is a passionate advocate for people with a disability and their carers, as he previously held the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Children’s Services.
In his role of Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten was instrumental in the Federal Government’s adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
We thank Minister Shorten and Mr Steve Georganas for visiting Orana. •��Richard Goddard Vice President Orana, Hon Bill Shorten, Steve Georganas MP, Nicholas Mihalaras CEO
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• Orana Board Members (L-R) back row – Bill Filmer AM, Norm Harrison, Stephen Toth, Richard Goddard, Chris Stathy Front row – Nicholas Mihalaras, David Johns, Michele Nardelli, Kate Strohm, Michelle Groves, Tony Newman.
The AGM also provides an opportunity for Orana to present Awards to clients, volunteers and staff.
After being welcomed to the AGM by Orana President Bill Filmer AM, the audience were treated to a presentation by guest speaker Mr Robbi Williams, CEO of the Julia Farr Association. Robbi spoke about the new age of Person Centred Planning and the importance this is going to play in the future evolution of the Australian disability sector. Person Centred Planning is all about creating opportunities for individuals to lead meaningful lives and create greater levels of independence.
Following Robbi’s presentation, Bill Filmer AM provided the President’s address, in which he spoke about Orana’s commitment to Person Centred Planning, including the Board’s adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person’s with Disabilities and how this has evolved
into the Person Centred Framework throughout the organisation.
“Put simply, a person centred approach transforms the organisation from institutional care, to an organisation that provides individualised support” Bill said.
Steven Toth, Orana’s Treasurer, delivered the Finance Report to the AGM, in which he reported a small surplus for the 2011/12 financial year. An excellent result considering the tough economic conditions and downturn nationally as a result of an increase in cheaper imported goods from overseas, which has affected the traditional work undertaken by Orana.
Nicholas Mihalaras presented the CEO’s report, in which he thanked Board Members (all of whom are volunteers) for their dedication and commitment to Orana. Nick also spoke about some of the achievements Orana made
Orana Annual General MeetingOn Tuesday 30 October, Orana’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held. The AGM is an important date in the Orana diary, as it is a requirement of the Orana Constitution and provides Members with an update on activities that have occurred in the last financial year.
throughout the year including the continued growth of the Client Development Centre, the building and official opening of two new residential accommodation buildings in Loxton and the review of Orana’s operational effectiveness in Employment Services.
Following the CEO report, Nick presented the Orana Awards which included; Orana Employee and Resident of the Year, Meritorious Service and the Orana Diploma of Management Graduates. See article on Page 7 for the Orana Award Winners.
The AGM is also where Board Member elections take place. This year the terms of Bill Filmer AM and Kate Strohm expired at the 2012 AGM. A letter was sent to all Orana Members on the 28th of August calling for nomination. Subsequent to this call for nominations Orana received renominations from both Bill Filmer AM and Kate Strohm. As the number of nominations fell within the number of vacant positions, Orana CEO and Returning Officer Nicholas Mihalaras declared Bill Filmer AM and Kate Strohm re-elected to the Orana Board for a further two year term.
Congratulations to Bill and Kate on your re-election to the Orana Board.
Orana is a Member based organisation. If you are a family member of a person who receives support from Orana, or you have an interest in Orana, then why not consider becoming a Member? If you would like to become a Member, please phone the Marketing Department on (08) 8375 2000 for further information, or visit www.oranaonline.com.au
20 years of success with MitsubishiJuly 2012 saw the Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) Orana Enclave reach 20 years of age. For this time Orana employees have been working alongside MMAL employees, packaging and boxing components and assisting in other areas of the business. Orana Enclaves provide people with a disability the opportunity to work in businesses alongside existing staff members. This opens up opportunities for social inclusion and personal growth. Orana’s Enclaves provide cost effective business solutions to local industry while also satisfying their own corporate responsibility needs. MMAL and Orana have a strong and productive past and we look forward to continuing this strong relationship into the future.
If you would like more information on orana enclaves and how they could benefit your workplace or a business you know, please contact Tony benson on (08) 8375 2000.
•��Guest�Speaker�Robbi�Williams,�CEO�of�the�Julia�Farr�Association addresses the AGM
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To meet the changes required of a Person Centred Philosophy, Orana has needed to revise a number of areas of the business to ensure that we were putting into practise the methods that we know people supported by Orana deserve. This brought about the creation of the Accommodation Reference Group, which brings together a group of individuals who have experience and ideas in relation to housing design, rights based practices, consumer engagement, developmental practice, funding, stakeholder engagement and innovation.
Although in a twelve month trial phase, Orana hopes that the Accommodation Reference Group will become a permanent part of our service provision which provides strategic advice through
to our Board of Directors. This will assist in Orana developing its accommodation services in the future paying particular attention to social trends, developments in the disability sector and consumer rights.
The methodology adopted by the Accommodation Reference Group includes: 1 Draw on innovative examples from around
the world
2 Consider creative options in housing design
3 Incorporate the impact of person centred practice on people with a disability
4. Reflecting on current challenges in the disability sector
The Accommodation Reference Group is currently made up of: •� �John Haren, State Manager Accommodation
Services and Strategic Investments
•� �Richard Goddard, Vice President, Board Director
•� �Kate Strohm, Board Director
•� �Michele Slatter (Chair), Associate Professor, Senior Research Fellow at Centre for Housing Urban and Regional Planning.
•� �Carol Bradley, Vice Chair of National Board of Riding for the Disabled.
•� �Richard Bruggeman, Professorial Fellow, Disability Studies, Flinders University.
•� �Steve Duddy, Director SLD Architects.
•� �Paul Willey, Director (South), Disability SA.
Accommodation Service Update
Person Centred Planning – A new approach
Accommodation Reference Group
At Orana, we acknowledge that every person is an individual. This is why we’re adopting a person-centred approach to all our services, and the way we care and provide for our people with a disability.
The aim of a person-centred approach is to empower each of our clients, and to support
them in making their own decisions. It’s about us respecting each other and the rights we share.
With Orana’s adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities comes a large commitment from Orana, and one that we are willing to fulfil. We have summarised our commitment, as follows:
1 You have the right to make your own choices, be independent and be treated with dignity.
2 You have the right to be treated without discrimination.
3 You have the right to be a part of the community.
4 You have the right to be respected for your gifts and be respected for who you are.
5 We believe in equality of opportunity.
6 You have the right to be able to access facilities and to have a home that is safe, comfortable for you to use and that meets your needs.
7 You have the same rights whether you are a man or a woman.
8 We all have rights, which means Orana, our clients, our staff, our employees, our local community, everybody. Absolutely everybody.
Over the coming months further communications will be released, and each and every person with a disability that uses one of Orana’s services will be spoken to individually about what this means for them. Our Client Development Team will work together with individuals and service managers to ensure that each and every person is clear about our new approach, and satisfied with the services they’re receiving.
Orana’s focus is on meeting the needs of people with a disability, and this is definitely one more step in the right direction.Training at Netley
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30 year milestone at Port Pirie! This year saw Darryl Vermeeren of Orana’s Port Pirie Employment Service reach his 30 year service milestone.
Whilst at work, Darryl enjoys making and building things, and trying out the various types of machinery we have available to our employees. Darryl says, “I like to finish all the things I make perfectly,” and is known around the place as a bit of a perfectionist. He also enjoys packing the stillage to schedule and watching it be taken away.
Outside of work Darryl enjoys playing darts, tenpin bowling, and making and racing remote control cars. He has been married to Lorraine, who also works at the Port Pirie Employment Service, for 24 years.
Congratulations to Darryl on reaching 30 years of service with Orana.
Work is an experience at OranaA number of students from Roma Mitchell Secondary College have been participating in work experience and assisting the team at Orana Wingfield. The students have been provided with some invaluable experience and knowledge regarding life after finishing school as well as the various work options they have available. The students spend approximately one term with Orana, one day a week, trying their hand at something completely different from what they have experienced before.
Wingfield Manager, Andrew Roberts, enjoys taking on work experience students and assisting them to determine what they want to do when they leave school. The students bring exceptional enthusiasm, even complaining when they couldn’t attend work one day due to a student-free day!! It is this enthusiasm which is contagious and inspires exceptional work ethic with everyone they have contact with.
Feedback received from the students has been positive and heart-warming. From enjoying the bus ride, to wearing an Orana shirt and meeting new friends, each student has taken something different away from their experience. Many specifically enjoyed working on particular jobs and are looking forward to coming to work for Orana upon finishing school.
Orana is a strong supporter of work experience for high school students with a disability and each site looks forward to taking on more of these students in the new year.
Melanie Charity is one of Orana’s staff members at the Berri Accommodation Service, and it was her greatest pleasure when her son Lochy, who has a disability, was asked to be one of the youth flag bearers chosen to welcome home the Australian Paralympic Committee when they arrived in Adelaide on September 26.
Lochy had a wonderful day and had the opportunity to take part in the festivities and meet some of his idols. As a participant in the Paralympic Association it was a wonderful experience for him and gave him an insight into what his future may hold.
Lochy was born with a rare condition called fibula hemomilia, which means he had no tibia or shin bones, no ankle and few toes. He had an
amputation on the 22 of May 2002 and has since required prosthesis. Earlier this year Lochy was contacted by the Paralympic Association of South Australia who had heard his story.
In March of this year Lochy travelled to Adelaide to take part in the Paralympic talent search day, and again in May for SAPSASAWAD (sports for school aged children with a disability).
Lochy competed in three events and finished with three gold medals. He will now compete in the nationals this year, being held in Adelaide from November 23 – 27. Orana wishes him all the best of luck!• Darryl Vermeeren is proud to reach his 30 year milestone
A flag bearing honour for Lochy
• Lochy with Matt Cowdrey • Lochy Charity proudly waves the Australian flag
Follow Us OnlineOrana has a presence on social media! You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/orana.incorporated or on twitter at http://twitter.com/
Also, Orana now has a Facebook group dedicated to family members of people with a disability. You can share your stories, challenges and make new friends. Along with a forum/discussion, here we will be posting updates on the upcoming NDIS, as well as other updates relevant to disability services and our people. https://www.facebook.com/groups/491162207568757/
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Team Orana stand out in the City to BayOn Sunday 16 September Orana participated in the City to Bay Fun Run. A total of 195 people joined the Orana team which was proudly sponsored by Workskil. The Orana Team stood out from the crowd in their “Orana Green” T-shirts sporting the Workskill logo. The 2012 City to Bay raised a total of $2,542.78 which will go directly towards supporting people with a disability. Just for the record, the fastest runner was our very own CEO Nicholas Mihalaras and the highest fundraiser was also Nicholas Mihalaras! Thanks Nick for your contributions to the day.
A big thank you goes out to those who assisted in the lead up to and on the day, including Orana’s President, Bill Filmer, and State Manger Accommodation, John Haren, for doing a wonderful job cooking the BBQ, and Sofia Fisher for assisting with setup and pack down.
A touchdown for OranaOn the 24th of August singer/song writer and former Australian Idol judge Mark Holden visited the Netley Employment Service and treated the employees with a couple of songs and a lot of autographs. As a cancer survivor and one who has battled with osteoarthritis and, he is a passionate ambassador for Orana’s cause.
Mark is on the brink of releasing his next album and all in attendance were delighted that he chose
Orana to share one of his new songs with. With the usual antics of air guitar and a lot of dancing going on, Mark surprised us with his new singing voice which has been acutely affected by his cancer treatment.
After a short performance Mark whisked off to his next engagement, but not before promising to return once his album is released.
•�Mark Holden sings for the Netley employees
Making an eternal differenceThrough your estate you can make a lasting difference to the lives of South Australians with a disability. After taking care of your loved ones, why not extend your gift to others with a bequest to Orana.
Leaving a bequest to Orana in your will, no matter how large or small, will make a lasting impression on the lives of people with a disability. A selfless gift, you can contribute a permanent legacy that provides for some of our most vulnerable community members.
Your bequest enables us to provide additional services that we may otherwise not have been able to afford.
A little can and does go a long way. You can even nominate exactly what area of the business you would like your bequest to benefit.
Remember Orana in your will.
If you would like more information on our bequest program please contact Ed Scanlon on 08 8375 2000.
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Revegetating the CoorongMurray Bridge Employment Service has successfully completed their part of a program to revegetate the Coorong and Lower Lakes region. This Federal Government Land Care initiative involved Orana employees planting 43,000 forestry and undergrowth plants whilst meeting a tight schedule.
Along with assistance from volunteering parents, who gave many hours of their time making tree guards, as well as supervisors and other helpers, the employees completed the task for the customer whilst sometimes facing difficult obstacles, including inclement weather, wet and rocky terrains.
Plant propagation and revegetation projects are becoming more frequent for Orana employees, and many of them are becoming quite the horticultural experts.
Orana employees are looking forward to revisiting the sites in the future to see the fruits of their hard work. • L-R Brenton Hand, Stephen Duffield, Stephen Anderson, Daniel Roccisano, Jodie Anne Lewis
Employee and Resident of the Year and Meritorious Service Awards
The Orana Employee and Resident of the Year are selected from the quarterly award winners from throughout the year. The winners of the quarterly awards have been nominated by their service as their Employee or Resident of the quarter and through this are eligible for consideration for the Orana Employee and Resident of the Year Award. The winners of the Employee and Resident of the Year are announced at Orana’s Annual General Meeting.
This year EPAC Salary Solutions have sponsored Orana’s Resident and Employee of the Year Awards. The Winners each receive $500 and the runners up $250 each.
Orana is delighted to announce the winners of the 2012 awards are:
Annie Williamson (Orana Employee of the Year) – Netley Employment Service
Annie commenced with Orana in October 2008 at the Mitsubishi Enclave. She has worked with the team at Mitsubishi and at Ridleyton employment service transferring to Netley employment service in 2010.
Annie has achieved many personal and work goals during her employment at Orana. She has overcome many hurdles and is an excellent role model for her peers.
She has worked on the Wynns, Milford Wires, Ravens, SA Linen, Kosmea, Elders and Clipsal teams ( just to name a few!) resulting in achievements she can be very proud of. Annie has been an integral part of the new cleaning team at Netley and has achieved excellent results with her work quality and the relationships she has with others.
Annie thoroughly enjoyed being a part of our Orana Cooking School and is now a budding master chef!
Annie is a friendly, patient and caring person who is held in high regard by all who work with her.
Congratulations Annie!
Joyleen Schumacher (Orana Resident of the Year) – Loxton Accommodation
Joyleen has been a resident of Orana’s Loxton Accommodation Service since September 1995 and an employee at the Loxton Employment Service since September 1978. She retired from the employment service this year, due to illness.
Earlier this year, Joyleen was diagnosed with cancer, and with that diagnosis came a substantial loss in her independence and ability to do things for herself. She needed to rely on staff to assist her more than ever before, and although this was
challenging for her, she accepted the changes gracefully and worked alongside her staff to get things done.
Joyleen has faced many intense challenges over the past year, including long standing fears which she has overcome.
Joyleen has provided staff and residents of Loxton a true understanding of character and a fighting spirit. Joyleen has found great solace in Emily, a silky terrier, who provides her with unconditional love, patience and friendship, and watches over her faithfully.
Congratulations Joyleen.
The runner up for the Employee of the year was Samuel Elsby, from the Pt Pirie Employment Service. Mark Bond, from Pt Pirie Accommodation Service was awarded the runner up Resident of the Year Award.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Philip Murphy, who volunteers at Wingfield where his daughter Cassandra works. Phil has been a regular volunteer at the Wingfield Employment Service since 1994, providing essential support to managers and supervisors.
Phil is a tremendous help and support to staff, is reliable, and has formed many friendships throughout his time with Orana. He goes out of his way to support the team in any way possible, assists in planning social events for the employees and wears his dates of service on his safety vest with pride.
Orana thanks Phil for his 18 years of service thus far.
Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who was nominated during the year.
Orana would like to thank EPAC Salary Solutions for their generous sponsorship of these awards.
• Colleen Stallion presents Annie Williamson with her Employee of the Year Award
• Resident of the Year Joyleen Schumacher
• Bill Filmer AM presents Philip Murphy with his award
We are delighted to announce the support of Repco Authorised Service to Orana.
Repco Community Rewards provides selected not-for-profit organisations with the means to raise much needed funds through the provision of a special redemption card. Each time you or a friend needs a car service, if you present your Repco Card at any Repco Authorised workshop, 10% of the labour value is rebated directly to the Orana. Furthermore, for each service or repair over $300 the card bearer receives a $25 fuel voucher!
Repco Authorised workshops provide high quality
mechanical repairs at very competitive prices.
So next time you need your vehicle serviced,
why not give Repco a go and support Orana
in the process.
If you would like a loyalty card to assist us in raising funds please contact the fundraising department on 08 8375 2000.
Orana wishes to thank its supporters - families, auxiliaries, friends, volunteers and staff - for your kind and generous support throughout 2012. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you again in 2013
www.oranaonline.com.au
ORANA HEAd OFFICE26 Watson Avenue Netley SA 5037
T (08) 8375 2000 F (08) 8293 5148 E [email protected]
ORANA POSTAL AddRESSPO Box 680, Torrensville Plaza SA 5031
ORANA EMPLOYMENT SERvICES
METROPOLITAN Netley Ridleyton Wingfield
REGIONAL Loxton Meningie Mt. Gambier Murray Bridge Port Augusta Port Pirie
ORANA CLIENT dEvELOPMENT CENTREProviding Services across South Australia
ORANA ExTERNAL EMPLOYMENT SERvICESMetropolitan and Regional (Incorporating Orana Green and Enclaves)
ORANA ACCOMMOdATION SERvICES
METROPOLITAN Clarence Park Glenside Inner West
REGIONAL Berri Loxton Meningie Port Pirie
RESPITE SERvICES Whyalla
ORANA BOARd MEMBERSBill Filmer AM President and Chairman Elected Director
Richard Goddard Vice President Appointed Director
Steven Toth Treasurer Appointed Director
Nicholas Mihalaras Secretary Chief Executive Officer
Norm Harrison Appointed Director
David Johns Appointed Director
Tony Newman Appointed Director
Kate Strohm Elected Director
Chris Stathy Appointed Director
Michele Nardelli Appointed Director
Michelle Groves Appointed Director
Orana at the MoviesJoin us at 6pm on Thursday 13 December at Wallis Cinemas Mitcham to raise funds for Orana.
Rise of the Guardians is a PG film about a carefree boy, Jack Frost, who brings winter everywhere he goes. When the Nightmare King, Pitch, begins to engulf the world in darkness the Guardians (Santa, the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and the Sandman) join together with Jack to stop Pitch and protect the children of the world.
Tickets are just $20 and must be purchased in advance. You can do this at www.oranaonline.com.au/shop or by calling 08 8375 2000.
Take 9 Cards – only $19
Repco Community Rewards
A Take 9 Card entitles you to over $150 in savings on regular movie ticket prices, including:
•� See 2 movies for free
•� �See 9 movies for just $9 each for you and a friend
•� �Complimentary bag of Fruchocs on use of your first $9 movie
•� Chance to win a Wallis Gold Pass for a year
Note: Available all sessions. Valid until end March 2013. Valid at Wallis Cinemas – Mitcham, Mount Barker, Noarlunga and Piccadilly (North Adelaide)
Take 9 Movie Cards are available from our online shop, or by calling the fundraising department on 08 8375 2000.
