Making a big splash this Tuesday

Currajong Disability Services will make a big splash with over 100 swimmers from all over NSW taking part in their annual Swimming Carnival. This annual event is being held at the Parkes 

Swimming Pool this Tuesday 17^th March, with swimmers taking to the water from 10am.

“We are so thrilled with the response we’ve had this year! We also have over 50 staff coming from different disability service providers around NSW which is just fantastic.” Swimming Carnival organiser, Jodie Turner said.

The day will consist of swimming events such as assisted and unassisted freestyle, relays and novelty events.

“We encourage everyone to come along for a fun day out – we can’t wait!!!” Jodie continued to say.

Open Doors

Currajong Disability Services does more than many locals may realise.

Servicing Parkes, Condobolin, Forbes and surrounding regional areas, Currajong Disability Services delivers customised programs and support services designed to sustain and enhance the independence and quality of life for people with mixed abilities.

Their 51 local clients enjoy activities ranging from swimming to sewing and cooking. They also have a successful, secure paper-shredding business.

Last Thursday, they hosted their very first Open Day, taking a group of family and friends on a tour of their facilities and giving an overview of their locations.

Acting activities coordinator Lisa Dwyer said the day gave an insight into Currajong Disability Services varied activities.

“We do many things including lawn bowls, tennis, dancing, drama, karaoke and mosaics. We also have a fitness program, and great library program,” she said.

Above all, the Open Day was about educating carers and the broader community about what Currajong Disability Services does with and for their clients. They also discussed what they are doing in readiness for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“There is a lot of ambiguity around this space, and we wanted to answer some burning questions that some carers had with regard to what it will look like, and how it may work.” CEO, Ann Hunter explained.

Carers and families were given an opportunity to attend a workshop, so Currajong Disability Services could begin to understand pressing issues from a carers perspective. One of those issues raised late last year was accommodation.

“We also discussed our pilot program which will involve assisting a group of young people to live independently in their own home. When we have spoken to the carers and families, the greatest unmet need was accommodation. We want to be able to provide more independent living and accommodation to provide life with opportunities and positive outcomes for our clients.” Ann continued to say.

Plenty of space available to "Get to know Currajong"

There is still plenty of space left for the Currajong Disability Service’s very first Open Day this Thursday 19^th February. The doors will open at 10am at their Welcome Street location, with four sessions during the afternoon for carers and employers.

“Our Open Day is for the carers, but also the wider community & employers. We have a workshop for employers to learn about the support options we offer young people with a disability who are learning about their work experience options in the community.  Ultimately, we would like to partner with local employers to develop more work experience opportunities for young people with a disability.” CEO Ann Hunter said.

Carers and families are also given an opportunity to attend a workshop, which will invite feedback, identify opportunities and provide them with a better understanding of how to access services, feedback processes and facilitate better levels of communication. They will also learn about the NDIS, and Currajong’s exciting new pilot program.

Do you want to “Get to know Currajong?” – Come along to the Open Day on Thursday 19^th February!