March 2nd, 2009
Lifestart Eastern Sydney mother Margaret-Anne Otton has once again appeared on the ABC’s Q & A program to question federal government equity in the provision of early intervention services. Ms Otton first appeared on the program last September when Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilites Bill Shorten drew a round of applause for saying that Ms Otton’s daughter Sophia, who has a mix of developmental disabilities, was still a child and deserved the same government support as other children with more easily defined developmental problems.
Five months on and Ms Otton has challenged Mr Shorten that, despite the introduction of the $190 million dollar autism package, nothing has changed, because this is a condition specific package therefore is of no use to her daughter. Mr Shorten replied that the autism package was only a start and the government was looking at ways to improve access to early intervention assistance across the board.
Lifestart is a listed service provider for the Early Intervention Service Provider Panel, for the Helping Children with Autism package funded by the Australian Government through Departments of Families, Housing, learning Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). Click here for more details.
February 9th, 2009
The Concert for Lifestart being held in the War Memorial Chapel at Knox Grammar School on Sunday 22 February is looking set to be a winner. Both ticket sales and donations from those unable to attend have been coming in steadily. Organizer and Lifestart Northern Beaches grandmum Ann Wilson also reports that Knox has recently landscaped the garden outside the chapel where the champagne and hors d’ouvres will be served and it is looking a picture. Our thanks to Northern Beaches dad Damian Percy whose The Charity Wineshop will be providing the fine refreshments on the day! See Events for full details.
February 9th, 2009
Through the kind assistance of Google employee Karina Wells Lifestart has been granted a free advertising package on Google as part of that organization’s committment to supporting the community. The ad will target those parents who have received a diagnosis of a delay in development for their child and are now seeking further assistance. It will appear in the Google directory responding to certain key-words and will also appear in several languages. It will appear in approximatley three to six weeks. If you would like to read Karina’s story of how she came to support Lifestart, visit her Google blog at Google Grants Blog.
January 29th, 2009
While many were enjoying their recent holidays at the beach, staff and kids from our Transition Therapy Program (TTP) were hard at play preparing themselves for starting school in 2009. Eleven children attended, arriving in their school uniforms, bags … and lots of energy. Being exposed to larger groups, lining up, responding to the bell and eating lunch outside were all exciting experiences. We wish all our kids starting school and their families the very best.
(TTP operates out of Lifestart Eastern Sydney. For more information contact Lauren on 9344 4081.)
January 5th, 2009
Welcome to the New Year and a very exciting 2009. We would like everyone to mark these dates in your diaries
1. Lifestart centres reopen on Tuesday 27 January. (If your child has received placement you will receive notification direct from your centre. If you have any questions prior to your centre opening, contact Lifestart head office on 9807 9700.)
2. Lifestart volunteer training on 10, 17 & 24 February (see Blog below)
3. The Late Summer Afternoon Concert for Lifestart on Sunday 22 February & Kayak for Kids on Sunday 29 March (see Events page)
From everyone at Lifestart we wish you a happy and healthy 2009.
December 22nd, 2008
The first volunteer training program for 2009 will be run at the Lifestart Eastwood Centre at Sommerville Park, Blaxland Road, Eastwood from 12:30 - 2:00pm. This four week training program will run on Tuesdays: 10th, 17th, 24th February and 3rd March. To register or for more information call Alison - 0412 665 390.
December 15th, 2008
Our fun paddle event - Kayak for Kids is being held on Sunday March 29th 2009. For details and registration go to KayakforKids.com.au.
