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Young people with disabilities from South West Sydney are set benefit thanks to a $1,000 donation Northcott received from the Casula Malls Live Local Community Chest program.
When your child is diagnosed with a disability, not only can it be confronting, but it can also be confusing to navigate through the complex disability system.

A generous donation from the Newcastle Knights provided Hunter families, carers and people with disabilities a day to remember on May 5 when they witnessed an epic NRL stoush between the Sharks and Knights.
Thanks to your recent support with our Summer Appeal and Cricket Legends Lunch in February, hundreds of children with physical disabilities were able to make a splash at our annual swimming carnivals in March.

Get to know more about our recent partnership with ANZ Stadium, one of the largest sporting and entertainment venues in Western Sydney, thanks to their Senior Coordinator of Media and Communications, Nikkie Beltran.

Do you feel you need more assistance to prepare and get the most of the changes towards self-directed supports and individualised budgets?

We have a lot of very dedicated staff and volunteers working at Northcott. Meet our EarlyStart Diagnosis service.

Four fundraising events held over the space of four weeks have raised over $7,500 for Northcott in the Riverina. The events were organised by Northcott's Wagga Wagga Fundraising Committee volunteers.

Moving day is almost here for six young people with a disability who are currently living in aged care facilities. In the coming weeks these Northcott clients will move into a new purpose-built home at Mount Hutton.
Northcott’s special free-of-charge school holiday movie screenings have provided great entertainment for families of people with disabilities in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Over 50 children with disabilities and their families from across the Hunter made their way to Maitland Park for a Teddy Bears Picnic on Tuesday April 23.
Primary and high school students with physical disabilities from across NSW competed in Northcott’s annual Interschool Junior and Senior Swimming Carnival, held at the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre last month.

Parents of children who have started Kindergarten this year came together at Singleton Public School on March 12 for a unique workshop run by leading disability service provider, Northcott.
By simply shopping at Woolworths, you can help Northcott purchase therapeutic resources to benefit children with disabilities.

For the Strickland's, Northcott has made a significant difference to their daughter Katalina, who lives with autism. To support other families, please consider donating to our Autism Appeal.

We are so humbled and grateful to our friend, the late Pam Mudford. Pam dedicated ten years of her life volunteering and donating to Northcott, but in her passing also gave us an incredible gift.

Congratulations to clients Rebecca Donatiello, Carolyn Campbell McLean, Gretta Serov and Quang Nguyen for their appointments as Ambassadors and Champions of the NSW Government’s Living Life My Way program.

Northcott Director Tony Abrahams was recently recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader (YGL) for his service to people with disabilities through his unique Ai-Media captioning service.

Northcott is thrilled to announce a new partnership with ANZ Stadium, one of the largest sporting and entertainment venues in Western Sydney and home to some of the greatest sporting events in Australian history.

On Monday 4 March, Federal Member for Mackellar, the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop joined the Northcott Employment team to launch their new premises in Mona Vale.

Each year, Northcott appoints clients and carers who have been supported by the not-for-profit organisation as Ambassadors.

This is an exciting opportunity for clients to participate on two of Northcott’s peak Committees.
We have a lot of very dedicated people working at Northcott and we will be regularly introducing you to some of the teams that allow us to fulfill our mission of building an inclusive society.

We are very lucky to have so many amazing supporters and each quarter we will be shining the spotlight on one of them.

It was eight years ago when 25-year-old Kim and Peter met and fell in love. They are both wheelchair users and were living with their parents, who were their primary carers, until your support changed their lives forever.

This summer was not only characterised by its intense heat waves, but also the overwhelming support we received from people like you.

Each year, graduation ceremonies are held for those who have completed their Transition To Work program.

Northcott is looking forward to this new world, which includes individualised and self-managed funding packages.

Northcott’s 17th Annual Cricket Legends Lunch held, for the first time, at the Sydney Cricket Ground was a big success.

On Friday 8 February, Northcott and partner Evolve Housing joined Senator the Hon Jan McLucas to break ground for a new and unique accommodation house for people of all abilities at Parramatta.

Gretta is sharing her Self-Managed Funding journey with us. This is the second of her regular updates.

Join us this Australia Day as we cheer on the Aussies as they compete in Asia Pacific Oceania (APO) 2013 Powerchair Football zone Championship, sponsored by Northcott.

Northcott runs over 100 different services to support people with disabilities and their families and so we just wanted to give you a few examples of how your money has helped over the last year or so.

Book your ticket today for Northcott's 17th Annual Cricket Legends Lunch on Friday 15 February 2013, held for the first time at the home of cricket in NSW - the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Meet Gretta. She is going to be sharing her Self-Managed Funding journey with us. This is the first of her regular updates.

This week, Northcott launched a revolutionary first-of-its-kind app on iTunes to assist people with disabilities and the people who support them better understand and plan when managing behavioural issues.
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January 17 marked the 136th birthday of May Gibbs, the writer and illustrator of some of Australia’s most loved children’s books and creator of the Gumnut babies, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Thanks to Westfield Burwood, Christmas came early for children with disabilities and their families who use Northcott’s Respite service at Roselands Cottage.

On Friday, 7 December the Minister for Disability Services the Hon. Andrew Constance visited Northcott in Parramatta to announce the NSW Government’s commitment to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

We are so lucky to have so many wonderful supporters who not only provide us with generous financial support, but are so genuine in their response that they send messages of encouragement to our wonderful client champions who share their stories.

There were plenty of laughs and even the odd tear (of joy) on Monday, 3 December as clients from Northcott’s Community Participation Program lit up Parramatta at their annual SHINE showcase.

Northcott is thrilled at the Prime Minister’s introduction of the draft bill for a National Disability Insurance Scheme on Thursday, 29 November.

Will you help us to raise $88,000 before the end of January 2013 so that we can carry out essential improvements to Northcott’s program centre in Dubbo?

Monday, 3 December marks International Day of People with Disability, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the talents of people with disabilities.

On Thursday, 29 November eight Aboriginal mothers and ten children from the Macarthur region came together to celebrate the culmination of a unique project.

Have you always wanted to advocate for people with disabilities and represent Northcott at the same time?

On Tuesday, 20 November the Australian Chinese Medical Association made an $11,000 donation to Northcott.

In the spirit of London 2012, we thought we’d share the thoughts of one of three Northcott clients, whom through your donations; you have helped them experience the Paralympics firsthand.

Today, 8 November, Northcott introduced their new brand identity at their Annual General Meeting.

Northcott's 17th Annual Cricket Legends Lunch on Friday, 15 February 2013 will, for the first time, be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sport and recreation is a celebrated culture in Australia, but one that is often taken for granted and thought of as “just a bit of fun”. But there’s much more to it than that!

Monday, 3 December marks International Day of People with Disability. Read more about the celebrations to come.

It’s so important to us to hear your voices, and build a Northcott that puts the people who use our services at the centre of decision-making and planning. That’s why we recently surveyed a sample of our clients and we were thrilled to hear the feedback.

On Friday, 26 October, Northcott Disability Services brought communities across NSW and the ACT together at DisabiliTEA events to ask: when will the National Disability Insurance Scheme come to us?

For the third consecutive year, Northcott hosted the NSW chapter of Walk With Me. Part of a national initiative for social inclusion, Northcott hosted four events in 2012 to spread the message: see ME, not my disability!

Each year Northcott Disability Services celebrates the abilities and achievements of those who live with spina bifida as part of Spina Bifida Awareness Week, held annually from 1 to 7 September.

On Friday 21 September, Paralympian and 2012 NSW Young Athlete with a Disability, Kristy Pond, will be officially welcomed home at Northcott's Walk With Me event

It's that time of year again! This September, join us in taking a stand for social inclusion at our annual Walk With Me event!

Northcott is looking for a representative to help us respond to issues which effect people with disabilities, their families, and Northcott as an organisation.

Northcott is very excited about the new Living Life My Way Ambassadors and Champions Program which was recently launched by the NSW Government.
Rare Voices Australia are calling for members of the community to take part in their Community Consultation Meeting in Sydney this September.

Northcott clients spoke out on behalf of Northcott Disability Services against the common misconceptions that surround spina bifida for Spina Bifida Awareness Week, held annually from 1 to 7 September.

Are you excited about the London 2012 Paralympic Games as we are? With 161 athletes in the Australian team competing in 13 different sports, we’re looking forward to watching all of the action.

We wanted to start this newsletter with a HUGE thank you from all of us here at Northcott and especially Paul, the face of our 2012 Tax Appeal.

One of the most important messages you can give as an employer is that you care about people and about your local community.
Jean is a retiree and following seven years of employment at Northcott she made a decision to continue to support Northcott in a very special way.

In June, our employment service Jobmatch threw down the challenge to businesses across Western Sydney: employ 12 people with disabilities in 20 days.

Northcott Disability Services is spending the week of 30 July to 5 August celebrating the abilities of those who live with cerebral palsy for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week.

Recently, clients from Northcott Disability Services’ Yurang After School and Holiday Program took on the Canberra Raiders during a special visit to Raiders Headquarters.

On Thursday, 19 July Newcastle Knights’ Kurt Gidley arrived in Ballina to pay a special surprise visit to one of his biggest fans, Northcott Disability Services client Josh Smith.

Northcott is supportive of continued learning and is pleased to offer the Northcott PhD Scholarship for 2013.

What do you think matters for children and young people? Parents, carers, children and young people can have their say by taking part in The Nest.

On Monday, 25 June Northcott Chairman Michael Briggs and his family will be taking on Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Born three months premature with a primary diagnosis of cerebral palsy and other multiple conditions, Kristy has inspired many with her willingness and fierce determination to achieve to the best of her ability.

National Standards for Disability Services help promote and drive a nationally consistent approach to improving the quality of services with a focus on outcomes for people with a disability.

Young adults from Northcott Disability Services’ Community Participation Program (CPP) in Parramatta made their debut at Parramatta’s weekly Farmer’s Market on Thursday, 30 May.

On Wednesday, 30 May Tamworth locals with disabilities and their families officially reopened Northcott Disability Services’ refurbished Tamworth Respite House.

Take part in Northcott's Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) Safari Tour to learn more about assistive technology options available for people with a disability to increase their independence at home, school or work.

Join us in seeing past a person's disability by joining Team Northcott in the Sun Herald City2Surf 2012.

The Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register is sponsored by the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, in partnership with families, teachers, health professionals and low vision agencies.

On Friday 4 May, carer and advocate, Diana Jelovic spoke alongside Northcott’s Planning and Development Unit Manager, Liz Hopkins at the National Disability Services National Conference in Adelaide.

On Tuesday 15 May, staff and clients from Northcott’s Campbelltown office gathered for a morning tea event, alongside Campbelltown local MP Bryan Doyle, to celebrate and thank volunteers for their tireless efforts, as part of National Volunteer Week.

On Wednesday, 16 May NSW Minister for Disability Services, the Hon. Andrew Constance officially opened Northcott Disability Services’ first-of-its-kind home in the Riverina/Murray region.

On Thursday, 3 May Australia’s favourite sporting commentators and media personalities headed into a first-of-its-kind battle for people with disabilities.

It was a historic event that brought an estimated 8,000 people from across the state together at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday, 30 April.

With the growing popularity of iPhones, iPods and iPads Northcott Disability Services invites parents and carers to a free session to explore how these devices, with the help of “apps”, can be used in an educational way.

Clients and staff from Northcott were thrilled to hear of the announcement made by the Minister for Disability Services for the introduction of 50 Person-Centred Champions.

Prime Minister, Julia Gillard took the time to meet with Northcott Disability Services Client Ambassador, Shirley Wong and Senior Managers at the Community Cabinet meeting in Parramatta.

Prime Minister, Julia Gillard visited Northcott Disability Services central office in North Parramatta on 3 April to announce a new housing project based on an innovative accommodation model, for people with a disability in Parramatta.

Each year, Northcott Disability Services appoints clients who have been supported by the not-for-profit organisation as Ambassadors to share their experiences of living with or caring for someone with a disability.

On Friday 13 April, Northcott Disability Services’ Adult Outreach team will be hosting a get together for current and expecting parents living with a physical disability.

On Wednesday, 22 February 2012, The Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Disability Reform and Julie Owens, Member for Parramatta paid a visit to Northcott Disability Services’ central office in Parramatta in support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Northcott’s specialist disability employment service, Jobmatch and the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) have entered into a historic partnership.

The Supported Living Fund is a new State Government initiative which is designed for people with disabilities, aged 18-64, who want to live in their own homes.

Calling all clients and carers! Northcott is looking for two representatives to strengthen our monitoring and decision making processes.

Northcott Disability Services' clients and staff shared their experiences at the National Disability Services (NDS) State Conference, held at The Hilton in Sydney on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2012.

To support some Northcott clients and staff who are presenting at conferences and workshops in 2012, a series of Presentation Skills workshops were offered in February.

On Saturday, 11 February Bryan Doyle MP, Member for Campbelltown, and four members of Northcott Disability Services’ Macarthur office will take to the water in the annual Swimathon for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) event, organised by Cystic Fibrosis NSW.

Volunteers are needed at Northcott Disability Services, Wagga Wagga as the office establishes its new Volunteer Program locally.
Sunday, 5 February saw Ben Jackson, who works in Northcott’s employment service Jobmatch, and his 11-year-old son, Luke brave the waves for Australia’s largest ocean swim, the annual Cole Classic.

Do you want to learn more about individualised funding packages and what they could mean for you and your family?

What does it mean for you to be socially included? Is this an important issue for you? In order to shape Northcott’s direction, here’s a quick and easy survey we’d like you to complete to gain your important opinion!

Do you want to be an advocate for people with disabilities and Northcott Disability Services? We have the chance for you!

On Wednesday, 7 December five Northcott Champions made the trip to Wollongong, on the beautiful south coast of NSW, to deliver a very special message.

A Kris Kringle with a twist, Access Innovation Media, or Ai-Media, have found a way to really spread the cheer this Christmas.

What do you think of when you hear the word “App”? Perhaps the words “iPhone”, “iPad”, “fun” and “entertainment” come to mind. Did you know that apps can mean much more than fun and games?

The Community Participation Group in Parramatta invites you to a very special, first-of-its-kind Northcott event on Thursday, 15 December.

Are you a person with a disability aged 19 to 26? The University of Sydney and Deakin University are undertaking a first-of-its-kind, three year study on disability and the transition to adulthood and they need your help.

Interested to hear more about inclusion and person centred strategies, three Person Centred Client Champions; Georgia Cranko, Elaine Durning and Diana Jelovic attended the Conversations, Connections and Communities seminar.

Saturday, 19 November marked the official reopening of Northcott Disability Services’ Roselands Cottage.

For an aspiring game designer, a trip to Korea to represent Australia in an international gaming competition meant the world.

How many children do you know look forward to school? 11-year-old Zadok can’t wait!

Friday, 11 November saw Australia’s cricketing players and greats come together for Northcott’s 16th Annual Cricket Legends Lunch.

The Cerebral Palsy Register is confidential research database of clinical information about people with cerebral palsy.

We are pleased to be able to introduce Adaptive Cricket to you, a first-of-its-kind game of cricket that can be played by people with and without disabilities.

Get the chance to rub shoulders with, and listen to lively commentary from, the who's who of Australian cricket in the lead up to the Test series against South Africa, India and New Zealand.

Did you know Northcott Disability Services is committed to supporting people with disabilities to conduct “insider research” into the issues that affect them?

A big congratulations and good luck to the Poweroos, the Australian Powerchair Football team!

The NSW Police Force is seeking expressions of interest for membership into their Disability Advisory Council (DAC).

On August 11, Northcott Disability Services’ employment service, Jobmatch, put out a challenge to the Parramatta business community to place 11 people with a disability in jobs within 20 days.

To enhance person centred approaches, Northcott has supported 35 clients and staff to become ‘Champions’ - their role is to inspire and influence others within the organisation and in the wider community.

For the second consecutive year, Northcott hosted the New South Wales chapter of Walk With Me.

Northcott’s 2011 Spina Bifida Awareness Week campaign officially launched on Thursday, September 1.

The first of its kind in NSW, Northcott Disability Services has launched a new Hospital Management Plan for adults with spina bifida.

August saw more than 150 students from across the state gather at the NSW State Sports Centre at Homebush to compete in Northcott’s annual Interschool Athletics Carnivals.

A huge congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s City2Surf!

27-year-old Northcott client Laura McGee has written an autobiography to share with others her experiences living with cerebral palsy.

This morning, the 11th of August, marked the official launch of Challenge Parramatta 20-11, a unique initiative by Northcott’s Jobmatch service to drive greater awareness of the value people with a disability can bring to a workplace.

Northcott Disability Services joined more than 900 other organisations and community groups across Australia to host a DisabiliTEA on Tuesday, 2 August 2011 to raise awareness about the need for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

A two-day Person Centred Approaches Summit – ‘Living Life My Way’, was held at Acer Arena for people with disabilities, their families and service providers on 7-8 July.
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Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales and Patron of Northcott Disability Services, turned the first sod of soil on a site that will soon be home to five young people with a disability.

Northcott’s Conference and Function Centre was transformed into an electronic gaming arena with nine computer wizzkids with neuromuscular conditions battling it out in the organisation’s annual Playstation Play-off Tournament on Friday, 8 July.

Ten fathers caring for a child with a disability were able to enjoy a short break from their demanding role with a trip from Wagga Wagga to Western Sydney to witness NSW trump QLD in the State of Origin clash on Wednesday, 15 June.

Staff from Northcott Disability Services endured a Wednesday winter morning at Parramatta train station to bring to the attention of commuters the current crisis in support and funding available to people with disabilities and their carers.

Over $5,000 was donated to Northcott from generous shoppers at Westfield Hornsby and Westfield Burwood as part of Give Ability Day on Saturday, 21 May.

A young man living with autism had his spirits lifted after being hit by a car almost two months ago, when he met his favourite NRL team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Wednesday, 25 May.

Undertake research with financial and mentor assistance from the Northcott Research Fund.

Business owner Charlie Merheb is encouraging other business owners to think about hiring someone with a disability, after employing Matt Whear, who is living with Asperger's Syndrome.

Zachary Casson is living proof that early intervention therapy can make a diference to the developmental progress of a child with autism, a timely reminder with World Autism Day on 2 April.

RTA SpeedBlitz Blues all-rounder and Northcott Celebrity Ambassador Stephen O’Keefe is the 2010/11 Steve Waugh Medallist, presented during the Steve Waugh Medal Dinner held at the Hilton Hotel, on Friday, 24 March.

A national campaign, calling to put an end to the crisis that is the current support system for people with disability by implementing a National Disability Insurance Schme, is on a state wide road trip, holding road shows in fourteen locations across NSW - make sure you get to your local one.

Meet Diana Jelovic, a wife and mother of four, one living with autism; and now meet Ben Keyte, a 22-year-old university student, who is living with a rare disability of which he is 1 in 250 in Australia. As Northcott Disability Services 2011 Client Ambassadors, Diana and Ben will spend this year giving a voice to the disability community.

Children in junior and senior school to make a splash at Northcott Disability Services Interschool Swimming Carnival - entries still being taken

Over 150 people gathered to share in a breakfast with some of Australia's best sporting women including Louise Sauvage, Natalie Porter, Catherine Cox and Northcott Ambassador Alex Blackwell. The breakfast raised close to $6,000 for Northcott's sporting carnivals for children with disability.

Ben Jackson took on thousands of swimmers in Australia’s largest ocean swim, The Sydney Morning Herald Cole Classic, to raise funds for Northcott's swimming carnivals for children with disability.

Northcott Disability Services responded to an international need in the sporting and disability community on Wednesday 22 December, announcing the development of Adaptive Cricket, which will allow people of all types of abilities to play a new style of inclusive cricket.

A new play area at Tamworth's respite house will provide more opportunities for people with disability to enjoy the outdoors.

Christmas goodwill was extended to twelve children living with a disability supported by Northcott Disability Services Roselands Respite House and their family members on Sunday, 5 December, when they were treated to an indulgent Christmas morning at Westfield Burwood.

For the third year running, Northcott Disability Services partnered with Parramatta City Council to host International Day of People with Disability at Church Street Mall on Friday, 3 December.

A brand new office has been generously donated by the Raymond E Purves Foundation to staff that support people with disabilities living at Northcott’s Beverley Park Residential Service in Campbelltown.

Guests at Northcott’s 15th Annual Cricket Legends Lunch wined and dined with over 20 of Australia’s greatest past and present cricketers to raise over $97,000 to support children and young adults with disability in recreation and leisure services.

Samantha Pellaers who is supported by Northcott's Transition to Work program has designed one of Northcott's 2010 Christmas Cards, which are available for purchase now.

Northcott Disability Services to develop and run a new home in the Hunter for younger people with a disability living in residential aged care.

Over $6,000 was raised to support people living with spina bifida at Northcott Disability Services recent Celebrity Doodle Auction night on Wednesday, 1 September.

Join Northcott Disability Services in celebrating Spina Bifida Awareness Week 2011, September 1 - 7.
Read more on this story to see how you can be a part of the week.

Carlie O'Reilly is the Ambassador for Northcott Disability Services 2010 Spina Bifida Awareness Week campaign and is sharing her story to testify that people with a disability can live inclusively in all aspects of society.

Northcott Disability Services new office in Newcastle was offically opened by the Minister for Disability Services Hon. Peter Primrose MLC on Monday, 19 July.

Staff at Northcott Disability Services in North Parramatta shared a lunch break to celebrate National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC, week).
Looking for work experience has been a six month process for 21-year-old Joshua Taig, who finally landed an opportunity at The King’s School in North Parramatta.

Northcott Disability Services employee, Anastasia Dunstan, successfully skydived on her overseas holiday in Fiji to raise money for Northcott.

Over 100 guests tested their knowledge in a night of trivia fun on Saturday, 5 June to raise over $10,000 to support Northcott Disability Services.

Northcott's Orange Auxiliary has raised over $200,000 to support children and adults with a disability in their 43 year history. Sadly this auxiliary has disbanded as they could not recruit younger members to continue on.

Keen golfers took to the Oatlands Golf Course after a night of rain in support of Northcott Disability Services for a charity golf event organised by The Rotary Club of Parramatta City on Tuesday, 25 May.

No significant updates have been undertaken on Roselands Respite Cottage since being acquired in 1993. Planned improvements will offer clients greater accessibility, independence, additional space and provide for the increasing number of people who need to access respite services.

Paul Lynch, Minister for Disability Services officially opened the new office of Northcott Disability Services at Oak Flats on Monday, 17 May 2010.

Eighteen-year-old Aaron Fotheringham, a hardcore sitter from Las Vegas and star of Nitro Circus Live, inspired a group of young people living with a disability at Northcott Disability Services on Saturday, 15 May.
