ANNUAL
REPORT
2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OUR VISION
1
CLIENT SERVICES
6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
19
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
2
BOARD AND COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
24
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
3
THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
25
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
TO MAXIMISE PEOPLE’S ABILITY.
TO DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
OF EXCELLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
WHICH ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE
FOR INDIVIDUALS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Back Row (L-R): William (Bill) Warburton, Chris Durkin, Edward (Ted) Wilkinson, Paul Gruber, James (Jim) O’Neill.
Front Row (L-R): Louise Matthews, Kevin Kelly, Lesley Hood.
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
EDWARD (TED) WILKINSON
It will no doubt be a little strange for some of our long-time supporters to
see a report from the Chairman from someone other than Kevin Kelly.
Kevin stepped down from the Chairman’s position for medical reasons
and I am both proud and humble to follow him in this important and
exciting role.
Kevin has now made a full recovery and remains as a valuable member
of our Board. His contributions to our organisation have been well
published for all to see and I know as a supporter of Challenge, you
are fully aware of his and Clara’s work with Challenge and disability
services in New South Wales over the last 48 years. As an organisation
we are privileged to have him working with us. On a personal level, I
feel exactly the same. Kevin invited me to be a part of this wonderful
work 33 years ago and I have enjoyed it ever since and feel privileged
to work alongside him.
Challenge continues to grow and in the last year we opened two new
group homes in the western region. Our Mudgee home caters for young
people leaving care and while we had some ‘interesting’ times at first,
the staff in Mudgee have worked with our young group to form a very
comfortable and inviting home for them. We also opened a new home
in Bathurst and the design represents the new, more independent
look for ADHC (Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care)
homes. Clients there have also settled in very well. Both homes were
officially opened in July 2011 by the Minister for Ageing and Minister
for Disability, Andrew Constance MP, who was very complimentary
towards the facilities and Challenge.
It was pleasing to see the new Liberal Government endorse the
previous Governments additional funding under the Stronger Together
2 program. The two Stronger Together programs represent the biggest
funding boosts to disability services in New South Wales history. This
funding will bring fundamental changes to disability services as we
know them. The “person centred approach” adopted by Government
means people with a disability and their families will have a much
larger say in the types of programs they receive and who will provide
them then they have ever had before.
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IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
Whilst Challenge was started by families and people with a disability,
and is still owned by them, we should not fall into the trap of saying
we are already a ‘person centred’ organisation. We do offer a range of
services and do listen to our clients and their families, but the changes
being forecast go much further than that. Put simply, families and
clients will become the architects of programs, and service providers
will become the builders. While we still have much to learn and put in
place, it is important to recognise that in fact we do need to make these
changes and adjust our Challenge culture. Having said that, I have
every confidence that as an organisation dedicated to people with a
disability and their families, we will adapt to this brave new world.
The new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been
accepted in principle by the Prime Minister and her Government. This
is not the end of the road, but merely the beginning, for this project. If
the NDIS is successful, we will see nearly everyone with a disability
able to access funding to make their lives as normal as possible. At the
moment, we have a disability community where there are ‘haves’ and
‘have-nots’, those who can access services and funding and those left
out in the cold. Hopefully, with a new insurance scheme, which will be
contributed to by all, we will see service provision as a right and not a
privilege.
There have been many other accomplishments by our company in the
last 12 months including:
• The accreditation to provide children’s services has taken over
18 months to achieve and at the time of writing, we are only now
starting to see some programs commencing.
• The major upgrades to our recycling facility in Tamworth
• The expansion of our Transition to Work and Community
Participation programs.
• The obtaining of our “Registered Training Organisation” status
which means we are now able to offer a range of training to our
staff and clients with a real “Challenge” flavour.
• The setting up of the old Bullimbul school, now known as Allerlei,
to accommodate our growing “Schools Out” (after school care)
program
• The opening of our day program building and respite services in
Armidale.
It has been, once again, a very successful year. I would like to
thank my fellow Board members for their continued enthusiasm and
dedication to our company and to Barry, his management team and
hardworking staff, my congratulations on the achievements in the past
12 months. To our funding bodies my sincere thanks for the support
and advice given, and finally to our clients, employees with a disability
and their families, our thanks for your ongoing support and hard work
on our behalf.
Ted Wilkinson
Chairman
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
BARRY MURPHY
Each year as I sit to write this report, I reflect on how well we have done
in the last twelve months. It has occurred to me that this success has
become a trend and I believe that this is because in the last four to five
years we have gathered a full team of professional and skilled people
to push forward the Challenge ideals.
• Our Board is well balanced and professional. A mixture of parents
with a focus on quality services to people with a disability, and
business people who are intent on seeing that Challenge continues
to prosper and use their talents to ensure that happens.
• Our management team, who underwent a significant restructure
this year, are focused on delivering quality services be they
accounting, marketing, client, vocational or corporate. This group
is focused on success for their own area of responsibility combined
with a focus on how that will aid other areas to achieve. Together,
they make a formidable group.
• Our front line staff who work with clients and employees, not
always in easy circumstances, who achieve outstanding outcomes
for people with a disability and their families.
• Our families, who are a valuable part of the Challenge “family”, who
offer advice and constructive criticism on our programs and often
make themselves available to assist in the day to day activities of
Challenge.
Separately these groups achieve in the areas of their interest, but the
real strength and reason for our continued success, lies in the fact that
each group comes together as one to make the growth and success of
Challenge an ongoing reality.
There are other influences on this success. The public within our regions
have always been a great support group of Challenge. Government at
all three levels have been outstanding with their financial support of
late. In the case of local Government, support in the way of partnerships
has always been forthcoming.
Within our membership, we have people who do not have a direct
connection to a person with a disability. They have become involved
because they believe it is a good cause and would like to give back
to the community. Their efforts are all the more important as they are
given without any strings attached.
My thanks to you all
Barry Murphy
Chief Executive Officer
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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DIRECTOR PROFILES
BOARD MEMBER
MR WILLIAM (BILL) WARBURTON
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
MR PAUL GRUBER
Bill grew up in Sydney completing his secondary education at Sydney
Grammar School. He then joined the accounting firm of Cooper
Brothers Way & Hardie (now Price Waterhouse Coopers). Bill qualified
as a Chartered Accountant in 1968; after working for two years in
Papua New Guinea where he gained his international rugby cap (not
sanctioned by the IRB).
In 1971 Bill, together with his wife Jan, decided to seek a future away
from the hustle and bustle to Sydney find a place suitable for bringing
up a family in a relaxed and all-encompassing environment.
Paul Gruber has lived in the Tambar Springs area all his life. He is
a farmer and contractor and has also worked in the transport and
earthmoving industries. Paul is married to Janice and they have three
daughters.
Paul and Janice’s eldest daughter, Roslyn, suffered from a brain
tumour at 18 months of age and has since had many health problems.
Roslyn was eventually diagnosed with Gorlins Syndrome, which is very
rare.
Paul has been a Board member of Challenge Disability Services since
early 2001, and was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of
Directors in March, 2011. Paul has also held the position of Chairman
of the Challenge Gunnedah Committee for a number of years.
Paul is keen to see a strong organisation that provides services to
people with a disability well into the future.
As luck would have it, an opportunity presented itself in Tamworth and
on 1st August, 1971, Bill commenced working for Edward G Carter,
Chartered Accountant. One of Bill’s earliest assignments was to
complete the audit of the Tamworth & District Handicapped Children’s
Association (now known as Challenge Disability Services) which
was the under the stewardship of then Chairman of the Board, John
Simpson.
Bill’s 40 year association with Challenge has continued unabated,
firstly as Auditor, then as a member of the Finance Committee and
now as a member of the Board.
Bill’s professional career as an accountant in public practice came
to a close at the end of June, 2004 when Mark O’Connor joined
Warburton’s. After three transitional years, Bill joined the ranks of
retirees while still maintaining community associations like the current
involvement on the Board of Challenge.
Bill is currently involved with the Tamworth Foundation for Musical
Education, Tamworth Country Music Foundation, Billabong Clubhouse
and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - New England North West
support group.
Bill has been a member of the Rotary Club of Tamworth since 1975
serving in most of the management positions for the club including a
term as President in 1985/86. Bill was named as a Paul Harris Fellow
by the Rotary Foundation in 1992.
Bill describes his involvement with Challenge as “being proud to be a
part of a team that does make a difference in enhancing the quality of
life for other individuals”
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DIRECTOR PROFILE
MANAGER PROFILE
REGIONAL MANAGER
CHRIS BUCKMAN
MR JIM O’NEILL
Jim was born and educated in Adelaide. After leaving school, Jim
joined the Royal Australian Navy to obtain his electrical trade certificate
and to travel the world.
Jim left the RAN after serving for 10 years and commenced work for
Rank Xerox as a technician in Sydney.
Jim met his wife, Katy, in Sydney while in the Navy, and they were
married in 1980. In 1984 Jim & Katy decided they wanted to get out
of Sydney to be closer to family and Jim accepted a job with the Xerox
dealer in Tamworth, Peter Bailey Office Machines. Jim continued
to work for the Xerox dealer for 22 years in its various forms until
obtaining a position as IT Technician at Calrossy Anglican School
where he is today.
Jim and Katy have two daughters their youngest, Sasha, was born
with an intellectual disability.
Jim’s association with Challenge Disability Services started when
Sasha began attending day programs, after leaving school. Sasha
now with the Community Participation Program at Greg Norman Drive.
Jim was asked to join the Board of Challenge Disability Services in
2003 and has enjoyed the experience, although at times has found it
to be challenging.
Speaking about his involvement with Challenge, Jim says:
“ People with a disability don’t have much of a voice in the community,
particularly in relation to policies that affect them and their quality of
life, and it is up to us, their carers, family and other caring members
of the community, to represent and support them in that community. I
am pleased to be able to be a part of that support in some small way.”
My name is Chris Buckman, I am currently the Regional Manager for
Client Services Western Region. I am 35 years old, married to Neisha
and have two children, Jack (6 years old) and Lucy (2 years old). I
have been a part of what I call the Challenge Family since 2001,
working in open employment and business services in the Hunter.
In June 2007 I left Challenge to work in the aged care sector in Narrabri
and broaden my skills and in 2008 became a Local Councillor serving
my first term on Narrabri Shire Council. As part of my Council role I
have been the Chairman of the Finance and Governance Committee
each year since being elected.
In March 2010 I re-joined Challenge as Manager of the Dubbo Day
Programs site, progressing to my current role as Regional Manager
in July.
Personally, it has been a very welcome return to Challenge with some
exciting opportunities ahead for myself, my family and the organisation.
Throughout 2011, I have had many opportunities to continue to
professionally develop with one of the highlights for me being my
appointment to the NSW Home Care Board as a board member for the
next four years. This role gives some good insight into the way home
care operates and gives me the ability to contribute to the continued
development of the sector.
Working in the disability sector has been a passion for me, and along
with my dabble in local politics, I would say it is a true privilege to work
for an organisation that has a commitment to family life and strong
commitments to a work life balance.
In summing up, I would say the coming years for Challenge see
continued growth and development in new parts of the State and it is
exciting to be part of that growth once again.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
MAITLAND DAY
PROGRAM
Since opening in January 2010, Maitland Day Programs is now a little
over one year old and is going strong.
Our regular programs have been a great hit with our clients who
actively participate in a range of activities including; sailing, ten-pin
bowling, swimming, cooking and volunteering with Meals on Wheels
and the Wetlands Environmental Centre. These activites are all a part
of our regular weekly routine.
Terry, Justin, Scott, Clarence and Glen; Newcastle Show and the friendly
RFS Mascot
We have also enjoyed a range of special events and outings including;
monthly dancing and discos, a visit to the annual Newcastle Show,
sailing out of Newcastle Harbour on the Sydney/Hobart yacht “Kayle”
and visiting Fort Scratchley in Newcastle, just to name a few.
Maitland has proven a great location to base our activities from and
we look forward to sampling many of the area’s venues and activities
in the coming year.
Here are some action shots from recent events highlighting what a
great place we live in.
ConnectAbilty do a great disco in Newcastle - bubbles and all
Scott and staff member Glen - Steering for far horizons
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
AGED TRANSITION
It was with sadness that we said farewell to our client John’s mum,
Jess Haynes. Jess was a great supporter of Aged Transition and we
thoroughly enjoyed her visits.
The Aged Transition clients and staff have enjoyed the last year and
feel eager to have Christmas come along and a new year of activities
for 2012.
The Aged Transition Cheer Squad!
The clients at Aged Transition have continued to be enthusiastic and
eager to participate in all activities offered this year. During the last
year clients have enjoyed the joint activities held by various Challenge
day program services.
Aged Transition clients enjoyed the Gunnedah Swimming Carnival.
Whilst we didn’t win the ‘best cheer squad’ trophy, as we did last
year, everyone was vocal and cheered swimmers across all services
including those who were not Challenge participants.
Sandra had a wonderful time at the annual Gunnedah Swimming Carnival
Clients also enjoyed a combined disco which always proves to be a
great hit with everyone enjoying themselves. Staff also had a great
time dancing with clients.
Clients had a great day at the ‘Heritage Train Village’ in Quirindi with a
BBQ lunch and a browse through the museum. The Country Women’s
Association provided a BBQ lunch and the volunteers from the village
gave all clients the opportunity to go for a train ride. A huge thank you
to everyone at the Heritage Train Village for providing such a fun day
and supporting our service.
The lovely ladies from the Challenge HR department, Natasha, Hailee
and Kyrie, were so impressed with the artwork the Aged Transition
clients made for the Challenge Art Competition; they commissioned
the clients to create some artwork for their offices.
Challenge HR Department Natasha, Hailee & Kyrie with their artwork
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
NEWCASTLE DROP IN
SUPPORT - DHASI
Newcastle Drop-In Support (DHASI) has been operating for over
12 months now. We recently welcomed a new client to the service
bringing our total number of clients to five.
MOREE
CLIENT SERVICES
AARON’S SELF PORTRAITS
Three clients attend mosaic classes which are very popular. They enjoy
making items for family and friends, and occasionally themselves.
Clients go on many day outings including swimming, bingo and the
gym just to name a few. Staff also assist with shopping, cleaning,
budgeting and attending appointments.
DHASI recently celebrated one client’s 60th birthday and another
client’s 21st birthday. What fun we all had cheering and singing happy
birthday to them.
It has been a busy and exciting 12 months at DHASI and we are all
looking forward to the next 12 months.
Aaron lives in Moree and is a member of the Kamilaroi tribe. Aaron has
been painting for the past 10 years and is a client at Challenge Moree
Client Services. Aaron is also a member of the Gwyder Industries
workshop group run by TAFE, for emerging artists who suffer from a
mental disability.
Aaron paints mostly self-portraits with gusto and panache. His
preferred medium is oil pastel on board or canvas.
The DHASI staff and clients enjoy a delicious ‘cuppa’ while getting to know
their new client.
The selection of a piece of his art for one of the bridge pier murals for
the new Moree Bypass confirms the quality of his work. This project,
sponsored by the RTA and co-ordinated by the Gallery, was the first
major public art project in Moree.
Brilliant colours in painting are the trademark of Moree Kamilaroi art.
Aaron’s work is no exception; he segments his pictures into broad
planes of colour, much in the way Matisse and the Fauve artists
painted in the 1920s.
Aaron held his first solo art exhibition recently at the Moree Plains
Gallery with some twelve hundred people coming through the doors to
view his wonderful artwork.
Enjoying a mosaic session
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
SINGLETON
DAY PROGRAM
TAYLOR’S WORK EXPERIENCE
Taylor loves cars and motorbikes. In fact, he likes anything that
goes fast. Taylor attends Singleton Day Programs where we provide
opportunities for work experience. Taylor wasn’t exactly sure what he
wanted to do for his work experience, but it was a fair bet that it would
definitely have something to do with cars.
We decided to ask some local car repairers in Singleton if they would
give Taylor a few hours’ work experience each week to learn some
new skills. The first company we approached was Adamthwaite Crash
Repairs and their answer was an immediate yes.
The Manager, Ken Adamthwaite, is very enthusiastic to help Taylor
learn new work skills. Ken greets Taylor with a smile and a handshake
every week. Laurie is the staff member who explains the jobs to Taylor
and he is also very friendly and welcoming.
Taylor says the best thing about going to Adamthwaite Crash Repairs
is, ‘washing the cars, putting water on them and cleaning and drying
them.’ Taylor says the other workers are fantastic.
In addition to washing and detailing cars, Taylor is also kept busy
unwrapping new parts (harder than you might expect), helping to
push vehicles around the workshop and even assisting to heat shrink a
damaged panel with an oxy-acetylene torch.
Taylor really enjoys his work experience at the crash repair workshop
and certainly looks the part with his work clothes and safety boots.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
TANGARA
DAY PROGRAM
BARRABA
Tangara has six clients attending the day program – five from Barraba
and one from Manilla. They are a very social group and enjoy
community access. The group especially enjoys going to Tamworth on
Wednesdays and Thursdays for ten-pin bowling, mini golf, riding for
the disabled, shopping and eating out.
In Barraba we keep busy with art, craft, games, cooking, woodwork,
dancing, exercise, hydrotherapy, gardening, mowing, shopping and
volunteer work.
All our clients love photography and often produce very good photos.
Photography outings, such as the visit to Horton Falls, are the highlight
of the week. Clients enter their photos in the Barraba Show and other
art exhibitions including “Frost Over Barraba” and the “Challenge
Disability Services Annual Art Competition.” Clients are involved in the
printing and framing process and are very proud of their achievements.
Staci-Leigh, Guy and Kyle at Horton Falls on a photography mission
Guy checking out the scene ov’r yonder
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The annual Challenge Disability Services Swimming Carnival and
the Ten Pin Bowling Competitions have been a welcome new activity
for our clients. They are all very competitive and in a small rural
community, these activities are out of their reach. We all wish to thank
the Challenge staff who organised these great events for clients.
CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
TRANSITION TO WORK
TAMWORTH
This has been a wonderful year for many of our clients; it started with
new premises and new friends.
January saw us commence service with a move into the old “Bullimbal
School” building. With this move came a new name and paint work.
We are now known as “Allerlei”, a German word meaning “all kinds
of” and that’s exactly what we have - all kinds of staff and clients
each bringing with them skills, humour and their unique sense of
commitment to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Brian and Gail, Transition to Work’s Job Development Officers, are
busy keeping momentum and ensuring all our young people enter the
world of work with the skills and knowledge that local employers are
looking for.
The modules we extensively cover are Work Place Rights and
Responsibilities, Occupational Health and Safety, Basic First Aid In
The Workplace, Numeracy and Literacy, Workplace Communication
and a host of other employability skills. Clients also undertake living
skills assisting them to manage their independent working lives.
Through work placements, our young people are able to get first-hand
knowledge of what to expect within workplaces. We have many diverse
employers who are more than happy to assist with skill development at
a more practical level.
One young person who is working to achieve her goals is Bethany.
Bethany would like to work in a child care setting. Bethany undertook
work experience with-in a local childcare centre and then, through her
own initiative and determination, was rewarded for a job well done by
being offered a ‘traineeship.’ She continues to work hard and receives
support from TTW and staff at the childcare centre to ensure that she
develops all the necessary skills and abilities to be an effective and
valued team member.
Sharni with Norma at Spotlight
Daniel hard at work at Kensells
Service Department
Bethany with Director Megan at
Janelle Street Childcare Centre
Daniel is another young man who came to TTW through early entry.
Daniel openly admits school was not for him and he has really
enjoyed being a part of the TTW program; adding he has learnt more
at TTW than he ever did at school. He has had to make some fairly
tough decisions regarding his goals; due to a skin condition, he has
had to rethink his chosen career path to avoid certain elements that
affect him. Daniel has tried several placements before finding a spot
at ‘Kensell’s Holden Tamworth’ where he is currently doing a trade’s
assistant position and hopes this could lead into an apprenticeship for
him. So far, petrol, oils and grease do not affect his skin.
Last but not least, we have Sharni, who wanted to work in retail so
she undertook a four week Certificate II in Retail and then followed
this up by gaining a placement at Spotlight Tamworth. The Spotlight
staff always have positive things to say; Sharni has shown that she
can complete tasks as directed, she always seeks new work and
communicates freely with other staff. Sharni has progressed well and
now serves on the registers with guidance - a skill she is continuing
to develop. With all positive feedback from support staff at Spotlight,
they have now encouraged her to apply for
a paid position.
Transition to Work Tamworth was also honoured this year by ADHC who
extended an invitation to all TTW providers and clients to showcase
their journeys in the program. TTW Tamworth had two clients chosen
and subsequently were given the opportunity to participate in making a
promotional DVD for distribution across NSW schools. This gave them
a great insight into making and producing documentaries. The film
crew and clients had a great time, lots of laughter and a great chance
for self reflection. We eagerly await the outcome as to whether they
have been chosen for the final product. It was also heart-warming to
hear how staff of TTW have been a positive influence in their journeys.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
CAREY BAY AND ESKDALE
GROUP HOME
Carey Bay staff and clients were all excited to have their house
modifications completed, making the home disability friendly. Staff
and clients extended the renovations on the outside with a working
bee. Everyone had an enjoyable day adding garden beds, mulching
the garden, starting a fresh vegetable garden and cooking a yummy
BBQ together.
Clients attended their second trip to the annual Challenge Swimming
Carnival at Gunnedah, visiting Head Office and sharing a lunch with
Warrah Drive clients on the way home. We are looking forward to our
return visit to next year’s event.
Eddie continues to enjoy his supported employment and is gaining
communication skills through the ongoing support of staff with his
Makaton.
Ray (centre) with his friend and support worker overlooking the Blue Mountains
Over the last 12 months clients from both group homes have identified
events and special outings they wished to attend. These requests were
made during the IP process and client meetings held monthly.
Eskdale Group Home has faced many changes over the last 12 months
due to its relocation.
Gloria and Graham, our married couple, transitioned successfully to
Casuarina Grove, an aged care facility on the Central Coast where they
are doing fantastic but are sadly missed by our staff and clients.
Bev has adjusted well to her new surroundings and enjoys the peace
and quiet at Eskdale. Bev is eagerly awaiting her holiday to Prospect
Farm; a property at Limeburners Creek outside of the Maitland area
Jeremy enjoyed an overseas holiday to Los Angeles where he visited
Hollywood and Disneyland before jetting off to Hawaii.
Staff supported Ray on a three day trip to the Blue Mountains where
he attended an emotional reunion with his long lost friend, whom he
shared a previous residence sometime ago.
Tony, with the support of a holiday service provider, attended a holiday
at Myall Lake with his brother Darren.
Both group homes attended combined outings and enjoyed catching
up with old friends
Smiles were in abundance at the Oakvale Farm petting zoo, combined
BBQ’s and lunch outings were enjoyed by all, along with birthdays and
the annual combined Christmas party.
We would like to welcome our new client Colleen. Colleen is settling in
and adjusting well to her new routine and environment.
Colin has now transitioned to an alternate accommodation model with
New Horizons where he will extend the independent living skills he
developed whilst a resident at Eskdale. Clients and staff will miss
Colin’s humour and helping hand.
Eskdale is excited about the prospect of new clients entering the group
home over the next 12 months.
‘Thumbs up’ for a great birthday party celebrated with staff and clients
of both group homes
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
WARRAH DRIVE
RAGLAN
GROUP HOME
GROUP HOME
Hello from everyone at Raglan Group Home.
Raglan is split into two villas which accommodates five clients at full
capacity. We currently have three clients and are eagerly awaiting our
fourth.
Over the last few months we have been extremely busy. We planted
a winter vegie garden which is now producing some lovely winter
vegetables and our chickens provide a wonderful fertilizer for our
garden, as well as producing eggs for us.
Recently we have been going along to the local Group 10 Junior Rugby
league games and it has been a great day out enjoying the warmer
weather.
John, Peter, Margie and orraine inspecting the work
Clients enjoying the rugby
Clients enjoying Bicentennial Park
Warrah Drive Clients regularly spend time in Bicentennial Park playing
games going for walks, feeding the ducks and enjoying picnics.
Our five clients have settled extremely well into Warrah Drive and the
extensions – well, what can we say - what a difference a bedroom and
more living space makes.
Our new chicken coup!
Our clients helped with gusto when the builders worked on site; they
were so very keen to help with the excavation ready for the slab to be
poured and then by moving bricks.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
PETRA AVENUE
GROUP HOME
This year has been very busy and exciting for the residents and staff
at Petra Avenue Group Home. Our house is looking wonderful and
inviting with the extension of our lounge room and new office/sleep
over room complete. Everyone involved showed patience during a
busy and eventful period, with workmen and activity going on left, right
and centre for quite some time.
Geoff working on his tan
Petra clients are delighted to have received one of the new Challenge
buses which has given us a lot more space and comfort for travelling
around.
Michael kicking back
We were fortunate to have new tiles laid throughout the lounge and
hallway areas to complete our new look home. During this time
staff and clients took the opportunity to go on a little holiday to Coffs
Harbour; all five residents and four staff visited the beach and the Pet
Porpoise Pool and just generally had a great time!
After many months of planning, one of our residents Des, recently had
a visit from some former housemates in Sydney. It was an exciting
time for us and the visitors alike and so great to have the room to invite
everyone in and enjoy a huge family dinner together.
Lastly, one really exciting change at Petra this year has been the
introduction of some pets into the home. Geoff, Des and David all saw
a longing come to fruition; they received a pet or two as their birthday
presents. Geoff and Des both now have two budgies each and David
has a rabbit, aptly named Star Wars - of course! The animals have
brought a sense of love and delight into the house for all to share.
Des receiving a friendly kiss at the Pet Porpoise Pool
We have had a couple of staff changes during this year and have
welcomed Barbara and Stephen to our team. They have settled in well
and really enjoy the great birthday parties Petra host.
The staff and residents are also taking a great deal of pride in the home
this year busying themselves out in the yard, tidying up and planting a
lot of new plants to create a pleasing and homely atmosphere.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
David loved his birthday present - a new pet rabbit!
CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
MUDGEE
GROUP HOME
What a fantastic first year it has been for Mudgee Group Home.
Handover of the keys took place on the 18th August 2010. The house
has been purpose built to accommodate five residents from the ADHC
leaving care program. Supervisor and staff had six weeks to fit out the
house ready for the first client who arrived in early October. By the end
of November, three more clients had arrived. This was an exciting time
of settling in and organizing programs for four very different people
with varied abilities and needs.
At Mudgee, as all our clients are young adults, we are always looking
for opportunities for them to get out into the community and enjoy all
it has to offer. With this in mind staff member Trudy has organized
a fortnightly social group where our clients along with clients from
other local services get together at Club Mudgee to enjoy a meal
and buy some raffle tickets. On alternate Wednesdays clients have
a BBQ dinner at home where other friends they have made from the
community can come over and enjoy listening to music and dancing,
watch a movie or playing games.
Clients love feeding the horses
Everyone enjoyed the Gunnedah Swimming Carnival
Right from the start things have been very busy socially. In November
all clients attended an ABBA concert held at the Parklands Resort.
Clients and staff celebrated Christmas with a party at home. In
early January all clients had a huge day out attending the Tamworth
Country Music Festival. In March clients participated in the Gunnedah
swimming carnival all very proud of their medals they brought home.
Over the year clients have enjoyed many other local events such as the
Mudgee show, Circus in Dubbo, Mudgee field days.
Most of our clients attend Day Programs outside of the group home
where they enjoy many and varied activities such as themed days.
Most recently a circus day was held with Kylie from our staff really
getting into the spirit coming to work that morning dressed as a clown.
Kylie was such a hit that when she dropped our clients off at their day
programs they asked her to come back and join in the day.
It has been a busy year here at Mudgee and as we head into our second
year we are all looking forward to the challenges ahead.
The girls have enjoyed horse riding at a local equestrian centre and
we are happy to report that staff recently attended a meeting in
Mudgee held by the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) where a committee
was formed for a Mudgee branch of the RDA. The meeting was well
attended by the community and all are hopeful that this organization
will have sessions up and running within six months.
Our clients enjoy many other regular activities here in the Mudgee
district including playing golf, visiting local parks, picnicking, visiting
farms, picking fruit at local orchards, visiting the markets, attending
barbeques and eating out at local restaurants. We also make regular
trips over to Dubbo for outings to access entertainment not available in
Mudgee such as movies, tenpin bowling, Western Plains Zoo and the
great shopping.
Teriley enjoying the Autumn leaves
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
15
CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
MUSWELLBROOK
DAY PROGRAM
Erin, Tiffanie, Cindy and Megan - STRESS DOWN DAY
Muswellbrook Day Programs has had a busy and productive year. We
have introduced new programs and events and clients have responded
really well to the monthly themed fun days. World music day was a
huge success with one of our local band members coming in and
entertaining everyone. Special thanks to Kylie.
Sally and Ashley strumming out a tune
We have purchased a Nintendo Wii to encourage clients to be more
active with games such as, Just Dance and Wii Sports.
Our wonderful photography group came up with some excellent results
in the photography section of the Challenge Disability Services Art
Competition with two of our ladies winning major prizes.
We have had some fantastic support from our local community
receiving generous donations for a dishwasher and a computer making
life easier and our programs better.
The group out and about
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
DUBBO
DAY PROGRAM
We have had a very busy year here in Dubbo with the service now
an accredited Transition to Work (TTW) provider; currently providing
TTW to two clients. One of our TTW clients is attending TAFE and is
excelling in his chosen computer course.
Attendant Care Services are now up and running and are currently
servicing one client residing in Gilgandra.
Clients have been enjoying the daily walk to the park to throw the
frisbee, exercise on the equipment and play cricket and basketball at
the courts. Due to the mild winter here, we have been walking to the
PCYC to play Wheelchair Basketball, Indoor Cricket, Volley Ball and
Soccer which is eagerly looked forward to by clients and staff.
Clients enjoying wheelchair basketball at PCYC
Clients and staff took a day trip to the ‘Wellington Caves’ and were
treated to a tour of the famous ‘Cathedral Cave.’ A great day was had
by all and everyone is excited to return to explore the remaining caves.
Everyone enjoyed the day out to Wellington Caves
Clients playing basketball
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
17
CHALLENGE CLIENT SERVICES
COMMUNITY LIVING
SOCIAL LIFE IS BLOOMING
Showing off their moves
Christmas in July Party!
Christmas came early for Community Living clients on 30 July when
they enjoyed a ‘Christmas in July’ celebration in the Kevin and Clara
Kelly Villa’s Common Room accompanied by a fun disco to dance the
night away.
The celebrations involved all clients from the Villas along with clients
living out in the community. They came together to feast on roast
chicken and beef, baked vegetables, pudding and custard for dessert.
Hand-made Christmas Bon Bons were popped and offered Christmas
hats for all to wear during the evening.
in the “Roderick Street Social Club” where each client contributes a
small amount of money into the social club coffers so that they can
enjoy social events together on a regular basis with the assistance
of Community Living staff. The benefit of the social club is to allow
clients to enjoy social integration whether it is a big event like the
“Christmas in July” social or a smaller event such as pizzas and DVD’s.
Heads are down and in planning mode for the next wonderful social
event that we can all look forward to enjoying.
Once everyone had enjoyed their scrumptious Christmas dinner, the
fun began with the music turned up and the clients danced the night
away!
The event started at 3:00 pm and finished at 8:00 pm that night.
Clients living in the community were provided with transport to and
from the villas. It was wonderful to see all of our Community Living
clients coming together in a fun, social manner.
When clients where asked “what did they like most about the night?”
they all found they had each enjoyed something different, and everyone
expressed their joy at being a part of the event. One client said it was
the “dancing” they had enjoyed the most, another said the “food” and
another said “all of it!” All such happy and responsive comments.
This Christmas event was made possible by the clients’ involvement
Dirk and Anne-Marie dancing
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
CHALLENGE
TIMBER PRODUCTS
ANDREW’S STORY
CHALLENGE
RECYCLING - TAMWORTH
CHRIS’S STORY
Hi, my name is Andrew and I live at Manilla. I am employed at
Challenge Timber Products and have worked here for the last two
years. Since starting at Challenge Timber Products I have learned lots
of new skills and have now bought my own tools for home where I do
many jobs around the house for my parents.
I have been saving up all my holidays this year so that I can go with
my dad on a big holiday overseas. We have been busy getting my
passport and making lots of travel plans. Dad is taking me to Kuala
Lumpur, Holland and then to Denmark for two days, and then we go
on a ten day cruise to Russia, Berlin and Prague, which is where my
grandfather came from. We will then travel to Sweden and Poland.
Dad said we change ships and go to Alaska and Canada for seven
days, fly to Los Angeles and then join another cruise to come back
home. On the way home, we will visit Hawaii and New Zealand.
I am very excited. I have never been on an aeroplane before, and I will
have lots of stories to tell when I get home.
Hi, my name is Chris and I have worked with Challenge for 13 years.
I have a forklift licence and am training to get my front-end loader
licence.
I also have a car licence so I can drive to work, to baseball and cricket
training, and take my family on holidays.
I have won two B grade titles in baseball. I love playing sport because
it helps me keep fit and meet new friends.
My partner’s name is Donna and we have two beautiful children;
Shania (three years old) and Mark (one year old). I met my partner,
Donna, through my mate Jordan and his wife Teresa. I also work with
Jordan at Challenge Recycling.
I like having a drink with some of my work mates on a Friday afternoon
after work. We like talking about the football.
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
19
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
KOORA INDUSTRIES
CAMERON’S STORY
PAT’S STORY
Hi, my name is Cameron and I have been working at Koora for about
ten months. I used to be over at Muswellbrook Day Programs but
chose to move to Koora last year. Since I have been at Koora I have
learnt how to make pallets, cut and point stakes, paint, and go out and
use all the lawn equipment in the work crews.
At my Employee Development Plan (EDP) meeting this year I talked
about getting another job at the local club as well as still working at
Koora. Some of my other goals are learning to speak clearly and
learning to hold my head up when I talk so people can hear me, which
I’m trying really hard to do.
I have just bought myself a car and in a couple of months I hope to have
my licence, which is really exciting. I will be able to visit my friends that
live out of town.
My name is Pat. I worked at Challenge Contract Services in Tamworth
before moving to Muswellbrook to work at Koora. Last year my
Employee Development Plan (EDP) goals were to learn about
computers and to move into a better flat. I am really excited to say that
I did both.
When using computers I learnt how to cut and paste, and how to use
the internet and spreadsheets. Kim and Maxine said that I’m probably
better than them! ha ha…
I also moved into a brand new flat with Compass Housing. It’s really
nice. My work colleagues at Koora helped me move and told me that
I was really well organised. It is closer to work so I can now walk to
work which is great when it’s not cold.
I have also joined a gym. The instructor told me that it’s okay to get
your heart beating fast because it will help me get fitter and help
me lose weight. I am walking to the gym, working out on the cardio
machines and then walking home. I’m really enjoying it.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
CHALLENGE
LAUNDRY SERVICES
MARK’S STORY
CHALLENGE
RECYCLING - NARRABRI
ATHOL’S STORY
My ambition began when we moved to Williamtown, on the outskirts of
Newcastle, when I was about 12 years old. My uncle gave me a Jersey
calf to rear. I sold it for $100 and bought myself a pony. I called him
Sunray and won three pony championships with him. I sold him for
$500 and bought myself a racehorse.
Horses are in my blood. I started work with my first boss at Williamtown
in 1984, and began my apprenticeship as a jockey. I rode 40 winners
under his tutelage. My first winner was Royal Refund at Muswellbrook.
I moved on to Brian Mayfield-Smith at Rosehill and won the apprentice’s
premiership in 1987/88, beating the likes of the Tommy Smith stable.
I rode for the Sangster stable, Hyperion Syndicate and Transmedia
Park. My first winner for Brian Mayfield-Smith was the champion
Ancient Mariner. Life was good and my career was on a high.
In 2001, I was riding track work as usual on a horse called Cobalt. He
bolted and took off across the road before we both came to grief. I
broke the scaphoid bone in my hand, which damaged the nerves. My
racing career was over. After 10 months of seeing doctors, I was told
that nothing more could be done and I was on my own.
I tried jobs as a starter and trainee steward but my heart wasn’t in it. I
loved the riding too much.
Nobody would employ me because my left arm is not really useable.
Challenge Laundry has been my saviour. I am learning new skills
and something different every day. I am doing laundry work, ironing
sheets, packing laundry for customers and doing deliveries.
Thank you Challenge for supporting me and helping me to get back on
track with my life.
My name is Athol. I’m 52 years old and have six children. Although I
live in Gunnedah, I grew up in Narrabri. I work at Narrabri Recycling
and travel from Gunnedah to Narrabri for work. I work two days a
week and my job involves working on the sorting belt and collecting
recycling on the truck run. I enjoy my job and like to be out and about
meeting customers.
Challenge has provided training to help me in my job and has also
helped me to obtain my forklift ticket. It’s good to be earning extra
money so I can do things with my children, and I like to be out in the
community working.
In my spare time, I like to take my children camping and fishing at the
local camping sites. Most of the time we catch some fish but even if we
don’t, it still turns out to be a good weekend with the kids.
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
21
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
CHALLENGE
CONTRACT SERVICES
TIM’S STORY
My name is Tim and I started working with the Challenge work crew
early in 2003. Before that, I lived and worked in Toowoomba with the
Endeavour Foundation making pegs, bread boxes and wooden spoons.
I moved to Tamworth to be closer to my mum. I had never mowed
lawns before starting with the work crew. The work crew taught me to
mow and whipper snip, and to use the ride-on mower. I like the ride-on
best. We’re getting a new ride-on which is great but I will still have to
race to beat my supervisor Rodger to the ride-on. I like the work crew
because I like the fellows, and the pay and help that I receive. I usually
work three days a week.
When I’m not at work, I help at Sunnycove, where I live, by helping in
the dining room. I also like to ride my push bike to my mum’s place
where I have breakfast before I go to TAFE. I go to TAFE one day a
week where I study Animal Care. I like the dogs and cats best. I feed
them and look after them. When we finish all our TAFE work, we will
be going on an excursion to Gunnedah.
I like to play lawn bowls. It’s good and I enjoy it, I’m also quite good at
it. I play against mum. I did beat her once and she didn’t like it. When
mum is away, I visit my relatives in town, and in summer we go skiing
on a big tube. I have to hang on so I don’t fall off. My cousin drives the
boat and he drives fast.
I’m a member of TOCAN (Tamworth & Oxley Community Activities
Network) and we play ten pin bowling at night. I’ve had one strike but
I’m not very good at it. We also go to the pictures and go on holidays to
Sydney. In Sydney we go for walks, see live shows, and go to Manly on
the ferry and to the Sydney Aquarium where we see snakes. We stay
in a hotel near the railway station. Some other people from Challenge
go too. I meet new people at TOCAN as well.
I visit my dad at Iluka. We play golf and I help out in the pro shop where
my dad works. I go to the garage where my brother works and help
there as well.
I like everything I do and I like living in Tamworth, close to my mum.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
VOCATIONAL SERVICES
CHALLENGE
SEWING SERVICES
ROSE’S STORY
CDS TRAINING
AND EMPLOYMENT
MIKALA’S STORY
Hello, I am Rose and I work at Challenge Sewing Service. I have been
with Challenge for a long time now. I started with Challenge back when
it was known as Wirraway. In 1993, I started working at Challenge
Business Unit, Tamwear; located at the corner of Bridge and Denne
Streets Tamworth. Tamwear became Uniforms’ R Us and I worked
there until 2005. Since then I have been working here with Challenge
Sewing Service.
When I first started with Challenge Sewing Service, my favourite job
was overlocking the workshop towels for the hospital linen service.
Now I’m overlocking draught stoppers (which we call “snakes”) and
bags to put rag in to sell. I also stuff the draught stoppers. The thing I
like best about my job is the sewing and talking with other people who
work here.
I live at home with my mum and dad. I have a sister who lives in
Tamworth and we go out for coffee sometimes. My brother lives and
works in Sydney and the family meets half-way at Muswellbrook to get
together. This is really good and we stay in a motel overnight.
I really love anything to do with frogs and have a collection of a lot
of different things with frogs on them. I have t-shirts and ornaments,
and a coffee mug with a frog on it. One day at work, there was a big
green frog under the bin. I picked it up and put it in the garden where
it would be safe. I had to wash my hands afterwards because the frog
felt really greasy and slimy.
Over the last couple of years, my confidence and self-worth has
improved to a degree that words can’t explain. I have successfully
held a job with Bi-Lo/Coles for almost a year now, and it gives me a
feeling of pride to know that I have gained a job in my local area and
held on to it.
It amazes me what employment can do for a person who has been
with-out employment for a long time. I have become a better person
within myself and want to accomplish goals in my life. Someone said
to me once, “good things come to those who wait.”
I like to write fictional stories and maybe one day they’ll be published.
I also like to listen to music, which has a soothing effect on me,
especially when I get a bit stressed. I like to watch movies at home
where I can laze around in comfort.
I also like to window shop and, on occasion, buy myself a little
something as a reward. I have become a library user, and borrow
books to read and use the computer to look up things on the internet
that interest me.
I also like going out to different places such as ten pin bowling and
barbecues with the Challenge Social Club.
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
23
BOARD & COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADISS
Edward Wilkinson – Chairman
Paul Gruber – Vice Chairman
Kevin Kelly
James O’Neill
Chris Durkin
Louise Matthews
Lesley Hood
William Warburton
Frances French
Zona Moore
Dawn Blanch
Paul Gruber
Peter Dunstan
Tony Clare
BUSINESS UNIT COMMITTEE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
RECYCLING
John Davis
Louise Matthews
Barry Murphy
Peter Dunstan
Steve Bargwanna
Edward Wilkinson
Kevin Kelly
Barry Murphy
Carl Learson
Michael O’Connor
Peter Dunstan
David Hinwood
Bill Warburton
Graham Yeo
TRAINING &
EMPLOYMENT
Kevin Kelly
Barry Murphy
Peter Dunstan
Anna Cloake
CLIENT SERVICES
TAMWORTH
Myra Varga
Betty Gubbins
Pat McLoughlin
Jenny Scherf
Lesley Hood
David Hinwood
Barry Murphy
Carolyn Murphy
RESPITE
Fiona Hemmings
Ruth Pope
Sharon Pascoe.
Barbara Heath
Vicki Barwick
Lesley Hood
David Hinwood
Barry Murphy
Carolyn Murphy
Debbie Rowe
James Charles
Elliott Bird
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GUNNEDAH
Paul Gruber
Ruth Pope
Tracey Nott
Penny Rees
Lyn Norman
Lesley Mills
Kevin Kelly
Barry Murphy
Debbie Rowe
Steven Betts
David Hinwood
HUNTER
Graham Guest
David Dallah
Michael Gant
Mike Kelly
Peter Miller
David Hinwood
Peter Dunstan
Anna Cloake
Maxine Smith
Rebecca Horn
Martin Radcliffe
NARRABRI
Paul Gruber
John Clements
Kath Davis
Marion Pike
Michael Foster
Tony Clare
Peter Dunstan
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
CONTRACT
Services
Barry Murphy
Peter Dunstan
Helen Fuller
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
IT/COMMUNICATION
Jim O’Neill
Stuart Glover
Rod Urquhart
Mark Lewis
Barry Murphy
David Hinwood
Carl Learson
Michael O’Connor
Graham Dooley
SUPERANNUATION
Barry Murphy
Peter Dunstan
Michael O’Connor
Lyn Pavel
Ann McCormack
Maxine Smith
TIMBER PRODUCTS
Barry Murphy
Peter Dunstan
Tony Cross
THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Board, Staff and Clients of Challenge Disability Services would
like to express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following
organisations and individuals for their continuing support
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A & D Lifting Equipment & Services
Accesspay
Advanced Inland Security
Allweld
AMP Corporate Superannuation
Anglo Coal Dartbrook Mine
Anglo Drayton Coal Mine
Ausglyn Consulting
Austbrokers Sydney
Australian Training & Consulting
Baker and Farrow
Bankwest
Barrie Nagel Advertising
Bengalla Coal Mine
Bensons
BHP Billiton Mt Arthur Coal
BHP Billiton Caroona Coal
Big W
Birrana Engineering
Blooms Pumps and Irrigation
Boardman and Peasley
Bowditch Transport
Bridges Financial Planning
Bro-Built Engineering
Brook Medical Centre
Brook Outdoors
Bullimbal Public School
Caipora Alpaca’s
Century 21 Real Estate
Tamworth Chamber Of Commerce
Coal & Allied
Coles Supermarket - Scone
Collins Transport
Community Transport
Concept BSG
Connectability Australia
Cool Hobbies - Muswellbrook
Coolmore Stud
Cummins - Muswellbrook
Curtis Gant Irving Solicitors
Darley
Des Mullion
Downer EDI Mining
Edward Higgins, Parkinson
Executors of the Estate of the late Beatrice May Kelly
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Forrest Nursery
Friends of the Gunnedah Nursing Home
G.S. Kidd School
Gadsden Electrics
Gould Bros
Gowing and Co
Gunnedah Memorial Pool
Gunnedah Music Centre
Gunnedah PCYC
Gunnedah Show Society
Gunnedah Wheelchair and Maxi Cab Service
Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises
H & C Goodsells
Hartley Electrical
Heather Jaeger Massage Therapy
Hitachi
HSW Assist
Hunter Wetlands Centre
HV Filters
MM Hyndes Bailey & Co
Infiniti Corporation
Inland Technology
Integrated Living
Janice Gruber
Joblink Plus
Patrick Maher
John Flood
JTS Realty
Judy Clarke
K F Murphy & Associates
KEO Design
Komputestyle Signs
Lawler Warburtons Accounting & Audit Services
Library - Scone
Liddell Coal Operations
LJ Hookers
Logues Transport
Lorraine Pfitzner
Mangoola Mine
McCarthy Catholic College Canteen
Meals on Wheels
Merriwa Shire Council
Microchannel Services
Mitre 10 - Scone
Monadelphous Engineering
Mosaic Productions
Mt Thorley Operations Warkworth Mining
Midwestern Regional Council
Muswellbrook Coal Company
Muswellbrook Funeral Services
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
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THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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Muswellbrook High School
Muswellbrook RSL
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Muswellbrook Taxis PTY LTD
Muswellbrook Workers Club
National Australia Bank
National Disability Services
Oporto
Osborn’s Bus Services
Patterson Byfield & Bryen
Penny Rees
Pit Patrol
Port Stephens Community Care
Professional Real Estate
QBE
Quirindi Miniature Railway
Ravensworth Mine
Strike Zone - Raymond Terrace
Riding for the Disabled
ResCo Engineering
Sailabilty Belmont 16’s
Salvation Army
Scone Bearings & Spares
Scone First National
Scott Collins
Sharrock Enterprises Pty Ltd
State Forest Nursery Gunnedah
SubZero Services
Sullman Engineering
Summit Fleet Leasing & Management
Sweetmans Timber
Sydney Street Tyre & Battery Service
Tamworth Regional Art Gallery
Target
Telstra Business Centre
Theiss - Muswellbrook
Thomas & Coffey
Tomaree Accommodation Service
Tony Maiden and Sue Maiden
Transpacific Cleanaway
Trevor Elks
Tutt Bryant Heavy Shift and Lift
Waterways Wildlife Park
Wear Parts Services
Westpac Bank
Woolworths
Xstrata Anvil Hill
Xstrata Coal Project
Yore Contractors
Zucker Legal
ANNUAL REPORT 2011
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
We also wish to thank the following Government Departments and
Councils, whose financial assistance and support is essential to our
operations.
Federal Government
• Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
NSW State Government
• Department of Family and Community Services - Ageing, Disability
and Home Care
• Department of Community Services
• Department of Housing
Local Government
• Tamworth Regional Council
• Narrabri Shire Council
• Muswellbrook Shire Council
• Gunnedah Shire Council
• Dubbo City Council
• Moree Shire Council
• Newcastle City Council
• Cessnock City Council
• Singleton Council
• Maitland City Council
• Mid-Western Regional Council
• Bathurst Regional Council
Politicians
• Independent Federal Member for New England, Tony Windsor, MP
• State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, MP
• Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services,
Hon. Andrew James Constance, MP
CHALLENGE DISABILITY
SERVICES
Ch ll
Challenge
Di
Disability
bili Services commenced in
Tamworth in 1958 with a group of parents and
friends seeking support services for their children
with disabilities.
Today we provide over 600 client services for people
with a disability across the North West, Central West,
New England and Hunter regions of NSW.
We have established many services for people with
a disability in these areas including; Residential, Day
Programs, Respite and Employment Services.
As a parent driven organisation Challenge relied
heavily on the goodwill of the community to build its
first school and day activity centre.
Today, still a parent driven organisation, Challenge
has grown to be one of the largest disability support
services outside metropolitan Australia.
Challenge has attained ISO 9001:2008 accreditation and
continues to strive to comply with and exceed all standards
required under State and Federal Disability Services Acts.
1800 679 129
www.challserv.org.au
admin@challserv.org.au