The inaugural Orana ‘Netball for All’ Cup was launched on Saturday 12th November 2016. Special Olympics SA with the support of Orana and UniSA, held a netball tournament that saw players with disability displaying their skills on the court.

Orana had a team of enthusiastic players and for many it was the first time they had played netball. The Orana team enjoyed the day and are looking forward to building their skills in preparation for next year’s tournament.

South Australian Police (SAPOL), long term supporters of Special Olympics SA, supported the event and played an important role in the opening ceremony – accompanying some of the players in the torch relay on their way to light the Olympic Flame of Hope signifying the opening of the competition.

Players were then run through a training session by Netball SA to get everyone ready and warmed up.

Then the competition commenced! Every player gave their best on the court and there were some spectacular passes, intercepts and goals scored.

At the end of the games, SO Strikers and SO Stars were on top of the ladder, ready to battle for the gold. Before the grand final there was a players vs volunteers and coaches match which everyone enjoyed, providing many memorable moments. The grand final round was an extremely close match with SO Stars taking out the Orana Cup by one point.

Well done to all of the players and a special thank you to all of the volunteers and supporters who helped to make it a fantastic day. Everyone is looking forward to an even bigger and better Orana ‘Netball For All’ Cup in 2017.

Stay in touch with Orana

Summer 2016

Orana ‘Netball for All’

The triumphant SO Stars holding the Orana Cup.

The Orana team at the netball tournament.

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Message from the CEOWith many festive celebrations in our calendars, it’s a good time to pause and look back on the dynamic success that Orana has experienced over the last twelve months. Significant growth has been achieved and I am proud of the Orana team’s ability to embrace new opportunities and promote Orana to the South Australian community.

In January Orana officially opened our three Op Shops, recently acquired from Mental Illness Fellowship South Australia. The new enterprises, located in Goodwood, Seacombe Gardens and Christie Downs, have increased recognition of the Orana brand within the local communities with many people visiting the shops to find out more about Orana and the services we provide.

Orana’s Port Augusta service grew in 2016 with the acquisition of the Orana Lotto and Newsagency opening for business at the start

of the year. Based in the Wharflands Plaza, the newsagency complimented the existing retail enterprise, Orana Pets and Accessories, increasing awareness of Orana’s disability services within the Port Augusta community.

Recognition of Orana’s brand continued to grow with the launch of Orana’s brand awareness campaign, which included the production and airing of two TV commercials. The first commercial focussed on Orana’s Employment Services and featured Jamie, an employee based at Orana’s Netley Employment Service. The second commercial highlighted Orana’s Accommodation Services and Life Skills Support and featured Natalie, Orana client, and Janelle, Orana Client Coach. Both commercials were well received and resulted in a sharp increase in enquiries regarding Orana’s supported employment and accommodation services.

Over the last twelve months Orana’s preparation for the 2017 roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme continued. Orana has been proactive in the communication of information regarding the NDIS. In early November of this year, Orana hosted two information sessions for families, carers and people living with disability, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. In addition to the information sessions Orana staff have been hosting information stalls in a number of shopping centres around the northern suburbs.

Milestones and community celebrations have been on Orana’s calendar recently with the 40th Anniversary of Orana’s Meningie Site, the Melaleuca Nursery, a garden party at Government House celebrating the work of community organisations throughout South Australia, and a variety of morning teas at Orana sites to celebrate the International Day of People with Disability.

The 40th Anniversary celebrations at Meningie saw the official launch of Orana’s

‘Native Edible Food Garden’. The event was attended by dignitaries, special guests, Orana staff, families, employees and volunteers.

The Governor of South Australia hosts a garden party each year to celebrate the contribution made by community groups to the people of South Australia. This year Orana was represented by Bill Chapman, Orana employee and Diane Ward, Orana client. Orana was proud to be one of the community groups recognised by the Governor and the South Australian community for their contribution to people living with disability.

A number of Orana sites held morning teas in celebration of the United Nations International Day of People with Disability. The theme of the day focuses on creating the ‘Future We Want’ noting the recent adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to build a more inclusive and equitable world for people with disabilities. As South Australians progress towards the NDIS, with its focus on person-centred support and social inclusion, Orana is well positioned to contribute to the ‘future we all want’.

I look forward to 2017 with great enthusiasm. As we transition to the NDIS I look forward to welcoming new clients and employees into the Orana family and new staff to support our clients to live truly independent lives.

As the year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to our many customers, community partners, families, and donors for your continued support of Orana throughout 2016. Finally, to the Orana staff and volunteers, thank you for your many hours of hard work and dedication throughout the past year.

Happy holidays and best wishes to you and your families for 2017.

Nick Mihalaras CEO Orana

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC Governor of South Australia visited the Orana stall.

International Day of People with DisabilitySince 1992, the 3rd of December has marked the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) as declared by the United Nations (UN). This date aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The theme for the 2016 International Day of People with Disability is ‘Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want’. This theme notes the recent adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals addressed by the United Nations and the role of these goals in building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities.

The observance of the 2016 celebration coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – one of the

most quickly and widely ratified international treaties put forth by the United Nations to date.

The IDPwD was celebrated at the different Orana Employment and Accommodation Services around the state with morning teas, balloons and decorations, where Orana clients, staff and guests were invited to mingle and celebrate.

Orana also hosted a colourful stall at the ‘Celebrate in the Square’ event held at Victoria Square on Friday 2nd of December. The event was presented by Lifetime Support Authority, Brain Injury SA, and the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of South Australia (PQSA). The event was hosted by Amanda Blair, radio broadcaster, former columnist of Sunday Mail and former member of the Social Inclusion Board.

Amy Young, Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator, and Xiomara Ruiz, Communications and Events Coordinator were present to welcome people to the Orana stall which showcased the Employment and Accommodation services Orana provides throughout the state to support people living with disability.

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Who is eligible for the National Disability Scheme (NDIS)? To become an NDIS participant you must:

• Have a permanent impairment that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities, or have a developmental delay;

• Be aged less than 65 when you first apply and the NDIS becomes available in your area; and

• Be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa.

For more information on NDIS eligibility, you can use the NDIS Access Checklist on the NDIS website: www.ndis.gov.au

Northern Metropolitan NDIS information sessions Orana has commenced to roll out NDIS information to clients, their families and carers in the Northern Adelaide Metropolitan region who will be the first adults to transition from 1st July 2017.

Orana was proud to host two NDIS information sessions at the Hillcrest Community Centre on the 1st November. The sessions were presented by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) who gave an overview of the NDIS to families and carers of people supported by Orana’s Accommodation and Employment Services; it was a great opportunity for families to have their questions answered. Orana has also been holding information sessions with Orana’s clients and employees to inform them of the upcoming changes.

As each area moves closer to their NDIS transition date, Orana will work with clients, families, carers and advocates to be ready for the NDIS.

NDIS Update

In living memory – Amaroo GardenOn Thursday 3rd November Orana staff, clients and some family members met at Orana’s Amaroo Accommodation Service to celebrate the official opening of the Helen Strohm Memorial Garden.

The garden upgrade was made possible by a bequest, left by Eric and Ricky Strohm, in memory of their daughter Helen who lived at Orana’s Amaroo Accommodation Service for many years.

The bequest from the Strohm family, a donation from the Netley Friends of Orana group and a day of gardening volunteered by the teachers at St Martin de Porres School transformed the garden from a rough and unused space, into a welcoming and multi-purpose area.

Helen’s sister, Kate, and her family were present for the official opening and shared many memories of visiting Helen at Amaroo.

Nick Mihalaras, Orana CEO, shared a few words about Helen and thanked the Strohm

family for supporting Orana, and our clients, through their bequest which supplied new pavers, a new garden bench and plants. He also acknowledged the Netley Friends of Orana for their donation which purchased many new plants that will add colour and texture to the garden and the teachers from St Martin’s, who pushed barrows, transplanted new and existing plants and laid the ground work for the pavers. All of this has increased the clients ability to use and enjoy the new garden.

To finish off the official part of proceedings, Nick and Kate cut a ceremonial ribbon, which was draped over a new garden bench, proudly displaying a plaque in memory of Helen. A morning tea in the new garden brought the celebration to a close.

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us to open the garden and in particular to the Strohm family, the Netley Friends of Orana and the teachers from St Martin de Porres.

Members of the Strohm family present at the Garden Opening Day.

Save the date: Sunday 7th May 2017 at 2pmJoin us for an afternoon of indulgence For more information contact Xiomara Ruiz 8375 2000 or communications@orana.asn.au

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An afternoon with the GovernorOn Wednesday 9th November Orana was invited by His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC Governor of South Australia, to a Garden Reception at Government House.

Held annually, the event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution that community groups and organisations play in supporting the South Australian community.

Orana was invited to send four representatives along to the event. Bill Chapman, Para Hills West employee and runner up in Orana’s 2016 Client of the Year Awards, and Diane Ward, Amaroo resident, who retired from Orana’s Netley Employment Service earlier this year, were selected to represent Orana. Supporting them to attend the event were two Orana staff members, Alicia Holland, Client Development Coordinator and

Amy Young, Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator.

It was a wonderful afternoon with a welcome speech from His Excellency, followed by the opportunity for guests to meet and mingle with other representatives from community groups and organisations across South Australia.

Orana representatives had the opportunity to meet the Governor and enjoy light refreshment whilst listening to the South Australia Police Band entertaining guests. z

Meningie-Melaleuca Nursery 40th Anniversary CelebrationsOrana’s Meningie, Melaleuca Nursery, celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Friday 28th October, which formed part of the township of Meningie’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.

The anniversary celebration also included the official launch of the nursery’s ‘Native Edible Food Garden’. Tony Pasin MP, Federal Member for Barker; Neville Jaensch, Coorong District Council Mayor; celebrity chef Andrew Fielke and Wild Edible Food advocate, Neville Bonney were among the many guests.

Robert Simpson, Orana’s Meningie Manager and event MC, got proceedings underway with a warm welcome to the guests. Following this, Nick Mihalaras, Orana CEO, gave a brief speech highlighting some of

the milestones reached by the township of Meningie and the contribution of Meningie’s Melaleuca Nursery to the local community over the last four decades.

Neville Bonney, Author, Mentor and Advocate for Wild Edible Food, spoke about his connection with Orana and their joint projects within the community.

Andrew Fielke internationally acclaimed chef specialising in creating unique dishes using Australian native ingredients, talked about the impact and prosperous future of the Native Edible Herbs produced at Orana and the importance native edible herbs are being given in the contemporary kitchen.

Jane Swan, Nursery Supervisor thanked the

staff, employees, volunteers and friends for all their support and enthusiasm in making the ‘Native Edible Food Garden’ a reality.

Cathy Read, Orana Meningie’s longest servicing employee ended the official proceedings with the cutting of the anniversary cake. After the official ceremony, Peter Watts, Cultural Ranger from Coorong National Park, conducted a tour of the ‘Native Edible Food Garden’ highlighting the uses of each plant and encouraging participants to taste the different herbs grown by the Orana Meningie team. It was a sunny day, full of smiling faces, educational and inspiring talks, and amazing food.

Thanks to everyone who came along and joined us for the celebrations!

Orana employee Cathy Read cuts the cake with Jane Swan, Nursery Supervisor, Robert Simpson, Site Manager and Orana CEO Nick Mihalaras.

Local products made with native edible plants were showcased at the event.

Orana staff at Meninigie getting ready for the celebrations.

Guests enjoyed a tour through the ‘Native Edible Food Garden’.

Guests sampled dishes prepared with native edible plants.

Above right: Orana CDC Alicia Holland (centre) with Diane Ward, retired employee and Bill Chapman, Para Hills West employee enjoying an afternoon on the lawns of Government House.

Right: His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC Governor of South Australia, welcomes invitees to the Garden Reception.

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Disability ExpoOn Friday 23rd of September, Orana took part in the 2016 Disability, Ageing and Lifestyle Expo ‘My Life, My Choice’ at the Goyder Pavilion - Adelaide Showgrounds.

Over 3,000 people attended with over 150 service and community organisations exhibiting their services and products for people requiring ageing or disability support within South Australia.

The Orana stand showcased the employment, accommodation, community inclusion and support services provided by Orana to people living with disability. Staff were on hand to talk to expo attendees about the new approach to disability support as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) roll-out which started in South Australia earlier this year.

Orana clients from Para Hills West and Netley Employment Services welcomed expo attendees to the Orana booth. Families and carers had the chance to talk to them, hear about their personal experience as recipients of Orana’s support, and learn how they work together with Orana staff on identifying their individual needs, achieving their personal and professional goals,

Weaving a life of achievementsShawn Wilkinson is an Orana client who lives in Orana’s Kayilli accommodation in the northern suburbs.

As a teenager Shawn underwent surgery to remove a large cyst that was growing on his brain. Tragically the surgery resulted in Shawn losing his sight. But, this didn’t stop Shawn from enjoying life and sharing a good laugh with family and friends.

Shawn is a very active person and with the support of Orana, has been able to achieve many of his dreams and overcome obstacles.

Shawn loves craft, and has a passion for weaving. He creates all sort of items like door mats, place mats, bath mats, pom-poms and more. Shawn does not let his disability affect his craft work. ‘He never mixes colours when

making his craft. It is amazing all the skills he has, it is truly something you need to see to believe,’ says Angelina, Orana Client Coach. Another favourite pastime is creating models built out of Lego.

Orana supported Shawn to go to classes at the Royal Society for the Blind where he learnt to write in braille. He now delights family, friends and even his Client Coaches with personalised letters on special occasions.

The Orana Client Coaches happily support Shawn with his many other activities too. Shawn never misses bingo at the Bower House Community Centre in Semaphore. Bowling, table tennis and attending church on Sunday mornings are all outings on Shawn’s weekly schedule.

Michael, Orana client at Para Hills West, helped at the stall by demonstrating some of the assembling jobs at Orana.

Orana supports Shawn to live independently and has worked with him to identify new technology to increase his communication and mobility, which in turn enables him to enjoy a more active social life and participate more fully in community activities.

Nothing slows Shawn down. He makes his own coffee and breakfast each morning. He has established his own vegetable garden and grows tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, peas and carrots. His favourite meals include vegetables he has grown himself and he is always keen to share them with all his housemates and neighbours.

Shawn’s Orana Client Coaches are proud of his many achievements and are looking forward to supporting Shawn in the pursuit of his next endeavour - to visit Port Elliot to experience a ride on a steam train!

Orana client Shawn Wilkinson with Orana staff members at a shopping centre promotional stall and below sharing a laugh.

making better and more informed decisions and helping them to live a life of their choice. They enthusiastically demonstrated some of the jobs they perform at work including assembling pegs and light switches.

The staff from Employment and Accommodation Services talked to attendees about the different employment options available as well as the services Orana clients receive either as in home support or as assistance with daily independent living activities.

Thanks to all Orana clients, staff and volunteers who helped on the day. With your support we achieved a fantastic day ‘Creating Opportunities’.

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Thank you for your supportThank you to everyone who supported Orana’s Spring Appeal which featured Annie and Jarrad. All gifts received assist Orana to support people living with disability.

Both Annie and Jarrad live with mental disability. Annie has worked at Orana for seven years, Jarrad for only a few months. They have both worked with other supported employment providers before Orana, yet both of them will tell you it was at Orana they found the caring team and supportive supervisors that turned work colleagues into a second family.

Orana is proud to provide the support that has made Orana feel like a second family to Annie and Jarrad.

Why did we choose Orana?For the past 38 years Cheryl and her husband James have actively supported their daughter Robyn, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. From the start, Cheryl and James were determined that nothing would stop Robyn from learning to be independent, excelling at things she loved and making a meaningful contribution to her local community.

When it was time for Robyn to take her first steps into the working world, Cheryl and James supported Robyn to undertake some work experience at a number of Supported Employment providers. ‘Robyn had done a little bit of work experience with a couple of disability employment providers and then at Orana, and we thought that Orana was the place for her. We chose Orana and that is where she has been now for 18½ years,’ says Cheryl.

‘She loves her work. Years ago she would have a seizure one day and the next morning she was up ready to go. It took the pressure off of us. Rather than her saying I don’t want to go anymore – she just loves it,’ says James.

‘It’s the whole experience. Not just the work. Orana has everything there. Robyn has her social life, her friends. And, she just loves the supervisors. They have become great friends,’ says Cheryl.

James says ‘The supervisors at Orana are there because they like working there. As parents

At Christmas our thoughts often turn to family and friends. Orana has the support of many families who have loved ones working at Orana. Working alongside client families and carers, we are able to provide the training and support that encourages true development, independence and greater social inclusion for people living with disability. One such family is the Keane family.

that makes a huge difference to us, as well as Robyn.’

The Keane family has been very involved in Orana over the last 18 years. Cheryl was a member of the Netley Friends of Orana group, raising thousands of dollars to assist Orana. They have volunteered, supported events and been proud advocates of Orana.

‘I feel safe. When Robyn has gone to work, I know if she has a seizure the supervisors will care for her and look after her. They genuinely care about Robyn,’ says Cheryl.

‘There are many more people who are worse off than us – we are lucky really. We are very

fortunate. But, Orana has been the icing on the cake!’

Each week Orana receives new requests for supported employment, accommodation and respite services. Your gift will enable Orana to continue providing these much-needed services, giving people living with disability and their families, options and choice regarding their support needs.

Thank you again for your generous support of Orana during 2016. Your donation will give Robyn and her family, and many others, the precious gifts of independence and choice this Christmas.

Cheryl is a dedicated worker at Orana and enjoys receiving the support of her supervisors.

Christmas lunch with northern metro familiesThe northern families luncheon is held quarterly providing an opportunity for people who have loved ones supported by Orana’s Accommodation Services in the northern metro area.

The group has been meeting for many years and is a chance for families to connect and to share stories and ideas. Organised by client families, Orana staff are invited to attend to provide updates on what is happening across the organisation and to answer any questions families may have. This quarterly event provides the opportunity for families and carers to share experiences, learn from one another and offer support and encouragement.

On 5th December, the northern families group, joined by Orana’s CEO, Nick Mihalaras and other Orana staff, caught up for a Christmas lunch at the Hampstead Hotel. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year and catch up with friends.

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Ever thought

“I just need a holiday”Simply call Clubmates Travel on 1300 158 003

the supported holiday specialists.

Ever thought

“I just need a holiday”Simply call Clubmates Travel on 1300 158 003

the supported holiday specialists.

Orana Corporate Golf Day 2016Orana hosted the third ‘Three Tees Tournament’ corporate golf day at the exclusive Royal Adelaide Golf Club on Friday 14th October. Participants were welcomed with delicious egg and bacon sandwiches provided by the Rapid Relief Team and a piping hot coffee by the Twisted Barista.

While putting their golf skills to the test, golfers had the chance to participate in three incredible hole-in-one opportunities – $10,000 dollars, $25,000 dollars and a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV. Unfortunately there were no winners for the hole-in-one competition this year.

A beautiful sunny sky ensured an enjoyable round of golf, followed by a gourmet lunch, and a chance to sample wines and cider provided by wine sponsor Ulithorne Wines. Soft drinks were sponsored by Bickford’s

Australia and everyone’s favourite desert ‘Giant Twins’ provided by Golden North Ice Cream.

After some entertaining speeches from Mitsubishi Motors Australia and Special Olympics SA, Nick Mihalaras, Orana CEO conducted the award presentations.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

1st place – Commonwealth Bank 2nd place – Caprice Promotions 3rd place – Morestel Powder Coaters

We would like to thank all of our event sponsors and supporters, including Mitsubishi Motors Australia, Coopers Brewery, Ulithorne Wines, Commonwealth Bank, Caprice Promotions, Workspace, Bickford’s Australia, Banners and Mash, Golden North Ice Cream, The Twisted Barista, Office Line, Rapid Relief Team, Dan Murphy’s and Elders Insurance.

The winning team from the Commonwealth Bank.

Special Olympics SA in action.

Nicholas Mihalaras, CEO Orana and Mr Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, CEO Mitsubishi Motors Australia.

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Healthy lifestyles at OranaAs part of our aim to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle choices, we bring you this easy to cook, healthy choice recipe, a nice ‘Rocket, Avocado & Walnut Salad’ perfect for the summer season. Give it a try and let us know what you think. Happy cooking!

Rocket, Avocado & Walnut SaladIngredients

- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil- 2 tablespoons lemon juice- 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard- 100 g baby rocket leaves- ½ red onion, very finely sliced- 2 avocados, sliced- Walnuts to sprinkle

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180C or 160C fan-forced. Spread walnuts on an oven tray. Cook for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Cool and roughly chop.

2. Combine oil, lemon juice and mustard in a small screw top jar. Shake to combine. Season to taste.

3. Combine rocket and onion in a serving dish. Drizzle with a little dressing and toss to combine. Top with avocado and drizzle with remaining dressing. Scatter over walnuts.

Orana’s soccer frenzy!Recently, Orana supported two teams from Orana employment services – Netley Titans and Para Hills Flyers, to compete in the annual Phoenix Cup competition. As always the teams trained hard in the lead up to the event and with the support of coaches Sav Politis (Netley) and Hans Weidtler (Para Hills West) the teams were raring to go. This year the Para Hills Flyers sported new team uniform, thanks to the support of Salisbury Council’s Community Grants.

All teams members played well and gave ’their all’ on the pitch throughout the competition. Working together as a team, players cheered each other on and celebrated the goals in style! At the end of the day Netley Titans finished 3rd and Para Hills West came in 4th place in their division.

Well done to all Orana players and thankyou to all of the volunteers and supporters who came to cheer the teams on!

Client Awards 2016On Tuesday 25th of October, Orana held its Annual General Meeting at Orana’s head office in Netley.

Kelly Sweeney, special guest and parent of a child with disability, spoke about her experiences as a first time recipient of funds for her 13 year old daughter, through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Kelly talked about her experience with the NDIS and the importance of being prepared for the first meeting with NDIA.

Amy Young, Orana’s Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator followed with a presentation on ‘Preparing for the National Disability Insurance Scheme’.

Bill Filmer AM, Orana Board President, presented the President’s Report, Andrew Berg, Acting Board Treasurer, presented the Finance Report and Orana’s Chief Executive,

Nick Mihalaras, presented the CEO’s report.

After the formalities were concluded, Nick Mihalaras, Orana’s CEO announced the winner and runner-up for the 2016 Client of the Year Award.

The Client of the Year Award is kindly sponsored by RACV Salary Solutions. Paul Ogilvie-Mitchell (National Sales Manager – General Salary Packaging) presented the awards.

Congratulations to Phillip Jaensch from the Murray Bridge employment site, winner of the Orana Client of the Year Award 2016, and to William (Bill) Chapman from the Para Hills West employment site, runner-up for this year.

Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM to help Orana celebrate the many wonderful achievements of our organisation, staff and employees over the last year.

Bill Chapman, Client of the Year runner-up 2016.

The Para Hills Flyers sporting their new team uniform.

Phillip Jaensch, winner of the Client of the Year Award 2016.

Netley Titans finished 3rd in the competition.

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