News Autumn 22
A message from Northcott CEO, Liz Forsyth
Happy start of Autumn. It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors and the colours of the season.
Recently I had the opportunity to reflect on my leadership journey thanks to an interview with Commonwealth Bank Women in Focus.
Through my somewhat unconventional leadership journey, I have always believed in remaining authentic and to “give it a crack”. I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead Northcott in these unprecedented times. I am very proud of how our staff continue to adjust to the many challenges we face, ensuring we continue to provide high quality support in a COVID-19 world.
Thanks to your support, we are successfully implementing many key projects that are vital to building a strong future for Northcott. This issue of Northcott in Action highlights some of our recent achievements. A special partnership with Citi Foundation is supporting young adults with disability to navigate practical work experiences in an in-house simulated work environment, providing them with the skills they need to find meaningful employment.
Our Giving Tuesday is becoming a staple in our calendar! Donors, volunteers, supporters, Northcott staff and our Board all came together as one to celebrate disability inclusion. A huge thanks to everyone who made this day a great success. Special mentions to Baresque, Terry Shields Toyota, Western Earth Moving, Parra Leagues and our many generous donors. Thank you all!
If you have any suggestions about how we can better work with you on making disability inclusion a priority, please reach out anytime. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you
Liz Forsyth
Taking Vocational Skills to the NEXT Level!
What is NEXT?
NEXT stands for Northcott Experience Tasker.
It is a new initiative with Citi Foundation that is supporting young people with disability aged 17-24 to develop vocational skills through focused networking, training, and mentoring opportunities.
“My dream job is to work in the music industry. I love singing and performing. Getting a job will be more than just working. It is doing something I love every day. It is keeping me motivated to get out of bed and just keep going.” Tracey, Green Valley
Employment is a critical enabler for all young people, however youth with disability face additional challenges in gaining employment. The unemployment rate among people with disability is more than double that of people
without disability. We don’t think that’s fair.
To overcome the various barriers that people with disability face while searching for a job, Northcott is collaborating with Citi Foundation to deliver NEXT – Northcott Experience Tasker. NEXT will provide people with disability better opportunities to enter the workforce after finishing school.
NEXT aims to equip young people from under-served communities with the skills and networks needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing economy. NEXT will also support young people with disability aged 17-24 to develop important vocational skills through focused networking, training, and mentoring opportunities.
Check out Tracey’s thoughts about being part of NEXT and what a job means to her by clicking here.
The support provided by Citi Foundation will enable Northcott to work more closely with employers to identify their needs and engage with registered training organisations to enhance employment opportunities for young people with disability. With Citi Foundation’s support, NEXT will empower school leavers with disability to gain the skills required to transition to their next life stage.
NEXT provides an integrated approach, delivered in a supportive environment that includes vocational and soft skills training, access to positive and authentic experiential learning opportunities, and job support for the young person and the employer.
Would you like to make a difference and experience the Victorian High Country?
Registrations are now open for Drive4Life’s 4x4 tour of the Victorian High Country that will take place 3 to 8 April 2022.
Places are filling fast so please let us know if you like to take part. You can also sponsor a young adult with disability to join the tour.
“I have been doing the Drive4Life tours for many years and love to be able to make a difference to people with disability while doing 4 Wheel Driving that I love! My fondest memories go to when we had few of Northcott customers with us. Some experienced camping without their parents for the first time and they were so happy about it!” Nevin, participant in Drive4Life.
If you would like to hear about how you can sponsor a person with disability from Northcott to join the tour please call 1300 605 993 or email fund@northcott.com.au.
Northcott Giving Tuesday. We did it again!
Giving Tuesday is fast becoming a staple event on our Northcott calendar. On Tuesday 30 November 2021 our Northcott family of amazing supporters, staff, volunteers, and customers came together to celebrate generosity, inclusion and serious fun for young adults with disability.
“My name is Becki and I have been attending Northcott in Hornsby for more than five years, I’ve made lots of friends because we make each other laugh, and we learn a lot!” Becki from Hornsby.
Giving Tuesday celebrated the International Day of People with Disability and raised funds so young adults can simply have fun after the long months of lockdown. Fun is an essential gateway to learning. The money raised on the day has been allocated to fund sensory resources, outings and recreational activities.
Most importantly, some families in need will be offered respite nights for their loved ones so they can experience independence and make new friendships.
What our donors had to say?
“Keep up the fabulous work Northcott team. So good to be a part of the Giving Day!” Baresque Team.
“Thank you Northcott for all the activities you do for people with disability, my daughter loves to be part of them!” Marie.
“Great work Northcott, delighted to be part of the Giving Day!” Chubb team.
“So proud to work with this wonderful organisation and team!” Hugh
“Through this fundraising initiative, Northcott is building resilient young Australians. Ignite Telecom is proud to be a part of this year’s Giving Day.” Ignite team.
“All great journeys start with a small step. Thank you Northcott.” Tanjina.
What our families had to say?
“We look forward to Becki accessing respite services and spending a couple of nights away from home with other friends from Northcott. It will help her become more confident at problem-solving and feel a greater sense of independence in a safe environment.” Alison, Becki’s mum.
“It gives me enormous pleasure to see Marie being able to do activities that are just like any other person her own age such as going to the clubs to meet up with her friends & having a meal followed by dancing. It’s delightful to see Marie being energised with anticipation, preparing for all of the activities at Northcott.” Tina, Marie’s mum.
Spotlight on
Northcott Learning & Development team
Northcott frontline heroes are working incredibly hard to make sure our customers are properly supported. Like many organisations, we’re experiencing the impacts of staff testing positive to COVID-19 or needing to isolate as close contacts. For Northcott, it is essential that we keep recruiting the best staff and ensure they have access to the best training to deliver high quality services to people with disability.
“Northcott’s workforce is growing rapidly to respond to the increased need for our services. We continue to deliver specialised training so our staff can feel confident and job ready with skills and knowledge to excel in their roles” said Tina, Northcott’s Manager of Learning and Development.
Thanks to your support, we have developed and implemented programs and activities that will contribute to providing the best support to people with disability. Our team members continue to have timely access to essential training either in person or online. Various programs are designed in-house involving subject matter experts such as Medication Administration, Manual Handling and Van Safety Training.
May Gibbs: Northcott Treasured Icon
Cecilia May Gibbs was one of Australia’s foremost children’s authors and illustrators. She is best known or the iconic story, The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, featuring two gumnut babies and their escape from the big bad Banksia men.
May Gibbs was born on 17 January 1877 in Sydenham, Kent, in England. Her parents migrated to Australia when May was only four years old. At the age of 23, May returned to England to pursue her art studies. In 1919, she married mining agent Bertram James Ossoli
Kelly. They employed architect BJ Waterhouse to design a house, Nutcote, for them on the shores of Neutral Bay, Sydney, which was completed in 1925.
May Gibbs died in Sydney on 27 November 1969. She bequeathed all her papers and copyrights to Northcott Disability Services and Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
Thank you May!
Northcott in the media:
Let’s see what YOU can do!
Last year, we launched a new TV advertisement that showcases Northcott’s brand and values by sharing stories and achievements of some of our customers. The purpose of the campaign is to reach out to as many people with disability as we can so they know we are here to provide the support and services that they need.
It was a great experience to hear the powerful stories of many people with disability and their families. We will continue to highlight how our services are supporting people with disability to be included and thrive in their communities.
Watch the ad by clicking here
If you know someone who could benefit from Northcott services, please reach out to fund@northcott.com.au or follow us on our social media channels for all the updates.
