Lifestart has opened its June Children’s Appeal to help everyone use up those end-of-financial-year tax dollars. All donations to the appeal over $2 are tax deductible. Funds raised from the June Children’s Appeal will go toward helping Lifestart address the unmet needs of families and children facing disability every day. To contribute, click here to be forwarded to our donations site. Facilities are there for both on- and off-line donations.

Lifestart Eastern Sydney staff members Jennifer Kemp (Occupational Therapist) and Lauren Egan (Area Manager) were recently invited to present a paper at the Early Childhood Intervention Australia 9th Biennial National Conference in Canberra. The theme of the conference was the importance of inclusion of all children in learning opportunities. Jennifer and Lauren presented on ‘Keeping it REAL: the RELATE, ENCOUNTER and LEARN model of Open Playgroup in early intervention.’ Open Playgroup has a unique role at the very core of Lifestart’s model of family centred practice. For more information contact Jennifer or Lauren on 9344 4081.

A flurry of building activity at Lifestart Nepean has seen the completion of its outside storage shed and thanks to Mark Emelhain for his work. Thanks also to the Great Walk Foundation for providing funding and wish the supporters well for their 2010 Great Walk at the end of May. Finally, video cameras have now been installed in all playrooms to assist with teaching, with thanks to CDSE funding from Penrith Golf Club and St Mary’s Leagues Club.