The annual Lifestart Family Picnic is on from 11am to 3pm on Sunday 16th November at Castle Hill Showground (off Doran Drive). All Lifestart families are invited and it is free to attend. The day is sure to be lots of fun with a jumping castle, clowns, pony rides, chicken kebab bar-b-cue and lots more. Bookings are essential and to do so call Marion Trabe on 9890 5428.
The annual Lifestart Dads’ Weekend Away will be on the weekend of 28th, 29th & 30th November staying at ‘The Grange’ in Mt Victoria in the Blue Mountains. This is a ‘time out’ weekend with activities being whatever you want to make them: be it golf, bushwalking or simply lazing about. It’s also a great opportunity to meet with other Lifestart dads. Cost is $50 which covers food & accommodation. For further information or to book contact your local Area Manager or phone Fiona Phipps on 0422 411 613.
The latest edition of Expressions, the newsletter for Lifestart families and supporters, is now available. This edition focuses on preparing your child for school in 2009. It also contains an interview with new CEO Andrew Wilson and an article on 2008 Community Father of the Year, Dermot McCutcheon, one of the founders of Lifestart. It also contains information on two important events in November, the ‘Lifestart Family Picnic’ and the ‘Dad’s Weekend Away in the Blue Mountains’. If you would like to receive a copy please contact us on 9807 9700.
Lifestart Board members travelled to the new Lifestart Nepean premises for their September meeting. While there they were briefed by staff member and Special Education Teacher Carolyn Galbraith about an exciting new program for children with autism. Originating in the United States RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) is a family-centred program which encourages children to think more flexibly, share experiences with others and cope with an ever-changing world. Carolyn is currently undergoing certification in RDI and has already introduced aspects into programs at Lifestart Nepean. For more information on RDI contact Carolyn at Lifestart Nepean on 9623 2100.
After nearly six years of searching Lifestart Hornsby has been granted a 10 year lease by Hornsby Council to take up residence in the former occassional child-care centre in Ramsay Road, Penninat Hills. With excellent access to transport and a shopping-centre location the new centre is ideally placed for Lifestart families. While activities will begin in the new centre from the beginning of Term 4, to completely make it a home the premises will have to undergo extensive renovation in some parts and a fundraising drive has already begun to assist with this. If you would like any information about the new centre or can assist in its renovations in any way, please call Area Coordinator Kerry Dominish on 0424 225 068.

A big night of fun and prizes is guaranteed at the annual Lifestart Inner West Trivia Night Prizes and auction items include tickets to some of the hottest shows in town, wine and sporting memorabilia. Details are
TICKETS: $20
WHEN: Saturday 20th September - 7pm
WHERE: Our Lady of Lourdes School Hall, cnr. Homer Street & St. James Avenue, Earlwood. (Enter & park in the school grounds.)
BOOKINGS: www.showbiz.com.au/lifestart