Cherianne targets London 2012

October 29, 2009

Mount Gambier teenager Cherianne Doody has taken her first step towards participating in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The 17-year old swimmer came fourth in freestyle 100 metres and won a bronze medal in backstroke 100 metres during the recent Youth Games in Melbourne — the official trials for the national heats in Sydney, which then lead to the London 2012 Paralympics Games. Read more

Tags: disabled, paralympics, swimming | Leave a Comment

Disability advocate appointed

August 27, 2009

The South East Disability Advocacy Service (SEDAS) has welcomed a new advocate to its team to meet the needs of people with disabilities, their families and their carers.

Jennie Liebich, an experienced advocate, has a background in industrial matters, women’s issues, childcare and helping people with disabilities. Read more

Tags: advocacy, disabled | 6 Comments

Family loses trust in the system

August 14, 2009

The Finnigan family is feeling the strain, from left: Bradley, Anthony, Amy, Samantha and Jennifer.

A Mount Gambier mother says she will consider Disability Minister Jennifer Rankine’s accommodation offer for her disabled daughter in a care facility with great reluctance. Read more

Tags: care, disabled | 2 Comments

Advice to unlock your potential

July 23, 2009

Des Mutton (left) is happy with the work wood packer Kym Barrett (middle) and receptionist Tyne Milstead do at Bedford Gambier Contracts.

Despite what others tell you, you can have a career. Read more

Tags: Bedford, disabled, Education, training | Leave a Comment

Disabled workers rate highly

July 10, 2009

Research has shown workers with disabilities to be reliable, hard working and loyal, yet many employers in the Limestone Coast still file their job applications in the ‘too-hard basket’.

The unemployment rate of people with disabilities in the Limestone Coast in 2006 was 11.3pc; well above the general unemployment rate of 4.9pc for the region. Read more

Tags: disabled, employment | 3 Comments

No change to transport subsidies

June 22, 2009

Member for Mount Gambier Rory McEwen has assured users of the State Government Transport Subsidy Scheme they will not face changes to their travel voucher entitlements for disabled taxis at the end of the month.

He made inquiries with Transport Minister Patrick Conlon in Adelaide last week after concerns circulated in the South East this month that accumulated unused vouchers would become void, restricting users to 40 subsidised return journeys every six months. Read more

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Claim that travel vouchers cut

June 12, 2009

A Mount Gambier paraplegic who has welcomed opportunities over recent years to get out of his home on outings, make friends and socialise has voiced outrage at the State Government for taking away his mobility.

Dennis Sims was left with a broken neck when he slipped on a riverbank while visiting Deniliquin to race motorbikes at the age of 18. Read more

Tags: disabled, transport | 1 Comment

Students with disabilities graduate

February 7, 2009

Thirteen students with disabilities graduated on Tuesday from a statewide program that is the first of its kind in Australia.

A graduation ceremony at City Hall marked the culmination of the “Abilities for All” program, a collaboration between vocational educator Bedford and the State Government aimed at providing accredited workplace training for people with disabilities. Read more

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Minister investigates facility funding

November 30, 2008

Lambert Village’s threat to cut services to its disabled and aged residents from Monday has been postponed to January 1.

The Mount Gambier private supported accommodation facility owner Alister Armstrong last month vowed to cut services from December 1 if the State Government failed to increase funding, but Housing and Ageing Minister Jennifer Rankine called for a postponement to investigate the matter. Read more

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Lighthouse Project students shine

November 11, 2008

More than 20 students were recognised last week for their involvement with an innovative program that prepares them for life beyond school.

The Lighthouse Project has been running for four years and helps students with disabilities make the transition from school to the next point in their lives. Read more

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