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 1 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. 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 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 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! ANNUAL REPORT 2011 3 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” 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! 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. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! ANNUAL REPORT 2011 5 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 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! 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 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! ANNUAL REPORT 2011 7 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 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! 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. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! ANNUAL REPORT 2011 9 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 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! 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. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! ANNUAL REPORT 2011 11 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 12 ANNUAL REPORT 2011 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! 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. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! ANNUAL REPORT 2011 13 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. 14 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 16 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 18 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. 20 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. 22 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 24 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 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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 Expr3ss • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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 25 THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 26 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