Northcott celebrates ability in disability

Teacher in-training triumphs with scholarship

1 December 2006
Jessica Chandler of Armidale is fulfilling her life-long ambition of becoming a teacher thanks to a $2500 SpineCare Scholarship from the SpineCare Foundation, a division of Northcott Disability Services.

Country Fair raises community spirit

29 November 2006
Burnside Public School donated $3500 from funds raised at its recent Biennial Country Fair to Northcott Disability Services.The school, with a population of 215 students raised a total of $35,000 at the Fair.

Margaret receives much-needed respite

17 November 2006
Margaret Smith of Hornsby is a tireless and devoted mother, who is also the full-time carer of a son with a disability.  Thanks to Northcott Disability Services and The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), Margaret is now receiving the respite she needs. Northcott’s Flexible Respite service for Ageing Parent Carers currently provides support to both Margaret and her 36-year-old son Michael. Michael was born with cri du chat synEveryday without fail, Margaret drops off and collects her son from Minimbah Challenge at Marsfield, a facility that caters for those with an intellectual disability beyond school age.drome, a rare genetic disorder that results in his development being delayed both physically and intellectually.

Succeeding with a little help

13 November 2006
Dwayne Fernandes is a driven young man who loves life. He is also a high achiever and hard worker with a positive outlook on life. A birth defect left Dwayne with incomplete feet and his right hand with three fingers. At 11 years of age, doctors at the Children’s Hospital Auckland gave Dwayne’s parents a choice - to amputate his legs at that time or later in life. “I remember at the time thinking I may as well do it now, so I’ve been with these (artificial) legs for 10 years now,” Dwayne said. The 21-year-old, who lives in Blacktown, has used services provided by Northcott Disability Services such as Children’s Recreation and Computer Assistive Technology Services. Having used Northcott’s services, Dwayne was successful in obtaining the Thomas Hepburn Lennox Scholarship, which he has used for the last four years.

Kurt wins New York marathon

10 November 2006
Paralympian and Northcott Disability Services client Kurt Fearnley won the New York marathon in record time on Monday November 6.

Northcott acknowledged by the community

7 November 2006
Northcott received a “Community Contribution of the Year” Award at the 2006 Parramatta Advertiser Business Achiever Awards. The awards, held at Wenty Leagues Club on October 30, 2006 honoured businesses and not-for-profit organisations in Parramatta and surrounding districts for their outstanding work. Northcott, based at North Parramatta was announced winner of the “Community Contribution of the Year” award for the work it does helping people. Awards were handed out across more than 20 categories from more than 100 businesses. Mr John Bilic, Editor of the Parramatta Advertiser, nominated Northcott for this award, which was received by Northcott’s Marketing Communications & Media Team Leader, Jessica Bardetta and Northcott’s General Manager of Client Programs, Amanda Ellison.

Over $90,000 through to the keeper

30 October 2006
Over $90,000 was raised for children with disabilities at Northcott's 11th Annual Cricket Legends Lunch. This will provide over 500 nights of respite for children and their families during the summer school holidays.

CATS hit Tamworth

28 October 2006
A unique service from Northcott that brings specialised technology and support from the city to regional areas of NSW visited Tamworth.

Northcotts 76th Annual General Meeting

27 October 2006
Northcott’s 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in North Parramatta on Wednesday October 25, 2006. Northcott members, supporters, sponsors, clients and staff gathered at Northcott's central office in North Parramatta for the occasion.

Community groups toil with soil for Northcott

20 October 2006
The gardens of Northcott's respite house in North Rocks, Karingal received a backyard blitz type makeover. Thanks to the support of community minded people and local landscaping companies, clients who use wheelchairs will now be able to access the backyard of Northcott's respite house in North Rocks, Karingal. The makeover, which took place on Friday, October 20 was organised, run and funded by Carlingford Baptist Church, with local landscaping companies North Rocks Greenery, Qualturf and Turtle Landscaping Supplies providing the materials for the makeover at a discounted rate. Sarah Pearce, Manager of the Karingal Respite House was thrilled with the makeover and the generosity of Carlingford Baptist Church.

Northcott Conference and Function Centre a winner

12 September 2006
Northcott Conference and Function Centre (NCFC) were recent winners at the Parramatta Regional Excellence in Business Awards, winning the Excellence in Starting a New Business Award.

Spinasaurus visits the Central Coast

8 September 2006
Kimberley White is an active girl who enjoys school and making new friends. The 10-year-old, who has spina bifida, was delighted to make a new friend when Spinasaurus visited her school. Kimberley’s grandparents and guardians Jan and Kerry Vine, who use the Central Coast Spina Bifida Parent Support Group, attended Northlakes Public School on the Central Coast for the special visit on 14 August 2006. Kimberley, who uses artificial foot orthoses (AFOs) to assist with her mobility and a shunt to drain the excess fluid from her brain, actively participates in a variety of school sports and is involved with the Girls Guide Association.

Koncert 4 Northcott a success

5 September 2006
The hall of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta was alive with music on Saturday 2 September, 2006, as over 150 people helped celebrate the start of Spina Bifida Awareness Week with Koncert 4 Northcott.

Power lifter sends one strong message

1 September 2006
Paralympian and Commonwealth Games Representative Wayne Sharpe sent one strong message during Spina Bifida Awareness Week 2006.  The 36-year-old asked people to “Look at the person first before you look at their disability” Wayne, who is supported by Northcott Disability Services in Tamworth, was born with spina bifida. Known to his mates as ‘Sharpie’, he has not let his disability restrict his view on life. Having represented Australia in Benchpress powerlifting since 1989, the powerlifter has competed in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester England and both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.

Welcome funds for Roselands respite

24 August 2006
Northcott Disability Services Respite program in Roselands received a $5000 cheque from The Premier Mr Morris lemma on 24 August 2006. Northcott offers Centre Based Respite programs in Sydney metropolitan (North Rocks and Roselands) and regional areas of NSW (Wagga Wagga and Tamworth) providing a home away from home for children and young adults with a physical disability on weekends and during school holidays.

The "Rollercoasters" prove there is ability in disability

Dedicated to life and learning

4 August 2006
Tony Petrin of Wetherill Park is an ambitious young man who is motivated to find a fulfilling career. After completing his high-school studies at Bossley Park High School in 2005, the 18-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, has found employment through JOBMATCH.

Legends lunch for Northcott

14 July 2006
Sporting legends Greg ‘Mo’ Matthews and Nick Farr-Jones joined guests from National Australia Private Bank for a gourmet lunch on 14 July, 2006. 

Playstation PlayOff in Parramatta

14 July 2006
It was all NRL action at Northcott's Central Office when a group of teenagers took part in an all day PlayStation PlayOff tournament.

Northcott Disability Services in Illawarra

12 July 2007
Northcott Disability Services officially launched a new centre at Marshall Street in Dapto on 11 July 2006. State Member for Illawarra Marianne Saliba and representative for Federal Member of Throsby Jennie George, with Northcott staffTwo services will be coordinated from the centre; Northcott Equipment Solutions and Illawarra Case Management and Brokerage, providing much needed support to children and adults living with disabilities and their families in the Illawarra and surrounding areas. Northcott Equipment Solutions (NES) is a unique organisation that provides sales, expert advice and service of products which allow people with disabilities to achieve greater mobility, independence and freedom. The service was previously offered two days a week in the area, however the relocation has increased operations to five days a week to meet the equipment needs of people with disabilities in the area.

Honda hoists assist people with disabilities

2 July 2006
Two new Arjo hoists have been purchased for Beverley Park Residential Service in Campbelltown thanks to a generous donation from The Honda Foundation. Over $20,000.00 from The Honda Foundation has enabled staff at Beverley Park to purchase two hoists that will assist them when transferring clients who are unable to move independently; for example transferring a client from a wheelchair to a bed. Honda representative Shane Hadley thanked staff and clients for inviting him along to the morning tea. He enjoyed a tour of the facility by Northcott client David Chaffey who has lived at Beverley Park for 28 years when it began as a school for children with disabilities. “The Honda Foundation is always happy to give back to the community," Mr Hadley said.

Rotary Club of Blue Mountains Sunrise maintain historical connections

23 June 2006
Northcott Disability Services received a $500 donation from The Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise on 23 June 2006. Northcott has a strong affiliation with Rotary.

St Marys Auxiliary - 40 years and still going strong

19 June 2006
Northcott recently honoured five original members of the St Marys’ Auxiliary with a 40th anniversary celebratory luncheon. St Marys’ Auxiliary is one of the many fundraising groups that raise funds for Northcott Disability Services. A presentation ceremony was held to thank the members including; Beryl Brangwin (88), Vera Mills (80), Margaret Robertson (80), Nerida Chandler (95), and Renie Healy (93). The auxiliary was formed by the five members in 1966 when a friend’s son, Richard Lunt, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Richard attended the Crippled Children’s School at Kingswood.

Parramatta Eels and Krispy Kreme raise dough for Northcott

9 June 2006
Northcott benefited from the support of Krispy Kreme Australia and the Parramatta Eels, when blue and gold sprinkled doughnuts were sold at the Krispy Kreme Parramatta store opening on June 8.

Drive4Life raise $74,000 for Northcott

19 May 2006
A motivated group of four-wheel drive enthusiasts from across Australia conquered the remote wilderness of the Victorian High country to raise $74,000 for Northcott Disability Services. .

Northcott to benefit from May Gibbs original artwork exhibition at Nutcote

24 May 2006
An exhibition of a selection of original artwork by May Gibbs, iconic Australian artist and children’s book illustrator and author, is being held at her former home, Nutcote in Sydney’s Neutral Bay. The exhibition opens on Wednesday 3rd May and will run to Sunday 9th July 2006. May Gibbs lived in Sydney for 56 years and over that time illustrated and wrote 18 children’s books and over 2 500 comic strips and short stories.

Golfers lunch with league legends for Northcott

18 April 2006
League legends enjoyed a sumptuous de gustation menu as guests of Georges River Golf Club on 12 April, 2006.

Tah-tah for the surfing lessons

13 March 2006
Bob Dwyer joined current NSW Waratahs Josh Holmes and Dean Mumm to enjoy the sun, surf and sand on world famous Bondi Beach on 24 February, 2006 thanks to Northcott Disability Services and Let’s Go Surfing.

Northcott and Parramatta Park Clean up

5 March 2006
For the first time, Northcott Disability Services and Parramatta Park Trust cleaned up Parramatta Park on Sunday March 5, 2006 as part of the national Clean Up Australia Day campaign. The idea was the brain child of Northcott’s Director of Marketing Jacqueline Booth, who wanted to create an event that provided accessible opportunities for Northcott clients and the wider Parramatta community.

Northcott Charity OZTAG Event

Pfizer Australia defeat Northcott legends

24 February 2006
It was a nail biting finish to the inaugural Northcott Legends cricket match on 21 February, 2006 at The King’s School, North Parramatta when Pfizer Australia narrowly defeated Northcott’s team of NSW and Australian cricket legends.

League legends motivate Toongabbie bowlers

13 January 2006

A motivational talk from former Balmain Tigers Paul Sironen, Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach and Gary ‘Whiz’ Freeman has inspired members of Toongabbie Sports and Bowling Club Pennant bowls teams to victory.