by brandsa2018

Boost in business for disability housing provider SACARE

SACARE, a family-owned business providing housing and services for people with a disability, has increased its workforce by 30% in 12 months and increased turnover by $7.5m in the past two-and-a-half years.

The business’s general manager of client relations and service delivery, Chloe Kempe, says business will only continue to grow as the state benefits from the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) into 2018.

“It will continue to grow like that over coming years, particularly with the NDIS and the need for more support workers,” she says.

“We’re currently sitting at 411 employees across a mix of casual, full-time and part-time roles.”

“We’re currently holding recruitment days every fortnight when we’re interviewing up to 25 individuals for positions, and that’s support workers alone.”

SACARE has 411 employees, but this number is expected to increase as the business expands and the NDIS continues to roll out.

The $22 billion NDIS supports Australians with disabilities aged under 65 by giving them greater control over how their support funding is spent.

Participants receive a tailored funding package to help them complete everyday living activities and reach long-term goals.

Once fully implemented in SA from July 1, 2018, the NDIS will benefit more than 32,000 people with disabilities.

SACARE is one of many local businesses gearing up for the major social reform, which Chloe says will create much greater competition among a growing number of service providers.

She says it’s therefore important for the industry to maintain exceptional workforce and service delivery standards.

“The NDIS is really positive for the industry and it’s a great opportunity for us, but it creates a lot more competition because people see the financial benefit of entering the (disability) industry,” Chloe says.

“It’s a really good opportunity to define the services we’re good at and ensure that we maintain those services.

“We’ve opened up to a whole new marketplace, but the biggest challenge will be finding those remaining support workers who really share our values and expectations of service. I’m confident we can do that.”

SACARE is a long-standing SA family business helping people with disabilities to live independently.

SACARE was established in 1991 by Chloe’s parents, Sue and Andrew Marshall.

Both with a background in health, disability and mental health, the pair longed for vulnerable people to have improved services and higher quality care.

Their two other children, Lachie and Alex, are also involved in the business which has supported independent living options in North Adelaide, Hope Valley, Prospect, Magill and Kingswood.

Both the Magill and Kingswood homes are recent additions which Chloe says have attributed to workforce and revenue growth in the past year.

The Kingswood home is one of SACARE’s newest supported independent living facilities.

Earlier in 2018, SACARE began building its latest facility, The Gums, at Salisbury in Adelaide’s north.

It’s the business’s first entry into the rehabilitation space and will support people with spinal cord and brain injuries, helping them transition more easily back into their own homes or permanent SACARE housing.

It’s due for completion by November this year and is expected to create up to 155 ongoing jobs.

Chloe says SACARE’s clients are typically aged under 65 and have physical, neurological or intellectual disabilities or mental health issues.

She says that while the organisation doesn’t specialise in aged care, it doesn’t discriminate against age and continues to support clients as they age past 65.

She says the business also strives to keep younger people with disabilities out of nursing homes.

Many young Australians with disabilities and complex support needs are forced to live in aged care homes because they’re unable to find suitable accommodation.

The Barton House in North Adelaide is SACARE’s original facility, with a professional team supporting residents 24/7.

Chloe has been in her current role for 12 years after a career in public relations, marketing and event management within hotels.

She says job opportunities in the disability sector are diverse.

“I think that disability has always been a confronting sector … and people see it as doing those personal care duties like taking people to the toilet or showering them,” Chloe says.

“But it’s so much more than that. There are digital marketing positions, executive positions, diversional therapy positions, you have genuine career opportunities.

“It’s exciting to see young individuals embracing it.”

The rollout of the NDIS is expected to almost double SA’s disability sector workforce by 2019.

Visit I Choose SA for Industry to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.

by brandsa2018

Barossa produce on show to 60,000 visitors

A selection of produce from the Barossa Valley’s finest makers will be showcased to more than 60,000 visitors who walk through the doors of the Barossa Visitor Centre (BVC) in an average year.

Industry body Barossa Food and the BVC have established a new produce display at the Tanunda main street centre to provide greater exposure for local food producers.

Products include Barossa Bark lavosh-style crispbread, Trevallie Orchard dried fruit, Seppeltsfield wine and Hutton Vale Farm preserves.

Visitor information centres across SA are go-to spots for tourists seeking advice, brochures or maps, with the BVC attracting more than 60,000 visitors annually.

The Barossa Council’s manager of tourism services, Jo Seabrook, says there has been strong visitor demand for a one-stop-shop for Barossa produce, allowing visitors to taste, learn and buy a range of local products in one location.

“There has been a recognised gap for a Barossa Food retail experience,” she says.

“Visitors coming to the region are looking for the farmer’s market experience seven days a week, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer an outlet for our food producers and visitors.”

The Barossa produce display features a variety of local produce allowing visitors to purchase a snapshot of the region’s produce in one location.

Barossa Food treasurer Paul Amos says the branded retail experience would appeal to both food aficionados and visitors wanting a taste of the region.

“The Barossa is a leading food producer and food destination, and now visitors can experience our food culture and commitment to sustainable food production in one central location,” he says.

“We believe this initiative will penetrate new markets and give our Barossa Food members a unique and unified retail presence that many couldn’t achieve on their own.”

The Barossa produce display is funded by Primary Industries and Regions SA.

In other Barossa news, one of the region’s biggest holiday parks is set to join the BIG4 Holiday Parks network this month.

The move by the Nuriootpa Centennial Park Authority (NCPA) for the town’s tourist park to join the national chain is expected to attract more visitors to the region, deliver an improved visitor experience and contribute to better sporting and recreational facilities for local residents.

The facility will now be known as the BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park and joins more than 180 BIG4 holiday parks around the country.

The rebranding complements a $2m upgrade by the Barossa Council and the NCPA to the park featuring new cabins, a meeting/games room, swimming pool and other improvements.

With more than three million nights of accommodation booked online through the national BIG4 network every year, Barossa Mayor Bob Sloane says the rebranding is a shot in the arm for regional tourism.

“This has capacity to not only attract more visitors but increase their length of stay and spend, which has a multiplier effect for our local businesses, wineries and tourism operators,” he adds.

Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our state by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.

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by brandsa2018

I have the best job in the world, says Cara CEO Liz Cohen

Liz Cohen realised her passion for supporting people with disabilities when teaching a young blind student in Australia’s Top End in the 1970s.

Something about that experience changed her perspective on the world and she steered her career towards the disability sector, and later set up her life in South Australia.

Now Liz, an I Choose SA for Industry ambassador, is the head of SA’s leading disability service provider, Cara.

She says the not-for-profit organisation, which is taking the lead on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) roll out in SA, has seen immense growth in the past five years.

“We will turn over $65m this (financial) year,” Liz says.

“We’re currently at about 900 staff so we’ll be celebrating when we hit that 1000.

“We’re a very large organisation not only in the disability sector but in South Australia … we provide services to 750 customers right across the state.”

Cara CEO and I Choose SA for Industry ambassador Liz Cohen with one of the organisation’s customers, Wayne.

Cara’s history in SA dates back to the 1950s and emerged out of the Spastic Centres of SA in the mid ’90s.

The organisation provides South Australians with disabilities with accommodation and respite services, as well as recreational activities such as camps, farm stays and other specialist services.

“Cara provides a variety of services to people right across SA with disabilities,” Liz says.

“We help people live in their own homes or in a group home, we provide respite for families so that they can have a break and their child can get out and experience different types of activities.

“We run camps for children with significant disabilities … we also run holiday options for young adults so that they can perhaps go off and do a wine tour just like their friends might be doing.

“We’re empowering people to live as independently as possible.”

Cara is also behind Quiet Hour, an Australian-first shopping experience for people with autism and sensory overload.

Frewville Foodland and The Good Guys at Mile End have taken part in the initiative by dimming the shop lights, turning music off and reducing the ‘beep’ volume on checkouts.

Cara provides services across SA, including regional parts such as the Yorke Peninsula and the South East.

In 2015 Liz was appointed as Cara’s CEO – a position she describes as “the best job in the world”.

“People with a disability in SA are living a richer life because of the work that Cara is doing and I feel like I can share a part of that achievement,” she says.

“We’re in a very good situation in SA, Cara is advocating for the lives of people with a disability, and with technology we’re connected to the eastern seaboard so there’s no reason why we can’t do business well in SA.”

Cara is one of the state’s service providers taking a lead on the NDIS rollout in SA.

The biggest social reform since Medicare in the ’70s, the NDIS is expected to support 460,000 Australians with a disability by giving them more control over how their support funding is spent.

The insurance scheme is for people with a disability aged under 65 and is expected to double the disability sector’s workforce by 2019.

It’s expected to benefit more than 32,000 South Australians once fully implemented from July, 2018.

Liz says SA is in a good position to take advantage of the NDIS, the biggest national social reform since Medicare.

Liz says Cara has been influential in how the NDIS will be rolled out in addition to the rules and processes involved in the scheme.

“SA is in a really good position to take advantage of the NDIS,” she says.

“With the size of the sector and the size of the state it’s really easy for us to be connected to the disability sector and share and learn from each other which is what we’ve been doing.

“We network really well with politicians and businesses leaders across SA (so) we’re able to influence policy, learn from business leaders and make sure that we’re really agile.”

Liz is originally from NSW and began her career as a teacher in the Northern Territory.

After 11 years in the NT and having two children, Liz and her husband moved to SA.

She began working for a number of not for profit organisations, progressing to a senior executive role at Autism SA before moving to Can:Do as an executive general manager.

Liz says SA has given her many opportunities to advance her career.

“I’ve really valued the ability to be able to learn and grow through my career and this will be our home,” she says.

“SA gives us everything we need in our lives.”

Visit I Choose SA for Industry to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.

by brandsa2018

Adelaide mum bares all for breast cancer awareness

A South Australian mother of four will have her full body painted and photographed for an empowering breast cancer awareness campaign.

Michelle Bradley, 42, will have her body painted from head to toe by renowned artist Wendy Fantasia, formerly of Adelaide, this month and photographed for the 2019 So Brave calendar.

She is one of 12 breast cancer survivors and So Brave Ambassadors from across the country to feature in the calendar, and will share her story and raise awareness that young women can also be at risk of the disease.

Michelle was only 39 when she visited her local GP after noticing something didn’t look and feel right with one of her breasts.

Breast cancer survivor Michelle Bradley is Adelaide’s first So Brave ambassador.

She was eventually diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and four months of chemotherapy before later having a breast reconstruction.

She had no family history of breast cancer and was under the age of concern for the disease which usually occurs in women aged over 50.

“Losing one breast was quite hard and very emotional but I have four kids and I needed to look at the bigger picture,” she says.

“They needed me and I needed to be here for them and my friends and family. We had this motto which was ‘I’ve got this’.”

Around the same time of her diagnosis, Michelle had just launched her own home décor and indoor plant business, Vintage Earth.

“When I finished my treatment, I threw myself back into it and it was the best thing I did,” she says.

Three years on and six surgeries down, Michelle is raising awareness of the disease which will affect the lives of one in 11 South Australian women before they turn 75.

At the age of 39 Michelle underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and later a breast reconstruction to fight breast cancer.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that more than 3100 Australian women will die of breast cancer in 2018.

Chosen as a first So Brave ambassador, Michelle will not only be snapped for the 2019 calendar, but will take part in a year-long program of empowerment, host fundraising events and share her experiences with other young women.

So Brave is a national young women’s breast cancer charity founded by Rachelle Panitz, who was touched by the disease at the age of 32.

The charity’s centrepiece is the annual calendar, with the first one launched in 2016 and raising $70,000.

While Michelle is the first Adelaidean to take part, she joins fellow South Australians Rebecca Kolpondinos of Port Lincoln and Ana Ackland of Coffin Bay, who are both 2018 ambassadors.

Michelle’s shoot will take place in Adelaide’s CBD.

She will strip down to her underwear for the six-eight hour body painting session which she says will be no comparison to the vulnerability of having breast cancer.

“It’s been almost three years since my diagnosis and when you have seen so many doctors and surgeons, it (baring all) will just be another process,” Michelle says.

“For me, my breasts aren’t mine – I joke with my family that they’re my foobs (fake boobs).”

A past So Brave ambassador is body painted for the empowering campaign designed to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women. Image courtesy of So Brave Project, photo by Stacey Knowles, Ocean View Photography.

Fundraising from the 2019 calendar, to be launched later this year, will support So Brave’s research grants program while $1 from every calendar sold will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Michelle says although many people have called her ‘brave’ over the years, it’s a title she struggles to accept.

“Bravery to me is jumping out of a plane, stepping off a cliff, bungee jumping or a firefighter walking into a burning building,” she says.

“It’s a choice you make to be brave, you don’t get to choose cancer, it chooses you.”

Michelle encourages young SA women – even those in their 20s and 30s – to regularly check their breasts and visit their GP if something is unusual.

Michelle is hosting a So Brave fundraising event at Plant 4 Bowden on Friday, March 16 from 6.30–9.30pm.

Renowned Adelaide foodie and Brand SA News contributor Jessie Spiby will create a gourmet grazing table while SA blogger and breast cancer survivor Jenni Eyles will be a guest speaker.

For tickets visit www.sobrave.com.au/adelaide

Visit the I Choose SA for Industry website to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.

by brandsa2018

The top 15 things to do in McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale – it has a cellar door around every corner, world-class culinary offerings and the unforgettable d’Arenberg Cube.

While a day in McLaren Vale is undoubtedly best spent with wine on your lips, we reckon there’s many ways to kill some time in the land of the rolling vineyards.

But first, a few facts.

  • McLaren Vale is only 45 minutes from Adelaide and incorporates 30km of stunning coastline that is worthy of an Instagram snap or two.
  • The region was originally populated by the Kaurna Aboriginal people.
  • John McLaren surveyed McLaren Vale in 1838, establishing two separate townships, Gloucester and Bellevue.
  • Over time these two merged and the area came to be known as McLaren’s Vale. By 1866 it had houses, businesses, a church, a pub and a steam flour mill.
  • The first grape vines were planted in 1838 by settlers John Reynell and Thomas Hardy, with the Seaview and Hardy wineries up and running by the 1850s.
  • Now McLaren Vale is respected as the birthplace of SA wine, is renowned for its favourable Mediterranean climate and is home to some of the country’s top winemakers.

OK, enough. Let’s get into the good stuff.

1. Graze your way through the Willunga Farmer’s Market

Fill your I Choose SA tote bag so the straps are stretched to their limits.

You’ll find the finest SA artisan produce you can get your hands on, from crusty sourdough loaves to pastured eggs, homemade jams, honey, and veggies so fresh they’ve still got the dirt on them.

The best thing about SA farmer’s markets is that you can meet and chat to the local makers and growers in the flesh.

WHERE: Cnr St Peter’s Terrace and High Street, Willunga.

The Willunga Farmer’s Market is on every Saturday, from 8am –12:30pm.

2. Visit the cheese room at Romeo’s McLaren Vale Foodland

Lock us in there and throw away the key!

McLaren Vale Foodland has its own walk-in cheese room offering a selection of bries, camemberts and matured varieties – you name it!

The supermarket also has a sushi bar with its own chef.

In February 2018 McLaren Vale Foodland was crowned international retailer of the year at the IGA’s annual global awards in Las Vegas.

WHERE: 130 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

3. Be amazed by the d’Arenberg Cube

Is it Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory? Is it a giant Rubik’s Cube? Nope, it’s Chester Osborn’s imagination at work.

Even if you’re not into wine, this fascinating piece of architecture is a hit to the senses.

The d’Arenberg Cube features a variety of features and art installations that must be seen to be fully understood and appreciated.

The views are also spectacular.

WHERE: Osborn Road, McLaren Vale.

The furniture alone is worth awing over.

4. Venture along the Shiraz Trail

Need to wear off all that cheese and dukkah-dipped sourdough?

The off-road Shiraz Trail links the McLaren Vale wine district with Willunga, offering stunning views of vineyards, majestic gums and livestock grazing in paddocks.

It’s about 9km long, can be journeyed by bike, foot, or horseback and is child friendly.

Time it well on a Saturday morning and end up at the Willunga Farmer’s Market!

WHERE: Begin at the McLaren Vale Visitor Information Centre.

5. Devour a pizza at Pizzateca

If you didn’t Instagram a selfie in front of that pink and green shed did you even visit Pizzateca?

Well, you’d remember your visit anyhow, because their pizzas are quite possibly the best in the land.

Think handmade dough that’s stretched and flipped, scattered with produce and thrown into a fiery wood oven before your eyes.

WHERE: 319 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale.

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6. Appreciate art at the Fleurieu Arthouse

Located within Hardys Tintara is this arthouse hosting 10 resident local artists who create their masterpieces from the studio and workshop spaces.

Take a wonder through the finished pieces in the exhibition gallery featuring sculptures, paintings, pottery and other installations.

WHERE: 202 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

7. Hurl a melon at Wirra Wirra.

Nothing will resurrect your inner child than flinging a watermelon from a giant medieval siege machine and watching it fly through the air before it lands with a spectacular splat.

You can do this Wirra Wirra along with other things, such as sampling wines from the cellar door or enjoying a scrumptious seasonal platter from Harry’s Deli.

WHERE: McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale.

8. Make a move at The Groove Garden

Every Sunday afternoon this alfresco café spreads its infectious vibes, appealing to the young, seniors, kids and everyone in-between.

Live music in the form of blues, folk, rock, country and reggae has most people on their feet while others take in the atmosphere with a wine or a cold beer in hand.

The menu is always changing, but usually involves burgers, Indian cuisine, vegetarian-friendly plates and coffee.

WHERE: 133 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

9. Bag some snags at Ellis Butchers

These guys recently snagged third place at the Australian Meat Industry Council’s National Sausage King Competition in the poultry category.

The longstanding butcher supplies to some of the top restaurants (including D’Arenberg) and pubs across the region.

Ellis Butchers is a fan of dry aged beef, a process that increases flavour, tenderness and texture.

They also produce their own ham and bacon, smoked using beechwood and red gum.

WHERE: Lower level, Central Shopping Centre McLaren Vale.

10. Get lost at Maxwell.

At Maxwell Wines, there’s more to do than indulge in wine and nibble off a cheeseboard.

Owner Mark Maxwell has grown a maze at the bottom of the vineyard and it’s bound to keep kids (and the young at heart) entertained.

Cheeseboards are available from the cellar door, but visitors can bring their own nibbles to enjoy on the winery’s picnic ground while sipping a Maxwell drop.

WHERE: 19 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale.

11. Relax at The Vineyard Retreat

The Vineyard Retreat is the perfect spot to sleep off all the adventures, with a little country luxury of course.

It has four guest houses, each with double French doors opening onto their own private outdoor verandah.

The interiors are elegant with luxurious touches such as a complementary mini bar, soft linen, and an espresso machine.

WHERE: 165 Whitings Road, Blewitt Springs.

12. Pitch a tent at the caravan park

With so much to do in the region, it makes sense to stay for at least the weekend.

The Lakeside Caravan Park is perfect for tent-pitchers, caravan owners, pop-toppers or families.

The grounds feature a playground, grassed area, tennis courts, a spa and swimming pool – all the creature comforts!

WHERE: 48 Field Street, McLaren Vale.

13. Grab a roadside caffeine hit

Cruise down the McLaren Vale end of Victor Harbor Road and you’ll spot a black caravan that’s well worth a stop.

The Short Black Caravan is the doing of Dal Mare Coffee, which also exists in café form along McLaren Vale’s main drag.

This boutique coffee roaster is fast becoming the go-to for locals and travellers.

WHERE: Short Black Caravan, McLaren Vale end of the Victor Harbor Road. Dal Mare Coffee, 189 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

14. Smash a toastie at Mullygrub

Hearty breakfasts that take you all the way to lunch without hunger pangs.

That’s what a good brekky is all about, but at Mullygrub Café (which also exists in the form of a food truck) things are done a little differently.

Why do waffles when they can be pumpkin waffles with crispy sage and zoodles?

A new addition is the Cuban sandwich with mojo pork, dill pick, Swiss cheese and Cubano sauce.

WHERE: 114-116 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

15. Crack a tinny at Goodieson

Wine is good, but a cold beer on a hot day? Better.

Setting up operations in McLaren Vale, Jeff and Mary Goodieson offer everything from barrel aged stout to golden IPAs, imperial pilsners, pale ales, wheat beers and Indian red ales.

Enjoy a coldie or a paddle of four beers on the terrace overlooking a tree-lined creek, vineyards, and a roo or two.

The “lazy old red dog” will melt your heart before you even sit down.

WHERE: 194 Sand Road, McLaren Vale.

Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our State by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.

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by brandsa2018

Your guide to WOMADelaide’s market scene

Will you be one of 90,000 festival goers who dance the world away in Botanic Park at this weekend’s WOMADelaide?

The four-day open air festival is back from March 9–12, but aside from the beats, street theatre and visual artists, be sure to check out WoMade, a South Australian-only design market featuring some of the state’s best creators.

The market will showcase fashion, homewares, accessories and goodies designed and handmade locally.

WOMADelaide is one of the strongest instalments in Adelaide’s Mad March period, as almost half of attendees are interstate visitors, delivering $15.1m to the SA economy.

So do your bit in choosing SA by stopping by WoMade.

Stallholders include Bluebell Design, the Butcher Byrd, Colour This. Design and Print, Delilah Devine, Hello Cactus, Hey Reflect’o, Julie White, Naomi Murrell, One Thousand Lines, Renee Damiani Jewellery, Shanghai Lil & The Scarlet Fez, Squink, Wonder What You Were and Wrappa Reusable Food Wraps.

Here’s our top six WoMade picks:

1. Julie White 

Adelaide-based artist Julie White creates these beautiful bold and original silk scarves and specialty socks inspired by native flora and fauna, deserts and the sea.

She recently gained a Master’s in textile print at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art and her label is renowned in Adelaide fashion circles for its individuality and colour.

Julie White’s new Gone Troppo collection will have you missing summer. Big time.

2.  Naomi Murrell

Spots, soft pinks and sailboat stripes are aplenty in Naomi’s new fashion collection Paradiso.

She’s been designing clothes, jewellery and accessories since 2009, working out of a small studio on Ebenezer Place in Adelaide’s CBD.

The accessories, which include earrings, rings, necklaces and bangles, are delicate and feminine with a bright and bold twist.

3. Renee Damiani Jewellery

Just looking at Renee Damiani creations will make you feel happier.

The playful, bold and original jewellery pieces are guaranteed conversation starters and once you purchase your first pair of earrings it’ll be hard to stop.

The jewellery line is handmade from Renee’s Adelaide studio from a mix of hand-dyed plastic tubing, PVC, acrylic, plastic bubbles and polymer clay.

4. Hey Reflect’o

Finally, safety is stylish!

Hey Reflect’o is a funky cycling safety gear designer, creating vests, caps and bag covers to ensure riders can be seen when pushing pedals.

Just look for the fluorescent stall.

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5. The Butcher Byrd

These leather pieces are handcrafted by Adelaide’s Sasha Carroll and made in SA from start to finish.

From soft travel bags to structured old-school backpacks, The Butcher Byrd pieces are examples of craftsmanship at its finest.

Think trusty leather satchels, totes and purses that last more than just the weekend – but a lifetime.

A post shared by Sasha Carroll (@thebutcherbyrd) on

6. Wonder What You Were

These one-of-a-kind eco-conscious accessories are festival gold.

Designed in SA, handcrafted using recycled textiles and made in Cindy Choua’s home studio, these earth-friendly clutches and zippered pouches are essential for carrying your coins, festival passes, lippy and other essentials.

Many of the fabrics are vintage inspired, mixed, and clashing – exactly how it should be at WOMAD.

 

Can’t wait until WOMADelaide to check out an array of local artists and makers? Head to Shop South Australia, Brand South Australia’s online marketplace.

Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our state by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.

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by brandsa2018

NDIS brings more choice, control and jobs for Bedford clients

The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in South Australia will give clients more choice and control over their own lives, says disability organisation Bedford Group’s new CEO Maggie Dowling.

Maggie has only been in the top job for six weeks but says the longstanding SA organisation and some of its participants are already benefiting from the scheme as it continues to roll out in 2018.

“The NDIS is very much based on client choice, therefore people with a disability have a choice on what they would like to do with respect to making their lives better,” Maggie says.

“What it opens up for Bedford is that we offer more services that will help people reach their goals.

“We have the opportunity … to build people’s quality of their life with things like computer skills, cooking or social programs.”

Maggie says Bedford’s workforce is also expected to experience “absolute growth” as it prepares to help clients make the transition to the biggest social reform since Medicare.

She says Bedford has already bumped up its workforce in the past year.

Bedford Group CEO Maggie Dowling says the disability organisation is already seeing benefits from the rollout of the NDIS in SA.

“We have put at least 20 people on to help run the business in the last 12 months and we anticipate that to continue,” she says.

Bedford was established in SA 65 years ago and employs 340 direct staff at 19 sites across metropolitan and regional areas.

These staff run the business which also employs and supports about 1400 people with disabilities through employment, social programs, education and day-to-day activities.

Bedford also has expanding operations in Victoria and NSW.

Aside from providing programs for residential support and social activities, Bedford runs businesses that provide employment for people with disabilities.

“We offer employment in the manufacturing of timber products, flat packing furniture, garden maintenance and landscaping … we have major contracts with developers like AV Jennings, the City of Salisbury and the City of Onkaparinga,” Maggie says.

The NDIS was first rolled out to children with disabilities before it grew to include those aged 18–64 in July, 2017.

It is set to support more than 32,000 South Australians living with a disability and is expected to double the disability sector’s workforce to 12,550 by 2019.

Bedford supports people with disabilities in finding work, socialising, education and day-to-day activities.

NDIS participants will receive a funding package tailored to their needs, allowing them a greater choice of service providers.

“Part of the economic stimulus of the NDIS is related to workers like carers, planners, case managers and all other allied health services that will be driven by there being more money in the sector,” Maggie says.

“It’s early days, but we’re seeing families with plans now that have good amounts of funding to enable their loved ones to have greater choice (with service providers).”

Bedford primarily supports people with intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome, helping them to live and work independently as possible.

“If it weren’t for organisations like Bedford, people with disabilities would be staying home without meaningful work,” Maggie says.

“Having an equal right to life has a massive social and economic benefit, for sure.”

Maggie came to the not-for-profit and disability sector after a career spent in the private sector, and in state and local governments.

“SA is a great place to live and work,” she says.

“Although people say it’s small, sometimes that’s beneficial because when you work in the circles within SA you know each other quite well.

“I think that helps the collaboration aspect in making businesses work well.”

Visit the I Choose SA for Industry website to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.

by brandsa2018

Peak spinal cord injury body chief talks NDIS rollout

The Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of South Australia (PQSA) is set for further growth following the rollout of the $22 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme, according to the organisation’s chief Peter Stewart.

PQSA is the state’s peak community body for people with spinal cord injuries, employing more than 500 people across six offices in metropolitan and regional SA.

According to Peter, former charge nurse at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre’s spinal injuries rehabilitation unit, PQSA will continue to ride a wave of employment growth as the roll out of the NDIS in SA continues in 2018.

“Even prior to the NDIS, our workforce had increased by about 35%, so we’re currently sitting at about 540 employees,” he says.

“So across all of our services, we’ve increased our workforce, particularly with our in-home disability support (and) under the NDIS our workforce is going to continue to grow over the next couple of years.”

The PQSA team with CEO Peter Stewart, centre.

The NDIS is a universal insurance scheme for people with a disability aged under 65 years and is expected to double the disability sector’s workforce by 2019.

By the same year the NDIS is expected to support about 460,000 Australians living with a disability by giving them more control over how their support funding is spent.

Under the scheme, participants will receive an NDIS funding package tailored to their care and support needs, allowing them greater choice and control over which services they choose.

According to SA Health, the NDIS will benefit more than 32,000 people with a disability in SA once its fully implemented from July 1, 2018.

The NDIS is the biggest social reform that health professionals – including Peter – have seen since the introduction of Medicare in the 1970s.

Despite these advances to the health sector, PQSA’s objective remains the same – to support people with spinal cord injuries to live their potential.

PQSA runs a number of services including its newly introduced Occupational Therapist service.

In late 2017 it welcomed Push Thru, a peer support program providing people with spinal cord injuries in regional parts of the state to connect with likeminded others.

About 150 PQSA clients are currently transitioning to the NDIS.

Peter says it’s crucial that health support systems reach the regions to ensure people with disabilities don’t “fall through the cracks”.

“The risk of them (regional clients) having poorer health outcomes is much greater so we’re trying to ensure all our services are provided more effectively in regional areas,” he says.

“We’ve identified that peer networks just aren’t facilitated as effectively as they could be, so we’re trying to build that support network so people feel much more confident and resourced in how they can deal with day-to-day problems.”

PQSA also runs the technology hub at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, allowing patients to access the internet and connect with loved ones using voice recognition software, larger keyboards and other specialist equipment.

The organisation’s commercial division is HomeCare+ which delivers a range of disability support services with profits returned to help fund services offered by PQSA at no charge to the consumer.

PQSA has about 1000 clients, many of whom have either a traumatic spinal cord injury (from a vehicle accident, fall, sporting injury or recreational activity such as diving) or a non-traumatic injury (caused by a medical conditions such as a tumour, inflammatory condition or degenerative change).

Peter has worked for many years with people who have spinal cord injuries and says it’s challenging but rewarding to watch clients carry on to live fulfilling lives, and in some cases even win Paralympic gold medals.

Studying postgraduate nursing at Flinders University, he developed a passion for spinal injury rehabilitation early in his career, training and working at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and becoming charge nurse at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre’s  spinal injury unit.

PQSA CEO Peter Stewart has more than 20 years experience in SA’s health sector.

He has also taught at Flinders University and developed a spinal injury rehabilitation course that spread across Australia and to South East Asia.

Peter says SA’s investment in health infrastructure is to be commended.

“I think what we’ve created is an amazing health hub for SA and I think it should be applauded,” he says, referring to SA’s world-class new Royal Adelaide Hospital.

“There’s also a lot happening in the research space and particularly around rehabilitation and the use of assistive technology in SA, which is fantastic.

 

“It (the NDIS rollout) is happening relatively slowly in SA, but it’s ramping up each and every day.”

For more information on the NDIS in SA click here.

Visit the I Choose SA for Industry website to learn more stories about key industry leaders, why they’ve chosen SA as a base and how the state is enabling them to succeed.

by brandsa2018

Top 7 local picks at the Adelaide Festival

A spell-binding orchestra featuring traffic cones and water coolers, long lazy lunches on The Palais and world-premiere productions.

Hello, Adelaide Festival 2018.

The annual festival has started with a bang and will bring four world premieres and 13 Adelaide exclusives to various venues across the CBD until March 18.

Audiences have enjoyed the Adelaide Festival for more than half-a-century, with internationally acclaimed performers, musicians, dancers, writers and artists sharing their masterpieces with the city.

So for the Adelaide Festival in 2018, we’ve unpacked the program and picked the top seven local productions, events or instalments, each with a strong tie to SA.

For tickets or to read the full program visit the Adelaide Festival website.

Helen Morse stars in ‘Memorial’.

1. Memorial

Adelaide-based Brink Productions is transforming the award-winning work by British poet Alice Oswald to create a truly moving performance.

Memorial personalises 215 fallen soldiers in a modern day approach to a war story.

The 215 soldiers will be brought to life by the same number of performers drawn from the Adelaide community, while the cast is lead by Aussie stage and screen actor Helen Morse.

This world premiere and will also feature a live ensemble of singers and musicians lead by Golden Globe nominated composer Jocelyn Pook.

WHEN: Friday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 6.

WHERE: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre.

Lost and Found features hundreds of locals taking part in the percussive performance. PHOTO: Steve McNicholas.

2. The Lost and Found Orchestra

One of the standout instalments in the festival program is this uplifting UK production featuring hundreds of local musicians.

The large scale musical spectacle features participants playing instruments made from musical saws, bottles, water coolers and traffic cones.

From the creators of STOMP, Lost and Found will be performed for the first time outdoors.

But it’s only here for the first weekend of March, so hurry along!

WHEN: Saturday March 3 and Sunday March 4, 8.30pm both nights.

WHERE: Adelaide Riverbank, Elder Park.

Long Lunches on The Palais will delight foodies.

3. Long Lunches 

The festival’s “beating heart” is The Palais, a floating venue on the River Torrens offering views of the city and parklands, evening breezes and sunset drinks.

Enjoy a variety of lazy long lunches aboard The Palais throughout the Adelaide Festival, in addition to a range of forums and talks.

Long lunches are prepared by a selection of culinary experts, all of which are connected to Adelaide by two degrees of separation.

More of an early riser? Head along to Breakfast With Papers, run by The Advertiser.

Grab a coffee and a spot on The Palais and listen to a panel of journalists, academics and thought provokers dissect the news of the day each morning from 8am.

WHEN: Check the program for various dates.

WHERE: Adelaide Riverbank.

21: Memories of Growing Up will explore the different experiences of people who have turned 21, whether it was decades ago or recently!

4. 21: Memories of Growing Up 

Ah, the age of 21. When life has truly begun.

What happened when you were that age? Swiss artist Mats Staub has asked this question to more than 100 people of various ages and backgrounds.

He recorded the participants’ stories before allowing them to listen back to their own voices three months later – and recording their facial expressions while doing so.

The oldest participant recounts the year of 1939, while another participant explains being 21 in 2015.

The result is an emotional installation at the State Library of SA.

The emotional installation also features a selection of Adelaidians who have shared their experiences within the milestone age.

WHEN: March 2 – March 18, 10am–5pm.

WHERE: Institute Building, State Library of SA.

In The Club’s world premiere is presented by the State Theatre Company.

5. In The Club

The State Theatre Company SA will bring this heavy production that is bound to have everyone talking.

However, In The Club is not for younger audiences as it tears through some pretty tough topics around sexual violence.

Australian author Patricia Cornelius wrote the script that looks into the dark corners of Australian football culture.

WHEN: Most nights until March 18.

WHERE: Odeon Theatre, Norwood.

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will reawaken the brilliance of American composer Leonard Bernstein.

6. Bernstein on Stage!

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late great American composer, Leonard Bernstein, this production will bring New York alive … in Adelaide!

The performance will take place under the baton of John Mauceri, founding director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, who worked alongside Bernstein for 18 years.

Celebrate the exuberance of one of the 20th Century’s greatest composers with hits such as New York, New York, and Maria.

WHEN: Friday, March 16 and Sunday, March 18, 7pm both nights.

WHERE: Adelaide Festival Theatre.

Can the colours of the rainbow be heard? PHOTO: Paoli Smith Creative.

7. Can You Hear Colour?

The Adelaide Festival will be the first Australian venue to showcase this delight of a production that explores a tale of when a child discovers a gift – the ability to hear colour.

This Adelaide-based Patch Theatre Company production was directed by Naomi Edwards and composed by the award-winning Alan John and is a good one to help kids explore their imaginations.

Can You Hear Colour invites children to discover the musical world of pitch, intervals, scales, rhythm and harmony.

WHEN: Friday March 9 – Thursday March 15.

WHERE: AC Arts Main Theatre.

 

Header image by Sia Duff

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by brandsa2018

Pure joy for Tiff on Kangaroo Island

There aren’t many general managers whose daily to-do list of meetings and paperwork also includes crutching sheep and taking care of abandoned lambs.

But that variety is part of the joy which Tiff Turner finds in her role at Island Pure Sheep Dairy at Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island.

Previously an earth mover and panel beater in Western Australia, Tiff holidayed on Kangaroo Island and fell in love with the natural surrounds.

“I looked at the countryside with its mix of rural landscape and ocean views and decided this was where I wanted to be,” Tiff says.

Her first role at Island Pure was as a part-time milker, a job she did alongside earthmoving, operating rollers and a water cart as part of a road grading team.

Tiff Turner with Coco at Island Pure Dairy.

During the Christmas/New Year period one year, when road grading is put on hold because of the annual influx of visitors, Tiff took on the milking role full-time.

She was an excellent fit for the company, so the owners asked her to stay on full-time.

Working her way up into the role of general manager, she makes a point of staying hands-on and connected to the animals and the farm.

“If I am not careful, my role can get bogged down in paper and office work,” Tiff says.

“So I try to spend around three or four hours each day with the animals, and make sure I continue to be involved in all the roles including front-of-house, tours, the dairy and factory.

I like to be immersed in everything I do, and I wouldn’t ask my staff to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself.”

The business, owned by Geoff Rischbieth, encompasses a dairy, cheese making factory, cellar door, permanent food van and soon, a micro-brewery.

Pure Island Sheep Dairy is not only a production facility, but an interactive tourism experience. It’s also soon to launch a micro-brewery.

Kangaroo Island Beer Co, as it will be known, is awaiting the final pieces of paperwork to come through, and the beer should be flowing in a couple of months.

If you visit before then, you’ll have to be satisfied with tasting the new cheeses that are on offer, including a Jersey Cheese, made with 100% Jersey milk from Fleurieu Milk Company.

A camembert and curd are also on offer, in addition to a red wine cheese made by repeatedly “drowning” the Island Pure kefalotiri in Kangaroo Island Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, drying it and ageing it.

“It is a unique cheese – not hard, not soft,” Tiff says.

“People who have tried it, love it, and they keep coming back for more.”

The products are available from the Island Pure online store, in IGA supermarkets, the Adelaide Central Market’s Kangaroo Island Stall, and at the Wayville Farmer’s Market.

“It is great to see the increase in visitors to Kangaroo Island,” Tiff says.

“Even better, people tell us they are staying for longer periods, or that they will be back to see us on their next holiday.

“The island is a beautiful place, and I love sharing that beauty and peacefulness with everyone who visits.”

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