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Aspire Support Services
April Newsletter
$100,000 goes to the Community
Since the commencement of Aspire’s
Community Grant Scheme in April 2014 we
have received many, many applications during
that time. We are now proud to announce that
Aspire has granted over $100,000 in donations
to individuals, families and community groups
to help improve the lives of people with a
disability. This could not have been achieved
without the ongoing support of the Commercial
Club Albury. The Commercial Club has
continued to support the Community Grants
scheme since its inception and play a vital role
in allowing Aspire to make a difference to the
lives of people with a disability.
Some of the money allocated through the
Community Grants Scheme has been used to purchase items
such as:
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IPads
Sporting equipment
Dance lessons
Speech Therapy
Mobility aids
and much more.
One of our recipients last year was Josh Campbell (pictured
above). Josh was lucky enough to be selected to represent
Australia in the International Blind Cricket Series against New
Zealand in mid January 2015. Aspire was able to support Josh
through the Community Grants Scheme to attend the series in
New Zealand and Josh has reported back that he had a wonderful
time and developed new skills and new friendships along the way.
Aspire is proud to support people like Josh to achieve their goals
and aspiration and to live life to the fullest.
Last month there was an article published in the Aspire newsletter titled The
Paleo Way. In this article, it was suggested that families of children with an
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had reported a “vast improvement in behaviour
and well being” after trying the Paleo Diet.
This is the personal opinion of the author of the article and not the opinion of
Aspire Support Services.
Information has been gathered directly from the Raising Children Network and is as follows:
Diet as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder
There are claims that special diets can ‘cure’ or help treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but these
claims are not backed up by scientific evidence. The most popular diet is the gluten-free and
casein-free (GFCF) or elimination diet.
Some diets can be unhealthy or can lead to a child not getting a good balance of foods.
A small number of children with ASD have gluten and casein sensitivities and intolerances. These
children can benefit from a GFCF diet. But research shows that a GFCF diet won’t do any good for other
children with ASD who don’t have these intolerances.
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/eating_habits_children_with_autism_spectrum_disorder.html#Diet
Please see a dietician or medical professional if you would like more information about ASD and
food sensitivities.
Parents as Case Coordinators (PaCC)
Case Management Program in Wodonga
Group Case management
Learn the skills to coordinate and access services for your child.
* Develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
* Develop support networks to meet the needs of your family.
* Develop skills to manage and support your child through their transitions.
* Caring for you as a parent.
PaCC is an innovative six week group case management program for families with a child who has a
diagnosed disability or developmental delay. All families will be assessed prior to the start of the
program to ensure it is the right time for the family to take part and that PaCC is the right program for
your family. If you are interested, contact our Family Support Worker, Sally Stewart.
When: Six weekly sessions commencing Tuesday 28 April 2015 to 02 June 2015 and a follow up
session on Tuesday 14 July 2015
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: LEAP Centre, 23 Moorefield Park Drive, Wodonga.
Contact: Sally Stewart or Rachael Webb. Phone: 02 60584000.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Tea and coffee provided - Places strictly limited - Attendance at all sessions required.
If childcare is going to prevent you attending the group, please contact us so we can assist you to find
appropriate care for your child. We will be running another PaCC program in term 4 in Albury.
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Hi everyone thanks for your support for such a
great cause.
As you can see in the picture the orange hair
has gone. The big shave was on Saturday 14th
March 2015.
Thanks to everyone’s amazing support I was
able to reach my goal of $1,200.00
Thanks again
Liz Quin
Aspire Support Services Autism/Asperger's Family Network Group
Mystery Bus Tour
Aspire Support Services Autism/Asperger’s Family Network Group is hosting a Mystery Bus
tour to ???
The destination is a mystery but you can be assured that you will have lots of laughter and
relaxation along the way.
When: Friday 1st May 2015
Time: 9.15am Albury pick up and 9.30am Wodonga pick up
Return: Approximately 2.30pm to Wodonga and 2.45pm to Albury
Location of pick up and drop off: To be confirmed
Cost: $20.00 per person
Drinks and spending money at own cost.
Register your interest with Sue Pringle at Aspire Support Services.
Phone: 02 6058 4000
Email: [email protected]
We welcome new members to come along and join in the fun.
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Welcome to Aspire Support Services
Trevor Cowell—General Manager Operational Services
My name is Trevor Cowell and I commenced with Aspire Support Services on Monday 12th
January 2015 as the General Manager Operational Services.
I have previously worked for the NSW Ambulance Service at both a clinical and management
level. I left the Ambulance Service in 1994 and joined UPA Aged Care as their Regional
Manager for the Murray/Riverina region. In 2004 I took up the position of CEO with the
Border Division for General Practice.
The position at Aspire was of great interest to me as I have always liked to work in
Organisations that provide support to other members of the community. I see Aspire as an
organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of people we support It is a very
exciting future as we prepare the organisation to be a major service provider under the
National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Emma Webb—Human Resources and Quality Manager
My name is Emma Webb and I am Aspire’s new Human Resource and Quality Manager. I
am a passionate, dedicated Human Resources professional that is thrilled to be working as
part of the Aspire team.
Prior to joining Aspire, I spent my last eight years working for Albury City Council in various
Human Resources roles and previous to that I work for Moran Furniture in Melbourne which
is a furniture manufacturing company.
I grew up in North East Victoria then moved to London for a couple of years followed by five
years in Melbourne and then finally settled in Albury. I have now been in Albury for 10 years.
I have a great husband Graeme, and two wonderful children Isabelle (10 years) and Oliver (6
years) they all keep me very grounded.
Donna Johnstone—Administration Manger
My name is Donna Johnstone and I am the new Administration Manager at Aspire.
I am a bit of a mixed bag in regards to professional experience. My strengths are project
management, administration and design, prior to taking the position with Aspire I was working
as Designer for local company. Prior to this I was working for NSW Health in North Sydney at
Health Infrastructure and Health System Planning and Investment Branch in administration
roles.
I have now been living in Albury for 18 months with my partner Steve (he is a local, returning
after 25 years), we are thoroughly enjoying what this area has to offer. We have bought a
house and hopefully move in over Easter, currently renovating which is both exhausting and
exciting.
I look forward to working with the Aspire team, meeting everyone and hope to make a
positive contribution to the organisation.
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ZEALOUS KIDS
Evening Holiday Play Session
Where:
When:
Time:
Cost:
Zealous Kids Play Centre Elgin Blvd, Wodonga
(located between Bargain Buys and Lifestyle Fitness)
Wednesday 8th April 2015
5.30pm to 7.30pm
Children over 5 years - $6.00
Children 3 – 5 years - $5.00
Children under 3 years - free
Light Meal supplied (please let us know if you or your children have specific dietary
requirements). Play equipment is for the use of children up to aged 12. We have the use of
Zealous Kids for ourselves only.
Contact:
Phone:
Email:
Sue Pringle at Aspire Support Services for further information or to book
02 6058 4000
[email protected]
Fathers Weekend Away to Melbourne
Expression of Interest
Opportunity to have a relaxing time with other dads.
When: 15th – 17th May 2015.
Staying at the Mantra on Russell. Travel by train at a time of your choice.
Exhibitions of interest on in Melbourne: https://www.acmi.net.au/
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
Please rsvp to Glenn Rowbottom
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0412 084 537
OR
Sue Pringle at Aspire Support Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02 6058 4000
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The Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Regatta 2015 was held on Saturday 28th February at The
Gateway Lake on the Lincoln Causeway.
It was a great day with all involved expressing how much fun they had. There were 2 divisions
in this years regatta – Social (for less experienced teams) and Premier (for teams who have
been paddling for a number of years) with 22 community teams in total entering the event.
Aspire participated in the Social division. There are 3 heats and the total time from all 3 races
are combined and the fastest 4 teams paddle in the final.
We got off to what we thought was a bad start but still managed a rather quick time of just on 1
minute. Unfortunately as we thought we were improving our technique the times didn’t get any
faster. We missed out on paddling in the final by nearly 2 seconds. We did end the day on a
high putting in our best effort against a head wind to win our third heat and post a respectable
time. As we crossed the finish line ahead of the other 3 boats, paddlers were raised above our
heads and cheers roared from the boat.
Youngcare At Home Care Grants are now open to people living in Victoria
and Tasmania
Grants totaling $250,000 are being offered for the first time in Tasmania as part of a joint
grants round with Victoria to support young people with high care needs who are living at
home.
Youngcare At Home Care Grants aim to keep people aged 18 to 65 at home with their families
and prevent them being admitted to aged care. After successfully running the grants program
in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, Youngcare is expanding its reach to young
Aussies with high care needs.
The grants program, which has proved highly successful in other areas, has been extended to
Tasmania in 2015.
One-off grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 are available for home modifications, respite
care, physiotherapy and equipment such as wheelchairs, communication aids, shower
commodes, trolleys and recliner chairs. Please note that this includes those people with high
care needs who live in supported accommodation as well as at home with their family.
For more information contact Youngcare Connect on 1800 844 727 or
[email protected] / www.youngcare.com.au
Who can apply?
Both eligible organisations and individuals can apply for a grant. To be eligible, grant recipients must reside in Victoria or Tasmania.
Timeframes
Applications open on 27 February 2015
Applications close on 10 April 2015
Applicants notified by 15 May 2015
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Family Easter BBQ
WHEN: Wednesday 1st April 2015
WHERE: Hovell Tree Park
Meet at the BBQ’s near the Wood Fired Oven
TIME: 4.00pm to 6.30pm
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Family fun
Meet others
Visit by the Easter Bunny
Easter Egg Hunt
No Cost
RSVP: Tuesday 31st March 2015
Aspire Support Services—02 6058 4000 or [email protected]
Celebrating Mothers Day
WHERE:
WHEN:
St Ives Hotel, 64 Lincolon Causeway Gateway Island, Wodonga
Thursday 7th May 2015
TIME:
12.00pm to 2.30pm
Cost:
Adults $10.00
Children $5.00
RSVP:
Monday 4th May 2015
Aspire Support Services—02 6058 4000 or [email protected]
Autism/Asperger's Family Network Group
“La Maison” – 40 Lincoln Causeway – Gateway Island Vic. 3690
Tuesday 21st April – 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Afternoon Tea - $4.00 per head
(Children welcome – large area booked)
Guest speaker: Dr Anita Star Nutrition Consultant
(Topics directed by discussion on the day)
Please rsvp for seating and catering:
Aspire 0260 584000 [email protected]
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Albury/Wodonga Down Syndrome Family Network Group
Monthly Meeting at ASPIRE
Monday 20th April - 12pm – 2pm
BYO Lunch
23 Stanley Street, Wodonga
Come & borrow some books or DVD’s from the Resource Library
SAVE THE DATE!!! - Saturday 2nd May
Parents and Carers Dinner at Café La Maison
RSVP: Parent Contact: Jo McConnell 0466 467644 / email: [email protected]
Aspire Support Services 02 6058 4000 or [email protected]
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Oppositional Defiant
Disorder & related conditions Support Group
Lunchtime Meeting – Astor Hotel Motel
(Sponsored meal cost) - 641 Young Street, Albury 2640
Thursday 30th April 2015 – 12.00noon – 2.00pm
RSVP: For seating and catering
Aspire Support Services 02 6058 4000 or [email protected]
Dads/Mens Group
Join us for dinner (venue to be decided)
Thursday 23rd April 2015 – Sponsored Meal Cost
Please see the general Newsletter for details of the the group’s weekend to
Melbourne 15th – 17th May 2015.
Please rsvp to Glenn on email [email protected] or phone on 0412 084 537
or
Aspire Support Services – 0260 584000 or [email protected]
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LOCATIONS
Albury—27th April 2015
Holbrook—28th April 2015
Henty—29 April 2015
Corowa—30 April 2015
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