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Summer 2015

Orana celebrates International Day of People with Disability

International Day of People with Disability The event provided the opportunity to Not to be outdone, Orana representatives (IDPwD) is celebrated each year on the 3rd engage with people from the South from Berri attended a community forum December. This United Nations sanctioned Australian community and showcase Orana’s – the Dignity, Purpose and Achievement day aims to increase public awareness, services to potential clients and their families. through Disability Forum. This event understanding and acceptance of people Christopher, this year’s Client of the Year discussed many issues crucial to community living with disability and encourage support Runner Up, was able to give a first-hand inclusion for people living with disability in for their dignity, rights and wellbeing – account of how Orana’s support services regional areas. while celebrating their achievements and assisted him to achieve his personal goals in Orana chose to celebrate the International contributions to society. the areas of health and wellbeing. Day of People with Disability with delicious The theme for this year is “Inclusion matters: Residents from Orana’s Amaroo and fun filled morning teas hosted by clients access and empowerment for people Accommodation Service attended the and staff at many of Orana’s Employment of all abilities”. With this theme in mind, Glandore Community Centre Carols in the and Accommodation sites across the state. representatives from Orana participated Park on 2nd December. This community Balloons, ribbons and other festive tokens set in a variety of ‘inclusion’ focused events event featured a market and carols service. a party atmosphere. throughout South . Prior to the event the Amaroo residents ‘Celebrate on the Square,’ an event were busy making craft items to sell, which aimed at increasing public awareness, included knitted coat hangers. They ran their understanding and acceptance of people own craft stall, featuring the hand crafted with disability, was held in Victoria Square, items they had produced and enjoyed on Thursday 3rd December. explaining to market shoppers how they had Orana employee, Christopher Page, Orana made them. The highlight of the evening Community Inclusion Officer, Amy Young was the community carols service. Some and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, enthusiastic singing from our residents Anthea Rice represented Orana at this event. capped of a perfect day. IDPwD celebrations at Orana Netley.

Orana employee, Christopher Page, with Hon Tony Piccolo MP. Minister for Disabilities, gave a first-hand account of how Orana’s support services assisted him to achieve his personal goals.

1 Orana has been busy realigning our services, range of supported accommodation systems and processes to ensure we are opportunities in regional SA. NDIS ready to support people living with A highlight of 2015 was the celebration disability. Through a diverse range of of Orana’s 65th birthday, coinciding with services and initiatives introduced, we are the launch of Orana’s refreshed brand. A reshaping the way we support people with tremendous milestone to celebrate and a disability to achieve goals in many aspects of great day had by all! their lives, including independence, health and wellbeing , community engagement, The busy year is ending with the exciting education, and employment. announcement that Orana will be taking over the trading of the three Sunflower An initiative that reflects the changing Shops currently operated by Mental Illness disability environment is the joint venture, Fellowship (MIFSA) in ‘Beyond Project’ with Community January 2016. We are looking forward to Bridging Services (CBS). This project having the volunteers join the Orana team. will be commencing in February 2016 between Orana, CBS and three schools in I look forward to 2016 in anticipation of Message from metropolitan Adelaide and Port Pirie. The continued success in helping our clients aim of this project will be to assist in the achieve their goals and welcoming new transition of young people with disability members into our team to help us make a the CEO from school to employment reaching their difference. full vocational development, whether in At this festive time we can look back on To all our staff, employees, donors, ‘Open’ or ‘Supported’ Employment. what has been an exciting, challenging and customers, families and volunteers – thank dynamic period across the disability sector. A number of important strategic additions you for your commitment to Orana this 2015 has been a big year for Orana with to our organisational structure in 2015 have year. I would like to pass on my very sincere considerable effort put in during the year assisted Orana to further empower people Christmas wishes and hope that the festive to lay a strong foundation for our transition with disability to access information about season is an enjoyable and restful one. I to the National Disability Insurance Scheme relevant services and community activities hope the New Year brings renewed hope, (NDIS). available to them and to support them energy and success. to become active members of their local On a personal note, I find myself reflecting Happy holidays and best wishes to you and community. upon Orana’s achievements over the past 12 your families for 2016. months with pride. Proud of the significant We have experienced significant growth Nick Mihalaras CEO Orana growth we have achieved; proud of the and taken on new exciting challenges, exciting new challenges and ventures particularly in our Employment Service we have embraced and proud of the division, all focussed on enhancing and Orana team’s ability to adapt to changing expanding our capability to provide paradigms. sustainable work opportunities for people with disability. We have maintained our focus on building our capability across the organisation Orana further expanded its Accommodation to ensure we are well placed to meet Service by successfully tendering for a industry challenges including the upcoming number of new services during the year. NDIS. Our preparations for the NDIS have These services have enhanced our existing continued to dominate our planning in 2015 options for clients in the metropolitan area as we draw closer to the full launch in 2016. and have further expanded our current

International Volunteer Day

The International Volunteer Day is celebrated each year on 5th December. It was established by the United Nations in 1985 with the aim of providing volunteer organisations and individuals with the opportunity to raise public awareness of their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. Orana wants to thank and recognise the tremendous work and enthusiasm of all our volunteers who make a wonderful contribution, day by day, to achieving our goal: creating opportunities for people living with disabilities. We especially want to recognise the effort and dedication of Xiomara Ruiz, our new Communications and Events Coordinator, who was volunteering at Orana for one and a half years prior to recently joining the Orana team. She has shown dedication and commitment at the fundraising events and activities that she has participated in the past. Thank you to everyone who has and continues to volunteer at Orana, and for supporting people living with disability.

Xiomara Ruiz, Orana’s new Communications and Events Coordinator, former volunteer.

2 Orana Mitsubishi Corporate Day tees off

On Friday 16th October Orana hosted our fundraising hole-in-one opportunities for winners, some fundraising activities and the second corporate golf day. This year we were players to participate in, throughout the day day drew to a close. delighted to announce Mitsubishi Motors – $10,000 cash, a holiday for two to the US We would like to thank all of our event Australia as the event’s name sponsor. Masters and a Mitsubishi PHEV Outlander sponsors and supporters, which included It was an early start to the day and guests Aspire. Unfortunately no one sunk a hole-in- Bickford’s and Coopers Brewery for drinks, were greeted with delicious egg and bacon one on the day. Johnny’s Popcorn for snacks and Yummy sandwiches provided by The Rapid Relief A gourmet lunch sponsored by RAA, wine Snacks for donating a gift basket. Team and piping hot coffee donated by the sponsored by Kingston Estate Wines and Twisted Barista. dessert sponsored by Golden North Ice The next activity had our players awestruck. Cream provided a delicious conclusion to Save the date: Jeremy Dale, golfing trick shot artist, had the day. Brief presentations by Orana’s CEO, the group spellbound as he performed Nicholas Mihalaras, and Mitsubishi Motors Friday 14 October 2016 Orana one amazing shot after another. Inspired, Australia CEO, Mr Mutsuhiro Oshikiri set Corporate Golf Day the scene for the rest of the afternoon’s the players set off to play 18 holes at the For more information please contact activities. An entertaining lunch time prestigious Royal Adelaide Golf Club. Tania Potts on 08 8375 2043 presentation by Jeremy Dale, the awarding The fun did not end there. There were three of prizes to the first, second and third place

The Rapid Relief Team provided breakfast. A game at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club.

Orana’s CEO, Nicholas Mihalaras and naming rights sponsor Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s CEO, Mr Mutsuhiro Oshikiri. Jeremy Dale performed spectacular trick shots. Lunch sponsors Kingston Estate Wine.

3 Cast from Neighbours chat with Matthew, Client Coach Christopher David Roach has developed his life skills through pursuit of his passion for and Adam as part of the holiday the boys planned together. building model trains. Melbourne trip David’s building a railway

Matthew Roodhouse and Adam Nagy, from Orana’s Moonya Accommodation Service, decided they wanted to take a holiday. and building life skills They wanted their trip to include two things they really enjoyed – the David Roach is an employee at Orana’s Netley Employment TV show Neighbours and footy – in particular their team Port Power. Service and a resident at Orana’s Amaroo Accommodation Service. After much discussion they decided on a trip to Melbourne. Like his grandad, David loves model trains and he decided to Matthew and Adam put into practice their planning and decision start working on his own model train project a few months making skills, they set up a budget and were very disciplined with ago, collecting parts that come with a fortnightly magazine. their spending in the months leading up to their holiday. Assisted The magazine was hard to find, so David decided to use some of by Christopher Roberts, their Client Coach, they worked out their his savings to resume his hobby. itinerary. A visit to Ramsay Street (the location of the TV series David undertook extensive research using his impressive collection ‘Neighbours’) and the opportunity of meeting some of the actors of train books and watching YouTube videos. He started working was one of the trip highlights. They supported their team Port Power on his own design and drew a layout with the assistances of his at the MCG and visited the Melbourne Casino amongst other things. Client Coach. Both Matthew and Adam thoroughly enjoyed their short trip to Throughout this process David has developed his planning, Melbourne. This trip gave them both the chance to exercise their budgeting, problem solving and decision making skills; from right of choice, to plan and enjoy a holiday. Everyone should have the buying tools and materials, crafting the scenery, and building the opportunity to take a holiday of their choosing. model railway. Matthew and Adam accomplished many achievements through Through his passion, David has now become a more open person, this experience, ‘one of the best of their life’ as they said, and are being able to voice his thoughts, opinion and personal needs, while now planning their next trip adventure. enjoying his incredible creation.

Bradley proudly displays his gold Brad bowls us over! medal.

Bradley McPhee, an employee at Orana’s Netley Employment Service, has a passion for 10 Pin Bowling. In June Bradley competed in the 27th National Disabilities Tenpin Bowling Championship at Chermside Hyperbowl in Brisbane, the 13th national title that Bradley has competed in, taking him all over Australia. The staff at Orana were very excited to learn that Bradley won the B Grade Singles gold medal. In fact, Bradley was the only South Australian to win a gold medal in any Grade and also represented SA in the National Championship as a member of the Cole Cup Team. 10 Pin Bowling has taught Bradley many things. Bradley’s concentration, focus and maths have all improved, all of which helps him to perform his tasks at work. He is a polite person to work with and enjoys the social interaction with his colleagues. Each Saturday, Bradley and his bowling team can be found practising their skills. With Bradley’s outstanding performance this year, we think they can look forward to a great bowling competition in 2016.

4 Rone’s photograph captures the scenic Port Augusta foreshore that A proud and happy Orana Para Hills Flyers soccer team enjoyed taking he often works in. part in the Phoenix Cup. Rone’s developing his A love of soccer love of photography On Saturday 7th November two soccer teams, the ‘Orana Titans’ from Netley Employment Service and the ‘Flyers’ from Para Rone Van de Weil is an employee at Orana’s Port Augusta Hills West Employment Service, represented Orana in the annual Employment Service. He works in the External Services crew and Phoenix Cup. their job includes daily cleaning and maintenance of many public and This was the sixth year the Orana Titans had competed in this event. tourist areas in and around Port Augusta. With the support of their coach Sav Politis and their first aid officer, Rone is an avid photographer and one of his goals this year was to Anthony Brown, the group trained hard. Their training paid off. A further develop his skills by taking photographs of the gorgeous great team spirit and passionate performances by each player saw views he enjoys while at work. His passion for photography comes the Orana Titans finish fourth in this year’s cup. from following in his dad’s footsteps as he loved photography and The Flyers competed for the first time this year. Under the guidance even had his own dark room at home to develop his photographs. of coaches Diane Nielsen and Hans Weidtler they improved During his spare time Rone likes taking dramatically throughout the year. On the day they scored some pictures of his sister’s band playing up fantastic goals and their smiling faces showed how much they on stage and of the amazing landscapes enjoyed playing the game. at his various work locations. All players showed great enthusiasm and sportsmanship cheering Rone’s hobby has taught him more than each other on, and proudly representing Orana. Their spirit on the just camera and computer skills, he has day was recognised with David Smith winning the ‘Spirit of the become more sensitive and aware of his Tournament‘ award. Congratulations David and everyone involved. environment and grown in confidence. A special thank you to the coaches and support staff who Rone Van de Weil budding photographer. volunteered their time throughout the year to support our teams.

Much-deserved Gold Duke of Amanda earns a royal distinction Edinburgh Award winner Amanda This year Amanda Garland from Orana’s Murray Bridge Employment Service, was Garland. recognised with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at a special ceremony hosted at Government House in Adelaide. To achieve this honourable award, Amanda had to meet some challenging requirements which included learning a new skill, completing an adventurous journey, undertaking community service and continuous physical recreation. With a bubbly personality and outgoing nature Amanda has been actively involved in the community through her work at Orana, volunteering at Meals on Wheels and at the Monarto Zoo in animal care. Amanda loves sport, having won many medals at the Tri State Games in swimming, running and lawn bowls. She is also a very active member at the local gym. Hazel Anderson, Orana’s Murray Bridge Employment Service Manager, has been impressed by Amanda’s achievements over the two years she has been working at Orana. “Amanda’s verbal communication and self-confidence have both improved greatly. She is always friendly and happy to help her colleagues. Her determination is a wonderful example for others to follow!”

5 2015 Orana Client of the Year Award winners announced

On Tuesday 27th October the Orana experience living independently. I am also Client of the Year Award was presented an Ambassador for the Loxton Mardi Gras to Tom Jones, employee at Orana Loxton and Loxton Gum Tree which involves a lot Employment Service, and to runner up of fundraising activity. I would like to thank Christopher Page, employee from Orana Orana for voting me as a winner of this Netley Employment Service, at this year’s award and Phill Warner for the nomination.” Annual General Meeting. Next Christopher was presented with the Each year Orana calls for nominations for runner up award for his achievements in the Nick Mihalaras, Orana CEO, presents the Client of the Client of the Year Award from staff, area of health and wellbeing. Christopher the Year Award to Tom Jones, employee at Orana families and the wider community. The thanked Orana for his award and Orana staff Loxton Employment Service. selection criteria focused on clients who have for their encouragement in his considerable had personal achievements across a range weight loss, and for their support with his of areas including Health and Wellbeing, regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Community Inclusion, or Education/Vocation. Congratulations to both Tom and Christopher The awards were presented to Tom and for their outstanding achievements. Christopher by Orana’s CEO, Nicholas Mihalaras and EPAC Solutions Sales Manager, Orana would like to express our thanks to Mr Paul Ogilvie-Mitchel. EPAC Salary Solutions, for their continued sponsorship of the Orana Client of the Year Tom Jones has had a busy year which has Award. seen him involved in many community activities. Tom’s thank you speech highlighted Kate Strohm, past Board Member, was some of his achievements. also awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Award. “It has really been a busy year for me with a number of things happening in my life. Christopher Page, employee at Orana Netley Approximately eight months ago I moved Employment Service receives his award from EPAC from my Orana home to live in my first Solutions Sales Manager, Mr Paul Ogilvie-Mitchel. unit on my own, which has been a great Orana takes over the Sunflower Shops

Orana is pleased to announce that it will Mihalaras, said Orana had agreed to take “The shops will provide Orana with take over the trading of the three Sunflower over operation of the shops after MIFSA strong opportunities to increase its brand Shops currently operated and managed by indicated it no longer wished to continue awareness in the community as well as Mental Illness Fellowship South Australia with the operation. providing potential training options for (MIFSA) in January 2016. “The Sunflower Shops play an important clients,” Mr Mihalaras said. The shops at Goodwood, Seacombe role within their local communities and “Recent changes to the disability sector Gardens and Christie Downs, sell a range Orana will ensure that their existence mean it is more important than ever that of donated goods including clothing, continues,” Mr Mihalaras said. Orana increases its community profile.” manchester, toys, books and bric-a-brac. He said Orana would re-name, upgrade and To celebrate this acquisition, Orana and With a total of four staff and 50 volunteers revamp the shops. The current four staff and MIFSA hosted a joint ‘Welcome to Orana’ they operate six days a week. some 50 volunteers will all be retained and afternoon tea and tour of Orana’s head Orana’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nick supported in the transfer to Orana. office at Netley on Thursday 19th November.

Orana CEO Nick Mihalaras with MIFSA CEO Natasha Miliotis. Visitors at the ‘Welcome to Orana’ afternoon tea and tour of Orana’s Netley facility. 6 Being born with Down Syndrome can mean a life of isolation, loneliness and exclusion

Gary was born with Down Syndrome and mild intellectual disability. This genetic disorder has left Gary with a number of challenges in life. The biggest challenge is his lack of speech. Without assistance from Gary’s Orana Client Coach, his loving family and friends, he would not be able to do many of the simple things that the rest of At Orana Gary has made friends and has been us take for granted. Imagine not being able accepted and valued as part of the Orana team. to order your own meal in a restaurant, use a telephone or tell a doctor why you are Disability, includes learning to catch public transport, feeling unwell. For many people this would plan his own holidays and social outings. have meant a life of isolation, loneliness and Ageing and Gary relaxes by watching his beloved Crows exclusion. team on TV or his favourite TV show – Dr Gary however, meets the challenge of living Who. With assistance, Gary has a very active Lifestyle Expo with disability head on. He both lives and social and sporting life. He goes 10 Pin works with Orana. His positive attitude, On Friday 25th September, the Seniors Bowling, to fitness class, swimming and visits enthusiasm and friendly nature have ensured Information Service held the Disability, his parents too. Gary is willing to take on any challenge. Ageing and Lifestyle Expo at the Royal Recently Gary purchased an iPad and he is . A range of interactive activities were on display to Gary is lighting the way now learning to use a communication app. help engage with people visiting the An increased ability to interact will assist Gary works at Orana and is well liked by Orana stand. his colleagues and supervisors. He works Gary at work and his daily life. We look assembling light switches. Next time you forward to hearing more from Gary in the Visitors to the stand were able to watch, flick a switch in your house and the lights near future. try and learn how to complete some of come on – it could have been Gary that put the jobs on display such as assembling Without Orana, Gary would not be able your switch together. Far from being the shy Hegs Pegs and Clipsal light switches. to live and work independently. Orana has retiring type Gary is very popular amongst The Client Development Coordinators supported Gary to lead the fulfilling and his team. and existing Orana employees were on independent life of his choosing. Gary lives in an Orana supported hand to welcome visitors and answer questions regarding Orana’s employment accommodation unit. He receives in-home The gift of independence. support from Orana’s Client Coach and is opportunities, work experience learning valuable life skills such as planning By making a gift to Orana you will assist us placements, accommodation and other a menu, choosing healthy food options, and in providing these much-needed services for services that Orana provides for people cooking skills. Independence for Gary also people living with disability, just like Gary. living with disability.

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7 La Dolce Vita Port Pirie take

Orana joined Telethon SA and five other South Australian charities for a glorious strides to healthy day at Longview Vineyard on Sunday 15th November. The weather was perfect, the work style Italian cuisine delicious and the Longview Wines divine. Views over the vineyard set Staff and clients at Orana’s Port Pirie the scene for a lazy afternoon. Employment Service has introduced their “Healthy, Productive and Inclusive” This fundraising event was hosted by Cosi work style. Every Wednesday they run or and our colourful auctioneer was Michael jog at the oval near their service and finish Pratt. Both the live and silent auctions saw their workout with a healthy lunch. The bidders spring into action to secure the Port Pirie team have found that adopting a items that they had been eyeing while healthy living / healthy working initiative, has sipping their bubbly. increased their team spirit and encouraged “Orana was delighted to be part of this a positive working environment – all while event”, said Nicholas Mihalaras, Orana having fun and keeping themselves healthy. Chief Executive Officer. “Everyone enjoyed Thank you to the Port Pirie team for sharing the relaxed atmosphere, the food and the this story with us. We look forward to Port Pirie clients and staff working up fun. Thank you to everyone who supported reading more about your achievements. a healthy appetite! Orana through this event.” A special thank you to Telethon SA for providing this opportunity to South Australian charities. Healthy lifestyles at Orana As part of our aim to encourage healthy 3. Combine with the oats, muesli, rice bubbles eating and lifestyle choices we bring you this and sultanas. easy cook, healthy choice recipe for delicious 4. Transfer to the prepared baking tray then use home-made Muesli Bars. Give it a try and let the back of a spoon to gently flatten. us know what you think. Happy cooking! 5. Preheat the oven to 180C. Easy Muesli Bars 6. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside to cool completely. Ingredients Serves: 6 7. Cut into bars with a sharp knife. 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup muesli 1 1/2 cup rice bubbles 1 cup sultanas 125g butter 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup brown sugar Directions Preparation: 15min Cook: 20min Ready: 35min 1. Grease and line a baking tray with baking paper. 2. In a small saucepan heat the butter, honey Orana’s Vice-President, Norm Harrison, far left with Orana Board Member, Marta Harbuzinska, and sugar until the sugar dissolves, then second from right with guests. cook for an additional 5 minutes. High in the gardens Tea Sunday 10th April 2016 at 2pm Cummins House – Novar Gardens $55 per person

For bookings contact: Xiomara Ruiz 08 8375 2000 [email protected]

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