AUTUMN EDITION 2015

Getting on with life in the bush

Focus on Independence

Welcome to the latest edition of Focus on Independence, in which we showcase how your support is enabling us to improve the quality of life for people with a disability.In this edition we are focusing on how life in regional and rural areas can pose unique challenges for people with a disability and their carers.We are also introducing you to our new General Manager Richard Burn, who brings extensive experience and real passion to our service arm.This year is a milestone for the disability sector as we continue to work towards the full implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).For Independence Australia, 2015 will be a time of realigning our core values with services and seeking active participation from our clients as we continue to maintain, refi ne and expand our services.At the same time, we have updated our website to make it easier for the community to access information about our services. For details go to www.independenceaustralia.comThank you for sharing our vision and supporting the work of Independence Australia. Your generosity is greatly valued and immensely appreciated.Regards,Peter TurnerChief Executive Offi cer

FROM THE CEO Richard’s burning passionOur new General Manager of Community Solutions, Mr Richard Burn, has real passion for ensuring people with a disability have top quality care and services that refl ect their needs and aspirations.

“I have worked in the disability sector for more than seven years, and have family experience as a disability service user over the last 20 years, and during that time I have heard a consistent message from service users,” says Richard.“They have clearly told me that they want choice, participation in deciding fl exible services and supports that are relevant to their care needs.”Richard heads up Independence Australia’s highly skilled team of diverse professionals in Community Solutions. The team includes disability support workers who deliver personal care in someone’s own home, case managers who provide assistance with funding access as well as psychologists who help people and their families cope with the many emotional issues linked to disability.In addition, the team also includes staff providing 24-hour care for residents living in supported accommodation.“The landscape surrounding disability service provision has changed radically in recent years,” says Richard.“Gone are the days when organisations told people with a disability what services they require. Instead we need to be driven by what people want us to deliver in direct support and services. As consumers, the clients are sending us a message to make their service delivery individual to them.” Richard is delighted that his team is dedicated, passionate and client focused. His focus over the next 12 months is to refi ne services, explore new ways to reach Indigenous people with a disability and harness the professionalism and passion staff have for delivering top quality support.

Freemasons dig deepHelping others is a major principal of Freemasonry. So, it is no wonder that the organisation has banded together to support Independence Australia.

The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation recently gave a generous gift to Independence Australia in support of people with a disability who live in our residential care.The Foundation’s Administrator, Mr Graham Flaherty recently visited Independence Australia to learn more about our work and pass on a cheque to Accommodation Services Manager, Ms Kelly Moore, and the General Manager of Community Solutions, Mr Richard Burn.

New look on the web

Focus on Independence

When Judi Potts moved from the city to the bush it was meant to be a time of positive change and new opportunities.

“I made the tree change when I retired expecting it to be a chance to change the direction of my life,” recalled Judi.“I loved the idea of living in a regional area, with a slower pace, fresh air and a strong sense of community around me in a retirement village.”Instead Judi’s dream of a better quality of life turned into a nightmare.“Shortly after I made the big move I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition that has led to disability. Walking is often diffi cult and frequently painful

and coping with everyday tasks is becoming increasingly diffi cult,” says Judi.

“I was shocked and angry that what should have been the best time of my life was turning into the worst.”

Judi has found the support of Independence Australia a life line.

“I have found that emotional support has enabled me to accept my limitations, explore what I can do and just get on with life. It has been tough but I have learned to focus on the positives, not just the negatives.”

Judi is active in Independence Australia’s support group networks, where she learns from listening to others whilst making her own invaluable contributions.

Judi says life in regional and rural areas can be tough for people with a disability.

“There aren’t always the networks and services in the bush that people can access in the city. Sometimes even simple things like fi nding accessible transport can be diffi cult. But at the end of the day, life is what it is and you have to make the best of what you have.”

“...at the end of the day, life is what it is and you have to make the best of what you have.”

When a tree change turns bad

ABN 80 973 805 243208 Wellington StreetCollingwood VIC 3066

T 1300 704 456E fundraising@independenceaustralia.comW www.independenceaustralia.com

When a Will mattersMaking or amending your Will is an important fi nancial activity regardless of your age or the amount of assets you own.

Not having a Will, or not ensuring that it is up to date, can be disastrous for loved ones left behind.Michael Clohesy from Clohesy Legal is one of several lawyers who often advise Independence Australia on the legal issues related to bequests. He stresses it is important to have an up to date Will.“People’s circumstances change over time and a Will can easily become out of date,” says Michael. “Also, if someone dies without a Will it can cause a nightmare for their loved ones. If you don’t have a Will your assets may be distributed in a way not in line with your wishes.

“Some people think they don’t have enough assets to make a Will. However people often have more assets than they realise due to rising property prices and the life insurances attached to their superannuation.”

Everyone aged over 18 should have a Will. Making a Will is simple and relatively inexpensive.

After meeting the needs of family and friends, many people also use their Will as a way of leaving something of value to create a better community in the future.

Hence, a gift in your Will to Independence Australia can make a big impact to the quality of life for people with a disability well into the future.

If you would like a copy of our handy booklet ‘Making a Will matters’ please contact James Nevein on 1300 704 456 or email james.nevein@independenceaustralia.com. Please be aware that all inquiries will be handled with the strictest confi dence.

A short break for clientsThanks to the generosity of donors, several people with a disability were able to spend some time away recently enjoying surf, sea and sun.

Some of our clients enjoyed time out at the seaside on a free holiday made possible thanks to the kindness of donors.For some of the people with a disability attending it was their fi rst time away in decades. As well as some valuable recreation time, the trip to the seaside also gave carers some much needed respite. Independence Australia’s regular holidays are extremely popular and benefi cial for people with a disability but require immense planning, such as fi nding suitable wheelchair accessible accommodation, arranging carers and organising appropriate transport options. None of this would be possible without the kind support of generous donors.

Thank youThank you to our loyal and generous donors who so kindly supported our 2014 Christmas appeal.

Your generosity helped Independence Australia ensure people with a disability had a joyous Christmas and beyond.Many of our kind donors sent special greetings to Melanie and her daughter Rose, by returning a candle of hope with an individual message.“Wishing you happiness every day of the year,” wrote one donor. “Inspiring story, keep strong,” wrote another, whilst someone else sent some simple yet profound words of encouragement: “Don’t give up.”