Disability support services such as Murray Bridge based Community Lifestyles are looking to make an impact on this culture giving young staff members additional opportunities, rewarding their study.

In-Home Services Coordinator Emily Bassell, Respite Coordinator Emily Michael and Accommodation Services Manager Mawet of Community Lifestyles recently graduated from their four-year Bachelor of Disability and Community Rehabilitation degree at Flinders University.

“In an industry that’s needing an army of qualified staff, developmental educators are rare,” says Emily M. “If there isn’t a dramatic change in the industry, the increasing number of people needing disability support are going to continue to suffer.

“Because of this downfall, I don’t think that the youth of today are aware of the increasing opportunities for leadership roles.

In an industry where individuals with a disability and their families are entitled to have access to long-term essential care and support, lack of access to services results in poor health outcomes, poor participation and inclusion within society, and a reduction in dignity, autonomy and the ability to be independent.

For the three young guns at Community Lifestyles making a difference to people with a disability and their families is extremely rewarding.

“Year 12 students should be looking at the growing opportunities in working with people who have a disability,” says Meagan. “I’ve learnt a lot about myself through my degree and position at Community Lifestyles and I know that from here my learning will only flourish and my commitment to the industry will not only benefit others but pave the way to a new culture for disability.”

“I can only encourage those looking for something different, rewarding and challenging to look into a degree that gives back to the community as our degree has done,” says Emily B. “I can honestly say that graduating from this degree has only opened the door to further opportunities in an industry that is in dire need of change.

For further information and photos, please contact:

Amelia Davey
Graduate Consultant
FULLER
Ph: 08 8363 6811
Email: Amelia Davey

Held on Friday April 1 at the Murray Bridge Golf course, the Golf Day saw 110 keen amateur golfers hit the green for an 8am shotgun start.

The all day event offered 18 holes of golf with the winning teams taking home bottles of wine, port, scotch and an array of giveaways generously donated from local businesses around the Murray Mallee region.

Congratulations to top scorers on the day ‘Loose Screws’ from the Murray Bridge Mobilong Prison and also to those taking home prizes for ‘Most Entertaining Team’, ‘Longest Drive’ and ‘Best Lawn Killers.’

With fun-filled activities held across the day the ‘Penalty Police’ were out to keep an eye on any wandering movements. Those on the green found themselves fined $1 for either getting sun burnt, hitting the buggy with golf balls, swinging and missing, losing a ball or letting go of the golf club.

Registration fees for the event went towards fundraising, and local businesses got the opportunity to sponsor a hole for $500. All funds raised will be used to acquire new housing for clients of Community Lifestyles.

Chairman of the Community Lifestyles Foundation, Des Warner, says that the Golf Day was a successful initiative to connect the Foundation with local businesses.

“It was a wonderful way to connect the Foundation to businesses, as well as the local community,” says Des.

“Without the much needed support from local businesses events such as this would be impossible to coordinate and the diverse services Community Lifestyles provide would be limited,” says Des.

Local businesses such as National Foods and T&R Meats not only competed on the day but also donated a range of food to help feed competitors.

“It was humbling to see so much effort put in by so many people to make the day a huge success,” says Des.

“For me one of the highlights was seeing the Community Lifestyles Cottage Catering crew contributing to the day and the enjoyment one saw on their faces.”

Delicious meats, salads and cheeses were generously supplied by various local businesses with the sponsorship of each hole going towards an array of prizes such as bottles of scotch, port and a selection of giveaways.

“The costumes were loud, the people were in high spirits and the golf was less than perfect but people had a great time and it was fantastic to see everyone out to raise some money, show their support and have a good time,” says Community Lifestyles  Chief Executive Officer, Sue Michael.

Regularly welcoming new supporters, the Community Lifestyles Foundation encourages local businesses and the community to support people with a disability in the Murray-Mallee region though fundraising activities, money donations or simply volunteering their time.

For further information and photos, please contact:

Amelia Davey
Graduate Consultant
FULLER
Ph: 08 8363 6811
Email: Amelia Davey