Interchange Volunteer Fiesta

May 21st, 2013
Last Thursday the 16th of May Interchange parents, hosts and staff celebrated the wonderful contribution made by our volunteers at the Interchange volunteer Fiesta. The evening, held at Zaragosa Restaurant, was a part of National Volunteer Week. Pinarc CEO Marianne Hubbard spoke at the event about the importance of Interchange volunteers and the support they provide to families. She highlighted the important role that Interchange hosts play by giving  families  a regular break from their caring role and an opportunity  to re-energise. The Nuridin and Shearer Cox families also thanked volunteers by sharing their experiences of having a child hosted through the Interchange program. Their stories were heart-felt and inspiring and highlighted the huge difference volunteer hosts make for families.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to the speakers for sharing their experiences and helping us to thank our wonderful volunteers!!!!

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SCODA Support Group for Ballarat Carers of Adults with Disabilities

May 21st, 2013

On the first Friday of the month, Senior Carers of Disabled Adults (SCODA) members get together for dinner in Ballarat.  Members are parents and carers of adults with disabilities and use this time to socialise and support one another in a relaxed setting.  The group welcomes new members and more information can be obtained by calling Melissa on 53291361

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Pinarc Volunteer wins Youth Volunteer Recognition Award

May 20th, 2013

The Interchange program and Pinarc Disability Support would like to congratulate Alyssa Tuddenham on winning the Youth  Volunteer Recognition Award!! Alyssa was presented with the award at the Volunteer Recognition awards on Saturday the 18th of May.

Alyssa has been volunteering with Pinarc Disability Support since she was 14 years old.  She provides regular weekend care for children with disability, giving their parents a much needed break from full-time care.  Alyssa also volunteers on the annual Interchange family camp where families are offered a rare chance to experience a weekend away with support from staff and volunteers.

Well done Alyssa, and thank you for your ongoing support of Interchange & the families involved.

Alyssa with her award

Alyssa at the awards night with Elise & Katrina from Interchange

 

 

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Ararat Disability Support Group meets Leader of the Opposition,Tony Abbott, Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Senator Mitch Fifield & Federal Member for Wanon, Dan Tehan

May 15th, 2013

Carers Australia And Carers Victoria hosted a luncheon, for local Ararat carers and parents supporting children with disabilities, on Friday the 3rd of May.  NDIS had not yet been formally given the green light in Victoria, so this was a question on many people’s lips, as well as respite and support services in Ararat.  Carers and parents had the opportunity to speak to Mr Abbott, Senator Fifield and Mr Tehan, as well as mingle and enjoy one another’s company on the day.

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Adult Community Breaks

May 15th, 2013

During the April holiday break the Adult Community Breaks program offered a range of activities for people with disability over the age of 18. Participants were offered the opportunity to visit Daylesford where they spent the day tasting chocolate at the Chocolate Mill and visiting the Mill Market. Other activities over the week included going for scenic walks, playing mini golf, watching movies and visiting the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. During the gallery visit the participants were able to produce some art work of their own.

We are currently running weekend activities too!  Activity options have included going to the Wildlife Park and visting Midlands’s Bowls Club who kindly volunteered their time so that we could use their bowling green. We recently had a group attend the big clash at the MCG between Richmond and Collingwood. This July holidays we hope to offer plenty more activities over the 5 day break and are always keeping our eyes open for new things to try.

   

 

If you are interested in finding out more about this program please call Central Intake on 5329 1398.

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Ballarat Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Group (BASDSG)

May 14th, 2013

Supporting people living with ASD in a friendly, relaxed environment. All children are welcome. (Fully fenced yard)

Come along and have a chat and a cuppa in an open and understanding environment.

A great place to share information and new ideas for helping the special person in your life.

 

Place: Eureka Family Resource Centre

Address: 507 Humffray St Sth, Ballarat. 

Time: 1-3pm

3rd Monday of the month - 20th May ;  17th June;  15th July, 2013

ballaratasdsupportgroup@hotmail.com

Like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/BASDSG?fref=ts

 

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Topic often not addressed in Disability sector

May 7th, 2013

Disability & Sexuality Forum – Making relationships, love & sex accessible (A Field Forum)

Date: Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Venue: Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, Grevillia Room, Cnr Bell Street & St George Rd Preston
Time: 1pm (sharp) til 4pm

Sex, love and relationships are something that many people find fulfilling. This includes people with disabilities. It is often assumed , however, that sexuality, love and relationships are all concepts that simply don’t apply to people with a disability.

This short forum explores some of the barriers that exist for people with disabilities as well as how we can encourage and support intimate connections with others.

Content includes:

  • A panel of people with disabilities sharing their stories
  • Dr Patsie Frawley,  LaTrobe University and peer educators from the Living Safer Sexual Lives: Respectful Relationships program
  • Dr George Taleporos, Advocate – Discussing sexual facilitation – Where are we at?

Cost

  • Early Bird (available until 27th May): $90 + GST
  • Full Cost (from 28 May): $120 + GST
  • Concession: $40 + GST

To find out more or to register click on the link https://www.etouches.com/mlsra or telephone FIELD on 03 9982 0100.

Information provided by FIELD www.field.org.au

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Bacchus Marsh & District Disability Support Group Upcoming Events

May 7th, 2013

 

A friendly and relaxed support & information group for carers and parents of an individual with a disability, special needs or chronic health problem.

Join local parents for a cuppa and a chat in 2013.  Meeting from 10.30am – 12.30 pm on the 4th Monday of the month during the school term, at Darley Neighbourhood House & Learning Centre, 33 Jonathan Drive, Darley. All parents and carers are welcome to join.

  • 27th May   Guest Speaker: Leonie Dillon, Advocacy Project Office. ASSERT4ALL.
  • 24th June  Guest Speakers: Ashleigh Wilkie & Annette Mc Kenzie  from Pinarc, to discuss options for people with disabilities in the community.
  • 22nd July  Guest Speaker: Michael Homman, Mambourin

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Ballarat Down Syndrome Parent Support Group

May 7th, 2013

The Ballarat Down Syndrome Parent Support Group welcome families to attend some upcoming social and information events.  Children, family and friends are welcome to attend any of the events.

Thursday 16th May, 2013 @ 9.15 am  Morning tea at Ballarat Specialist School Cafe. 25 Gillies St North,   Lake Gardens

 

Friday May 31st at Oscars,18 Doveton St South,  12 pm for lunch.

 

Thursday 20th June 6pm at Oscars, 18 Doveton St South with guest speaker, Paul Crosbie, from Ballarat Regional Industries,  discussing options for school leavers

Please RSVP Melissa on 53291361 by Wednesday 19th June to reserve a seat  & please pay for meals as you order them.

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Volunteer Week at Pinarc

May 7th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Pinarc is very fortunate to have a pool of wonderful volunteers we can rely on to help us with things like:

- Running our Recreation Programs for young people with disability (e.g., gatherings on weekends & in school holidays, camps, etc)

- The Adult Day Program at Otway St (e.g., in the pool, with arts & crafts & other fun activities)

- The Interchange Program – where volunteer hosts look after a young person with disability on a regular basis & give their family a much-needed break

- A range of other administrative and office-based tasks….. AND MUCH MORE!

Next week (13th-19th of May) is Volunteer Week, a chance for Pinarc to acknowledge and thank our volunteers for their fantastic work. You play a vital role in many of our programs! Your willingness to share your time, talents and energy to support others is GREATLY appreciated.

Some of the activities planned for next week include:

- A “Volunteer Week Fiesta” at Zaragosa to thank Interchange hosts for their volunteering

- Attendance at the Volunteer Expo (Stockland Wendouree) to promote volunteering opportunities at Pinarc

- Personalised letters of thanks to be sent to volunteers

- AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST……

Our long-term Interchange host Alyssa Tuddenham is a finalist in the Volunteer Recognition Awards (run by United Way, Ballarat)!! CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA! Pinarc is very excited about the chance to formally recognise your huge contribution to providing respite for two families over the last 5 or so years. You are truly inspiring.

Alyssa Tuddenham, Volunteer Recognition Award Finalist & Interchange Host

 

 

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