News 2008-09-24 11:Sep:th 2008-09-24 11:Sep:th http://www.tipping.org.au Janet.Granger-Wilcox@tipping.org.au Copyright 2008 E.W. Tipping Foundation Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:30:19 +1000 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:30:19 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/84 Local resident Kim Smith is looking for a volunteer role in the Reservoir community where she can help look after animals.

Kim, who is supported by the EW Tipping Foundation, recently completed a “First Aid for Pets” course with TAFE.

Kim loves animals, especially dogs, and came across the course when she was looking for community activities.

“I thought it would be a good idea to learn what is involved when you own a pet,” she said.

Her EW Tipping staff have supported Kim, who has a disability, to become more involved in her local community and to learn more about animals.

“Kim is always keen to volunteer when we have been asked to mind dogs for friends,” said her staff member Julie Dennert.

“She always loves activities that involve seeing or interacting with animals – such as visiting the Werribee Open Range Zoo or attending the pet expo at Caulfield.”

Because Kim shares her accommodation with others, a pet at home would be difficult, but she is keen to find some volunteer work with animals in the local area, perhaps at a vet or pet shop.

Anyone who can assist is asked to phone Joanne at the EW Tipping Foundation on 9564 1000.
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:49:05 +1000 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:49:05 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/82 We are having a series of three forums on planning the future for people with disabilities.

They will be held at Oakleigh on Wednesday 8 October, Ballarat on Wednesday 22 October, and Traralgon on Wednesday 29 October.

Each forum will include speakers on wills and estates, the role and function of the Disability Commissioner's Office, supported independent living projects, and planning for the future.

The forums will start at 11am and finish at 2pm, with a light lunch provided.

For more information, click on the invitations below (Ballarat and Traralgon still to come).


Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:32:30 +1000 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:32:30 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/80 Jeff Wells of Warragul knows about change in the disability sector from a very intimate perspective.

Over the past few years, disability services have shifted substantially from charity and medical approaches, to a focus on an individual’s choice and empowerment.

The approach recognises the rights of everyone, regardless of ability, to enjoy equal rights and responsibilities as citizens. This includes the right to choose the way they want to live, to participate in the community and to receive respect.

For Jeff, it has meant a shift from home into a supported accommodation house operated by the EW Tipping Foundation. There, his staff members work hard to ensure Jeff can pursue his passions and dreams.

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that mean a lot. “I can walk down the street by myself now, and I’ve made new friends,” said Jeff. “Karen, my girlfriend, often comes over for tea and we do something nice together on Valentine’s Day.”

Jeff’s schedule is full, and there is no doubt about his community participation. He loves going to the pictures, ten pin bowling or travelling to Melbourne to see the football or IMAX.

“I like train travel, and I like to get out,” he said.

In February he’s planning to cruise the South Pacific, and he proudly shares photos of his eight nieces and nephews, whom he sees regularly. Earlier this year, he participated in Shave for a Cure because of his strong desire to help people with cancer.

His responsibilities include work and education at Mawarra on weekdays, and looking after his beloved cat.

Jeff’s next dream is to travel to Melbourne on the train by himself. At the moment, a staff member follows from a distance until everyone is confident in his skills.

It’s a long cry from seven years ago, when he had a brain tumour removed and was told he wouldn’t be able to walk or do his own thing.

“I think I’m very lucky to be living in a house like this,” said Jeff. “It has changed my life a lot. I’m very happy.”

The EW Tipping Foundation and its partner organisations focus on fostering social change in Victoria and providing increasing support to children, youth, families, people with disabilities, and older Victorians. For more information about supporting people with disabilities to become part of the Warragul community, contact Liz Matthews on 5622 7777.
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:08:29 +1000 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:08:29 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/78 Victorian Person Centred Services – a partner of the EW Tipping Foundation – has announced a new name.

The organisation, which is not-for-profit, will now be known as Vista Community Support.

Chief Executive Officer Richard Dent says the reason for the change is simple. “We needed a name that was easier for people to say and remember!” he said.

“We consulted widely in our communities, and chose the name Vista because it suggests new horizons and a new approach.”

This new approach coincides with the State Government’s shift towards individualised funding and self-direction for people with a disability.

Vista now supports more than 800 people, and dozens more choose it as their service provider every month.

“Individualised funding presents a wonderful opportunity to anyone with a disability to make choices about their support, and how and when it will happen,” said Richard. “It gives people the power to make decisions about their own lives - their dreams and their goals.

“We are passionate about working with people to provide with them with the support they want – that’s why our motto is “live life your way!”. Vista, and our longstanding partner the EW Tipping Foundation, is here to help.”

Vista will continue to offer an expanding range of community support services, including:
• One-on-one support for people at home or out in the community
• Aged care, including support for activities and to maintain independence
• Children’s services, including out-of-home care and crisis support
• Recreational and leisure activities
• Flexible respite at home or in the community.

For more information about Vista, phone (03) 9564 1030 or visit www.vistasupport.org.au.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:55:28 +1000 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:55:28 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/76 If the Loddon Mallee’s Ageing Carers Initiative had a “poster” family, it would probably be the Stubbings.

Bill and Theresa, of Campbells Creek, together with their daughter Jo, have been involved in the project since it began two years ago.

The Initiative provides support and planning to older people who are caring for someone with a disability. It is a joint project of agencies throughout the region and is auspiced by Bendigo Health and the EW Tipping Foundation.

Bill says the project is marvelous. “It really opened our eyes,” he said. “We thought we were the only people who could look after Jo. We never thought about what would happen when we died; I guess we just thought the family would look after her.”

Now the family has an entirely different outlook. Bill, Theresa, Jo and her siblings Tracy, Wayne and Scott have all been involved in the planning of Jo’s future with facilitator David Silvagni. Options for Jo include shared supported accommodation in Castlemaine, or staying in a unit attached to Tracy’s house.

“I hope to move out of home one day, because I want to live my life like everyone else,” said Jo.

To help her along, the Initiative funds a staff member from Jo’s day service, Windarring, to visit once a fortnight and spend time with Jo doing what she wants to do – perhaps going on trips, developing her travel skills, or enjoying a day of craft or cooking at home.

The visit also gives Bill and Theresa some respite from their carers’ role, and gives Jo the skills to become increasingly independent.

“When you’re caring for a child with a disability, you don’t like to think about the future but it’s terribly, terribly important that you do,” said Bill. “We all found it difficult to talk about at times, but the Initiative has steered us into a positive and definite direction.

“What do they say – there’s nothing more definite than change?”


The Ageing Carers Initiative is celebrating its second birthday with a special celebration on Wednesday 30 July in Bendigo.

For more information on the day or the Initiative, contact 5470 5979.
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:53:59 +1000 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:53:59 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/74 Stories of families from all over the Loddon-Mallee region will be told at a special celebration on Wednesday 30 July.

The “More Stories” event celebrates two years of the Ageing Carers Initiative, a project providing support and planning to older people who are caring for someone with a disability.

The project is a joint initiative of agencies throughout the region and is auspiced by Bendigo Health in partnership with the EW Tipping Foundation.

The “More Stories” event is being held at the Boardwalk in Bendigo and provides participants with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, plan their next steps, discover new resources and meet others in similar positions.

There will be a number of inspirational presentations and workshops throughout the day.

For more information on the day or the Initiative, contact 5470 5979.
Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:19:24 +1000 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:19:24 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/72 It doesn’t matter what your age or ability, nearly everyone wants to be independent.

Two Wheelers Hill residents are part of a quiet suburban movement which is seeing people with disabilities living as independently as possible in their local communities.

Clinton and Trevor each have a disability, but it doesn’t stop them from enjoying life in their shared unit. They love getting out to watch footy games, going to the movies and meeting their friends. Clinton plays basketball on a regular basis, and during the day, they both work for Waverley Industries.

The two are members of the DirectLife project, auspiced by the EW Tipping Foundation and aimed at promoting independence for people with disabilities.

The pair are supported regularly by EW Tipping Foundation staff, who assist them with budgeting, paying bills, shopping for food and creating menus.

“Their confidence has grown immensely,” said Project Co-ordinator Christine LaRive. “They now use public transport and taxis, they have basic budgeting skills, and they know when to ask for help.”

Clinton and Trevor both lived with their parents before moving out to share a unit with a third friend. When that arrangement fell through, they moved to their current premises. Their surrounding community, including their neighbours, has been very supportive.

“I found it a little bit hard living with mum and dad – often mum wouldn’t listen to what I had to say,” said Trevor. “Mum’s passed away now but I talk to dad a lot. He’s got things to tell and I’ve got things to say.

“Living by ourselves means we have the freedom to choose to do what we want to do.

“I would say to anybody in our position that it’s good to be out on your own. Find someone to move out with – it’s really good fun.”

EW Tipping Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation helping people to live life their way. It supports people with disabilities, children, older Victorians and carers. For more information about the DirectLife project, phone Christine LaRive on 9564 1000 or visit www.tipping.org.au.
Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:18:22 +1000 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:18:22 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/70 Thanks to some great partnerships, Maffra resident Maree Bermingham has seen her dream of swimming come true.

Because she uses a wheelchair, swimming has always been a difficult proposition for Maree.

However, her staff at the EW Tipping Foundation, with assistance from many others, have found a way to make it work.

EW Tipping Senior Co-ordinator Pauline Davies said the Foundation team at the shared supported accommodation home Queen Street, where Maree lives, formed strong partnerships with staff at the Maffra Swimming Pool and the George Gray Centre.

“We investigated safety issues with the pool management team, and we organised staff to complete a swimming certificate,” said Pauline. “We were also able to identify some improvements in procedure, signage and equipment at the pool which would help not only Maree but also many others who access the hydrotherapy pool. The team at the pool were only too happy to help.”

Maree is now swimming on a regular basis, both with her staff at the EW Tipping Foundation and the George Gray Centre.

“Everyone has worked together to make Maree’s goal a reality, particularly her staff team at Queen Street who initiated the project,” said Pauline. “This is a great example of how communities are becoming more and more inclusive. Maffra should be proud!”

The EW Tipping Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation helping people to live life their way. In Gippsland, it supports people with disabilities, children, older Victorians and carers, and it also fosters inclusive communities.
Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:50:58 +1000 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:50:58 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/68 A new program is offering hope to older parents in Western Victoria, Gippsland the metropolitan regions looking after a son or daughter with a disability at home.

The “Respite for Older Carers” project, run by Victorian Person Centred Services, offers up to 24 hours of respite each month to give parents a much-needed break.

Respite care can take place in the family home, or out and about in the community in the form of activities, recreation or even weekends away.

“Respite often provides a life-saving break for families,” said State Manager Faye Warren. “It gives parents time to do all those things they wouldn’t normally – spend time with other family members, spend time with friends, attend appointments.

“Respite is also great for the person with a disability. It gives them new experiences, skills and chances to meet different people.”

Parents need to be aged 60 and over (50 and over if they are indigenous Australians) and their son or daughter needs to be aged 25 years and over. Parents also need to be receiving the Carer Allowance and their child the Disability Support Pension.

The program co-ordinators are happy to assist families in applying for the Carer Allowance and Disability Support Pension if required.

For more information, phone Victorian Person Centred Services on 9564 1030.

Victorian Person Centred Services is a not-for-profit organisation helping people to live life their way. It supports people with disabilities, children, older Victorians and carers.

Thu, 01 May 2008 09:07:05 +1000 Thu, 01 May 2008 09:07:05 +1000 http://www.tipping.org.au/news/id/66 Lovers of good craftsmanship are invited to take a look at a special pirate-themed fundraiser at the Duke Street Community House in Sunshine.

A display of beautifully made and detailed sailing ships will be held on Tuesday 20 May between 11am and 2pm.

The ships have all been made by Victor Baldachino, and all funds from the day go towards the EW Tipping Foundation and the people it supports in Sunshine. There will also be a chance to win one of the ships.

Foundation Senior Co-ordinator, Joanne Ploog, said the day is a joint effort between the Foundation and the Community House.

There will also be a sausage sizzle and many other activities.

More information is available from Joanne on 0409 516 081.

The EW Tipping Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation helping people to live life their way. It supports people with disabilities, children, older Victorians and carers.